DOT Begins Search for Lead Contractor in ATC Overhaul

FAA will host ‘Industry Days’ next week for potential partners.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, June 04, 2025 at 01:00 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An air traffic control tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. [Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is actively seeking a private sector "integrator" to lead a sweeping overhaul of the nation's antiquated air traffic control (ATC) system.
The DOT has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify a lead contractor responsible for all aspects of the rebuild, including constructing new facilities and installing modern telecommunications, radio, and surveillance systems.
This ambitious modernization plan, expected to be completed within three years, involves building six new ATC centers and 15 towers, replacing all current equipment, and integrating advanced technologies like fiber-optics and satellite systems.

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The Department of Transportation is looking for a partner in the private sector to spearhead a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s air traffic control system.

The department on Tuesday issued a request for information, which allows interested companies to explain how their expertise and capabilities would advance the project. A request for information usually precedes a request for proposal (RFI), which solicits bids from potential contractors.