TSA Gold+ program would expand private screening

The Transportation Security Administration said this week it is developing a new program, called TSA Gold+, that would expand the role private companies can play in airport security screening. The initiative builds on TSA’s existing Screening Partnership Program, under which private contractors already conduct screening at 20 U.S. airports under federal oversight. Under Gold+, TSA says private partners could take on broader responsibilities, including managing screening equipment and bringing in new technology, while the agency keeps its oversight role. ### How is Gold+ different from the screening system airports already use? TSA’s current Screening Partnership Program dates to 2004 and allows airports to apply to use private screening vendors instead of federal officers. Under that model, TSA says the federal security director remains in charge, vendors must follow TSA procedures, and the agency provides the screening technology used at participating airports. (time.com) Gold+ goes further than that. TSA says the new program would pair the Screening Partnership Program with its innovation authorities so that industry operators can manage both screening staff and technology, rather than relying on TSA-owned equipment alone. TIME reported that airports joining Gold+ would be able to use private contractors to manage more of their screening operations, including staffing and some screening technologies. ### What has TSA said the program is supposed to do? (tsa.gov) TSA says Gold+ is meant to “unlock innovation, expand screening capacity, and achieve world-class security and customer experience.” On its program page, the agency says airports would be able to opt in, tailor operations to local needs, and use private capital to support infrastructure and technology upgrades. A TSA spokesperson told TIME the program is the “next evolution” of the Screening Partnership Program and said it is intended to give airports continuity and operational stability during federal government shutdowns. (tsa.gov) NPR reported that TSA also told the outlet Gold+ would help airports avoid staffing shortages that became visible during the recent Homeland Security funding lapse, though the agency did not detail how promised gains in wait times or capacity would be achieved. ### How many airports already use private screeners? TSA says 20 airports currently participate in the Screening Partnership Program. The agency’s factsheet lists airports including San Francisco International, Kansas City International, Sarasota Bradenton International and Atlantic City International among the sites now using private screening vendors under TSA oversight. NPR reported that Gold+ is being presented as an update to that existing system rather than a separate replacement for it. (time.com) That matters because the current program still leaves TSA in operational control, while Gold+ would shift more day-to-day responsibility to contractors. ### Has TSA named airports or set a rollout schedule? May 21 was the date TSA set for a Gold+ “industry day” at its Springfield, Virginia, headquarters, according to a pre-solicitation notice on SAM.gov. (tsa.gov) The notice said the event would be used to engage airports and contractors as TSA developed the program. TSA’s public Gold+ page says the program is aimed at “select airports across the United States,” but it does not identify pilot sites or give a launch timetable. (tspr.org) TIME likewise reported the broad framework without naming airports that had signed on. ### What happens next for airports that might want in? TSA says airports can opt in to Gold+, but the agency has not yet published a full public list of participating sites, a final timeline or contract awards. (sam.gov) The next concrete public steps are likely to come through TSA materials tied to the Gold+ procurement process and any follow-up notices after the May 21 industry day in Springfield. (tsa.gov)