TSA Drops Gold+ for 20-Airport Screening Partnership Program Under Horizon 25

3 articles · Updated · Federal News Network · Aug 24

TSA said it will scrap the short-lived Gold+ privatized screening model and instead expand an “evolved” Screening Partnership Program, now used at 20 U.S. commercial airports, under Administrator David Cummins’ Horizon 25 strategy.
Gold+ lost momentum after airports and industry participants said the plan was vague; TSA had closed bids on July 31 and planned contract awards by September, but has not said what happens to that procurement.
Tampa International Airport, the largest of three airports that had moved toward Gold+, reversed course Monday and will keep checkpoint screening with TSA officers after reviewing security, workforce, technology, financial and legal issues.
Charleston and Des Moines had also announced Gold+ plans last month, while TSA screeners and the AFGE union opposed the shift over pay, benefits, seniority and retention concerns.
The policy turn comes weeks after Cummins took over at TSA and as Horizon 25 broadens the agency’s agenda to PreCheck, checkpoint technology, passenger experience and counter-drone security.