8 objectives from the TSA Air Cargo Security Roadmap

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Dec. 9 published its five-year outline for improving air cargo security in the new Air Cargo Security Roadmap . The Roadmap lays out a series of eight objectives to help the air cargo industry and TSA achieve four broad goals, in alignment with the 2018 to 2026 TSA Strategy to achieve long-term security goals and the Administrator’s Intent 2.0, which sets short-term goals for fiscal year 2021 to 2022. Broadly, the four goals set in the new Roadmap include advancing capabilities for enhanced, risk-based screening; increasing knowledge and information sharing between TSA and the industry; pursuing technology improvements to support innovation in security screening; and modernizing policy to adapt to new technologies and address emerging security threats. “As TSA implements this Roadmap, we will build on recent initiatives, such as the Third-Party Canine-Cargo Program, Outcome Focused Compliance and the Secure Packing Facility (SPF) security program, and ongoing coordination with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on mail screening, to meet or exceed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s air cargo security standards,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in the introductory message to the Roadmap. The objectives outlined to achieve the Roadmap’s four goals include: Measuring the security value of the Known Shipper Program (KSP) Vetting shippers by risk alongside pre-screening can improve operational efficiency and security, according to the Roadmap. However, with heightened screening standards now in effect and e-commerce volumes rising, the TSA plans to reevaluate the value of the KSP via a comprehensive assessment to determine whether the program should be changed or replaced. Analyzing pre-screening processes The TSA plans to evaluate its current processes to seek out more effective uses for data in pre-screening and shipper vetting, with the goal of adding an advanced security layer for intra-U.S. and U.S. outbound airfreight. Seeking opportunities for all-cargo operators to use risk data in lieu of physical screening With the advanced screening mandate now in effect for all-cargo operations as well as cargo moving on passenger aircraft, TSA plans to work with the airfreight industry to consider alternate risk-based and data-driven screening procedures. The alternatives will explore data-collection approaches for screening alongside the creation of risk profiles and optimization of cargo flows toward the most effective screening methods. Building up industry partnerships to assess and improve training needs The TSA will work more closely with industry stakeholders to ensure security training is consistent throughout the air cargo supply chain. While screener training has historically been left primarily to operators, TSA plans to support screeners more closely to ensure consistency and uniformity in understanding and application of air cargo screening. Reassessing information platforms to improve information sharing Information platforms like the Aviation Domain Intelligence Integration and Analysis Cell and the Homeland Security Information Network will be evaluated for improvement. TSA will then aim to increase the speed, consistency and quality of information sharing via the platforms. Continuing improvements to TSA screening technology and alternative screening methods With the aim of encouraging industry innovation in air cargo screening technologies, the TSA expects to keep refining its capability functional requirements to target potential threats as they emerge. TSA also aims to allow for flexibility in screening approaches by encouraging exploration of alternative options, such as canine screening. Collaborating with industry stakeholders for technology R&D The TSA cited a lack of incentives toward investment in security technologies today and is seeking to address that by pursuing new partnerships with technology vendors and other screening method providers. The TSA will also work with industry stakeholders to develop new approaches to encouraging development in this area. Modernizing security programs and policies New trends including growing cybersecurity concerns, the increase in e-commerce traffic and the rise of new technologies present an opportunity for TSA to reconsider its current air cargo security policies. The TSA plans to conduct a review of its current security programs with the goal of modernizing them to better address issues presented by a more complex supply chain. The TSA expects to create internal mechanisms to drive policy development when needed, and to standardize its approach to the industry regarding policy interpretation.

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