Rep. Tauscher's Remarks on Competitive Procurement of Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) by TSA

Rep. Tauscher's Remarks on Competitive Procurement of Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) by TSA

During today's mark-up at the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher offered the following remarks regarding procurement practices for EDS technology at the Transportation Security Administration:

"Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment that I will not offer today but I would like to work with you between now and full committee on the procurement of EDS machines at TSA.

"I would like to commend you on this timely markup that will help implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and make our skies safer.

"The in-line installation of explosive detection systems, or EDS, at our nation's airports is a priority that has been widely recognized by the aviation community and the 9/11 commission.

"The commission specifically notes in its report that 'the TSA should expedite the installation of advanced in-line baggage-screening equipment.'

"Deploying additional EDS machines is critical and can be achieved while still selecting the best machine to do the job at least cost to taxpayers.

"I am concerned that urgency has trumped effectiveness at the TSA and that we have a clear opportunity in this bill to make sure that we are making the best investments for the security of our nation.

"Competition is a key means of promoting better and cheaper products. This holds true for EDS. Unfortunately, there has been little competition by the DHS/TSA in the acquisition of EDS.

"In fact, of FY 04 funding, nearly 75% of available funds have been used for the acquisition of systems from one of the two certified EDS vendors when unit costs for the other available EDS were considerably less. Over the long-run, the failure to provide for competition will contribute to unnecessary costs and discourage investment in next generation devices.

"That is why I have an amendment drafted that I may offer at full committee.

"My amendment, first, calls on TSA to assure that promoting competition among vendors of certified EDS is a high priority. Second, requires TSA to issue guidance to prospective lessors of such systems on the need to promote such competition. And, third, provides TSA with discretionary authority to disapprove leases that, in TSA's judgment, fail to appropriately take competition into account.

"Notice that I said discretionary authority. This is important because it recognizes that, competition is a priority, but in some cases there may be other factors that have to be balanced by TSA as well.

"My amendment would not slow down efforts to install in-line EDS.

"It is only intended to help instill in TSA and others who may prospectively be involved in EDS acquisition the need to promote competition.

"All of us want to see the in-line installation of EDS done on an accelerated schedule.

"And I am confident we also want to see that an acquisition system is put in place that has a foundation of competition, which will help yield the best prices and most innovative systems for our nation's travelers.

"My amendment is intended to do that.

"I look forward to working with my colleagues on this important issue. Thank you."