Security Resource Center

 FAA-FUNDED PROGRAM FOR PRE-PROCUREMENT TESTING OF AIP-ELIGIBLE SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES AND SYSTEMS

The National Safe Skies Alliance (Safe Skies) Airport Security System Integrated Support Testing (ASSIST) Program is a pre-procurement FAA-funded testing program for AIP-eligible security technologies and systems that provides consultants with a tool to help their airport clients test security technologies and systems before making AIP-eligible procurement decisions. It also provides vendors with a tool that shows how their security technologies and systems work in an actual airport operating environment. The ASSIST Program is a collaborative effort between all commercial service airports in the United States (TSA, FAA, ACI-NA, AAAE, ACC, and Safe Skies). Safe Skies is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is committed to helping create and maintain a safe and efficient aviation system.

ASSIST: An FAA-Funded Program for Pre-Procurement Testing of Security Technologies and Systems

The Safe Skies Airport Security System Integrated Support Testing (ASSIST) Program is an FAA-funded program for pre-procurement testing of AIP-eligible security technologies and systems. ASSIST (1) gives airports greater control in selecting the technologies and systems that will protect their facilities, (2) provides consultants with a tool to help their airport clients test security technologies and systems before making AIP-eligible procurement decisions, and (3) provides vendors with a tool to show how their security technologies and systems work in actual airport operating environments.

How the ASSIST Program Works

1. Proposal: Proposals may fit into either of two categories: (1) Standard Projects enhance general security or find more efficient ways to meet security requirements. Airports will complete and submit a Project Proposal Form to Safe Skies. Standard Project proposals are evaluated on an at least semi-annual basis by the ASSIST Advisory Committee. (2) Special Projects address unexpected security issues that require immediate attention. Airports will contact Safe Skies directly and also complete and submit a Project Proposal Form to Safe Skies.  Safe Skies will immediately consider and respond to Special Project proposals.
2. Selection and Testing: If the proposal is selected, Safe Skies identifies devices or processes that are capable of meeting the airport’s needs.  When possible, multiple potential solutions are installed and evaluated in sequence at the airport to assess and compare their relative effectiveness against specific criteria.  At the completion of testing, any devices used are removed and returned to the vendor or manufacturer.
3. Report: A copy of the Final Report will be provided to the Airport Security Coordinator at the participating airport.  All Final Reports will also be posted on the TSA ACO-200 web board. Final reports summarize all test results and show how the technologies or systems performed in meeting the airport’s security needs.
4. Eligibility: The ASSIST Program is open to all commercial service airports that (i) operate a TSA-approved Airport Security Program (ASP), (ii) are included in the FAA National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS), and (iii) are eligible to receive AIP funding.
5. Funding: The program supports solutions that are eligible to receive FAA AIP funds.  Safe Skies funds the ASSIST Program through a Cooperative Agreement with the FAA.
6. Preparing a Proposal: Fill out a proposal form. If you would like to discuss participating in the program or have questions, contact Scott Broyles, Safe Skies President & CEO, scott.broyles@safeskies.org or (865) 738-2009. Safe Skies is located at the McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennesee.