1

Department of Homeland Security

Airport Station Box 38091

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00937-1091

SJU/POC: José G. Baquero, Federal Security Director (787) 549-0417 and/or jose.baquero@dhs.gov 

Rafael Cruz Martín, Esq. (787) 565-6512 and/or rafael.cruz@dhs.gov

January 31, 2012

TSA Questions & Answers 

General

1) Question: Please describe the process TSA will use for the review and approval of the Private Operator’s Airport 

Security Program and what will the timeline for such approval be? Does TSA expect that the Private Operator would 

be required to make any significant changes to the existing Airport Security Plan?

Answer: 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR.) Part 1542 prescribes the process for the adoption and approval of 

an Airport Security Program (ASP) that provides for the safety and security of persons and property on an aircraft 

operating in air transportation or intrastate air transportation against an act of criminal violence, aircraft piracy, and 

the introduction of an unauthorized weapon, explosive, or incendiary onto an aircraft. The current ASP is 

undergoing review by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) and is being significantly updated. The ASP revision 

must be final and include all necessary updates prior to privatization. 

Once the current ASP satisfies the requirements in 49 CFR Part 1542, it will be the Private Operator’s responsibility 

to submit its proposed complete ASP to TSA addressing all of the requirements set forth in 49 CFR 1542.103(a). To 

assist in the development process, TSA will provide the Private Operator with a copy of the ASP Guide. The 

proposed ASP must be submitted to TSA at least 90 days before the Private Operator intends to become the new 

airport operator (see 49 CFR 1542.105(a). Within 30 days of receipt, TSA will either approve the ASP or give 

written notice to the Private Operator modify the ASP. See 49 CFR 1542.105(a)(2). 

Since the current ASP is still being revised and updated, TSA cannot yet determine what changes may be 

necessary in order for the new ASP of the Private Operator to receive TSA approval. Upon submission of the 

proposed ASP by the Private Operator, TSA will make review a top priority. 

2) Question: Have any issues arisen between SJU and TSA regarding compliance with its Airport Security Plan?

Answer: Any noncompliance issues would be SSI; details can be provided only in an SSI-level briefing.

3) Question: To date, has TSA conducted any joint assessments with the Airport? Any joint testing for compliance?

Answer: TSA conducted a Special Emphasis Inspection in 2009 and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority participated. 

4) Question: Has there been a risk assessment conducted of SJU?

Answer: A TSA/FBI Joint Vulnerability Assessment (JVA) was conducted in 2010. The JVA consisted of an 

assessment of five critical infrastructure/key resources of SJU airport:

1) Airport Services (Cargo, Catering, ARFF, Fuel Farm, General Aviation, and Law Enforcement)

2) Airport Terminal (Checkpoint, Terminal Frontage: drop-off, pickup, public area, and sterile area, 

Baggage Claim Area, and Baggage Makeup Area).

3) Infrastructure Systems (Electric, HVAC, Gas, Information Technology, and Water/Sewage.

4) Airport Operations (Badge and Credentials, CCTV/Communications, Parking, Public-Airport Roadways,

and Ramp Operations.
2

Department of Homeland Security

Airport Station Box 38091

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00937-1091

SJU/POC: José G. Baquero, Federal Security Director (787) 549-0417 and/or jose.baquero@dhs.gov 

Rafael Cruz Martín, Esq. (787) 565-6512 and/or rafael.cruz@dhs.gov

5) Airport Perimeter (Fence Line, Active Vehicle Access Gates, Active Pedestrian Gates, Active 

 Maintenance/Construction Gates, Inactive Gates, Security Patrols, Intrusion Detection System, and CCTV.

 

5) Question: Are there plans underway for a Registered Traveller program at SJU?

Answer: It is the airport operator’s option to seek approval from TSA to initiate a Registered Traveler RT) program. 

As of this time, TSA has not received a request from.SJU to establish an RT program. 

6) Question: Do you have any plans to modify, change or expand your current security processes at SJU?

Answer: While SSI details of specific security processes at SJU cannot be discussed in this document, nationally, 

TSA is undertaking efforts to focus its resources and improve the passenger experience at security checkpoints by 

applying new risk-based, intelligence-driven screening procedures and enhancing its use of technology. TSA has 

developed conceptual screening processes consistent with this approach that the agency began testing at airports in 

August 2011, and TSA will continue to take steps to further enhance its layered approach to security through new

state-of-the-art technologies, expanded use of existing and proven technologies, better passenger identification 

techniques and other developments that will continue to strengthen the agency’s capabilities to keep terrorists off 

commercial aircraft.

