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technique, separate certification and operational testing will be necessary for measuring the performance of equipment operators. The certification of TEDDs will be necessarily independent of the certification of TEDD operators to ensure that both are working properly. In the panel's opinion, the FAA has not provided a viable quantitative primary standard, and the current method of deposition on test objects does not mimic fingerprints.

Recommendation

The FAA should establish separate certification protocols for trace explosives-detection devices (TEDDs) and TEDD operators.

Recommendation

The FAA should establish a specific threat trace amount that trace explosives-detection devices must be able to detect to be certified.

Recommendation

The FAA should develop a trace explosives-detection device (TEDD) calibration standard (TEDDCS)—based on an established threat trace amount—for measuring the capability of a TEDD to detect explosives introduced directly onto the sampler and into the instrument. This standard should be used for certification testing, as well as for performance verification in the field. The TEDDCS should also be made available to TEDD manufacturers for developmental purposes.

Recommendation

The trace explosives-detection device calibration standard should be dissolved in a volatile solvent to produce a known concentration. Slurries or suspension solutions should not be used for this purpose.

Recommendation

The FAA should develop a test to measure the trace explosives-detection devices sampling mechanism (sampler). The test should measure how well a sampler collects a known amount (trace explosives-detection device sampling standard) of explosive material deposited on a known area in a manner consistent with the trace explosives-detection device's operational protocol.

Recommendation

The FAA should develop a certification test for operators of trace explosives-detection devices that measures their ability to screen baggage and other objects. In addition, the FAA should periodically conduct blind and double-blind tests to monitor the performance of certified operators.

Recommendation

The panel recommends that the FAA continue to monitor false alarms of deployed trace explosives-detection devices (TEDDs). The false alarms should be documented, including the causes, and a list of interferants compiled to be used for the future development and deployment of TEDDs.