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A Change For The Better
The security of America’s airports and the passengers who fly through them became the focus for the federal government when it assumed responsibility for passenger and baggage screening in the aftermath of September 11. In looking for a few companies to participate in a pilot program to test private initiatives in this important arena, the government’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) focused on experienced, customer-service oriented companies with the ability to handle large scale security processes. FirstLine Transportation Security became a logical choice. Our commitment is to ensure the security of the traveling public with a program that is focused on providing exceptional customer service to both our airline partners and their passengers. We recognize that these travelers aren’t just passengers…they’re also people.

A Tradition of Excellence

FirstLine is a subsidiary of SMS Holdings, a privately-owned company with over 10,000 employees in 34 states and a fifteen year history of providing security, aviation, and facility maintenance services across the nation. As one of only three private companies selected to provide these services under what is called the PP5 program, FirstLine Transportation Security, Inc. and its 700 professional employees provide pre-departure passenger and baggage screening services for the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) at Kansas City International Airport. FirstLine removes TSA's burden of day-to-day workforce management, allowing the federal government to focus on
security, safety, and technology priorities. FirstLine works closely with the TSA site managers to make sure that all security measures are consistent with TSA guidelines and all employees are professionally trained by the TSA.

A Challenging Opportunity

In late 2002, FirstLine quickly assumed pre-departure screening duties at Kansas City International airport (KCI), a facility that brings a particular set of challenges. KCI is arranged in 3 horseshoe-shaped terminals, a configuration which requires 12 separate screening checkpoints and nine baggage screening stations. Restroom facilities, food and refreshments are all located outside the secure areas, creating the need to double screen many passengers. And remodeling efforts at the airport have resulted in temporary and permanent gate relocations, requiring us to continually reassign our screeners. Our distinctive approach gives us the resources to perform this enterprise while ensuring the security of these passengers, making the airport operate more efficiently.

FirstLine’s experience in private sector human resources management enhances the screening services delivered to the TSA. FirstLine can provide enhanced pay scales, training, and rewards for exceptional performance and attendance in excess of government requirements, and its Kansas City International Employee Advisory Committee allows management to respond, to discipline or offer corrective guidance to employee concerns in real time.

The Option Is Here

The Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 (ATSA) not only mandated federalization of airport security screening but also provided for the option of a private-public partnership between private screening companies and the federal government. Currently, five "PP5" airports enjoy the advantages of this partnership, but the ATSA provides the opportunity for the rest of the Nation's airports to apply or "Opt-Out" for this type of partnership. As Admiral David Stone, Acting TSA Administrator stated in Congressional hearings in April, the TSA is producing "an efficient, understandable and effective procedure for optout applications." That guidance is practical so that, as Admiral James M. Loy, assistant director of the Department of Homeland Security noted, "Beginning on November 19, 2004 any airport operator may apply to have screening performed by a contract screening company under contract with TSA."

For airports opting for the TSA Screening Partnership Program, FirstLine is an ideal choice. Our approach allows the TSA to focus on the process of operational issues directly related to airport security while allowing airports to enjoy numerous benefits, including:

  • Affiliation with a company that has 20 years of experience in the airport and security industries.

  • The experience of working with a company that is nationally recognized for providing effective and efficient pre-departure passenger and baggage screening at a major commercial U.S. airport.

  • Top-notch customer service.

  • Groundbreaking management techniques and innovative ideas including:

    • Staffing programs that place screeners where they're needed, when they're needed.
    • Customer Service training and incentives that enhance morale and productivity.
    • Business practices that maximize financial and administrative efficiencies.
    • Key metrics and tools that track performance and measure success.

  • The stability that comes with a well-established, financially secure company.

  • Screeners who have been hired and expertly trained under federal government guidelines.

A Safe Choice For Transportation Security

At FirstLine, we know that travel today is full of many stressful stops. Pre-departure screening does not have to be one of them. That’s why we’re committed to offering our clients and their passengers the friendly, personal service they would expect from a private company, along with security procedures that live up to the government’s highest standards.

Interested in learning more about a company that puts as much importance on service as it does on security? Contact FirstLine today at 615-312-7857, or email us at info@firstlinets.com.
© 2007 FirstLine Transportation Security