Senate Approves Ayotte Bill to Boost TSA Acquisition Accountability

Press Release

The United States Senate today unanimously approved legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) to help ensure the most effective use of security technology and responsible use of taxpayer dollars at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act now goes to the House of Representatives.

"This is "good government' legislation that will boost oversight and bring greater accountability to TSA," said Senator Ayotte. "This bill will improve TSA's acquisition policies to make sure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and to provide guidance and stability for businesses like Cirtronics in Milford, which helps develop technology and manufactures equipment that we rely on to keep our transportation systems safe."

The Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act would require TSA to develop a public five-year strategic technology investment plan; justify to Congress major acquisitions of security-related technology and report to Congress incidents of schedule delays, cost overruns, or technical failures; establish measures to manage and track equipment in inventory to reduce costly storage of unusable or outdated technologies; and report annually on its goals for contracting with small and disadvantaged businesses.

Ayotte recently provided an update on her efforts to pass this legislation during a visit to Cirtronics Corporation's facility in Milford, which manufactures trace detection equipment.

"Cirtronics employee owners are grateful for Senator Ayotte's strong role in introducing this legislation; demonstrating Senator Ayotte's commitment to New Hampshire and the entire security industry," said Gerardine Ferlins, President/CEO of Cirtronics. "As a woman-owned, small business contract manufacturer in the U.S. that builds trace detection products, we believe this bill will help sustain a prosperous industry and community."

"This legislation moves TSA forward to achieve real acquisition reform while enabling industry to better understand and prepare for future security requirements," said Karen Bomba, President and CEO, Morpho Detection. This bill sets the stage for a more responsive TSA to better serve the public and meet emerging threats and operational challenges. The passage of this legislation represents a significant milestone in the history of the TSA."

Ayotte's legislation is supported by the following organizations: Aeronautical Repair Station Association, National Air Transportation Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National Association of State Aviation Officials, Airlines for America, National Business Aviation Association, Airports Council International - North America, NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, American Association of Airport Executives, Regional Airline Association, Cargo Airline Association, Security Industry Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Security Manufacturers Coalition, Helicopter Association International, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, International Air Transport Association, U.S. Travel Association, and the National Air Carrier Association.

Ayotte serves on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and is the Ranking Member (top Republican) on the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security.

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