TSA Needs to Improve Management of the Quiet Skies Program (REDACTED)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) did not properly plan, implement, and manage the Quiet Skies program to meet the program’s mission of mitigating the threat to commercial aviation posed by higher risk passengers. Specifically, TSA did not develop performance goals and measures to demonstrate program effectiveness or always adhere to its own Quiet Skies guidance. This occurred because TSA lacked sufficient oversight to ensure the Quiet Skies program operated as intended. For example, TSA did not have a centralized office or entity to ensure the various TSA offices properly managed Quiet Skies passenger data. Without sufficient metrics, analysis, and controls, TSA cannot be assured the Quiet Skies program enhances aviation security through FAMS as intended. We made two recommendations that, when implemented, may help TSA better measure the effectiveness of its Quiet Skies program. TSA concurred with both recommendations and has begun implementing corrective action plans.