7) Question: Are there any special security conditions or considerations that exist at SJU?

Answer: Muñiz Air National Guard Base is the home of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard's 156th Airlift Wing and 

the 198th Airlift Squadron flying C-130E aircraft. Muñiz ANGB a has hangar, Command Offices, a U.S. Air Force & 

Air National Guard recruiting office, Classrooms, Maintenance shops, A Community Club, a Family Readiness 

Center, a post barbershop and NGX has a Post exchange on base. On January 12, 1981, a group of terrorists 

destroyed and damaged ten A-7s and a Star fighter F-104 static display. The Air Force/Air National Guard invested 

$5.5 million in Electronic Security Equipment (ESE), a Master Surveillance Control Facility (MSCF), and fencing to 

secure the flight line and operations area. In addition, Muñiz Air National Guard Base was provided security police 

manpower and civilian contract guards. 

8) Question: How do you dispose of your HAZMAT from the Checkpoint and baggage rooms? Does this require any 

agreement with the Airport?

Answer: HAZMAT from the checkpoint is collected daily and brought to an offsite collection area, located near the 

TSA Coordination Center in the business office. All transportation is performed by individuals who have completed 

TSA’s required HAZMAT transportation training course. At the business office, it is sorted according to the DOT 

classification system, placed in approved storage containers, and then picked up every two weeks by TSA’s HAZMAT 

subcontractor, Clean Harbors. 

HAZMAT found in the course of inspecting checked baggage is placed in a temporary storage cabinet and then 

turned over to the airlines, per TSA directives. No agreement with the airport is necessary, as we manage our own 

hazardous material collection.

9) Question: What are the TSA requirements for inline baggage screening? Is there a perceived need to modify or 

update in-line checked baggage screening systems within the next five year period?

Answer: TSA SJU has an in-line baggage system at Terminal A. Terminal A is not in use at this time. Before 

Terminal A opens for service, the system needs to be tested and certified. Battelle, the TSA contractor hired to certify 

the in-line system will give TSA headquarters a full detailed report on how well the system operates during the thirty 

(30) day test of the system and also give recommendations if anything else needs to be corrected. If nothing else 

requires correction, then Battelle will certify the in-line system.

Currently, there are several issues that PRPA needs to correct through G> Company (G> is the company that 

PRPA contracted with to build the system); once those issues are corrected the airport will then notify TSA and TSA 

will arrange with Battelle to come back for the final testing in order to certify the system once the Airport sends an 

official opening date of Terminal A. 
3

Department of Homeland Security

Airport Station Box 38091

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00937-1091

SJU/POC: José G. Baquero, Federal Security Director (787) 549-0417 and/or jose.baquero@dhs.gov 

Rafael Cruz Martín, Esq. (787) 565-6512 and/or rafael.cruz@dhs.gov

When all the testing is completed and all issues corrected, a report will be sent to TSA for review. Then, TSA HQ will 

notify PRPA the system is certified and ready for use. 

This system is capable of screening cruise ship bags upon arrival in trucks from the piers as the trucks drop off the 

bags at the entry point of the first floor at the in-line system, making the system more efficient since the passengers 

will not have to bring their baggage themselves. By doing so, the inline system will alleviate the passenger flow 

within the airport. The truck will have to be monitored at the pier as it’s being loaded with baggage, the truck will then 

be sealed before leaving the pier and upon arriving at the in-line system within the airport, then the seal will be 

verified by TSA to ensure the truck was not tampered with before unloading the baggage. The in-line system is 

capable of screening over 2,000 bags per hour. Port PRPA is in a bidding process to see which company they will 

award the contact to clear all bag jams within the system. TSA’s role is to screen every bag that alarms in the system 

and clear it before the bag can be allowed onto the aircraft. 

PRPA is responsible for maintaining the in-system (BHS) Baggage handling System and repairing it if the system 

encounters problems. TSA has contracted L3 to do the maintenance and repairs portion of the EDS units when 

needed. TSA is waiting for airline certification to supply with equipment.

10) Question: What are the TSA requirements for the agriculture security process?

Answer: TSA does not participate in agricultural security inspections, but verifies that the SIDA badges are correct 

and compliant with TSA regulations. 

11) Question: What enhancement to security would be the most beneficial to the airport?

