EBSP Recap Special Notice – Industry Engagement Events

File: 2600.2

Transportation Security Administration Electronic Baggage Screening Program Recapitalization

Explosive Detection System Special Notice for Detection Briefing and Overview of Industry Engagement Events

1.0 Introduction

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) plans to host two (2) Industry Engagement events related to the Electronic Baggage Screening Program (EBSP) Recapitalization (Recap) Explosive Detection System (EDS) draft detection and technical requirements. One event will be a Detection Briefing to solicit feedback from industry on the draft detection requirements for the EDS. The other event will be a technical requirements review in the form of a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit feedback on the draft technical requirements for the EDS.

This Special Notice has been posted on sam.gov to provide an overview of these two (2) events, as well as officially notify industry to submit their entry criteria for the first event, the Detection Briefing.

Below is an overview of the two (2) anticipated Industry Engagement events:

1) Detection Briefing TSA will host a classified Detection Briefing for industry partners that complete the necessary Security Clearance vetting process and meet the attendance requirements, according to the instructions outlined below. Upon completion of the Detection Briefing, the TSA may conduct follow-up one-on-one classified meetings.

a. One-on-One Meeting TSA may host follow-up one-on-one classified meetings with vetted industry partners after the Detection Briefing to garner additional feedback and/or address questions.

2) Technical Requirements Review TSA will issue a RFI Announcement on SAM.gov for industry partners. The RFI will include instructions for requesting a draft of the technical requirements, which are considered Sensitive Security Information (SSI), where industry partners will be asked to provide responses to requirements development-related questions.

a. One-on-One SSI Meeting TSA may host follow-up one-on-one meetings with industry partners, based on feedback provided as part of the RFI.

The next generation of EDS will enhance detection, cybersecurity, and open architecture capabilities while continuing to meet EBSP’s legislated mandate of screening 100% of checked baggage. The program has successfully completed its mission since the end of 2003; testing, procuring, deploying, and maintaining checked baggage screening systems and its infrastructure at approximately 430 U.S.

federalized commercial service airports.

2.0 Purpose

The purpose of this Special Notice is to inform industry partners of TSA’s plan to host a Detection Briefing, followed by a future RFI regarding EDS draft detection and technical requirements. The TSA’s intent for these events is to cover details of the latest detection requirements standard and notional plans for what will be the next step towards meeting that standard.

3.0 Detection Briefing and One-on-One Classified Meeting

3.1 Event Descriptions

Detection Briefing

Date: A briefing to be scheduled with industry partners after vetting is complete. Upon vetting completion, the TSA will provide details regarding the date, time, and location of the Detection Briefing.

Location: The briefing will be held in-person only, at the TSA headquarters. TSA will provide additional location information prior to the event.

This classified briefing will advise vetted industry partners of TSA’s current detection standard requirements and assist in understanding where TSA wants to move from a detection performance standpoint.

One-on-One Meeting Date: One-on-one classified meetings may be scheduled with industry partners after the Detection Briefing has occurred on the same day or next depending on the number of interested participants.

Location: This meeting may be held in-person only, at the TSA headquarters. TSA will provide additional location information prior to the event.

A one-on-one classified discussion may take place with each industry partner to protect company-proprietary and business-sensitive information. The one-on-one meeting will potentially aid the TSA in understanding capabilities of detection technologies that currently exist in market-ready bulk explosives detection systems. This may include a discussion covering the industry partner’s projected ability to provide additional explosive detection threat coverage over time, beyond current capabilities, through a series of software enhancements.

3.2 Detection Briefing Agenda and Briefing Materials

Briefing materials are classified and will be made available during the briefing to vetted attendees who have the requisite Personnel Clearance (PCL). At TSA’s discretion, some materials may also be sent to vendors after the briefing if they have the requisite Facility Clearance (FCL).

3.3 Required Criteria for Detection Briefing Attendance

Participation in the Classified Detection Briefing and subsequent one-on-one discussions is limited to those who are (a) currently qualified TSA Checked Baggage EDS manufacturers, (b) other TSA Checked Baggage EDS manufacturers, (c) third party complementary screening technology manufacturers and (d) potential explosives detection algorithm developers that have analogous experience in technology readily adaptable to the checked baggage environment.

To be considered for attendance, individuals must have the required PCL. In addition, each company must submit a short summary of the company’s background, including any relevant EDS projects, and other pertinent information that will show which category, a, b, c, or d, the company falls under. The total page count for this Project List and Summary shall not exceed one (1) page, per Section 3.7 below.

Attendance at this event is subject to TSA’s sole review and discretion.

3.4 Classified Security Requirements for Detection Briefing Attendance As part of the Detection Briefing, the TSA might share classified information regarding EDS explosives detection requirements. All non-TSA attendees needing to attend a classified briefing at any TSA facility must be processed prior to their visit by TSA’s Personnel Security Division (PerSec). Access will be granted only upon completion and submitting a Visit Authorization Request (VAR).

