As federal programs are restructuring and subject to sizable budget changes under the current administration, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is no exception. Airport security is most often provided by the TSA, but there are opportunities for private security agencies to take over screening services at a few airports across the United States. This article will discuss proposed budget changes to TSA, the differences between federal and private airport screening, and how a push towards privatizing federal services affects airports and flyers in the U.S.
Proposed TSA Budget Changes
The Fiscal Year 2026 President’s Budget Request for the TSA proposes a significant increase in funding for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations, as well as facility and radar upgrades. However, the proposal also requests a large budget reduction for the Essential Air Service and reduced funding for Transportation Security Officers.
With budget cuts totaling $247 million, approximately 2% of existing TSA screening roles would be eliminated. Airports covered by TSA screening could struggle to adjust to staff cuts, making flying experiences for customers less than ideal. To bypass this problem, private airport screening services could become a more popular airport security model soon.
Private Airport Screening Services
While the TSA is responsible for conducting airport screening at most airports in the United States, private security screening has existed since 2004. The Screening Partnership Program, SPP, allows private security companies to conduct screening at 22 airports in the US.
IDIQ Requirements
To be considered for a private airport screening opportunity, security agencies are required to be IDIQ holders. IDIQ, or “Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quality,” contracts is a method of the federal government to provide services during a fixed period. Currently there are 27 IDIQ holders, including BOS Security.
Only companies that have a SPP IDIQ can submit a proposal for screening services at select airports. If a need arises, the TSA has the right to add more vendors to the contract.
How Do Commercial Airports Opt-In for Private Screening?
If a commercial airport is interested in transitioning from federal to private screening services, they can apply to their local Federal Security Director. If the application is approved, a contract may be issued within 12 months. The transition into the program could then take 4-6 months. When a contract is issued, the approved private security companies can submit their own proposals.
It is important to note that under current legislation, the TSA is responsible for approving or denying applications and assigning private companies to airports with screening opportunities.
Why Privatize Airport Security?
As more Americans rely on airports for travel, many flyers are growing frustrated with delays, long waits to get through security lines, and TSA’s security failures. Canada and most European countries use private airport screeners, and U.S. airports did too prior to the TSA’s creation following the 9/11 terror attacks. While many worry that a move towards privatization could negatively affect screening services, there are many reports that suggest the opposite.
Better Contraband Detection
In 2015, ABC News reported that undercover tests conducted by Homeland Security did not yield positive results. Undercover investigators were able to smuggle fake explosives or banned weapons through security checkpoints in 95% of the trials. In the Homeland Security Inspector General’s Report at that time, federal TSA Agents failed 67 out of 70 tests.
While still under federal supervision, a 2015 report from the Government Accountability Office found that passenger screeners in private airports performed better than their federal counterparts.
More Cost-Effective Screening
A 2011 study by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee compared the productivity of TSA Screening and SPP Screening. The study found that the airport with private screening was significantly more productive than TSA, processing an average of 65% more passengers per screener.
Faster moving lines result in more taxpayer savings. Less baggage and passenger screeners are needed to process the same amount of traffic as TSA airports, reducing costs further.
Higher Employee Satisfaction
Screeners hired by private companies are required to receive the same pay and benefits as federal screeners, while being held to the same standards. Additionally, federally operated airports have a significantly higher turnover rate for TSOs. With a higher turnover rate, the TSA must spend significantly more on recruiting and training new employees.
Private Screeners Held to TSA Standards
Airports that utilize private screening services are still heavily regulated by the TSA. Contract proposals are selected and managed by the TSA, and private screeners still have to follow the same baggage and passenger screening techniques as federally managed airports.
Federal and Private Airport Screening
While conversations about privatizing screening services at airports are becoming more prevalent, it is not a new topic. Each airport has the discretion to choose whether federal or private screening is better suited for them. However, the TSA still has the final say on which security agencies are IDIQ holders, which is assigned to an SPP airport, and whether airports can opt out of federal screening.
Prior to the establishment of the TSA, U.S. airports used private airport screeners, and Canada and most European countries still rely on private security agencies. In many cases, private screening is more efficient and cost-effective, without sacrificing the quality of passenger and baggage screening operations. Airports within the SPP have reported improved flyer satisfaction, higher employee retention rates, and enhanced customer service.