AviationLawmakers question TSA new uniform purchase
Republican lawmakers want to know why the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has signed a contract worth $50 million for new uniforms for the agency’s employees, at the same time that officials are complaining that budget cuts are causing staff shortages, flight delays, and longer lines at security checkpoints.
Republican lawmakers want to know why the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has signed a contract worth $50 million for new uniforms for the agency’s employees, at the same time that officials are complaining that budget cuts are causing staff shortages, flight delays, and longer lines at security checkpoints.
“The rationale behind the timing of TSA’s uniform contract and other uncertainties surrounding the contract award raise concerns,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to TSA chief John Pistole. The letter was signed by Representatives Jason Chaffetz, (R-Utah) and John Mica, (R-Florida), who both lead House oversight subcommittees.
Fox News reports that Chaffetz and Mica have been persistent critics of TSA, and in their letter they cited warnings from top agency officials about the sequester cuts. The two requested more information on the deal, and also requested a briefing from the TSA, asking whether “any consideration” was given to a delay in the new uniforms “in light of the possible impacts of sequestration.”
TSA officials signed the uniform contract just days before the federal budget cuts went into effect.
The agency released a statement saying the $50 million dollar figure represented the “maximum value, not the amount expended,” and that the contract is intended to fill a gap in service. The TSA also said that the contract was needed because the previous contract which, covered worn uniforms and new hires, ran out in early February.
“The new DHS-wide contract to purchase all component uniforms won’t take effect until next year, so TSA signed an interim two-year contract on February 22, 2013 with a $50-million dollar ceiling to continue to procure new uniforms,” the agency said. “Without the contract bridge, TSA would not have been able to procure additional uniforms which are lower than or equal to the cost of any other uniform worn by officers in the federal government.”
The company VF Imagewear Inc, which is more known for its Lee and Wrangler jeans, has an option to extend the contract for another year.
