In January 2002, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) designated Baltimore/ Washington International Airport as a national testing center for security procedures and equipment. The Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) has retained a program management team to implement 100% screening of checked baggage by explosives detection systems (EDS) equipment for existing and planned terminal facilities at the Airport. As part of the program management team, Leigh Fisher Associates has responsibility for oversight of plans for integrating EDS equipment into baggage handling systems.

To assist all involved in understanding the implications of the 2001 Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) and to meet its requirements, Leigh Fisher Associates led an intensive security workshop at the Airport. Participants included representatives of the TSA, FAA, airport management, the airlines, and the program management team, as well as airport security experts from Leigh Fisher Associates. The full range of issues involved in developing creative solutions for 100% EDS equipment screening was addressed.

During the workshop, Leigh Fisher Associates explained an evaluation process focused on EDS screening solutions that (1) are acceptable to the TSA, airport management, and the airlines; (2) can be implemented within existing facilities; (3) are compatible with long-range Airport development and operating objectives, and (4) maintain acceptable levels of service and convenience for airline passengers.

Working closely with the TSA and FAA representatives at the workshop, Leigh Fisher Associates also developed planning assumptions that will be crucial to the design of checked baggage screening facilities. As a follow-up to the workshop on behalf of MAA, Leigh Fisher Associates worked closely with TSA representatives to resolve numerous policy issues associated with interpretation and implementation of ATSA provisions that will have major effects on airport facilities.

Client
JMT/WSA (Program Manager for Maryland Aviation Administration)

Services
-Airport Security Planning and Implementation