Smiths Detection has filed a formal protest with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) of an award by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for a delivery order of an indefinite quantity of Advanced Technology 2 (AT-2) carry-on baggage scanners and ancillary equipment. TSA announced the award on 27 September, 2013.
Smiths Detection, one of three companies included in the tender, finds that TSA’s ‘Best Value’ analysis and evaluation of AT-2 submissions was flawed because it insufficiently weighted the comparatively lower risk and lower lifecycle costs of Smiths Detection’s more advanced technical solution.
Smiths Detection designs and makes advanced solutions to detect and identify threats including explosives, chemical agents, biohazards, nuclear, radiation, narcotics, weapons and contraband. A market leader worldwide in providing layered security technologies, Smiths Detection has major plants in three U.S. states. It partners federal and state government agencies and first responders to strengthen homeland security and safeguard the military. Major customers include the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is part of Smiths Group, a global leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people, including more than 9,000 in the U.S. where it operates around 100 sites in 40 states.