Pre-Solicitation Notice: TSA Gold+ Draft PWS, Evaluation Factors, and Industry Day

Performance Work Statement Scope This Performance Work Statement (PWS) defines the services needed by the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) to implement the TSA Gold+ initiative. The TSA Gold+ requires a complete, turnkey solution to deliver and manage both security screening technology and a skilled workforce capable of screening passengers and their property at participating airports for explosives, weapons, and other prohibited items. Background The mission of TSA is to protect the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. In support of this mission, the Screening Partnership Program (SPP) was established under Congressional mandate through the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) of 2001 and amended by subsequent laws, including the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, and the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. Under SPP, screening of passengers and property at participating airports is performed by a private, contracted screening workforce under Federal oversight. TSA screens nearly 2.5 million passengers daily across more than 400 commercial airports, and passenger volumes are projected to continue growing. Historically, TSA’s dual role as operator and regulator has established a strong foundation of security and operational standards. TSA Gold+ creates the opportunity to build on that foundation - unlocking greater agility, investment, and innovation. In alignment with Administration priorities and executive orders, TSA is working to restore the Golden Age of Travel and reassert America’s global dominance in aviation security and innovation. TSA Gold+ is a transformative initiative designed to modernize aviation security by empowering airports to opt-in to a privatized screening ecosystem tailored to their unique operational and community needs. Building on the Screening Partnership Program (SPP), TSA Gold+ reimagines public-private partnerships to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and operational solutions that enhance security, efficiency, and passenger experience. Overview TSA Gold+ aims to redefine the relationship between TSA, airports, and industry by transitioning TSA’s role from both operator and regulator to security regulator providing oversight at the selected airports. This shift allows private industry to operate checkpoints under TSA oversight, creating space for enhanced security, innovation, and operational excellence. The program introduces turnkey solutions that integrate advanced technologies, privately managed screening personnel, and tailored security ecosystems to meet the specific needs of airports. The objectives of TSA Gold+ are to: Elevate Customer Experience: Deliver a seamless, efficient, and user-friendly journey for travelers by integrating advanced technologies, increasing capacity and throughput, and providing personalized services that enhance overall satisfaction and confidence in aviation security.  Accelerate Innovation: Enable rapid deployment of cutting-edge technologies to enhance security effectiveness and passenger throughput.  Drive Investment: Attract private-sector funding to modernize security infrastructure, reduce taxpayer burden and unlock new market opportunities for aviation security innovation.  Enhance Security: Ensure that operators meet or exceed the same outcome-based security metrics used by TSA through robust oversight of screening operations, including oversight of threat detection, cybersecurity and operational resilience. Enable Airport Choice: Empower airports to actively participate in designing and informing operational requirements through a flexible public-private partnership framework, ensuring solutions are tailored to local needs and security priorities.  Improve Flexibility: Allow airports to customize their operations, fostering greater collaboration between TSA, industry, and local communities.  TSA Gold+ gives airports a new pathway to work with TSA and industry partners to modernize security operations by using contracted screening services, deploying next generation Transportation Security Equipment (TSE), and designing bespoke curb-to-gate experiences. The program is designed to accommodate airports of all sizes and layouts, ensuring scalability and adaptability to dynamic operational needs. TSA will maintain robust regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with outcome-based security metrics, while collaborating with private industry to drive innovation and operational excellence.  General Requirements This section defines the Offeror’s general requirement for responsibilities that apply to this Contract. Performance Requirements The Offeror shall meet or exceed the general performance requirements in this section. Standards and Code Requirements The Offeror shall ensure that all work performed is in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal standards, codes, and regulations, including obtaining any required licenses, permits, approvals, and authorizations. Security Clearance and Sensitive Security Information (SSI) All personnel are required to go through an STA (Security Threat Assessment) and receive a favorable TSA suitability determination prior to commencing work on this requirement. Most of the information that the Offeror will encounter during the performance of the requirement will be Sensitive Security Information (SSI). All material marked SSI shall be handled according to TSA policy, guidance and procedures. For those orders that require access to classified information (up to the SECRET level) personnel will be required to be vetted via TSA’s process for clearance. TSA does not anticipate requiring the handling and storage of classified information (up to the SECRET level) at the Offeror’s facility. TSA will provide access to TSA’s classified processing and storage facilities on an as needed basis. (See Attachment C - SSI Policies and Procedures Handbook) Of…