Making sure that systems adhere to the design standards, intent and criteria is a key piece of the activation and transition phase of a BHS project. In STS’ view, the fundamental objectives of the commissioning process are to identify areas of risk to the BHS performance which may impact both the short-term and long-term life of the system, and to find solutions to address those conditions that would have detrimental impacts to the baggage handling operations and airport’s costs to support those operations. Whether on behalf of TSA or airport clients, STS staff are actively involved in commissioning and start-up of CBIS and non-CBIS BHS projects throughout the country. This work involves visiting the site throughout the process to confirm that design teams and contractors are adhering to the original design intent and to offer general BHS subject matter expertise on a variety of topics relating to CBIS design, TSA’s Planning Guidelines and Design Standards (PGDS) and EDS installation and integration. STS staff also provide project management and scheduling support, coordinating and managing the delivery of equipment and activities such as site acceptance testing (SAT), integration of the BHS and EDS and installation/commissioning of the EDS image multiplexer servers (MUX) as well as reviewing invoices to confirm that they are in compliance with design dictates. STS staff observe the commissioning process and perform tests to ensure that the BHS meets required standards and support the transition to “live” bag security screening and schedule certification testing.

These activities, and interactions with TSA and airport staff and contractors, give STS staff current insight into emerging industry practices and TSA’s new technology and future goals regarding in-line baggage screening projects. The numerous simultaneous sites monitored for TSA also allow STS staff to maintain working, hands-on relationships with multiple baggage handling industry, TSA, and third-party contractor personnel, deepening our understanding of industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.