Description
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued an amendment releasing Planning Guidelines and Design Standards (PGDS) Version 9.0 for Checked Baggage Inspection Systems (CBIS). The PGDS provides detailed requirements, best‑practice recommendations, and design criteria for architects, engineers, and planners tasked with developing or upgrading in‑line and stand‑alone explosive detection systems (EDS) at U.S. airports. The amendment also includes a comment form for industry stakeholders to submit feedback, with the comment period closing on March 31 2027. Additionally, the release bundles the updated “TSA Electronic Baggage Screening Program Funding of Checked Baggage Inspection System Project Costs” Policy Memo (Version 8.0), outlining eligibility, allowable costs, and funding mechanisms for OTA (Other Transaction Agreement) projects. Key points for potential bidders or consultants:
• The PGDS v9.0 supersedes v8.0 and is the definitive reference for CBIS design, construction, and cost‑allocation.
• TSA invites comments on the PGDS and policy memo via the provided comment form; comments are due March 31 2027.
• Funding for eligible CBIS projects is administered through OTAs; eligibility criteria include bag‑hour demand thresholds (≥ 400 bph) and annual bag‑count requirements (≥ 674 bags/day).
• Project types include New In‑Line (eligible for funding), Mini In‑Line (not eligible), Recapitalization (eligible), Optimization (generally not eligible), PGDS Upgrades (eligible), and Growth (not eligible).
• Detailed cost‑allowability guidance is provided for design, construction, project management, and contingency items; numerous cost categories are expressly unallowable.
• No solicitation for bids or contracts is present; the document serves as a policy update and comment solicitation rather than a procurement award.
Attached files
Contact
Jason Richards