Summary of TSA's Monthly Conference Callfor Airport Stakeholders
December 7, 2023
On December 7, TSA held its monthly conference call for airport stakeholders. The conference call was led by Alan Paterno, TSA's Industry Engagement Manager for Airports in the office of Policy, Plans and Engagement (PPE).
As announced on last month's call, several TSA Policy, Plans and Engagement leaders are retiring at the end of the year, including Aviation Division Executive Director Vera Adams, Aviation Division Deputy Director Gary Seffel, Policy Director for Airports Kevin Knott, and Industry Engagement Manager for General Aviation Michael Rucinski. Vera and Kevin participated on the call and thanked airports for their partnership and perspective over the years.
Updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Aviation Worker Screening and Cybersecurity
On November 15, TSA issued updated FAQs for TSA-NA-23-02 Aviation Worker Screening. The FAQ includes updates to previously answered questions as well as answers to new questions on issues such as: accepted mail, baggage, and cargo; informed compliance; how TSA will determine compliance; restricted versus public areas; closure of access points; best practices and coordination with ATLAS; and alarm resolution.
On the call, airports asked for additional clarification on several of the updates and new questions. In particular, a question was asked about number 60, a previously answered question on whether or not stadium style searches are an acceptable means of complying with the NA. TSA maintained that a physical or technological search is required. After the call, AAAE expanded further on the question raised by the airport, specifically that the updated answer to number 60 appears to require physical pat-downs of aviation workers. TSA pledged to follow-up with further clarification.
Another airport raised concerns about the answers to new questions number 22 and 23 regarding restricting or closing access points to funnel aviation workers to a specific access point for screening. The airport raised concerns that the information in the new FAQ appears contrary to what was discussed by TSA on a call for Category II airports in August. The airport has invested time and resources in crafting an aviation worker screening implementation plan that is now negated by the updated FAQs. TSA took note of the comment but explained the careful balance the agency tries to achieve with issuing performance-based regulations (wherein airports are allowed the opportunity to determine how best to effectively implement the requirements at their facility) versus being responsive to airport requests for additional guidance and answers to specific questions.
On November 27, TSA issued updated FAQs for the Joint Emergency Amendment 23-01 Cybersecurity Performance Based Measures. It is version 4.1 of the FAQ and includes updated information regarding: TSA inspectors' ability to copy sensitive information provided on-site by a regulated entity; delegated/shared responsibilities for critical systems, specifically for regional air carriers doing business as mainline carriers; and further clarification of the Policy Clarification Notice (PCN 2023-Joint EA-002) issued on September 8 regarding critical systems like fuel farms, checked baggage, badging, physical access control and CCTV.
REAL ID
Simone Davis from the REAL ID program office reported that a proposed rulemaking allowing for a phased approach to REAL ID enforcement has been added to the unified agenda. REAL ID enforcement is scheduled to begin May 7, 2025. The proposed rulemaking would allow federal agencies subject to REAL ID enforcement, such as TSA, to implement a phased approach to enforcement. Agencies seeking a phased approach must submit their plans to TSA, which is now responsible for the REAL ID program. In addition, phased enforcement must be complete no later than May 7, 2027. However, TSA emphasized that there would be no further extension of the REAL ID enforcement deadline.
TSA plans to take a phased approach to REAL ID enforcement to allow individuals more time to obtain a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification to minimize impact at the screening checkpoint. For the phased approach, TSA will first focus on engagement and marketing with a full-blown ad campaign launching next year (subject to TSA appropriations), followed by notification to individuals without a REAL ID or acceptable form of ID, and ending with progressive enforcement of the REAL ID requirements.
TSA has also been working with the 11 states that have a 25 percent or lower adoption rate for REAL ID. TSA has or has plans to visit with the Governor or DMV responsible agent in the 11 states to offer support and resources to help increase the adoption rate. Several of the six states already visited by TSA have launched renewed marketing campaigns for REAL ID. TSA reminded airports that a REAL ID toolkit can be found on TSA.gov with REAL ID messaging and campaign resources for use as appropriate by airports.
Safe Skies
Jessica Grizzle from Safe Skies provided an update on the organization's applied research program:
• Work for PARAS 0059 Enhanced Scheduling Tool for Aviation Worker Screening is on track to have the tool finalized at the end of this year for January release.
• The RFP for PARAS 0060 Strategies for Developing an Aviation Worker Screening Program closes next week and project work will begin in January. The project scope is focused on random continuous screening as required under TSA-NA-23-02, not full employee screening that will be covered in PARAS 0063.
• The Safe Skies Oversight Committee, which includes AAAE and airport representatives, approved the following projects for FY 2024.
o PARAS 0061 Ensuring Security Operational Readiness for New and Renovated Facilities
o PARAS 0062 Planning for Airport Impacts of Locally Hosted Major Events
o PARAS 0063 Considerations for Full Employee Screening at Airports
o PARAS 0064 Artificial Intelligence in Airport Security
o PARAS 0065 Synthesis of Practices for Secure Vehicle Operations on the AOA.
• Short descriptions for each can be found here. Safe Skies will be seeking panel project participants and will post an announcement soon for interested individuals.
Enrollment Services and Vetting Programs Update
Sam Smith from TSA Enrollment Services and Vetting Programs reminded airports that every covered individual in their badged population must have an active badge, active Security Threat Assessment, and active RapBack subscription by March 29, 2024. TSA plans to issue several Aviation Worker bulletins with additional details and reminders prior to the March 29, 2024, deadline for full implementation of the RapBack mandate. TSA also plans to issue eBadge best practices and an updated RapBack User Guide by the end of the year or early 2024.
