Test and Evaluation Support Services (TESS)

The Transportation Security Administration's Test and Evaluation Support Services (TESS) Master IDIQ contract provides comprehensive operational test and evaluation (OT&E) services for transportation security technology equipment. The contract supports TSA's requirements across all transportation modes by delivering integrated evaluation strategies, data collection, and analysis services. Contractors perform critical functions including field testing, modeling and simulation, special studies, and technical assessments to ensure credible and timely evaluation of security technologies and systems.

Task orders under this IDIQ consistently focus on testing and evaluating security screening technologies, with values ranging from approximately $300,000 to nearly $39 million. Frequent prime contractors include Battelle, TASC, Inc., and other technical services firms, with task orders predominantly utilizing Cost Plus Fixed Fee and Firm Fixed Price contract types. The task orders cover diverse activities such as systems integration facility testing, security equipment assessment, risk-based security field evaluations, airport screening technology analysis, and modeling support. Most task orders are not set aside for specific small business categories, and performance locations include TSA headquarters, systems integration facilities, national airports, and original equipment manufacturer locations across the continental United States. The contract's period of performance spans from 2010 to 2018, reflecting the ongoing need for systematic evaluation of transportation security technologies.