To All SFO Authorized Signatories
February 17, 2023
Dear Authorized Signatories
This is to inform you that the City and County of San Francisco is transitioning banking services to J.P. Morgan from Bank of America. The transition starts on February 27, 2023, and will only affect ACH or wire payments.
If you make ACH or Wire payments to San Francisco Airport Commission, please visit SFO Connect for ACH Payment Instructions to update your records and send ACH/Wire payments to the new JPM bank account starting February 27, 2023. We expect you to transition to the new JPM bank account by March 31, 2023.
ACH instructions on SFO Connect can be found here or by copying the link to your browser: https://www.sfoconnect.com/forms-documents/pay-ach-or-wire-transfer.&nb…;
If you have questions or need further assistance, you may contact your property manager or send an email to SFO-Collections@flysfo.com.
December 12, 2022
Dear Authorized Signatories,
The SAO will be closed on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. We will re-open for normal business hours on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. If there is an emergency operational need, T-Badges can be obtained from the SOC during the time that we are closed. As always, T-Badges can be obtained at the vehicle checkpoints 24 hours a day.
November 1, 2021
Dear Authorized Signatories and Station Managers,
As the Airport returns to normal operations, the SAO will be changing its operating hours. Effective Monday, November 15, 2021, the SAO operational hours will be 5:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The appointment calendar will be updated to display appointments that match the new operational hours, and the process should be seamless for you and your employees.
July 13, 2021
Dear Authorized Signatories and Station Managers,
As you may be aware, we are currently seeing significant delays in the processing of some new applicants. These delays are due to the results of STA’s taking anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, and are affecting all Airports Nationwide. The SAO is actively working with our trade partner, ACI-NA, and our channeling service, Telos ID, to resolve these issues with the TSA as soon as possible. In the meantime, please review some helpful insights below.
- Enroll applicants as early as possible, with complete information, including current and valid I-9 documentation
- Utilizing Standard T-Badges for new applicants so that they can train/work under escort while awaiting their background results
- Due the current delays that we are experiencing, the SAO will issue all Standard T-Badges for a period of 60 days. We will continue to issue these T-Badges for 60 days until the STA issue has been resolved by TSA
March 29, 2021
Dear Authorized Signatories,
In an effort to enhance security, maintain most up to date information, and follow best practices, the following changes are being made.
- Any badge holder with an expired badge, where the expiration date is over 30 calendar days, will be terminated. (if the badge holder comes back, they will have to start over like a new employee)
- Any badge holder who has cleared their background checks and fails to obtain a badge within 30 calendar days of the clearance date will be terminated. (if the badge holder comes back, they will have to start over like a new employee)
- Any badge holder who has multiple UPID’s, the UPID that is not associated with an active badge will be terminated.
- Any badge holder who has been pre-enrolled but has not come in for fingerprinting within 30 calendar days of the application date will be terminated.
Please note that any time a badge holder is terminated, an automated email is sent to you as an Authorized Signatory. If you feel an individual has been terminated where you did not submit a termination form or one of the situations above does not apply, please email us at sfo.sao@flysfo.com.
March 10, 2021
Subject: Direct Access Points
The Airport’s Access Control System is designed to prevent unauthorized access into Restricted Areas. The Airport has several layers of security, specifically at our Direct Access Points, to assist in preventing unauthorized access. We are continuing to see badge holders circumventing security measures if their badge is not working at a Direct Access Point card reader – particularly at Turnstiles. It is critical that you ensure your employees are briefed that if their badge does not work at a card reader - for any reason - they must either try a different access point or contact the Airport’s Security Operations Center (SOC) for assistance. Any other actions taken to gain access will be deemed circumvention of security measures, and will result in enforcement action, up to and including the possibility of Airport ID badge revocation. The SOC is open 24/7 and can reached at 650.821.3915.
February 24, 2021
SUBJECT: Extension of Change in Airfield Operations Training Impacting Movement Area Operator Course
SFO has extended the temporary change of process for training, testing, and acquiring a Movement Area Operations (MAO) Badge Endorsement through April 30, 2021 with the intent of returning to in-person training on May 1, 2021.
In response to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, City and County of San Francisco, and Airport recommendations for social distancing, the Airfield Operations Team will implement a new procedure as follows:
First Step
All tenants requiring either a new or renewal MAO endorsement must complete their internal Airport approved MAO program.
All tenants requiring either a new or renewal MAO endorsement must complete the free online AOPA Mastering Radio Communications – Say It Right and AOPA Runway Safety courses.
Second Step
Current Authorized Signatories or recognized Trainers will complete the Movement Area Endorsement request form located on the SFO Connect badging webpage https://veoci.com/veoci/p/w/6ayauwbjb23r, this has replaced the paper form.
Requests will only be reviewed for badge expiration dates prior to May 14, 2021.