Answer: It is the responsibility of the airport operator to work together with TSA and other appropriate federal 

agencies, as well as, state and local law enforcement agencies, to determine what security enhancements would be 

most beneficial to the airport. Any specific details of security measures at the airport are protected as SSI. TSA will 

be prepared to discuss specific details of security enhancements at an SSI-level briefing. 

12) Question: Does TSA anticipate a statutory change in the amount of the September 11th Security Fee and/or the 

security fees paid by carriers, and how would TSA implement such a change?

Answer: TSA has no public comment on the possibility of legislative action on this issue. If there is a statutory 

change, it would apply nationwide, and not be location specific to SJU.

13) Question: Are there any other current or anticipated TSA proposals to increase the fee or implement similar 

additional fees?

Answer: Same response as for question 12.

14) Question: Are there any atypical issues/procedures at SJU in comparison to other airports (e.g., is drug 

smuggling from Caribbean points a risk of concern)?

Answer: Local law enforcement officiais may be able to provide information. Any security comparisons between 

airports are protected as SSI. We will be prepared to discuss specific details of security enhancement at an SSI-level

briefing. 

Staffing

15) Question: How many TSA Security Officers are currently employed at SJU? What is the current turnover rate of 

Security Officers? What is the ratio of part-time to full-time?

 Answer: We currently have 437 TSOs at the SJU roster. There are 274 full time Officers and 163 part time Officers. 

For Fiscal Year 2011: TSA Nationwide had an attrition rate of 2.4% for full time Officers and 13.5% for part-time 

Officers. TSA SJU had an attrition rate of 2.6% for full time Officers and 6.2% for part-time Officers. 
4

Department of Homeland Security

Airport Station Box 38091

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00937-1091

SJU/POC: José G. Baquero, Federal Security Director (787) 549-0417 and/or jose.baquero@dhs.gov 

Rafael Cruz Martín, Esq. (787) 565-6512 and/or rafael.cruz@dhs.gov

16) Question: Who is responsible for the staffing of passenger screening “exit lanes”: TSA or the airport operator? 

Answer: At SJU, TSA is responsible for staffing exit lanes which are collocated with the screening checkpoint which 

are the exit lanes located at CP 2 and CP 3. At CP 1 and CP 4 the exit lanes are no collocated with the checkpoint 

and are staffed by PRPA. 

17) Question: How many TSA proprietary K-9 teams are utilized at San Juan? Are costs reimbursed by the TSA?

Answer: TSA-SJU has three proprietary teams; no costs are reimbursed because the teams are comprised of TSA 

employees. There are also nine legacy teams, where the K-9 handlers are from the Puerto Rico Police Department 

but the K-9s belong to TSA. Reimbursement is made up to $450.00.00 a year.

18) Question: Does the TSA require the presence of a local law enforcement officer at the passenger screening 

checkpoint? Is this cost reimbursed by the TSA and to what level?

Answer: PRPD officers are required at every screening checkpoint and adjacent areas for proper response to any 

incidents. TSA and PRPA have signed a LEO Reimbursement Agreement up to approximately $800,000 a year. 

PRPA is responsible for all payments to the PRPD.

19) Question: Have any issues arisen involving TSA staffing at SJU?

Answer: TSA has determined the appropriate level of staffing necessary for SJU's operations. Our staffing is driven 

by the passenger flow and the airport’s future plans for additional screening operational areas, such as the planned 

opening of the new Terminal A. TSA included an additional employee break room in the design of Terminal A. If 

Terminal A is opened, it will take at least 7-9 weeks for the security equipment to be delivered, installed, and tested 

by TSA’s contractor, Battelle. PRPA must submit a draft of the layout of the new checkpoint with 4 lanes. TSA HQ 

will then evaluate and approve the drawings. It will take approximately four (4) months before the checkpoint’s 

equipment is operational. After the period of 7-9 weeks, TSA will be able to provide TSOs to open the new checkpoint 

at Terminal A in approximately 6 months based on the pool of potential employees subject to satisfactorily meeting

pre-employment qualifications. Once the new TSOs are hired, it can take approximately 10 months to have the 

Officers certified to perform screening duties, for a total of approximately one (1) year and two (2) months. 

20) Question: Does TSA anticipate any need for staffing/facility increases/relocations at LMM?

