About
The Aviation Security System Integrated Support Testing (ASSIST) Program is a collaborative effort between all commercial service airports in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), a nonprofit consortium dedicated to advocating policies and services that strengthen airports in serving their passengers, customers, and communities, and the National Safe Skies Alliance (Safe Skies), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to helping create and maintain a safe and efficient aviation system. The ASSIST Program provides resources to test and evaluate aviation security solutions that protect our nation’s airports. Funding for this program is provided by Safe Skies through Cooperative Agreement 09-G-011 with the FAA.
The ASSIST Program provides the opportunity for airports to identify and resolve specific security system needs using solutions that are eligible to receive FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds. The FAA AIP Handbook (Order 5100.38C) establishes a National Priority System for distributing these funds in accordance with Congressional direction, with security projects among the highest priorities.
The ASSIST Program is unique in that the airports themselves propose the ideas, which are then reviewed and, if selected, overseen by a committee of their peers – airport security professionals. The goal of the ASSIST Program is to strengthen the nation’s aviation system by establishing the best possible security solution in the unique context of that airport’s location.
Contacts
ACI-NA
Chris Bidwell
Director, Public Safety & Security
1615 L St. NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 293-8500
Safe Skies
Scott Broyles
President & COO
110 McGhee Tyson Blvd, Suite 201
Alcoa, TN 37701
865-970-0515 office
