Bottle Liquid Scanner (BLS) Qualified Products List (QPL)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Quality Product List (QPL) announcement and qualification process.

• Submission Method: Vendor QDP submissions will not be accepted on encrypted or password-protected thumb drives; submissions must follow directions in the QPL Announcement.
• System Installation: Technicians with appropriate suitability determinations (not limited to SSI vetted employees) can install the required production representative systems.
• International Recognition: TSA is utilizing an internationally recognized standard for certification and anticipates international recognition of vendor performance. TSA will provide letters of performance for use with other nations.
• Minimum Liquid Quantity: The minimum liquid quantity to be inspected is detailed in SSI/Classified documents, which will be provided after necessary clearances are obtained.
• Schedule Milestones: The Government will issue amendments to the announcement to address timeline concerns as needed.
• QPL Process Details: Further details on the QPL process phases, document review, evaluation, and decision points are in the Quality Management Plan (QMP), provided post SSI vetting.
• Requirements Documentation Release: Unclassified and SSI documents will be released together after SSI approval. Classified documents will be released after CNSI approval.
• Performance Data: The types of performance data expected from vendors are outlined in Section 2.2 of the QPL announcement.
• System Configuration: QPL qualification applies to a specific system configuration (hardware/software baseline), not a family of systems.

This Q&A document clarifies several aspects of the QPL process, including submission requirements, system installation, documentation release, and the scope of qualification. Vendors should review these clarifications to ensure their proposals and preparations align with TSA's expectations. No specific changes to deadlines or submission rules were explicitly stated as being modified by these answers, but vendors should be aware of the clarified requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This announcement is a Request for Certification Data Packages (CDP) or Qualification Data Packages (QDP) for the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Bottle Liquid Scanner (BLS) Qualified Products List (QPL). The TSA is seeking to expand its current BLS QPL, which includes over 1,600 systems in operation across more than 435 airports, to foster greater competition for future procurements. This process is for vendors to have their BLS systems qualified and added to the TSA BLS QPL.

• Systems must demonstrate capabilities based on the BLS Functional Requirements Document (FRD) v2.95 (January 2026) and align with Detection Standard (DS) 2.3 (July 19, 2012).

• Systems must adhere to applicable Information Technology (IT) security requirements and meet select Security Technology Integrated Program (STIP) compatibility requirements.

• QPL Applicants must successfully complete a multi-step Qualification Process, including System Testing, Certification Testing (CERT), Qualification Testing (QT), and Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E).

• A minimum of six (6) production representative systems are required throughout the qualification process.

• Successful qualification and placement on the BLS QPL does not guarantee a contract award.

• Procurement decisions will be made as appropriate requirements arise, potentially via competition or sole source justification.

• TSA funding for the QPL Qualification process is limited to the first three (3) QPL Applicants with an approved and accepted QDP.

• The Qualification Process involves several steps, starting with CDP submission (Step 3) or QDP submission (Step 5) if the system is already TSA Certified.

• Key deadlines include: 20 days for questions, 45 days for SSI/classified document access requests, 30 days for grandfathering requests, 120 days for CDP submission, and 30/180 days for QDP submission.

• Evaluation involves rigorous testing and review against TSA standards and requirements.

• There are no limitations on who may submit as a QPL Applicant; they do not need to be the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

• Security clearance (Secret level) is required for QPL Applicant personnel accessing classified information.

• Access to Sensitive Security Information (SSI) and Classified National Security Information (CNSI) requires specific vetting and authorization.

• This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute a commitment or promise of a contract.

• QPL Applicants are responsible for all costs associated with their participation.

• Applicable clauses include those related to handling classified, SSI, and controlled unclassified information, as well as Buy American Act and Trade Agreements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, TSA Form 2815, is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) required for individuals and entities granted access to Sensitive Security Information (SSI) by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It outlines the terms and conditions under which SSI can be accessed and handled.

• Defines Sensitive Security Information (SSI) as per 49 CFR Part 1520 and any information marked "Sensitive Security Information" or "SSI".
• Specifies that access is conditional and granted solely for the purpose stated in Section I, Item 2.
• Outlines requirements for safeguarding, handling, storage, sharing, dissemination, and destruction of SSI.
• Mandates immediate notification to TSA in case of any breach of SSI.
• Details consequences for violating the agreement, including civil penalties and denial of future access to government information.
• Requires return or certification of destruction of SSI upon termination of need-to-know.

Bidders who are expected to be granted access to Sensitive Security Information (SSI) as part of an opportunity will likely be required to execute this agreement. It informs them of the strict conditions and responsibilities associated with handling confidential security information, including potential penalties for non-compliance. Understanding these terms is crucial for ensuring proper proposal preparation and contract performance if awarded.