FAA Chief Defends Choice for ATC Overhaul Contractor

Georgia congressman raises concerns about technology firm’s experience and background.

Zach Vasile

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

An air traffic control tower at Newark Liberty International Airport [Credit: Wikimedia Commons]

Key Takeaways:

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford defended the government's selection of Peraton for a $31 billion rebuild of the national air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure amidst congressional questioning.
Representative Hank Johnson criticized the choice, citing Peraton's limited FAA experience, private equity ownership, and suggesting a "pay-to-play" situation over more experienced firms like Parsons Corporation.
Bedford justified Peraton's selection by highlighting its unique expertise in digital systems, cloud migration, and data modernization gained from extensive work with the Department of Defense and NASA.
The project aims to replace antiquated 1970s/80s ATC technology with state-of-the-art systems and build new facilities, with a target completion by 2028 and an estimated cost exceeding $31 billion.

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FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford this week defended the federal government’s choice of security and technology company Peraton to handle an expansive rebuild of the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure.

At a hearing of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Tuesday, Representative Hank Johnson of Georgia asked Bedford why a relatively young company with “little to no experience” working with the FAA was given control of a contract that will likely be worth over $31 billion over several years.