Executive Summary
TSA wants white papers on air cargo detection and screening technology it can demonstrate. Anyone registered in SAM.gov can submit. White papers are due in three windows: January 15, May 15 and October 29, 2027. TSA mostly plans no-cost demonstration agreements.
TSA may pay direct demonstration costs and may award contracts case by case. Read the data-rights language first: submitting grants the government an exclusive right to use and distribute data from any proof of concept.
Solicitation at a Glance
- Agency: Transportation Security Administration (TSA), TSA Innovation
- Opportunity: Air Cargo Detection Innovation and Demonstration Broad Agency Announcement
- Number: 70T04026BAA7573ACD
- Award Vehicle: Mostly no-cost agreements; contracts possible case by case
- Funding: No amount posted; TSA may fund direct demonstration costs
- Due Dates: White paper windows January 15, May 15 and October 29, 2027
Think your company qualifies? Talk with BW&CO before the January 15 deadline.
What Is the Air Cargo Detection BAA?
A TSA call for white papers on technology that detects threats in air cargo, leading to demonstrations with TSA.
What Problem Is TSA Trying to Solve?
TSA needs better ways to screen air cargo and wants to see new detection technology work in demonstrations.
Funding and Award Terms
- Default: Agreements at no cost to the Government
- Possible funding: Direct demonstration costs
- Contracts: May be awarded case by case
- Data rights: Submitters grant the Government an exclusive right to use and distribute all data produced through any proof of concept
Eligibility
- Who can submit: TSA sets no limits on who may submit
- Registration: SAM.gov registration required
How to Apply
- Read the BAA: including the data-rights terms
- Prepare a white paper: 5 pages, 10 slides or a 7-minute video
- Submit: in the January 15, May 15 or October 29, 2027 window
What Happens After You Submit?
- Review: TSA reviews white papers in each window
- Demonstration: Selected technologies move to demonstration agreements
Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?
Good fit if you have detection or screening technology ready to demonstrate and can fund most of the demonstration yourself.
How BW&CO Can Help
BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For federal demonstration BAAs like the TSA air cargo BAA, we help you:
- Check the data-rights terms before you submit
- Write a white paper TSA can act on
- Pick the right submission window
- Plan demonstration costs
- Find funded follow-on paths
Frequently Asked Questions
When are white papers due?
January 15, May 15 and October 29, 2027.
How long is a white paper?
5 pages, 10 slides or a 7-minute video.
Does TSA pay?
Mostly no. Agreements are intended to be at no cost; TSA may fund direct demonstration costs.
Who can submit?
TSA sets no limits; you must be registered in SAM.gov.
What about my data?
Submitters grant the Government an exclusive right to use and distribute data from any proof of concept.
Can it lead to a contract?
TSA may award contracts case by case.
Can BW&CO help with a TSA white paper?
Yes. We can review your white paper and the data-rights terms before you submit. Book a call with our team.
Source: SAM.gov: 70T04026BAA7573ACD, Air Cargo Detection Innovation and Demonstration BAA