Security Policy Alert: TSA Monthly Conference Call Summary for July 2021
July 1, 2021
This afternoon, TSA held its monthly conference call for airport stakeholders. Following are highlights from today'™s call:
Update from Policy, Plans and Engagement
Proposed ASP Amendment TSA-NA-16-01C: On June 28, TSA posted on the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) the proposed ASP National Amendment, TSA-NA-16-01C: Inspection of Merchandise and Consumables Intended for Clubs and Lounges in the Sterile Area.
In proposed TSA-NA-16-01C, TSA is specifically soliciting airport operator feedback on the following proposed changes:
· Adding a definition for Commercially Prepared, as discussed on last month's TSA monthly call for airport operators.
· Clarifying that the airport operator is not responsible for inspecting merchandise intended for airline-owned or operated clubs and lounges '“ a change long-advocated for by AAAE and the airport members of the Quarterly Airport Security Review.
· Separating the requirements in Section A. into three distinct processes to make the language easier to read and interpret.
Comments are due on August 13, 2021. As always, AAAE will submit comments on behalf of our airport members so please share any comments or feedback regarding the proposed ASP amendment with AAAE staff.
COVID-19 Related National Alternative Measures: TSA has partially renewed the National Alternative Measure TSA-NA-20-03 series to continue to allow airport operators to accept expired driver'™s licenses and state identification cards for identity verification during the badge issuance process. TSA-NA-20-03E with the provision on expired driver'™s licenses has been extended to August 31, 2021. The other two provisions expired as of June 30.
In addition, National Alternative Measure 20-04, Temporary Relief of Identification Media Security Requirements Due to COVID-19, expired in its entirety on June 30.
One plus one: At the security checkpoint, passengers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item. There are several exemptions to the 'œone-plus-one' rule, such as for medical items and musical instruments. TSA requested airport assistance in reminding passengers of TSA'™s one-plus-one rule, especially as passenger volumes increase.
Although not discussed on today's call, TSA put out a press release today with tips for passengers traveling over the busy 4th of July holiday weekend.
Enrollment Services and Vetting Programs (ESVP) Update:
Rap Back Update: There are currently 236 airports and 17 aircraft operators participating in the Rap Back program. TSA has added 10 new airports and 7,000 subscriptions this year.
TSA is conducting a listening tour with airport operators to focus on the Rap Back program and the Fingerprint Results Distribution (FPRD) interface and terminology. TSA is soliciting feedback on the FPRD interface and terminology used as well as how the Program Office can better assist airports. TSA plans to develop guidance and/or revise interface descriptions to better serve airports and their use of the FPRD. TSA ESVP may be reaching out to your airport through the AFSD-I to set up in-person, virtual or blended meetings.
Centralized Revocation Database (CRD): TSA-NA-20-01A establishing the Centralized Revocation Database went into effect on June 20, 2021. TSA has noted steady submission of information to the CRD by airports and air carriers. Of the individuals submitted to date, six triggered notifications to other agencies and one triggered notifications to four other agencies.
In situations where airport operators accept Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) certifications from aircraft operators, any revocations thereafter (post final hearing) will be entered into the CRD with assistance from TSA. For individuals entered into the CRD, any agency who submits a CHRC request for that individual will be notified of the previous revocation. The agency submitting a CHRC request is authorized to view the CHRI. Please submit a request for assistance to Aviation.Workers@tsa.dhs.gov box and a time will be scheduled to input the information into the CRD.
Security Threat Assessment Processing Delays: Last month, TSA reported that it is experiencing a Security Threat Assessment (STA) enrollment increase that is approximately 250% above the number of enrollments it received in May of 2020. TSA encourages all applicants to enroll or renew at least 60 days before they require a STA. Early submission of enrollments and renewals enables TSA to prioritize workload properly, and this prioritization may help TSA prevent lapses in credentialing due to vetting and adjudication times.
TSA reported today that the agency processes the majority of STA applications in less than 15 days, with many results returned within 24 to 72 hours. However, some cases require manual review that may take up to 30 or more days to process. TSA maintains that it will continue to monitor STA processing times and prioritize resources to minimize extended wait times.
TSA asked airports for their continued patience as the agency actively addresses the increase in enrollments. TSA asked airports to notify the Program Office of STAs that may exceed the 30-day mark. TSA also advised airports to ensure that all STAs submitted to TSA through the Designated Aviation Channeler (DAC) are complete and include all required documentation at the time of submission for timely processing. If TSA requests additional information, please provide a response as soon as possible to expedite the process.