Answer: TSA considers the unique facts of each airport it regulates, and will continue to provide the appropriate level 

of staffing necessary for SJU’s operations. TSA anticipates an increase of TSOs once the new terminal is 

operational. The spaces needed to support this operation have already been identified. The Coordination Center 

Office is in need of a new area because their staffing has increased and they are currently sharing office space with 

the Inspection Department. The area was identified already and GSA is negotiating with PRPA for the build-up. TSI-E 

(BAO) is also in need of a permanent office space, but TSA has not yet identified an area. The inspectors are 

currently spread through different temporary areas. We have identified an area (the one shared with the Coordination 

Center) to build a permanent space once the Coordination Center employees are re-located. 

21) Question: What is the structure the TSA has implemented to provide services at SJU? 

Answer: TSA provides screening services at SJU appropriate to its operations. TSA may need more space and/or rearranged areas at the airport. In terms of structure, TSA has a stakeholder manager that serves as the 

liaison between the airport and TSA to address general issues. In terms of specific issues, the SJU airport 

operator has the names and telephone numbers of all TSA department heads. If airport officials have a 

question regarding regulations, they call the AFSD-Inspection. If they have a question regarding 

screening, they call the AFSD-Screening etc. They also have the contact information for the Deputy FSD 

and the FSD. 

22) Question: Although not within TSA’s specific jurisdiction, is it aware of any Customs and Border Patrol staffing 

issues?
5

Department of Homeland Security

Airport Station Box 38091

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00937-1091

SJU/POC: José G. Baquero, Federal Security Director (787) 549-0417 and/or jose.baquero@dhs.gov 

Rafael Cruz Martín, Esq. (787) 565-6512 and/or rafael.cruz@dhs.gov

Answer: CBP San Juan Field Director Marcelino Borges will be available at the teleconference on February 1, 2012. 

Mr. Borges will be able to respond to this question. 

Infrastructure

23) Question: Do the current Passenger Screening Checkpoints meet the demand without undue delay or 

congestion?

Answer: Yes, SJU has a total of 16 operational lanes distributed in 4 operational checkpoints. The redistribution of 

passenger flow experienced during the past few months as a result of the American Airlines downsize and the 

incremental flight schedule for JetBlue, Air-Tran, and US Airways poses a current challenge of flow at certain times of 

the day during peak season, but is expected to be resolved with the relocation of JetBlue to Terminal A where a 

checkpoint with 3 lanes will be available for the carrier. TSA has addressed the current volume issue with efficient 

pre-planning and communication with the air carriers to minimize the operational impact of the added flow. 

24) Question: Are there existing plans/capability to expand screening capacity as passenger count increase?

Answer: TSA will continue to provide the appropriate level of staffing necessary for SJU’s operations. As noted in 

responses to earlier questions, TSA will provide additional staffing when Terminal A opens. 

25) Question: What are your thoughts on screening cruise passengers and bags? We understand that AA’s bag 

room includes a separate but currently un-used TSA screening area that was used to screen cruise bags. Why did 

this facility shut down?

Answer: A couple of years ago, AA, Delta and U.S. Airways had a TSA-approved agreement with Bags, Inc. to 

process the bags of cruise ship passengers. That idea worked well for TSA and the airlines because it managed the 

flow of bags from the cruise ship terminal to the airport. The program ended when BAGS, Inc. cancelled the contract 

for financial reasons. TSA would consider any new proposals to reinstate this initiative at SJU. AA had an area at the 

baggage make-up area that was used to screen bags. When AA reduced the number of flights out of SJU in 2010, 

the airline stopped using this facility. Currently, there is no TSA equipment at the area. The downsizing of American 

Airlines operations was the main reason for the shutdown of the facility. The system was connected to the AA bag 

distribution belt and encoders, which made it unsuitable for a multiple carrier cruise ship operation without 

considerable investment.

26) Question: Which investments regarding TSA infrastructure are fundable and from which funding source(s)?

Answer: If the question refers to the funding of investments made by SJU, the airport can provide this information 

directly. SJU provides the physical space required for the passenger screening checkpoint, but TSA provides funding 

for its own infrastructure.

27) Question: Does the TSA have any views on funding availability (i.e. grants and Letter of Intent) for checkpoint 

improvement projects and installation of in-line EDS.

Answer: At this time, TSA has no public comment. 

28) Question: From TSA’s perspective, are there any security related systems in need of upgrade?

Answer: The effectiveness of security-related systems at SJU is protected as SSI. Some equipment may require 

upgrade.

29) Question: Are there any issues with regards to configuration or spatial requirements of TSA?