The following information must be provided by the agency or company’s security office to PerSec by 3:00 PM EDT on Friday, October 16, 2026, no exceptions. Please email requests to VRsVALs@tsa.dhs.gov. If you have any questions regarding the requested information, please contact VRsVALs@tsa.dhs.gov. Required Information on the VAR includes the following:

Attendee’s full name (last, first, MI) Title Citizenship TSA Point of Contact Date(s) of visit (up to one year) Purpose of visit Social Security Number Date of Birth Place of Birth (state, country) Clearance level and date granted Type of investigation and close date

Upon receipt of a completed VAR the TSA will reach out to the industry partner to report to the Badging Office with a picture ID to obtain the appropriate facility access badge.

A completed VAR must be sent electronically by submitting the required information specified above to the following email address: VRsVALs@tsa.dhs.gov no later than 3:00 PM EDT on Friday, October 16, 2026, no exceptions.

3.5 SSI Security Requirements for Detection Briefing and Technical Requirements Review As part of the Detection Briefing and the subsequent event for a Technical Requirements Review RFI, the TSA may disclose sensitive security information (SSI) regarding EDS technical requirements. The goal of sharing this information is to ensure industry understands both requirements and their operational/mission context, allow industry to ask questions, and to provide the opportunity for early engagement and product development ahead of the start of an EDS qualification opportunity. The process to gain access to SSI is as follows:

Potential participants must obtain specific authorization to obtain SSI. SSI will not be available or otherwise provided or disclosed to any person not specifically authorized to receive it.

A. Corporate Official. Each participant (and subcontractor/team member) must separately designate in writing to the TSA Contracting Officer a single corporate official who will serve as the single point of contact for sensitive information. This individual must certify that all appropriate protections will be followed, only authorized individuals will have access to sensitive information, and that those individuals adequately understand their responsibilities to protect this information. Should the TSA decide to provide industry with SSI documentation, this official must also certify to the TSA Contracting Officer every 60 days that all appropriate protections have been followed, only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information, and that those individuals with access adequately understand their responsibilities to protect this information. A copy of this certification shall also be emailed to EBSPIndustryDay@tsa.dhs.gov. This official will also ensure that the TSA Contracting Officer is notified of staffing changes or circumstances in which individuals no longer need access to SSI.

B. Attendee Responsibility. The TSA will review the System for Award Management (SAM) to ensure that the corporate entity would not otherwise be precluded from receiving a contract award. While this review does not replace the responsibility determination required by FAR part 9, it may prohibit attendees from receiving SSI information during the pre-solicitation phase.

C. Criteria for Release. As part of the technical requirements review and one-on-one meeting, SSI may only be disclosed to individuals who have successfully passed a Security Threat Assessment. This assessment may include a verification of site facility clearance in the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), contractor suitability determination or other federal background investigation, individual security clearance(s), and if required, a criminal history records check (CHRC) and/or a check against terrorism or other databases.

D. Information Requirements. Consistent with the criteria for release described above, any technical requirements review and one-on-one meeting attendees’ single Corporate Official must provide the appropriate information to the TSA as identified below. Note that this requirement applies likewise to any prospective subcontractor, joint venture partner, or “team” company whose access to the specified SSI and subsequent input into a planned proposal is necessary to prepare and complete the proposal. All information must be emailed to EBSPIndustryDay@tsa.dhs.gov. This information will be handled in accordance with the applicable Privacy Act System of Records Notice (SORN), DHS/TSA 002, Transportation Security Threat Assessment System (T-STAS), noted in Paragraph F, below.

1. A single Corporate Official shall complete and provide all information outlined in Attachment 1 - TSA Vetting Request for all employees who will participate in the technical requirements review and one-on-one SSI meeting. This information must be provided in a single password protected Microsoft Excel spreadsheet emailed to EBSPIndustryDay@tsa.dhs.gov. The password for the password protected spreadsheet shall be sent to EBSPIndustryDay@tsa.dhs.gov in a separate email, at the same time.

E. Privacy Act Statement. The TSA will use the information provided to conduct a Security Threat

Assessment on individuals who seek access to SSI. The information will be shared within DHS with personnel who need the information to perform their official duties. Additionally, DHS may share the information with law enforcement, intelligence, or other government agencies as necessary to identify and respond to potential or actual threats to transportation security in accordance with the routine uses identified in the applicable Privacy Act System of Records Notice (SORN), DHS/TSA 002, Transportation Security Threat Assessment System (T-STAS). This SORN was last published in the Federal Register on August 11, 2014, and can be found at 79 FR 46862-46866. Authority: 49 USC 114. Furnishing this information is voluntary. However, failure to furnish the requested information may delay or prevent the completion of your Security Threat Assessment, without which you may not be granted access to the SSI.

