In light of TSA’s PreCheck program doing an “okay” job of moving travelers along at airports, TSA knows it needs something better. As more frequent flyers sign up for PreCheck, officials are left to be creative in heading off potential traffic jams. Not counting the lucky few who are “waved” though security check to keep the flow of human traffic moving, 400,000 applicants have been PreCheck cleared since December. Realizing that some airports are not prepared to accommodate such a huge amount of human traffic, TSA is asking for help.

TSA has launched a new challenge, InnoCentive, hoping to find someone out there who has the answer. This challenge is all about developing a modeling program to facilitate the process of queue assessments and algorithms to create successful queue designs at airports. And, this challenge is not without benefits. Someone could take home a $15,000 award, but because more than one winner can be chosen, TSA guarantees that no one will be awarded less than $2,500.

A word to anyone looking for a team captain: TSA employees are not allowed to participate in this challenge. However, if you read this article, decide to participate in the challenge and win, I wouldn’t mind a “finder’s fee,” if you’re feeling a bit generous!

(Image from loungebuddy.com)