Notice of Intent to Sole Source Colormetric Test Kits

The TSA evaluated multiple state-of-the-art colorimetric kits, including a kit that was currently deployed to the field. Conclusions from this evaluation led to the TSA ECP Test Kits from DetectaChem being selected as a replacement for airports to purchase. The TSA ECP Test Kits from DetectaChem was selected based on four areas of improvements, including:

(1) Increased detection. TSA ECP Test Kits provided improved detection rates;

(2) Reduced false alarm rate. TSA ECP Test Kits generated a lower false alarm rate;

(3) Reduced processing time. TSA ECP Test Kits reduced the property secondary search time and colorimetric test cycle time; and (4) Improved ease of use. The TSA ECP Test Kit was found to have improved usability and was operationally more efficient. TSA ECP Test Kits were reviewed by the Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (OSHE) agency in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

The deployment of the TSA ECP Test Kits has been assessed against all applicable health and safety regulations and was deemed to have no significant impact on public health or safety. The TSA, based on the evaluation conducted, now required that the TSA ECP Test Kits be used for all airports. This specific kit is made by DetectaChem and is only available from DetectaChem. The kits are deployed nationwide now.

To attempt to deviate from this source would require an extensive outlay of resources in both time, money, and manpower across multiple Federal Agencies. The fact that this was already recently done, would create a substantial duplication of resources that would not be recovered.