On October 8, 2026, TSA posted a Request for Information on SAM.gov (Notice ID 70T01027I8401N001) seeking a computer-based color vision testing system that TSA personnel would administer. Today the testing is done by a third-party medical services provider. Responses from vendors are due October 19.
The notice is market research. It is not a solicitation, and TSA says it will not answer questions about it.
What the Documents Say
TSA projects it will need about 26,825 medical exams to meet its hiring goals in the next fiscal year. The draft Performance Work Statement describes a test the applicant takes alone with integrated instructions, under a TSA proctor. The system must display a definitive pass or fail result and "should not provide diagnostic data beyond the pass/fail outcome." TSA is also asking vendors about a pilot at five to ten sites before a rollout to roughly 450 locations, and it anticipates a single contract award.
The RFI states the current purpose plainly:
Why Color Vision Is a Requirement
Color perception is written into the statute. 49 U.S.C. 44935(f)(1)(B) lists "color perception" among the physical abilities required of screeners. Subparagraph (ii) requires that screeners operating any screening equipment "be able to distinguish each color displayed on every type of screening equipment and explain what each color signifies." TSA's Essential Job Functions document carries the same requirement into the job itself, including distinguishing colors on x-ray and explosive detection screens.
Periodic Retesting and Current Officers
Vision testing is not limited to hiring. MD 1100.33-4, the Annual Medical Certification Program, provides in Section 6.C that the annual evaluation "may also include periodic vision testing" in addition to the required online questionnaire. That provision applies to officers already on the job.
Nothing in the RFI or the draft PWS says the new system would be used on currently employed officers. The notice describes a pre-employment tool. Whether TSA would later use an in-house test for periodic vision testing is not addressed, and Against Giants is not predicting that it would.
For what the annual program requires of officers now, see What Changed in the Medical Certification Directive.
What the Notice Leaves Open
The documents do not say what an applicant is told after a fail result, or whether a retest is available. A pass or fail with no diagnostic data raises that question, but the notice does not answer it.
Against Giants will report if a solicitation follows and if its terms address anyone beyond applicants.
Questions about the Annual Medical Certification process or a medical determination can be sent to info@againstgiantsllc.com or againstgiantsllc.com/get-help.html