Canadian-based firm Sectus Technologies Inc. has been awarded a $2.6 million contract to supply new x-ray scanners for baggage and passenger security screening at Owen Roberts International Airport.
The upgraded security equipment forms part of a new project with the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) called the ‘One Stop Security’ (OSS) pilot programme, according to tender documents for the new equipment.
The Cayman Islands, the documents state, is “the first and only airport in the Caribbean and Central-South Americas” to be nominated for the new programme, which should expedite passengers’ and their luggage through security.
“The OSS pilot programme allows passengers departing ORIA for a US destination and have a further connecting domestic flight to another US State … to bypass the TSA security screening checkpoints at their arrival destination and would be able to go directly to their connecting gate,” the documents stated.
It explained, as an example of the programme, that if a passenger was leaving Grand Cayman to Miami, and then onward to Denver, “the passenger would bypass all of TSA’s screening checkpoints and go directly to their connecting gate” under the programme.
The passengers checked baggage would not have to be collected, as the bag
would transfer directly, it added.
The date for implementation of the programme has not been made public.
The CIAA, in response to Cayman Compass queries on the initiative and equipment delivery, said it could not comment as the contract is yet to be officially signed.
Advanced scanners
The OSS pilot programme, the tender stated, requires CIAA to procure only TSA-approved x-ray and body scanners for baggage and passenger screening.
The scanners, it said, are specifically termed ‘Explosive Detection Systems Cabin
Baggage Screening’ (EDSCB3), and new body scanners or ‘Advanced Imaging Technology’ (AIT).
Earlier this year, government spent $264,826.80 on a contract for two new, non-intrusive body scanners as part of security upgrades at the Owen Roberts and Charles Kirkconnell international airports.
Those scanners, already in operation at the two airports, were described as “cutting-edge body scanners” and were the result of a partnership with AvCom, including Installation Technologies International and ODSecurity.
The new scanners that are being procured for the Grand Cayman airport for the pilot project, the tender stated, will ensure industry best practices and the highest compliance standards are met.
“All x-ray systems will require to have fully integrated automatic tray return systems to maximize efficiency to ensure security officers are focused on processing bags and passengers over collecting tray resupply,” the tender stated.
Sectus Technologies Inc, as the preferred supplier for contract award, will also have to offer the elements that satisfy the specified functional requirements of the equipment.
The contractor, the RFP said, will be responsible for the procurement, installation, testing, and commissioning of a new security checkpoint at Owen Roberts International Airport. This security checkpoint shall encompass an automated tray return system, automated screening lanes, computed tomography, security scanners and full body scanners.
As part of the offer, the bidder is required to provide training to familiarise Owen Roberts International Airport staff to the new equipment.
They will also be charged with the maintenance of the supplied equipment for three to five years.
Related Videos
Airfares will be going up again!!
What about security pre-check (TSA pre-check) that is widely used in the U.S. and allows approved passengers expedited transit through security checkpoints. Will we ever get that in Cayman, CAL said they were looking at it a year ago, but they must still be “looking”. This would reduce the long lines often encountered at busy times at ORIA.
This is a welcome development. Now, if they can add US pre-clearance as they have in Bermuda and Aruba, GCM will have officially moved into the 21st century, that is after adding jetways for arrivals and departures.
Many USA citizens leaving Cayman after a vacation here have TSA Pre-check. This reduces the inspections they go through while traveling in the USA.
Why don’t we recognize this here? Speed these visitors through and reduce the lines for everyone else.