The agency clarified the reasons for its request under 5 CFR 1320.13.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/2026
6 Months From Approved
10/31/2026
36,000
0
22,500
43,200
0
37,125
3,486,680
0
0
This collection of information will assist the agency in ensuring that candidates under employment consideration for Transportation Security Officer (TSO) positions meet the qualification standards to successfully perform the functions of the position. The information will be collected from applicants for TSO positions to evaluate a candidate's current and past medical history including visual and aural acuity, physical coordination, and motor skills.
Without emergency approval, TSA will risk significant effects to the publicâs ability to travel if airports are not able to screen passengers because they do not have sufficient front-line TSOs. TSAâs inability to timely hire TSOs in the needed numbers will translate to increased checkpoint wait times, longer security lines that pose a safety risk, negative impact on TSO moral as mandatory overtime will be necessary, and traveler frustration due to increased risk of flight impacts. The use of normal PRA clearance procedures is reasonably likely to result in public harm such that TSA would be hindered in its ability to hire TSOs in an expeditious manner using the new online solution and TSO Medical Clearance Form.
TSA is seeking emergency approval of the revised information collection to replace the prior paper-based SOMQ with the online SOMQ and add the new TSO Medical Clearance Form because delays attributable to the current hiring solution have significantly impacted TSAâs ability to hire sufficient front-line TSOs in many locations.
TSA adjusted the number of respondents from 22,500 to 18,000 to more accurately reflect the agencyâs current anticipated hiring needs. The annual time burden to respondents has been updated to incorporate the most recent wage data (e.g., the hourly wage rate for TSO candidates). Time burden estimates now reflect a 15-minute reduction resulting from the completion of the SOMQ form online. This form had previously been provided in a written format. In addition, time costs have been updated to account for expenses associated with operating a vehicle to and from the medical appointment.
TSA has moved away from using a TSA contracted medical provider to conduct the TSO candidatesâ medical exam. As such, the federal cost burden has changed. The government cost no longer includes $2,531,250 in annual fees paid to a contracted medical provider. However, TSO candidates will now incur an out-of-pocket cost to use a local health care provider to conduct a medical exam and complete the new Medical Clearance Form. TSA estimates the cost burden to TSO candidates for medical exams at approximately $2,700,000 (18,000 exams x $150 per exam). Since TSA staff will now be responsible for processing the SOMQ and Medical Clearance Form, cost estimates have been updated to account for the time required by an I-band employee to conduct the necessary review of these medical forms.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form TSA Form 1137-1 TRANSPORTATION SECURITY OFFICER MEDICAL CLEARANCE
1652-0032 TransspSOMQ Emergency ICR memo.pdf
1652-0032 TranspSOMQ SS.docx
44 USC 44935.doc
TSO Medical Questionnaire