Micro-X, Inc. has been awarded an extension on its existing contract with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to build and test fully integrated self-screening airport security checkpoint modules in an operating airport with travelling passengers.

Self-screening checkpoints

According to the company, the DHS awarded the contract extension to Micro-X as prime contractor and systems integrator worth up to $14 million across a 40-month period.

This contract extension will allow Micro-X, together with its partners, to build and test fully integrated self‐screening stations in live US airport security environments.

The new project will involve fabrication of a single self-screening station, growing to three stations and finally a full six-station lane, with each increment first tested in US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) laboratories and then in at least one live US airport.

At each stage, Micro-X will receive feedback on the airport and passenger experience from the DHS and TSA to refine and improve the end design.

The objective of the project is to have a fully integrated passenger self-screening security system that is ready to transform the passenger security experience across the 440 airports in the US.

Previous contracts

The company highlights that in November 2020, it signed two contracts totaling $4 million with the DHS which are now close to completion.

The first contract for $1.5 million, later expanded to $1.94 million, was for the design and manufacture two prototype miniaturized CT baggage scanners. These are due for delivery to the DHS in the coming months.

The second contract, for $2.49 million, was for the design of the overall airport security self-screening checkpoint system, incorporating Micro‑X’s miniaturized CT scanner with other screening components and system design for passenger and operator use.

Micro-X’s role, as prime contractor with overall design authority, has been to lead an international consortium to deliver the self-service module. The Micro-X led design team successfully passed the critical design review gate on 28 June, completing the design phase of the project.

Airport security

“US airport security is a unique market, where the government is both the regulator and the customer,” said CEO of Americas and Chief Scientist, Brian Gonzales.

“The partnership we have formed with the DHS and TSA enables us to combine input from both the end-customer and the safety regulator to deliver a design that completely re-imagines security screening but is also grounded in the reality of airport operations and regulations.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with DHS and TSA as we build and then demonstrate this design in real airports.”