Ryan Flanagan serves as director of the Office of Field Operations, Mission Support Directorate, Alternative Funding Programs (AFP) within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In this capacity, Flanagan oversees CBP’s Reimbursable Services Program (RSP), Donations Acceptance Program (DAP) and User Fee Facilities (UFF).
During his tenure as director, RSP has entered into more than 600 stakeholder agreements impacting 356 ports of entry resulting in more than 1.78 million reimbursable service hours provided to program stakeholders. DAP has entered into more than 65 large- and small-scale partnerships, and UFF has expanded to more than 62 agreements nationwide. This work directly impacts U.S. border security.
Before AFP, he held positions in CBP communications.
Flanagan has previously served in both private and law enforcement capacities conducting fraud investigations.
Q: Tell us a little about the CBP programs under your purview that are most related to business aviation?
In response to record increases in passenger and cargo volumes, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) established public-private partnerships as a strategic solution to enhance operational capacity, improve infrastructure and streamline processing at ports of entry. To support and expand these collaborative efforts, CBP implemented several innovative programs that facilitate public-private partnerships in the business aviation environment: the Reimbursable Services Program (RSP), the Donations Acceptance Program (DAP), and the User Fee Facilities Program which fall under my purview.
The RSP enables stakeholders such as airport authorities, municipalities and private entities to reimburse CBP for enhanced inspection services, including overtime staffing and extended service hours. The DAP broadly enables CBP to accept donations for port of entry construction, alterations, maintenance and operations (e.g. new booths, system upgrades, equipment and technologies, etc.). Meanwhile, the User Fee Facilities Program supports the construction and maintenance of CBP facilities funded by private or local entities, particularly at new or smaller airports. Together, these programs offer flexible and cost-effective avenues for addressing infrastructure needs and new service demands associated with increasing passenger and cargo volumes with a nexus to business aviation. These partnerships also allow CBP to leverage private sector investment, innovation and local stakeholder collaboration to meet growing demands without compromising border security or efficiency.
“Our program teams also conduct outreach with interested parties comprised of program overviews and best practices so operators understand the options available to them, as well as the methodology behind program policies.”
Q: Please give us an idea about how CBP is working behind the scenes to ensure programs that serve business aviation operators are running smoothly and as intended?
Data analysis is the lifeblood of our programs. We work with operators and industry groups to solicit ongoing feedback on levels of program satisfaction to identify any pain points and possible areas for improvement. Internally, we leverage technology to automate processes to allow for program growth, as well as to implement quality assurance measures and audits of program data to ensure its integrity so that we can continue to be confident in our levels of service to the business aviation community. In addition, our program teams conduct outreach with interested parties. This outreach is comprised of program overviews and best practices so operators understand the options available to them, as well as the methodology behind program policies.
“Communication is critical. It is imperative for members of the business aviation community to develop effective communication channels comprised of sufficient cadence of engagement with local CBP leadership so that both sides can have transparency on matters impacting operations.”
Q: Please share some of the most important CBP tips operators should keep in mind that may help avoid potential delays?
Communication is critical. It is imperative for members of the business aviation community to develop effective communication channels comprised of sufficient cadence of engagement with local CBP leadership so that both sides can have transparency on matters impacting operations.
Preparation is also key to help avoid potential delays. As it relates to RSP, CBP reserves four months to evaluate applications for new agreements. Interested operators should take this into account as part of preparing an application submission, as waiting until an immediate need exists for RSP services could backfire if CBP is unable to accommodate without an established agreement in place. CBP does not charge interested parties to apply to any of the programs under my purview, there is no minimum threshold of service requests required within a given year to maintain an RSP agreement, and operators are not charged unless they have submitted a formal request for services that are accommodated by CBP. Each of our programs have relatively seamless application processes that allow for appropriate operator preparation in advance of a variety of CBP needs.
“…‘early and often’ is an appropriate mantra we try to abide by when engaging with U.S. business aviation operators…”
Q: What is CBP’s general philosophy about engaging with U.S. business aviation operators and helping them conduct operations smoothly?
Speaking solely from my vantage point within CBP, “early and often” is an appropriate mantra we try to abide by when engaging with U.S. business aviation operators to ensure effective partnerships. While surprises in life can be nice, that is not the case when referencing operational surprises to CBP! Early, open and regular communication helps ensure business aviation operators and CBP are working collaboratively and efficiently to limit operational deviations that can arise and to meet our mission of facilitating legitimate trade and travel at all of our ports of entry and beyond.
Q: Can you share a typical example that illustrates why operators benefit from communicating early and effectively with CBP?
Changes to operators’ business plans can impact CBP’s ability to timely and effectively respond to fluctuations and deviations in service needs. For example, communication regarding seasonal or special event services needed by an operator should be communicated as soon as possible so CBP can respond resourcefully. Assumptions made regarding CBP’s ability to accommodate an expansion or deviation in established services is fraught with risk and should be avoided to the degree possible. Similarly, failure to provide timely notification to CBP of the need to cancel or reschedule requested services can unnecessarily sully a strong collaborative relationship in such a competitive aviation market.
Q: What are some valuable CBP information resources that business aviation operators might find helpful for programs you work on, and where can they be found?
Find details about all three programs at cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/resource-opt-strategy/public-private-partnerships.
Program-specific questions can be sent to: rsp@cbp.dhs.gov or dap@cbp.dhs.gov or uff@cbp.dhs.gov.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.