TSA hires firm to evaluate private airport screeners

A Washington-based consulting firm will evaluate the performance of private screening companies working at five selected airports under a contract awarded by the Transportation Security Administration, a spokesman said Friday.

The company-Bearing Point-will first come up with the criteria for the comprehensive study, said a TSA spokesman.

The five airports using private screeners are part of a pilot program called for in the aviation security bill that federalized screeners after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The study would help airports and others make informed decisions about the program, the spokesman said. Calls to Bearing Point for comment were not immediately returned.

The McLean,Va.-based consulting firm serves companies as well as government agencies and other organizations.