The DCA Access Standard Security Program (DASSP) is the TSA-approved security program that allows eligible private and charter aircraft operators to fly into and out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

For flights covered by DASSP, an aircraft operating into or out of DCA must have a certified Armed Security Officer (ASO), authorized by TSA, on board, subject to program exceptions, including flights without passengers.

Flights into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA/DCA) must depart from designated gateway airports and use authorized fixed base operators (FBOs) for DASSP screening. Finding an independent ASO who can position anywhere in the country to meet your business party on short notice can make coordination even more challenging. Robert Smith ASO & Associates has a proven track record of meeting that need, with nationwide positioning capability and careful coordination around DASSP’s requirement to submit flight requests at least 24 hours before the scheduled flight.

Through more than 200 DASSP missions over the past decade, Robert Smith recognized a practical gap: an operator conducting flights under FAA Part 135 or Part 91 could be DASSP-approved yet have no certified ASO on staff—and no established contact to reach an available officer in time for the flight. Approval to operate under the program did not, by itself, solve the staffing need.

Seeing that need go unmet, Robert steadily built a network of qualified ASOs and a reputation within the private aviation community for dependable, professional, and reliable service. His firsthand mission experience shaped an understanding of what operators and flight crews need: responsive communication, careful preparation, and confidence that the ASO commitment will be honored.

Robert embraced a straightforward business principle: once confirmed for an ASO mission, he took responsibility for being there early, prepared, and ready to support the flight. That commitment became the foundation of Robert Smith ASO & Associates LLC—a sourcing, staffing, and referral service connecting operators with qualified ASOs and coordinating the travel needed to support the assignment.

Over the last 10 years, Robert has supported flights carrying former federal government officials, top Fortune 500 executives, and VVIP clients. The lessons learned on those missions are the foundation of our established and growing reputation. Our job begins the moment a flight is confirmed—well before we step aboard the aircraft.

We pride ourselves on our ability to position an ASO at any authorized DASSP FBO in the United States within 24 hours, while coordinating mission planning around DASSP’s advance-filing requirements. Our experience arranging air and ground transportation helps us get where you need us and pivot as executive schedules change before and during a mission.

We adapt in real time, adjusting our travel and availability to the client’s schedule and working closely with corporate flight departments to ease the coordination burden. Our role is to be a seamless part of the DASSP process, supporting the crew and simplifying their work. That is the reputation we have built over the last decade: prepared, adaptable, and dependable from confirmation through mission completion.