DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jesus H. Saenz, Jr., IAP
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP) Grant at San Antonio International Airport
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance extends the participation of the City of San Antonio in the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP) at the San Antonio International Airport. TSA has requested the extension to retroactively commence on January 1, 2020 and allows TSA to reimburse up to $126,250.00 to the FY 2020 Airport Operating and Maintenance Fund of the Aviation Department through June 30, 2020. Participation in the current program was approved by City Council on November 13, 2014 through Ordinance 2014-11-13-0913. This agreement may be extended upon mutual agreement of both parties.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP), overseen by the TSA, was designed to assist airports in explosives detection by providing canines, training for both personnel and canines, and providing reimbursement of operating expenses. The San Antonio Airport System has participated in the program since 2002. The NEDCTP provides handlers and canines to protect against terrorist attacks by deterring and detecting the introduction of explosive devices at transportation centers such as the San Antonio International Airport. The current agreement was approved by City Council in November 2014 for a five year term.
ISSUE:
The agreement with TSA authorizes TSA-certified explosive detection canine teams to be available to the San Antonio International Airport with the intent to provide maximum coverage during peak operating hours. The canine teams will conduct training and other activities within view of the public to provide a visible deterrent towards potential and actual terrorist threats and other criminal activity.
The agreement will be retroactive to January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020. The participation of the program may be extended upon mutual agreement by both parties.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could continue the program but decline the TSA grant funding, thereby increasing the cost to the City for the program. City Council could amend the terms of the agreement with the TSA to limit the funding cost to the City, but this action would require approval by the Federal Security Director of the Department of Homeland Security, and might have a negative impact on future federal grant applications.
FISCAL IMPACT:
With the authorization of participation in the TSA program, the cost of the positions and the program will be reimbursed through Federal grant funds up to $126,250.00 for January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020 to the FY 2020 Airport Operating and Maintenance Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the authorization to continue participation in the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program at the San Antonio International Airport.