TSA readies security systems rollout

Computerworld - WASHINGTON -- The Transportation Security Administration yesterday announced a series of pilot tests of IT-based programs to bolster airport security, and TSA Administrator David M. Stone said the agency is only "days or weeks" away from deploying a revamped version of its controversial passenger-screening system.
The TSA selected two additional airports -- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport in San Jose and the Helena Regional Airport in Montana -- to participate in its Access Control pilot program. That brings the total number of airports in the program, which began in April, to 10.
The pilot program will test a wide range of technologies, including radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, anti-piggybacking technology, advanced video surveillance technology and various biometric technologies. The goal of the test programs, which will run through the end of the year, is to identify technologies that allow only authorized airport personnel and vehicles access to secure areas of an airport.
The announcement was welcomed by members of Congress, who expressed frustration with the pace of technology efforts to support homeland security. At a hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure aviation subcommittee yesterday, lawmakers urged Stone not to let a desire to find the perfect technology delay the deployment of something that is "good enough" for now.
According to Stone, the TSA is moving rapidly to transform existing IT-based pilot projects into full-blown initiatives at the nation's airports. He singled out the Registered Traveller Program, which uses biometric technologies to speed frequent fliers through security checkpoints, and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program, which is poised to enter the prototype phase. TWIC also uses biometrics to confirm the identities of up to 6 million transportation workers across all transportation industry sectors.
But some lawmakers and airline industry executives argued that the programs have been hindered by a lack of standards for biometric technologies and a government bureaucracy that remains incapable of sharing information and setting priorities three years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
"Many airports are willing to deploy biometric technologies but are reluctant to do so until the Department of Homeland Security issues guidance and makes clear what types of biometric systems will meet its standards in the future," said Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) chairman of the House Aviation subcommittee. "Someone at DHS just needs to make a decision, and the rest will fall into place."
Four lawmakers, including Mica, have introduced legislation that would require the DHS to issue standards for the use of biometric technology in airport access control systems.