Resources
FAQs, glossary, and checklists
Reference material for anyone learning about the SAFETY Act — sellers, venue operators, security teams, and curious researchers.
Frequently asked questions
Glossary of terms
QATT
Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology — the statutory term for a technology approved under the SAFETY Act.
Designation
A DHS finding that a technology is proven effective and useful; comes with liability caps and federal jurisdiction.
Certification
A higher DHS approval standard, adding a rebuttable presumption of the government contractor defense.
DT&E Designation
Developmental Testing & Evaluation Designation — an early-stage approval for technologies still in field testing.
APL
Approved Product List for Homeland Security — the public list of SAFETY Act Certified technologies.
OSAI
Office of SAFETY Act Implementation, within the DHS Science & Technology Directorate.
Act of Terrorism
An event formally designated as such by the Secretary of Homeland Security under the SAFETY Act — the trigger for the Act's liability protections.
Government Contractor Defense
A common-law defense shielding contractors that meet government specifications; the SAFETY Act creates a rebuttable presumption of this defense for Certified technologies.
Simple checklists
Before applying
- Request a free pre-application consultation with DHS
- Identify the appropriate approval category (DT&E / Designation / Certification)
- Assemble independent third-party testing evidence
- Compile deployment and field performance data
- Engage insurance broker early to scope coverage
- Prepare a clear operational description of the technology
Evaluating a vendor's SAFETY Act claims
- Confirm current status on the official SafetyAct.gov list
- Identify the exact product / version covered
- Note the approval type (Designation vs. Certification)
- Check the term end date and renewal status
- Understand the required insurance amount and its implications
- Read the approval scope — how is the covered use described?
Official materials
Disclaimer
SafetyAct.com is an independent, educational resource. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and we are not the official SAFETY Act program. Official applications, guidance, and the approved technologies list are published only at SafetyAct.gov.