Lockheed Martin and Covenant Aviation Security have teamed to provide private security screening services at airports across the country. The newly formed team will vie for work under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)- developed Screening Partnership Program (SPP).

Under this program, airport operators may submit an application to have security screening carried out by a qualified private company. TSA will look to contractors to identify possible efficiencies in areas such as scheduling and use of part-time employees as appropriate for local airports. Contractor/airport/TSA partnerships will be relied upon to streamline operations and bring innovations in management and technology to screening operations. It is anticipated TSA will award SPP contracts beginning in May 2005.

"The Lockheed Martin - Covenant team will bring experience-based innovation to security screening privatization and provide world-class training, human resources management, checkpoint traffic control and customer service through our partnerships with the TSA, airport management and the flying public," said John Freeh, president Lockheed Martin Systems Management.

The Screening Partnership Program is based on a current TSA initiative known as the Private Screening Pilot Program. This program is currently operating at five airports - San Francisco International; Kansas City International; Greater Rochester International; Jackson Hole Airport; and Tupelo Regional Airport.

Both companies bring a strong track record of reliable, innovative service to the industry.

Covenant is responsible for passenger and baggage screener operations at two of the five current pilot program airports - San Francisco International Airport and Tupelo Regional Airport. At both airports, security and passenger satisfaction have met or exceeded expectations. Lockheed Martin has trained and deployed the federal passenger screeners for TSA on schedule and under budget, and continues to successfully train federal passenger and baggage screeners today.

Covenant Aviation Security (CAS) is one of the largest aviation security companies in the United States, and currently provides passenger and baggage screening services as part of the TSA Security Screening Pilot Program. CAS has proven its commitment by bringing best practices, existing technology and innovations from the private sector to the management of airport security. Covenant Aviation Security is headquartered outside Chicago, Illinois.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Website: lockheed.covenantaviation.com

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin