The Aviation Transportation Security Act (ATSA) of 2001 required TSA to conduct a pilot program with up to five airports where screening would be performed by private contractors under federal oversight. At the conclusion of the pilot in 2004, TSA created the Screening Partnership Program (SPP) and the five pilot airports transitioned to SPP.

Currently, 11 additional airports have been awarded a contract and are participating in the program, for a total of 16. Airport directors may submit their application to  participate in SPP to TSA at any time. Private contract companies must adhere to TSA’s security standards and contract screeners must meet ATSA requirements applicable to federally employed screeners.

Click here for a map of airports currently participating in SPP. (ppt, 203kb)