Innovation Task Force

Join TSA on the journey to seamless.

Founded in 2016, the Innovation Task Force (ITF) was initiated and championed by TSA out of a need heard from industry – to better understand the operational environment earlier in the development cycle – and from TSA – to better define requirements to close capability gaps in partnership with stakeholders. With the close support of industry partners, the ITF facilitates capability demonstrations in live, operational environments.

 

Mission and Vision

ITF fosters innovation by integrating key stakeholders to identify and demonstrate emerging solutions that increase security effectiveness and efficiency, improve passenger experience, and to deliver solutions that secure the freedom of movement throughout the nation’s transportation system.

"The Innovation Task Force is collaborating with industry, airlines, airports and equipment manufacturers to find and deploy the very best technology for increasing security and improving the passenger experience" David Pekoske, TSA Administrator

Our Process

ITF demonstrations allow vendors to test their solutions in a live environment, capture operational data and then refine their solution for potential future engagement with TSA.

ITF Identify Icon

Identify

We convene the aviation security ecosystem to identify solutions.

ITF Demonstrate Icon

Demonstrate

We establish the means to demonstrate innovative solutions.

ITF Analyze Icon

Analyze

We measure effectiveness and provide data to improve systems.

About ITF

Do you have the next big IDEA?

Historical Demonstration Map

ITF demonstrations have occurred at various airports across the U.S. The map below portrays where our demonstrations have been held.

What happens after an ITF demonstration?

Once demonstration data is collected and reviewed, ITF will collaborate with other TSA offices in order to refine future requirements, provide vendors with operational data, include general lessons learned in future communications to industry, and determine TSA’s next steps.

How can I pilot my solution with ITF?

  • The ITF-led solution demonstration life cycle allows solution providers to pilot their solutions in the field, capture operational data and then refine their solution for potential future engagement with TSA. ITF has 4 collaboration tracks:
    • ITF-led Demonstration: For solutions selected by TSA, ITF partners with local TSA, the airport authority and/or airlines at designated Innovation Sites to pilot solutions; ITF owns key activities.
    • ITF-enabled Demonstration: For solutions under the responsibility of a partner, a non-ITF stakeholder leads key planning and pilot activities for a self-identified solution, with guidance from an ITF “coach.”
    • ITF-future Checkpoint Design: ITF supports today’s needs and designing for the future when space for a new TSA Passenger Screening Checkpoint is identified.
    • ITF-process and Information Collaboration: ITF collaborates with diverse industry stakeholders to identify new solutions and exchange lessons learned with global security partners.
    • While the ITF does not currently have an open solicitation, industry partners can contact us at Innovationtaskforce@tsa.dhs.gov to learn more about interim opportunities!

Where can I learn about TSA design standards?

Can I read the past ITF newsletters?

Where can I find the RCA Capability Manager Roadmaps?

Capability Manager Roadmaps articulate a collaborative vision for TSA and its transportation security partners by defining goals and associated objectives of TSA's approach for the capability. Publically available Capability Roadmaps are linked below:

Self-Service Screening

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) RCA's Innovation Task Force (ITF), in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) is working to create a strategic path to Self-Service Screening through the Screening at Speed Program. Self-Service Screening is a network of connected and integrated Transportation Security Equipment (TSE) that allows travelers to complete the screening process and resolve system alarms with minimal Transportation Security Officer (TSO) interaction.

Self-Service Screening in the News