Replies to post #4630 on Secure Point Technologies Inc (fka IMSCQ)

[paulos401]

This is from the Request For Information...Air Cargo Screening Qualification Test.

QUALIFICATION TEST STAGES

The ACSQT is divided into Stage I and Stage II testing as summarized below. Depending on the evaluation method (see Section 4.2) selected to assess each submitted device, not all Stage I and Stage II test steps may be required; the potential steps required for both Stage I and Stage II are explained in Section 5.0.

4.1.1 Stage I Testing

Stage I conformance verification testing is designed to verify a device’s ability to meet safety, security, functionality, and detection related key performance parameters (KPPs) via a thorough documentation review and, if required, in a static laboratory environment either at a manufacturer’s facility or a designated test facility. For certain technology categories, Stage I may include a pre-qualification phase to ensure that devices are made test-ready for full qualification testing activities; Stage I test duration is dependent on the technology category being assessed. Devices that successfully pass Stage I are added to either the approved or qualified section of the ACSTL, depending on the evaluation method selected by the TRP in Section 4.2. (An explanation of the approved and qualified sections of the ACSTL can be viewed at http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/non_ssi_ACSTL.pdf)

4.1.2 Stage II Testing

Stage II field testing examines a device’s ability to meet suitability KPPs of Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability (RMA) in an operational environment. Stage II is conducted at host air carrier or certified cargo screening facility (CCSF) sites for a duration of 12 months. This term can be extended at the discretion of the TSA. In accordance with a bailment agreement between the manufacturer and the host air carrier or CCSF, the host facility will utilize Stage II equipment to meet screening requirements in accordance with its security program, and TSA and/or its contractors will gather operational and RMA data from the host facility for a duration of nine (9) months. TSA then uses such data to determine the device’s operational utility. Devices must pass Stage II in order to qualify for listing in the qualified section of the ACSTL. Once a device is added to the qualified section, it will maintain this status; however, the TSA reserves the right to revoke qualified status due to exceptional cases such as decreased effectiveness against newly identified threats.

I believe we are in Stage 2 or are awaiting concurrence from the TSA. All these decisions are at the discretion of the TSA. See below.

Stage II Field Testing Determination

Based on the evaluation of each technology submission, Stage II field testing will be determined for each manufacturer on a case by case basis. (see Paragraph 4.1.2: Stage II Testing). The TRP will determine whether a device must undergo field test activities based on the manufacturer’s suitability track record and the manufacturer-supplied reliability, maintainability, and availability (RMA) data. If, after consideration of available RMA data, the TRP comes to a consensus that the device does not require Stage II field test activities, the device will be added to the qualified section of the ACSTL. Devices which are not deemed suitable to bypass Stage II field test activities will be bailed to a host site for field testing before the devices are considered for addition to the qualified section of the ACSTL.

I believe we will get to the qualified list very soon as we have worked very closely with the TSA over the past 2 years. IMHO