Answer: TSA may need additional space requirements. As noted in responses to earlier questions, if Terminal A 

opens TSA will need additional space in which to operate. 
6

Department of Homeland Security

Airport Station Box 38091

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00937-1091

SJU/POC: José G. Baquero, Federal Security Director (787) 549-0417 and/or jose.baquero@dhs.gov 

Rafael Cruz Martín, Esq. (787) 565-6512 and/or rafael.cruz@dhs.gov

30) Question: For which of the following parts of the Terminal Infrastructure is TSA responsible (for operation and/or 

maintenance):

Answers: 

— X-Ray equipment for hold baggage, hand luggage? Yes, TSA.

— Equipment for screening of passengers and staff? (WTMD, Hand held)? Yes, TSA, but the airport operator 

provides heat air conditioning, and floor cleaning. PRPA is responsible for the cleaning at CP3, CP4 and Terminal B. 

American Airlines is responsible for cleaning at CP1, CP 2, FIS Terminal C, Baggage Curb-side Baggage Area and 

Cruise Line Baggage area.

 — Control of boarding passes (at entrance to queuing for security check)? Yes, TSA. 

 — Control of passenger identification (at security check)? Yes, TSA. 

 — Control of goods? If the question refers to goods sold at business located in the sterile area, TSA requires the 

airport operator to be responsible for the security of the deliveries of the goods to the airport tenants and for 

ensuring that prohibited items are not sold in the sterile area. Local law enforcement maintains control of any 

illegal and/or prohibited items which TSA acquires as part of any administrative search. 

— Storage and disposal of confiscated dangerous goods? Yes, TSA, but if an item is confiscated by a law 

enforcement officer, the law enforcment authority retains control of the item. 

— TSA Back offices? Yes, TSA pays for the cleaning of two employee break rooms; one is located at CP 2 and the

other one located between CP3 and CP 4. 

Other Issues

31) Question: Although not within TSA’s specific jurisdiction, can it comment on security-related grants that SJU has 

received from other agencies, such as FEMA’s Port Security Grants Program and DOT? 

Answer: TSA has no information on grants from other agencies.

32) Question: Does TSA anticipate the establishment of new programs or the expansion of existing programs, in 

which SJU might participate (i.e., new initiatives, Model Ports, privatized screening, etc.)?

Answer: TSA is always receptive to airport input regarding the airport’s participation in new or existing programs. 

TSA is always looking for additional ways to improve effective security, such as by risk-based screening. CBP may 

provide information regarding Model Ports. 

33) Question: Although not within TSA’s specific jurisdiction, can it advise whether there any developments that 

would enable the reinstatement of hold rooms/sterile lounges to be used for international transit passengers?

Answer: TSA cannot comment. There is a luggage hold room located at Terminal C which is operated by the local 

Cooperative of the Airport Luggage carriers. 

34) Question: Are there any planned regulatory changes that will incur cost to the airport operator or impact the 

operation?

Answer: In response to emerging threats, TSA will consider what security enhancements may be necessary to 

address those threats. Accordingly, in terms of revisions that may occur to the CFR, TSA cannot speculate on the 

cost of future security enhancements that may be necessary to address new and evolving threats to transportation 

security. Since the ASP is currently undergoing review and is being updated by SJU, TSA cannot determine whether 

the airport operator will spend additional money to achieve compliance with existing requirements in 49 CFR Part 

1542. Also, it is conceivable that the Private Operator’s ASP may contain provisions with cost implications made 
7

Department of Homeland Security

Airport Station Box 38091

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00937-1091

SJU/POC: José G. Baquero, Federal Security Director (787) 549-0417 and/or jose.baquero@dhs.gov 

Rafael Cruz Martín, Esq. (787) 565-6512 and/or rafael.cruz@dhs.gov

necessary by the final lease agreement it reaches with SJU. If there are cost-related questions related to compliance 

issues, TSA will provide additional information at an SSI-level briefing. 

35) Question: How will PRPA’s compliance history affect the new airport operator if there are new enforcement 

issues? 

Answer: The general rule is that the new airport operator would be a new regulated party, and would therefore not 

be held accountable by TSA either monetarily or in terms of enforcement history for the past violations of the previous 

airport operator. However, TSA can never rule out the possibility of considering the previous airport operator’s 

enforcement history if there are unique facts making it appropriate for the agency to do so. For instance, take the 

example of an airport operator that hires a particular contractor to perform security duties, but the contractor’s poor 

job performance leads to the airport operator violating TSA security requirements. If the new airport operator knows 

about the contractor’s past deficiencies and still elects to hire that same contractor, any enforcement actions against 

the new airport operator involving this same contractor may lead TSA to consider the previous airport operator’s 

enforcement history.