Tampa International Airport is among the first to join the Transportation Security Administration’s new “TSA Gold+” program, a public-private partnership that relies on private security rather than a federal workforce to conduct security screenings at airports.
TSA Gold+ and the Shift Toward Privatization
The landscape of U.S. airport security is undergoing a notable transition as the federal government moves to expand the Screening Partnership Program (SPP). Known as TSA Gold+, the updated model is designed to boost private sector involvement in passenger and baggage screening. According to reporting from the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Tampa International Airport (TPA) has confirmed its participation, positioning itself among the first facilities to adopt the new framework.
This expansion comes after years of relative stagnation for the SPP. Data from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicates that for a long period, the number of privatized airports remained at 20, compared to approximately 440 federalized airports nationwide. Tina Won Sherman, director of the GAO’s Homeland Security and Justice team, noted that the program had hit a plateau, but the introduction of Gold+ signals a potential shift in federal strategy.
The Kansas City Model: How Private Screening Works
While the Gold+ program is new, the concept of private security at major hubs is already established. Kansas City International Airport has long utilized private contractors, specifically VMD Corp., to manage its checkpoints. For many travelers, the distinction between federal and private officers remains subtle, if not entirely invisible.
Other travelers expressed a similar lack of awareness regarding the change in oversight. I didn’t even notice,
said Kim Eckels, a passenger traveling to Portland, Oregon. I taught my kids not to question anything going through security. Just keep your mouth shut and go.
Despite the private staffing, the federal government maintains a strict regulatory presence. Gabe Murphy, VMD’s program manager at Kansas City International, explained that the TSA remains deeply involved in daily operations. We do have TSA
at the airport, Murphy noted, adding that the federal team performs regular audits to ensure compliance with standardized procedures. Their SOP is our SOP,
he said, referring to the agency’s standard operating procedures.
Stakes for the Federal Workforce and Union Relations
However, the administration maintains that the shift to private partnerships will generate significant savings for the federal government, estimating the reduction in costs to be in the tens of millions of dollars.
Oversight Challenges in a Scaled-Up Program
“It’s critical, absolutely critical, for TSA to make sure that security is upheld at the highest standard that it can be.”
Tina Won Sherman, Director, GAO Homeland Security and Justice team
The details of how the Gold+ program will function in practice are still emerging. With the first group of participating airports expected to be announced later this year, the industry is watching to see whether the model can maintain consistent technology standards and screening efficiency across a diverse range of airport sizes and passenger volumes.
