Airport Alert: TSA to Reimburse Airports for Increased Cleaning Costs Related to COVID-19
April 9, 2020
As part of the ''Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act'' or the ''CARES Act'' Congress appropriated $100 million to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to spend, in part, on "cleaning and sanitation at checkpoints and airport common areas" as well as for explosive detection materials and overtime. TSA has informed AAAE that $54 million of this supplemental funding will be used to cover the costs to clean and sanitize TSA checkpoint and baggage claim areas as required by local/state health departments and CDC guidelines for COVID-19.
TSA has established a reimbursement process for airports that experience an increased cleaning or sanitization requirement, including proactive janitorial services to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. To receive the reimbursement, airport authorities must:
As part of the ''Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act'' or the ''CARES Act'' Congress appropriated $100 million to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to spend, in part, on "cleaning and sanitation at checkpoints and airport common areas" as well as for explosive detection materials and overtime. TSA has informed AAAE that $54 million of this supplemental funding will be used to cover the costs to clean and sanitize TSA checkpoint and baggage claim areas as required by local/state health departments and CDC guidelines for COVID-19.
TSA has established a reimbursement process for airports that experience an increased cleaning or sanitization requirement, including proactive janitorial services to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. To receive the reimbursement, airport authorities must:
- Document the cleaning/sanitization requirement and coordinate the required services with the TSA Federal Security Director (FSD) staff and other airport partners, as applicable.
- Certify in writing that the required services are in response to COVID-19, as well as provide the estimated cost (i.e., a quote) for the cleaning/sanitization services to the TSA Real Estate Management Division (REMD) Point of Contact (POC) or provide the documentation via email to REMDTasking@tsa.dhs.gov. The airport authority should notify TSA as soon as possible to ensure funding is distributed as timely as possible.
- If an active and appropriate contract vehicle is not already in place at the airport location, TSA will initiate an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) to distribute reimbursement funds specifically related to COVID-19 cleaning and sanitization.
We anticipate FSDs at your airports will provide additional guidance about this reimbursement process shortly. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to AAAE.
