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Terrorism and Drug Trafficking: Testing Status and Views on Operational Viability of Pulsed Fast Neutron Analysis Technology

NCJ Number
179541
Date Published
1999
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This report provides information about the status of plans for field testing a pulsed fast neutron analysis (PFNA) inspection system to counter terrorism and drug trafficking and considers Federal agency and vendor views on the operational viability of such a system.
Abstract
The Customs Service, Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, and Ancore recently began planning to field test PFNA. They do not expect the actual field test to begin until mid- to late 1999 at the earliest. Generally, agency and vendor officials estimate that a field test covering Customs' and the Department of Defense's requirements will cost at least $5 million and that the cost could reach $8 million if the Federal Aviation Administration's requirements are included in the joint test. A complete field test would include preparing a test site and constructing an appropriate facility; making any needed modifications to the only existing PFNA system and its components; disassembling, shipping, and reassembling the system at the test site; and conducting an operational test for approximately 4 months. According to agency and Ancore officials, test site candidates are two seaports in California (Long Beach and Oakland) and two land ports in El Paso, Texas. Federal agency and vendor views on the operational viability of PFNA vary.