SAM #TSA25-04-0648

TSA policy for approval of independent third-party TSE acceptance testing organizations

TSA has issued a policy for organizations seeking approval to independently test certain transportation security equipment (TSE). - Purpose: The policy covers independent acceptance testing of donated TSE, bailed TSE when it is not TSA-funded, and non-TSA-funded commercial changes to TSA-owned TSE. - Who may apply: Organizations seeking initial approval may apply; currently approved organizations may submit renewal applications. Applications and questions should be sent to ATR@tsa.dhs.gov and address the approval criteria checklist in Appendix A. - Key requirements: Testing organizations must be approved by TSA, independent of entities that installed or materially supported the work, and use TSA program-management-office-approved test plans and configuration baselines. They must provide required notifications, reports, data sheets, and supporting evidence. TSA retains authority over final acceptance and deployment decisions. - Testing activities: Depending on the approved plan, work may include FAT&E, FAT, SAT, ORT, NTT, and Operational Run-In. - Approval timing: Approval is valid for up to two years. Reapproval applications are due at least 60 calendar days before expiration; the policy is reviewed at least every two years. - Funding and opportunity status: Testing is generally funded by the donor, sponsor, airport, airline, or commercial entity unless TSA directs otherwise. This is a policy notice, not a solicitation or contract award; TSA will not reimburse application preparation or submission costs. - Notice details: TSA Test and Evaluation Division policy, version 2.0, dated November 3, 2026. No specific OEMs, equipment models, quantities, or part numbers are identified.

Description

Description:

The attached policy—TSA Test and Evaluation Division Policy for the TSA-Approved Independent Third-Party Acceptance Testing of Donated, Bailed, and Non-TSA-Funded Transportation Security Equipment (Version 2.0)—outlines the process and criteria for organizations to become a Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-approved Third-Party Acceptance Testing organization to support the Capability Acceptance Process (CAP), bailed TSE, and non-TSA-funded commercial TSE activities.

TSA posted an earlier version of this policy as part of Special Notice TSA25-04-03669.

Prospective organizations seeking initial approval—and currently approved organizations submitting two-year renewal packages—may submit an application package in standard PDF or Microsoft Office format addressing the approval criteria checklist in Appendix A of the attached policy to ATR@tsa.dhs.gov for consideration. You may direct any questions regarding application format or required documentation to ATR@tsa.dhs.gov.

Disclaimer:

This Special Notice is a public posting of TSA policy and procedures for becoming a TSA-approved Third-Party Acceptance Testing organization. It is not a solicitation, and responses to this notice will not result in a TSA contract award.

Participation is strictly voluntary, and the U.S. Government will not pay or reimburse any costs associated with preparing or submitting an application package.

Further information on the Capability Acceptance Process can be found at: https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/capability-acceptance-process.

View original listing