Complete all required fields and attach the required certificates by clicking on the “Choose a File” button on the form to upload the following certificates:
AOPA certificate for Mastering Radio Communications “Say It Right” Online Course https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute/safety-ce…, must show trainee’s name and a completion date within the last 30 days.
AOPA certificate for Runway Safety Online Course https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute/safety-ce…, must show trainee’s name and a completion date within the last 30 days.
Final Step
An automated email will be sent to the Requestor’s email address notifying of approval or denial of their request.
If the request is approved, the applicant can proceed through the current badging processes with the Security Access Office (SAO); the SAO will be able to see your approval.
If the request is denied, the applicant will be notified via email of the denial and will need to complete a new request when all requirements are met.
Please visit the Airfield Operations link on the SFO Connect badging page for links and additional training reference materials. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact Airfield Operations Training via e-mail at SFO139Training@flysfo.com, or by phone at 650.821.2478.
Read the full Announcement:
December 28, 2020
Dear Authorized Signatories,
The Airport’s Access Control System is designed to prevent unauthorized access into Restricted Areas. The Airport has several layers of security, specifically at our Direct Access Points, to assist in preventing unauthorized access. Please brief all employees that if they are unable to gain access by properly using their Airport ID badge at a Direct Access Point reader – for any reason - they must either try a different access point or contact the Airport’s Security Operations Center (SOC) for assistance. Any other actions taken to gain access will be deemed circumvention of security measures, and will result in enforcement action, up to and including the possibility of Airport ID badge revocation. The SOC is open 24/7 and can reached at (650) 821-3915.
September 23, 2020
Please see below for updated instructions to Movement Area and Corrective Drivers tests.
Airfield Operations has resumed in-person Movement Area and Corrective Drivers testing at the Airfield Operations building. Please note, the method for registering has changed.
To make either appointment please go to www.sfoconnect.com
- Click on the blue button labeled “Badging & Security” on the right hand side of the screen.
- Click on the pink rectangle labeled “Airfield Operations Training”.
For “Movement Area Driver Training”: (This will be a two-step process)
Step 1. Scroll down to the section labeled “Register” and click on the “Authorized Signatories” button which will take you to the registration page on a new tab of your web browser.
- Fill out all data blocks
- Upload a copy of the completed “Request for Movement Area Operators Testing” form (this is the same sheet we have used for the last few years for Movement testing).
- Click the “Submit Now” button.
This electronic version will replace the need for the attendee to bring the request form to the testing site.
Step 2. Back on the SFOConnect page click on the “Attendee” button which will open another web browser tab for QLess.
- Enter the attendee’s name and cell phone number and click next.
- Scroll down and select the “Movement Area Training Appointments only” button.
- Enter your company’s name and click next.
- Select date and time of test you want to attend.
This QLess page allows the test taker to select which class date/time they want. If you prefer, the Authorized Signatory can make the appointment for the attendee. Either way you will need to use the attendee’s phone number. QLess will not allow multiple appointments with the same phone number. This phone number will be used to text the attendee in case of a class cancellation.
A separate appointment will need to be made for the actual printing of the badge. See previous email for Authorized Signatories from Abedoon Jamal dated 9/1/2020
For “Corrective Driving” training:
- Scroll down to the section labeled “Register” and click on the “Attendee” button which will take you to the class registration page on a new tab of your web browser.
- Enter the attendee’s name and cell phone number and click next.
- Scroll down and select the “Corrective Drivers Class Appointments only” button.
- Enter your company’s name and click next.
- Select date and time of test you want to attend.
This class reservation can be made by the individual who received the citation or by the Authorized Signatory. Be sure attendee has paid the fee at the badging office and brings the receipt to the class.
September 15, 2020
Thank you for your patience and partnership as we have implemented several enhancements recently. The new appointment and queuing system has been successfully rolled out, and the SAO hours have been extended. We have received some feedback related to these enhancements, and as a result, want to provide a few reminders.
- All employees who need a new or renewal badge must make an appointment for Security Training. Security Training is required before a badge can be issued or renewed. Employees do not need an appointment to have their badge issued immediately after they have successfully completed all training requirements – SAO staff will add them to the badge issuance queue.
- However, employees that complete Movement Area Training (MAO) along with their Security Training at Airfield Operations are required to schedule a separate badging appointment.
- All employees need to have an appointment when coming to the SAO. Previously we had been able to accommodate stand-bys and make limited exceptions, however with the restrictions in place due to COVID-19, individuals cannot be seen without appointments. The only exception to this is for the following services which do not require an appointment:
- Temporary Badges
- Vehicle Permits
- Keys
- Document updates
- Badge Issues
September 1, 2020
The SAO will be rolling out a new Appointment and Queuing system on Tuesday September 8, 2020. With the implementation of this new queuing and appointment system, there will be some significant changes to our processes that are all described below. For any appointments needed before September 8, 2020, please continue to contact us via phone at (650) 821-5216. Please do not call this number to schedule appointments after Friday September 4, 2020 as it will not be answered.
