TSA completes transition to federalized security operations at Jackson Hole Airport

JACKSON, Wyoming – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Monday completed the transition of security screening duties at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) from contracted services to a fully federal operation.

Previously, security screening activities were contracted by TSA to the city of Jackson and the Jackson Hole Airport Board. TSA had maintained oversight of all operations and required the city to meet the same security protocols and standards that are in place at other commercial airports nationwide.

Starting Monday, travelers departing JAC were screened by TSA security screening officers who are employed by the federal government. Twenty-nine former contract screening officers have accepted offers of federal employment and will continue to seamlessly perform their security duties at JAC. 

“When we started to transition operations at JAC less than two months ago, our top two priorities were to deliver uninterrupted security operations for residents and visitors departing the airport and to take care of the employees who serve this community in a critical role. We have successfully completed the transition and met our key goals,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Wyoming Richard Whitmer. “We are grateful for the support from the Jackson Hole Airport Board and other members of the local community who have made this transition proceed smoothly. We look forward to building upon our existing relationships with the people of Jackson.” 

TSA offered all contract security screening officers the opportunity to remain in their current roles and transition to federal employment with full federal benefits. The benefits include comprehensive health care plans, a generous 401k retirement plan as well as accrual of annual and sick leave. Federal TSA officers are also eligible for up to $5,000 per year in college tuition reimbursement. TSA offers full federal benefits to full- and part-time employees.

The compensation plan also includes an hourly rate supplemented by locality pay and retention incentives. Employees are also eligible for overtime pay, other forms of premium pay and a variety of cash awards for performance.

Over the past seven weeks, agency officials held weekly town meetings to help employees understand the specifics of transitioning from contract to federal employment. At least one senior TSA leader from Wyoming has been on-site during the entire transition period in order to answer questions and respond to specific requests from employees.

TSA will maintain federal security screening operations at JAC for a minimum of five years. This will allow for employees who have transitioned to federal employment to become fully vested in the federal retirement system and the government’s 401k plan.