Capability Acceptance Process (CAP)

Capability on the ACL either may be donated or bailed to TSA.  A bailment is an agreement executed between TSA and the Donor to document the ability for TSA to operate the technology for a specified period of time.  For example, a bailment may be used when it is in the Donor’s best interest to retain ownership of the Capability for some period of time and transfer title of the Capability to TSA following that period.  TSA understands that this may be the best option for a Donor and is willing to work with a Donor to execute a short-term bailment with the intent to donate the technology to TSA at the end of the bailment period.

It is important that a Donor contact the APM CAP team and execute the CAP prior to procuring any Capability that will be donated to TSA or operated in a screening environment.  This reduces risk of procuring a Capability that may not be accepted or be able to be operated by TSA.  In addition, TSA requires that all three CAP phases are completed before operating any donated TSE in a screening environment, to include execution of a MOU, a Terms and Conditions document, and offer and acceptance letters.

TSA accepts donations of Capability listed on the ACL to support screening operations. The ACL lists all Capability that are currently able to be donated to TSA based on the approval of applicable phases of the DHS ALF (i.e., receiving an approved ADE-3 Acquisition Decision Memorandum).  Accepting donations of the Capability on the ACL does not circumvent acquisition and procurement guidelines.

The ACL includes all Capability currently able to be donated to TSA.  Capability included on the ACL can be operated in a screening environment as TSA has performed applicable testing, determined that the Capability meets requirements, and received approvals as required under the DHS ALF (i.e., receiving an approved ADE-3 Acquisition Decision Memorandum).

Prior to CAP, TSA accepted a limited number of donations under an Urgent Operational Need.  TSA determined that due to continued industry interest in donations, a more formal capability acceptance process was needed to objectively and systematically evaluate the impacts of proposed donations prior to acceptance.

TSA requires that all three CAP phases are completed before operating any donated TSE in a screening environment, to include execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Terms and Conditions document, and offer and acceptance letters.  The time it takes to implement CAP depends on the complexity of the Capability Request, but generally, it can take approximately four to six months to complete all three phases.  We suggest that Donors begin the process as early as possible. 

The ACL is updated when a Capability is approved to be operated in a screening environment and TSA makes a determination that it should be listed on the ACL.  In addition, the ACL may be updated when a new configuration of a Capability already listed on the ACL is tested and approved for operation in a screening environment.

CAP was developed to enable rigorous, objective, and repeatable evaluation and implementation of Capability Requests.  TSA will thoroughly review each individual Capability Request to determine if it is in the best interest of the Agency.  TSE and applicable terms and conditions that TSA accepted in the past may not be the same as those accepted in the future.  In addition, the terms and conditions accepted for one airport may not be the same for another.  TSA will work with each Donor individually to determine what Capability and terms and conditions will be accepted based on that specific Capability Request and screening environment.

Please contact the APM CAP team or your Local TSA representative with questions about the Capability Acceptance Process.

A Donor may talk to any Capability manufacturer at any time, but it is important that a Donor reach out to the APM CAP team and execute the CAP prior to procuring any Capability that will be donated to TSA or operated in a screening environment.  In addition, please reference the ACL for a list of all Capability currently available for donation to TSA.  If you are interested in Capability not listed on the ACL, please reach out to the APM CAP team to discuss the best path forward. 

The TSA Terms and Conditions for Acceptable Capability requires that services be provided by a TSA-approved contractor and coordinated with an authorized Government representative.  Is there a list of these TSA-approved contractors? 

Please reach out to the APM CAP team to discuss the contractors that can be used for a specific Capability. 

The Donor is responsible for ensuring that the donated Capability is successfully installed and can be operated.  Each Capability Request will be different, but generally, a Donor will be responsible for the procurement of donated Capability, execution of site design and site preparation, delivery and installation of the Capability, completion of successful acceptance testing, movement or removal of existing Capability (if applicable), and a set term of warranty and maintenance (e.g., four years).

TSA is authorized under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA, 49 USC § 106(l) and (m) via § 114(m)) to accept and use services, supplies, equipment, personnel, and facilities from any public or private source.

A comprehensive Business Case Determination will be made based on many factors including ACL Status, Demonstrated Need, Staffing and Training Requirements, Operational and Project Impact, Site Readiness, Deployment, Supportability, and Financial Analysis.  Additional or different factors may be required based on a specific Capability Request and screening environment.

The Donor must work with their Local TSA POC to submit a checkpoint or checked baggage equipment request into TSA’s equipment request portal to document the Capability Request.  The following information is required for the REMAG.  Local TSA will support this process: 

• Airport Code, Name, Category, Branch, Region, Address
• Equipment Request Type – Checkpoint Request/Checked Baggage Request
• POC Details – FSD, Airport POC, Donor
• Additional Details, if known (type and quantity of Capability/TSE)
• Overall Need Date: Installation Date and Operational Date

The TSA CAP Team will contact the Donor to gather additional information needed for TSA to initiate Step 2 - Business Case Determination.  Examples of additional details to support the completion of the Business Case Determination include:

• Specific terminal/checkpoint/checked baggage area
• Purpose of the Capability Request
• Type and quantity of Capability/TSE
• Confirmation that the Donor has reviewed TSA’s Capability Acceptance Process Guidelines to include TSA’s Terms and Conditions for Acceptable Capability
• What financial responsibilities the Donor is able/not able to contribute
• Time period for procurement and installation of TSE
• Extent of changes to the current checkpoint or checked baggage area
• Status of coordination of design effort

Capability Requests for Emerging Capability will be evaluated and documented on a case-by-case basis, with consideration given to how the Capability can support the DHS ALF and the risks for both TSA and the Donor.  The Capability Request for Emerging Capability will undergo multiple assessments, including the feasibility, risk, deployment schedule, and scope of the Capability Request.

Information regarding donating these specific Capability can be found in the ACL.

No.  TSA will continue to provide all federal airports with the necessary equipment and support to meet throughput and security needs.  CAP provides an option for industry stakeholders and security partners to invest in TSE to advance security, innovation, and improved experiences for their passengers.