All appointments will be scheduled via this new link, https://bit.ly/3hvaow7. This link will be available on SFO Connect under the Badging page.
Please note, that when you visit this link, you will have the ability to book appointments for some services, as well as the ability to join the walk-in queues for other services.
For appointments (Include Training, Fingerprinting, and Badging):
- The system will ask for the individual’s name and phone number. It is essential that you or the employee provide their valid cell phone number as all communication including the ability to cancel and reschedule the appointments is through text only.
- You will be able to provide an email address at the end of the appointment and will receive a confirmation, but you cannot change or cancel appointments through the confirmation email.
- On the day of the appointment, the individual will receive a text that they have been entered into the queue and they should plan on arriving at the SAO at their appointment time. The system will send any updates if the wait times are longer than expected.
- When the employee arrives at the SAO, they can have a seat. They will be called automatically to a workstation and will be notified via text as well as an audio/visual notification through the lobby monitors. The announcement will all be tied to the last 4 digits of their phone number and their first name.
For walk-in services (Includes Access Issues, Lost/Stolen Badges, Document Updates, Permits, Keys, T-Badges, and CBP) :
- Check in remotely and the system will notify you of your place in the queue and your wait time, as well as subsequent notifications informing you that you are about to be called.
- Employees should come to the SAO when the system sends the notification that they should start heading up.
- Once at the SAO, the employee will be called automatically to a workstation and will be notified via text as well as an audio/visual notification in the lobby monitors. The announcement will be tied to the last 4 digits of their phone number.
For those employees who may not have a cell phone:
- Appointments can be booked online and they should come into the SAO at the time of their appointment and watch the monitors for them to be called to a workstation. When called the monitor will display their first name.
- Check-in for walk-in services at the front desk and they will be issued a queue ticket.
This queuing and appointment system is based primarily on communicating via a cell phone and all updates come through text. Please see attached handouts for all methods described above. Employees will have the ability to cancel appointments, join the queue remotely, and move themselves down the queue if they are running late all through their cell-phone. Due to that, please ensure that all appointments and walk-in services are booked with a valid cell phone number belonging to the employee who the appointment is for. In this new system, the ability to cancel and change appointments is through text only with the cell phone number the appointment was booked.
Basic User Guide PDF
User Guide PDF
If you have any questions or concerns please call us at (650) 821-5200.
September 1, 2020
Effective September 8, 2020, the SAO will be resuming security training for all badge renewals. As you are aware, this training requirement has been waived since March 2020 to allow for the proper social distancing guidelines. To ensure that we are adhering to applicable health guidelines, the following changes will be implemented effective September 8, 2020:
- The SAO operating hours will change to 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
- All individuals, including applicants for new badges and renewals, will be required to take the applicable required training courses at the SAO
- Training classes will be limited to allow for proper social distancing guidelines and face coverings are required at all times
- The training classes will be restricted to 2 hours, and should be scheduled online. Once the class is over, all individuals will be required to leave and the staff will sanitize the entire workstation and equipment. A new class will be seated once this is completed. If an individual does not complete all required training courses within the allotted time, they will need to schedule another appointment to finish their training requirements.
- There will be no standbys available for Training, Badging, or Fingerprinting (an appointment is required for these services)
- You do not need to schedule a badging appointment if you schedule a training appointment. The employee will be placed in the queue for badge issuance by SAO staff once they complete their training.
September 1, 2020
Dear Station Managers and Authorized Signatories,
To support our increase in activity, we will be reopening the Northfield Vehicle Checkpoint.
Beginning Tuesday 9/8/2020 at 7:00am, the Vehicle Checkpoint will be open 24/7.
Thank you for your patience and we are excited to see the increase in flight operations.
August 28, 2020
Dear Station Managers and Authorized Signatories,
Effective Tuesday September 1, 2020, the SAO will be moving to 100% billing. All companies, will be billed for all services monthly, utilizing he Airport’s billing system. We will not be accepting payments for any services other than what is listed below in the office. You will receive an invoice with all the transactions for the previous month along with names and type of services rendered. Invoices are payable via check or wire, and the details of payment remittance are included on the invoice. The SAO will continue to accept payments via credit card for the services listed below.
- Lost Badge Fees (All employees will still be required to pay this fee)
- Corrective Driver/Security Training Fee
- T-Badges
- Film Permits
July 8, 2020
Effective immediately, appointments for services at the SAO can only be booked via phone. If you have recently booked an appointment using the online links, those appointments are still valid and will be honored. For any new appointments, please use the information below.
