In The Wake Of The Christmas Attempted Terrorism Attack Schumer Visits SureScan Corporation To Examine Company's Emerging Scanning Technology That Could Prevent And Combat Future Attempted Attacks - Calls For More Federal Funding For Research And Developm

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In The Wake Of The Christmas Attempted Terrorism Attack Schumer Visits SureScan Corporation To Examine Company's Emerging Scanning Technology That Could Prevent And Combat Future Attempted Attacks - Calls For More Federal Funding For Research And Development

SureScan Technology, on Brink of TSA Certification, Provides Latest and Most Efficient Screening of Checked Baggage Available

SureScan is Well Equipped to Develop New and Innovative Technology to Respond to Emerging Threats, But Government Investment Needed to Help SureScan Remain at Cutting Edge Of Security Technology

Schumer Calls on Administration to Devote a Significant Portion of $1Billion in Federal Funds Set Aside To Make Air Travel Safer to Research and Development - Move Would Benefit SureScan and Our Nation's Fliers

On the heels of a terror attack attempt to destroy a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today visited Endicott-based SureScan to receive an update on the capabilities of their checked baggage screening technology. The SureScan x1000, which is on the brink of receiving TSA certification, provides the most cutting edge technology available but increased investment in research and development is needed to encourage continued upgrades to respond to emerging threats. Schumer today called on the DHS to ensure that companies like SureScan have the resources and funding needed to promote new forms of innovation and enhanced aviation safety measures.

Schumer urged the president to devote a significant amount of the 1 billion to be set aside for security improvements at airports to research and development, to ensure that we have the most cutting edge and effective technology. Schumer said that much of that work could be done right here at SureScan

"To keep airlines passengers safe, we must employ the most up-to-date technologies available to keep pace with emerging threats like the Christmas Day attack," said Schumer. "SureScan's devices are high speed, high output and can quickly and effectively scan checked baggage with unprecedented accuracy. With increased investment in this type of technology, I am confident that SureScan-and other companies like it-will be able to answer the next call of national security and protect America from any emerging threats."

SureScan Corporation is headquartered in Endicott, New York and has operations in New York and Virginia. It is dedicated to bringing advanced technology and cost reduction to the homeland security market. Schumer has long been an advocate and supporter of the SureScan Corporation. In August 2003, at the request of Schumer, Randy Null, Assistant Administrator/CIO of Operational Process & Technology for TSA visited Endicott Interconnect Technologies to tour the facility, meet with company leaders and see firsthand the exciting technology under development which resulted in SureScan's x1000. In 2008, in a second visit to the company, Schumer announced that the TSA had awarded SureScan a $5.2 million contract for the optimization and delivery of SureScan's x1000 high speed, in-line, explosive detection equipment.

The x1000 technology was designed to help secure critical infrastructure by effectively screening baggage for explosives at throughput rates of up to 1000 bags per hour, helping to maintain efficient airport flow. The in-line configuration integrates seamlessly with baggage handling systems to scan airplane hold baggage at high speeds with unprecedented accuracy. The x1000 can determine the density, volume and effective atomic number of objects in checked baggage and cargo and can detect explosives at high throughput speeds while requiring fewer moving parts, ultimately reducing maintenance costs. The technology also produces fewer false positive readings which improves long-term screening reliability.

Senator Schumer has worked closely with SureScan and the TSA to ensure that SureScan Corporations' detection technology was reviewed by the TSA as a viable solution to meet their procurement requirements for next generation high speed detection systems. TSA certification is currently pending for the x1000 and once it attains this milestone, SureScan will be able to begin worldwide sales of this device for the installation at airports throughout the country and abroad.

Schumer today said that using the SureScan technology could greatly improve aviation safety measures at airports across the country because its leading edge technology provides the highest level of security, with minimal false alarms.

On his visit today, Senator Schumer learned that the SureScan Corporation is well developed to detect new threats because of their enhanced multi energy technology that has the potential to accurately detect the presence of questionable liquids in checked baggage, while keeping false positives low. However, enhanced funding for research and development is needed to improve these types of technologies and promote future innovation in aviation safety.

Schumer said that, as new threats emerge, we must continue to invest in the most up-to-date technology to keep passengers and aviation employees safe. Enhanced funding will also promote innovation among companies like SureScan and help the Endicott-based Corporation thrive.

Recognizing the need for increased investment in our aviation security, Schumer today called on the administration to provide increased investment into enhanced innovation and advocated the merits of funding this advanced type of technology and of SureScan's capabilities. Schumer also highlighted the need for a permanent head of the TSA. President Obama has selected a nominee to head up the agency but his confirmation has been stalled in the Senate. Schumer said that permanent leadership is critical to ensure we stay focused and on a trajectory that ensures we are deploying the latest and most effective screening and detection technology currently available and making real investments to encourage the innovation and development of technologies to detect emerging threats. He has called on Congress and the Administration to quickly put into place a Transportation Security Administration administrator and team of experienced professionals to direct the TSA.

"The top position at TSA has been empty for far too long," Schumer said. "Leadership and direction is just what this agency needs to combat the constant threats our national transportation system faces. As we continue to work to meet the challenges new threats present it is imperative that we promote innovation from companies like SureScan who have the know-how and capability to provide us with technology to combat emerging threats and that can deploy the latest and best resources available to us in our quest to keep air travel safe."

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