TSA also clarified that the agency adjudicates cases in order of receipt. Adjudication response times may vary based on the applicant'™s case details reported during the vetting process. Vetting results that require manual review by adjudicators impact processing times; although citizenship status may trigger a manual adjudication, citizenship status does not automatically equate to a longer processing time. According to TSA, cases may take up to 30 or more days to be returned due to the high volume of enrollments across the national transportation system.
On a related note, TSA recognized the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) for working with their DAC and TSA to bring to TSA'™s attention a 'œbug' in TSA'™s system'™s logic that allowed cases to be moved out of TSA enrollment queues before adjudication. This applied to some cases receiving updates shortly after submission, such as Rap Back transactions. TSA implemented a manual fix to stay on top of current volume and is deploying new logic to prevent this issue from occurring for future enrollments.
New E-Mail Address for CATIV Airports: The TSA.OIA.PMD.Aviation@tsa.dhs.gov e-mail address has changed to General.Aviation@tsa.dhs.gov. Please send correspondence for CATIV airports, as well as Private Charter/Twelve-Five matters, to this inbox.
COVID-19 Related Cleaning and Sanitization Reimbursement
TSA reminded airports that the funding for enhanced cleaning reimbursement will end on September 30, 2021. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act appropriated supplemental funding to clean and sanitize TSA checkpoint areas as required by local and state health departments and CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Any new requests or requests for additional funds needed to be received by June 30, 2021, for reimbursement. TSA noted that continuation of the program requires Congressional support and funding in FY22 and beyond. In the event that TSA receives additional funding for this purpose, the agency will work with each airport to extend the Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).
Special Emphasis Assessment on CAT III & IV LEO Response
TSA Compliance is conducting a Special Emphasis Assessment (SEA) on Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) response at Category III and IV airports. The SEA, which will not result in enforcement action, is intended to take a national snapshot of how the Security Directive provisions related to LEO response are being implemented and what procedures are in place at Category III and IV airports, particularly in regard to on-airport presence and flexible response time. Inspectors will largely collect the data through an Airport Security Program review but may reach out to select airport operators.
Credential Authentication Technology Deployment
TSA Acquisitions and Program Management office reported that Phase III deployment of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machines will begin on July 11 at SFO and SEA-TAC. Phase III includes deployment of 1,001 CAT machines which will be completed by next summer or the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2022.
Next TSA Conference Call
The next TSA conference call for airport stakeholders is scheduled for Thursday, August 5 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Please note the updated conference call number and passcode: 1-800-857-5826 and passcode 9596778.
This afternoon, TSA held its monthly conference call for airport stakeholders. Following are highlights from today'™s call:
Update from Policy, Plans and Engagement
Proposed ASP Amendment TSA-NA-16-01C: On June 28, TSA posted on the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) the proposed ASP National Amendment, TSA-NA-16-01C: Inspection of Merchandise and Consumables Intended for Clubs and Lounges in the Sterile Area.
In proposed TSA-NA-16-01C, TSA is specifically soliciting airport operator feedback on the following proposed changes:
· Adding a definition for Commercially Prepared, as discussed on last month's TSA monthly call for airport operators.
· Clarifying that the airport operator is not responsible for inspecting merchandise intended for airline-owned or operated clubs and lounges '“ a change long-advocated for by AAAE and the airport members of the Quarterly Airport Security Review.
· Separating the requirements in Section A. into three distinct processes to make the language easier to read and interpret.
Comments are due on August 13, 2021. As always, AAAE will submit comments on behalf of our airport members so please share any comments or feedback regarding the proposed ASP amendment with AAAE staff.
COVID-19 Related National Alternative Measures: TSA has partially renewed the National Alternative Measure TSA-NA-20-03 series to continue to allow airport operators to accept expired driver'™s licenses and state identification cards for identity verification during the badge issuance process. TSA-NA-20-03E with the provision on expired driver'™s licenses has been extended to August 31, 2021. The other two provisions expired as of June 30.
In addition, National Alternative Measure 20-04, Temporary Relief of Identification Media Security Requirements Due to COVID-19, expired in its entirety on June 30.
One plus one: At the security checkpoint, passengers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item. There are several exemptions to the 'œone-plus-one' rule, such as for medical items and musical instruments. TSA requested airport assistance in reminding passengers of TSA'™s one-plus-one rule, especially as passenger volumes increase.
Although not discussed on today's call, TSA put out a press release today with tips for passengers traveling over the busy 4th of July holiday weekend.
Enrollment Services and Vetting Programs (ESVP) Update:
Rap Back Update: There are currently 236 airports and 17 aircraft operators participating in the Rap Back program. TSA has added 10 new airports and 7,000 subscriptions this year.