- For Fingerprinting, Badging, and Training appointments please call (650) 821-5216 between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Friday.
- For CBP appointments please call (650) 877-4009 between 7:30 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Friday.
We apologize for any inconvenience and are working quickly to bring back the ability to book appointments online.
March 19, 2020
Effective Thursday March 19, 2020, and until further notice the following changes are being implemented.
- SAO operational hours will be limited to 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
- All employees, except Authorized Signatories and employees with Movement Area privileges, who are renewing their badges will not be required to complete Computer Based Training (CBT).
- Employees will be provided with fliers as a reminder of their security responsibilities in-lieu of CBT Training.
- All individuals applying for new badges will still be required to complete all required CBT’s.
- If you currently have scheduled an appointment for CBT for a badge renewal, please cancel that appointment and schedule a badging appointment.
- Employees should schedule badging appointments, and come in with their required two forms of valid government issued ID.
- Employee’s badges will only be renewed if they are within 30 calendar days of their badge expiration.
- Authorized Signatories must ensure that the employee’s badge status has been updated to “Renew” through the AIDMS web portal before the employee arrives to renew their badge.
- If an employee has a CBP Seal on their badge, the renewal of the CBP Seal must be approved prior to the SAO issuing a new badge.
- If you have employees who will not be able to come in prior to their badge expiration due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, please send an email to sfo.sao@flysfo.com with that employee’s name, UPID, and expiration date. Once you provide this information, the SAO will reach out to you with further instructions.
In addition, we have taken the following steps in an effort to ensure the well-being of all employees who need to come to the SAO.
- Appointments for Computer Based Training are being limited to conform to the social distancing guidelines recommended by the CDC. Every attempt is being made to seat individuals in every other workstation.
- Standbys are being cancelled to limit the number of individuals waiting in our lobby area.
- Hand sanitizers are available to all employees in all areas of the SAO including the lobby, CBT, fingerprint and badge workstations.
Staff are frequently wiping down and sanitizing CBT workstations and service counters.
We are also asking that if you have employees who are sick, or are displaying any symptoms such as a cough, please ask them to reschedule their appointments. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary, however, currently there are no plans for the SAO to be closed.
If you have any questions or concerns please email sfo.sao@flysfo.com.
January 8, 2019
Prohibited Items in Sterile and Secured Areas
Airport Rules and Regulations prohibit individuals with an Airport ID Badge from transporting or using while on duty the following items into Sterile Areas, Secured Areas, or the Airfield Operations Area (AOA):
- any alcohol
- any drug identified by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as a “Schedule I” drug.
Individuals who violates this ASB shall be cited and are subject to immediate and permanent revocation of his or her Airport ID Badge, shall be placed on the Airport’s Do Not Issue List, and are prohibited from being escorted in Sterile Areas, Secured Areas, or the AOA.
It is critical that badged individuals receive informational updates – especially regarding Airport Rules and Regulations. Go to SFO Connect to view the new Airport Rules and Regulations:
https://www.flysfo.com/about-sfo/the-organization/rules-and-regulations
November 14, 2018
In partnership with CBP we have come to an agreement that all Seals are valid for 2 years. This should not affect most employees, however, if you do have employees who are only issued a 1 year badge due to privileges (i.e. Movement Area, Sterile Badge, or Authorized Signatory) or other restrictions, the employees do not need to see CBP every year. When you receive the badge expiration email for an employee and their badge is issued annually, please check with the SAO to see if that employee will need to see CBP for this renewal period. Please ensure you check with the SAO, via email at sfo.sao@flysfo.com or by phone at (650) 821-5200, before making an appointment for CBP renewal.
In addition, the Security Access Office will open for business on Wednesday December 5, 2018 at 7:30 am instead of 6:00 am.
November 6, 2018
In an effort to resolve some of the challenges with the high number of no shows, the SAO will be proactively monitoring all CBP appointments. Any appointments that are found to be created with invalid names or UPID’s will be automatically cancelled. Also, if there are duplicate appointments found for the same individual, all appointments except the soonest will be cancelled. Please impress upon your staff the importance of creating just one appointment and ensuring that they follow through with that appointment.
Once we cancel an appointment, an automated email will be sent to the email on file advising that the appointment has been cancelled. Repeat violators may lose the privilege of creating appointments going forward.
October 19, 2018
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the SAO have partnered to provide an alternate process for CBP Seals processing. Effective Monday October 29, 2018, CBP will begin accepting fifteen (15) standby’s for CBP Seals processing. The process will mirror the SAO’s:
- Standby’s will be accepted beginning at 0600
- Standby’s will check in at the SAO Reception Desk to receive a standby number
- IDs will be verified during check in and again in the CBP office
- The standby process is on a first come first serve basis and there are no guarantees that all standby’s will be seen. Standbys who are not seen will be required to repeat this process the following day