TSA Announces Key Elements of Registered Traveler Program

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a number of details for a nationwide Registered Traveler (RT) program, intended to accelerate the security screening process at participating airports.

The program will be offered by the private sector, and participation will be entirely voluntary.  While the agency will mandate a core security assessment for each applicant, RT providers may undertake more in-depth security background checks.  The TSA will offer participants a variety of time-saving benefits at passenger screening checkpoints, which might be even further enhanced if additional security is added by a more thorough background check.

In addition, if RT service providers wish to make investments in approved screening equipment, fund additional screeners, or obtain space for separate RT screening, the TSA says it is prepared to accommodate them by authorizing the use of dedicated screening lanes or alternative screening locations.

The TSA says it will work with program providers to harmonize technologies and business processes with government-sponsored travel facilitation programs.  Moving forward, the program will be harmonized with the Department of Homeland Security and State Department's PASS (people, access, security, service) system.

In order to give industry the opportunity to begin offering the programs later this year, the TSA is requiring program providers to collect 10 fingerprint images from each applicant that will be put on the participant's smart card to help ensure that the person's identity can be accurately confirmed.

The smart card technology needs to conform to current federal technical implementation guidance and biometric data must be stored in accordance with standards established by the American National Standards Institute/International Committee for Information Technology Standards (ANSI/INCITS).  In addition, all RT data needs to be handled in compliance with the Federal Privacy Act.

On December 15, 2005, the TSA issued a RFI (request for information) to assist it in identifying one or more business models for the program that can meet a nationwide interoperability requirement, be sustained solely through user fees, and provide scalable and sustainable operations.  Responses to the RFI were due to the agency on January 20.

By late April, the TSA expects to select an entity to certify service providers and manage compliance; issue recommended amendments to its requirements for airport checkpoint verification providers; and receive plans from interested parties for achieving interoperability among RT programs.  01-22-2006.

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