F. Notification of Assessment. Individuals who receive a successful Security Threat Assessment will be eligible to receive SSI. If an individual is deemed ineligible for SSI access based on the threat assessment, TSA will notify the company's point of contact. Appeal of the determination will not be permitted due to the time sensitive nature of the process; however, the corporate or other entity may nominate another individual to receive SSI access and participate in the technical requirements review and one-on-one SSI meeting. If an individual is determined to be a security threat and the individual believes that the results of the screening are inaccurate, he or she may request access to their records by submitting a Privacy Act Request through TSA’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) internet site at: https://www.tsa.gov/foia/requests. However, due to the demanding schedule, the TSA will not delay an event to resolve these issues.

G. Non-Disclosure Agreements. Each individual requesting access to SSI as specified herein will be required to execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement (DHS Form 11000-6). The executed forms shall be provided with and as part of the submission of information reflected in Paragraph E above.

The attendee should understand that individuals granted access to SSI and signing a non-disclosure agreement are bound by the terms of that agreement indefinitely, notwithstanding their employment status or any other background checks or clearances granted by any Government agency. Additionally, submission of a Non-Disclosure Agreement for the technical requirements review and one-on-one SSI meeting does not substitute for required NDAs later in the contracting or post-award periods.

A completed SSI Vetting Package must be sent electronically by submitting the required information specified above to the following email address: EBSPIndustryDay@tsa.dhs.gov no later than 3:00 PM EDT on Friday, October 16, 2026, no exceptions.

There will be no exceptions to the time and date on which responses are due, unless determined otherwise by the Government.

3.6 Detection Briefing Registration

Satisfaction with the Required Criteria for Attendance, registration for the event, and acceptance by TSA are required. Attendance is limited to only three (3) representatives from each accepted vendor.

Technical Subject Matter Experts are recommended for representation of industry partners participants for the detection briefing.

Attendees shall register electronically by submitting the required information specified under Section

3.7 Entrance Criteria no later than 3:00 PM EDT on Friday, October 16, 2026, no exceptions.

3.7 Detection Briefing Entrance Criteria

Description Email Submission Format Institution/Company Name and Institution/Company Type (i.e., manufacturer, academia, private sector organization, small business, non-profit organization, FFRDS, Department of Energy National Laboratory, or other federally funded entity) (1 page)

Must be provided to EBSPIndustryDay@tsa.dhs.gov

Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF

Project List and Summary (See Section 3.3 for required information (1 page))

Must be provided to EBSPIndustryDay@tsa.dhs.gov

Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF

Classified Security Requirements Names, Titles, Clearance Information (Limited to three (3) persons. Clearance information using the VAR format listed above in Section 3.4.

Must be provided to VRsVALs@tsa.dhs.gov

Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF(single document for all attendees, must be Password Protected)

SSI Security Requirements Names, Titles, Sensitive Security Information (SSI) Vetting Information of Representatives, and NDAs (Limited to three (3) persons. Vetting information must be provided on Attachment 1, TSA Vetting Request. NDA Form 11000-6, Attachment 2, must be completed for each Representative.)

Must be provided to EBSPIndustryDay@tsa.dhs.gov

1) Attachment 1- TSA Vetting Request (single document for all attendees, must be Password Protected)

2) Attachment 2- NDA Form 11000-6

Due to TSA restrictions on the size of emails, ensure that all emails submitted are less than 5MB. If the submission exceeds 5MB, please divide it into multiple emails and include in the subject line the Institution/Company name and # of # emails.

There will be no exceptions to the time and date on which responses are due, unless determined otherwise by the Government.

3.7 After Submission

TSA will send a confirmation email once all information is received and all PCL information is validated.

Then, TSA will begin coordinating the Detection Briefing and classified one-on-one meetings.

***TSA will not sponsor attainment of PCLs or FCLs for the purposes of this event. ***

4.0 Technical Requirements Review and One-on-One SSI Meeting

The TSA anticipates issuing an RFI upon completion of the classified Detection Briefing and one-on-on classified meetings. As part of the technical requirements review, the TSA may disclose SSI regarding EDS technical requirements. The goal of sharing this information is to ensure industry understands both requirements and their operational/mission context, allow industry to ask questions, and to provide the opportunity for early engagement and product development ahead of the start of an EDS qualification opportunity.

The technical requirements review will be initiated when the TSA amends the subject Special Notice to include the RFI. This amendment will include specific instructions regarding information that will be provided and any questions the TSA may have for industry partners regarding the requirements. SSI documents shall only be provided to those industry partners that previously completed the SSI Security Requirements as outlined in Section 3.7, by the due date of 3:00 PM EDT on Friday, October 16, 2026.