Legislator pushes public-private partnership for bomb detection tech

A congressman who has harshly criticized the Transportation Security Administration's abilities to monitor its explosives detection systems said Monday that the agency must consider alliances with private sector firms to speed technological developments.

Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, said in an interview with Government Executive that he also wants TSA to consider ways to better detect component bombs -- where parts are smuggled on board a plane by several conspirators.

"Everyone's talking about liquid bombs," he said, but component bombs must be considered as well. Suspects in the plot disrupted last week by British authorities had planned to bring bombs into a plane in parts that would be assembled after takeoff.

A Capitol Hill source familiar with TSA funding matters said explosives detection in general took a back seat to other issues until Kip Hawley assumed the director's position in July 2005.

Particle detection systems, or puffers, have been implemented in airports nationwide, and are able to screen would-be travelers for potential microscopic explosives material. Vapor detection systems also have developed to the point where they could be used as often as puffers are now, according to private sector experts. Liquid bombs are susceptible to vapor detection machines and are likely to leave behind a residue in the construction process, said Brian Heishman, head of operations for an explosives test facility at ICx Technologies, a company that develops detection machines.

"We've even tried that stuff here -- people trying to make clean bombs," with liquid components, Heishman said. "You never say never, but it's next to impossible."

Heishman said vapor detection systems, which can pinpoint possible bomb-making materials for both liquid- and solid-based bombs, can be adapted to find multiple subjects at once, and are ideal for rail systems and airports. The machines gather air from passersby for analysis and immediately determine whether a trace of explosives exists.

Trains pulling into and out of a station create the force of air ideal for vapor detection, Heishman said.

Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Hawley said a few vapor-based explosives detection systems were in operational testing and more were in development.

The Capitol Hill source said vapor detection machines for rails can quickly sweep a wide range of passengers, but multilayered security at airports offers a more focused check.

"The security needs [of airports and train stations] are a little different," the source said.