TSA Prepared Contract Recompete for Hazmat Disposal
The agency aims to secure a new hazardous materials disposal contract for 450 airports nationwide.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Terrorism
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The Transportation Security Administration has outlined plans to initiate a competitive bidding process for airport hazardous materials disposal services. The upcoming contract is estimated to be valued between $50 million and $100 million.
Why it matters
The Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 mandates that the TSA takes custody of and safely disposes of items abandoned by passengers at security checkpoints. This contract ensures the agency maintains operational compliance across the national aviation system.
The agency plans to utilize the OASIS+ vehicle to award a firm-fixed-price contract covering approximately 450 airports. The official solicitation is currently estimated for release on Jan. 11, 2027.
The players
Transportation Security Administration
This federal agency is responsible for the security of the traveling public in the United States.
Leidos
This science and technology company currently serves as the incumbent contractor for TSA hazardous materials disposal services.
The details
The successful contractor will provide personnel, equipment, vehicles, and supervision to manage items passengers leave at checkpoints. All documentation related to the disposal process must be tracked and maintained through the HazOUT system.
Timeline
The Aviation and Transportation Security Act was passed in 2001.
The TSA issued its first national contract for this work in 2003.
Leidos was awarded a contract in 2017 with a $45 million value.
Leidos won the current five-year contract in 2022 for $55 million.
The agency estimates the new solicitation will be released on Jan. 11, 2027.
Legal Context
This contracting process follows the operational framework established by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001. The current cycle reflects the TSA's ongoing shift toward long-term maintenance of these safety protocols.
The contract ensures that airport checkpoints across the country remain clear and safe for all travelers by properly managing abandoned hazardous items. Residents and travelers will see no direct change in daily security screening procedures as the contract is primarily an administrative and logistics function.
The takeaway
Maintaining centralized oversight of abandoned items is critical for keeping airport checkpoints operational and compliant with federal safety standards. This recompete demonstrates the ongoing commitment to standardized hazardous material handling across the national airport network.
What happens next
The agency expects to release the formal solicitation on Jan. 11, 2027, with a contract award projected for the second quarter of the 2027 fiscal year.
Further reading
For more on how these protocols protect air travel, visit Terrorism.
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