TSA is conducting a listening tour with airport operators to focus on the Rap Back program and the Fingerprint Results Distribution (FPRD) interface and terminology. TSA is soliciting feedback on the FPRD interface and terminology used as well as how the Program Office can better assist airports. TSA plans to develop guidance and/or revise interface descriptions to better serve airports and their use of the FPRD. TSA ESVP may be reaching out to your airport through the AFSD-I to set up in-person, virtual or blended meetings.
Centralized Revocation Database (CRD): TSA-NA-20-01A establishing the Centralized Revocation Database went into effect on June 20, 2021. TSA has noted steady submission of information to the CRD by airports and air carriers. Of the individuals submitted to date, six triggered notifications to other agencies and one triggered notifications to four other agencies.
In situations where airport operators accept Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) certifications from aircraft operators, any revocations thereafter (post final hearing) will be entered into the CRD with assistance from TSA. For individuals entered into the CRD, any agency who submits a CHRC request for that individual will be notified of the previous revocation. The agency submitting a CHRC request is authorized to view the CHRI. Please submit a request for assistance to Aviation.Workers@tsa.dhs.gov box and a time will be scheduled to input the information into the CRD.
Security Threat Assessment Processing Delays: Last month, TSA reported that it is experiencing a Security Threat Assessment (STA) enrollment increase that is approximately 250% above the number of enrollments it received in May of 2020. TSA encourages all applicants to enroll or renew at least 60 days before they require a STA. Early submission of enrollments and renewals enables TSA to prioritize workload properly, and this prioritization may help TSA prevent lapses in credentialing due to vetting and adjudication times.
TSA reported today that the agency processes the majority of STA applications in less than 15 days, with many results returned within 24 to 72 hours. However, some cases require manual review that may take up to 30 or more days to process. TSA maintains that it will continue to monitor STA processing times and prioritize resources to minimize extended wait times.
TSA asked airports for their continued patience as the agency actively addresses the increase in enrollments. TSA asked airports to notify the Program Office of STAs that may exceed the 30-day mark. TSA also advised airports to ensure that all STAs submitted to TSA through the Designated Aviation Channeler (DAC) are complete and include all required documentation at the time of submission for timely processing. If TSA requests additional information, please provide a response as soon as possible to expedite the process.
TSA also clarified that the agency adjudicates cases in order of receipt. Adjudication response times may vary based on the applicant'™s case details reported during the vetting process. Vetting results that require manual review by adjudicators impact processing times; although citizenship status may trigger a manual adjudication, citizenship status does not automatically equate to a longer processing time. According to TSA, cases may take up to 30 or more days to be returned due to the high volume of enrollments across the national transportation system.
On a related note, TSA recognized the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) for working with their DAC and TSA to bring to TSA'™s attention a 'œbug' in TSA'™s system'™s logic that allowed cases to be moved out of TSA enrollment queues before adjudication. This applied to some cases receiving updates shortly after submission, such as Rap Back transactions. TSA implemented a manual fix to stay on top of current volume and is deploying new logic to prevent this issue from occurring for future enrollments.
New E-Mail Address for CATIV Airports: The TSA.OIA.PMD.Aviation@tsa.dhs.gov e-mail address has changed to General.Aviation@tsa.dhs.gov. Please send correspondence for CATIV airports, as well as Private Charter/Twelve-Five matters, to this inbox.
COVID-19 Related Cleaning and Sanitization Reimbursement
TSA reminded airports that the funding for enhanced cleaning reimbursement will end on September 30, 2021. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act appropriated supplemental funding to clean and sanitize TSA checkpoint areas as required by local and state health departments and CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Any new requests or requests for additional funds needed to be received by June 30, 2021, for reimbursement. TSA noted that continuation of the program requires Congressional support and funding in FY22 and beyond. In the event that TSA receives additional funding for this purpose, the agency will work with each airport to extend the Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).
Special Emphasis Assessment on CAT III & IV LEO Response
TSA Compliance is conducting a Special Emphasis Assessment (SEA) on Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) response at Category III and IV airports. The SEA, which will not result in enforcement action, is intended to take a national snapshot of how the Security Directive provisions related to LEO response are being implemented and what procedures are in place at Category III and IV airports, particularly in regard to on-airport presence and flexible response time. Inspectors will largely collect the data through an Airport Security Program review but may reach out to select airport operators.
Credential Authentication Technology Deployment
TSA Acquisitions and Program Management office reported that Phase III deployment of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machines will begin on July 11 at SFO and SEA-TAC. Phase III includes deployment of 1,001 CAT machines which will be completed by next summer or the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2022.
Next TSA Conference Call
The next TSA conference call for airport stakeholders is scheduled for Thursday, August 5 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Please note the updated conference call number and passcode: 1-800-857-5826 and passcode 9596778.
