TSA to allow independent screeners at Orlando Sanford airport

Wed, 2012-06-13 11:06 AM
By: Mark Rockwell

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allowing Orlando Sanford International Airport to opt out of using federal agents to screen passengers there in favor of private security screeners operating under federal supervision.

The TSA made the announcement on June 11 with House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chairman and frequent TSA critic Rep. John Mica (R-FL). Mica had been working to require that TSA accept airports’ applications to opt for the private-federal screening model.

In a statement on June 12, Mica said the Orlando Sanford airport is expected to consider two screening models -- one in which a private screening services operator is contracted by TSA and another one in which the airport competes for the contract with TSA and retains a private contractor to assist in the new screening model. Under either of these models, said Mica, TSA will continue to set standards, approve private contractors, and conduct audits and oversight of operations at the airport as well as across the country.

Mica had added amendments to the Federal Aviation Administration re-authorization bill that was signed into law in February that required TSA to accept applications, apply a reasonable set of transparent criteria, follow certain timelines, and reopen its Screening Partnership Program that allowed private airport screeners. Sixteen airports currently operate under the opt-out program, having begun participation before the TSA curtailed it in early 2011.

Orlando Sanford had applied to opt out on two previous occasions, but TSA denied the requests, as it had for several other airports’ applications. Qualified contractors will now compete under a TSA request for proposals. A contract will then be awarded, and the airport will transition to a public-private screening operation, said Mica.

“I hope this opens a new era of reform for TSA operations, not only at Orlando Sanford but across nation,” Mica said. “It’s critical that TSA get out of the business of running a huge bureaucracy and human resources operation and refocus its attention on security, analyzing intelligence, and setting the highest risk-based security standards. TSA needs to focus on going after terrorists – not little old ladies, veterans and children.”

“Orlando Sanford will be the largest airport to convert to the private-federal screening model under the opt-out program. As more airports across the country will be encouraged to opt out, both taxpayers and air travelers will benefit from this cost-effective program,” said Mica.

TSA to allow independent screeners at Orlando Sanford airport | Government Security News