TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a Memorandum of Understanding, and all associated documents, including any necessary amendments, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), for participation in the TSA Aviation Rap Back Program. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
Pursuant to Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1542-Airport Security (49 CFR 1542), the Long Beach Airport (Airport) is required to obtain a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) for every applicant seeking Airport identification media (Airport ID) for access to secured areas of the Airport. The CHRC provides the information necessary to determine if an applicant has a disqualifying criminal offense, as noted in 49 CFR 1542.09, that would automatically preclude the applicant from receiving access. The CHRC is required upon the initial application and every renewal period thereafter, which is annually or every other year, depending on Airport ID type. A fee of approximately $30 is currently charged to the Airport for the initial CHRC and for each renewal.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has developed the TSA Aviation Rap Back Program (Rap Back) to reduce vulnerabilities and risks to transportation security. Rap Back provides airports with continuous monitoring of CHRC data following an applicant’s initial approval to address any immediate changes in criminal activity and law enforcement encounters. Airports are notified when there is a change in an applicant’s CHRC data. This allows for the immediate termination of access if an applicant is involved in a disqualifying criminal offense. There are no additional funds required to participate in Rap Back and the City may terminate its participation in the program upon 60-days prior written notification. The $30 CHRC initial application fee structure will remain the same; however, the $30 renewal fee for each subsequent CHRC will be eliminated and replaced with a one-time $3 fee for continuous monitoring through Rap Back. As customary, fees are subject to change.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on May 31, 2019 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on June 14, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 2, 2019, to allow for the agreement to be executed by the parties in a timely manner.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Memorandum of Understanding is expected to have a positive impact to the Airport Fund Group as cost savings will be realized in future years, as a result of the Airport eliminating the need to pay the renewal fees. Instead, the Airport will only need to pay a one-time $3 fee per applicant for the Rap Back program. Sufficient appropriation is budgeted in the Airport Fund Group in the Airport Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CLAUDIA LEWIS
INTERIM DIRECTOR, LONG BEACH AIRPORT
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER