Award: Architecture and engineering contract
Value: $270 million
Location: Nationwide
Client: Federal Aviation Adminstration
A new federal aviation program is taking off with plans to extensively upgrade air traffic control and navigational infrastructure nationwide.
The Federal Aviation Administration tapped Dallas-based AECOM to provide architecture and engineering services under a 10-year, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with a ceiling of more than $270 million, according to a Dec. 11 news release. The award spans the FAA’s Eastern, Central and Western service areas.
Under the IDIQ model, AECOM will deliver design and construction administration services for new and upgraded air traffic control towers, terminal radar approach control facilities and cross-country navigational aids. That includes work on surveillance radar towers, Doppler radar towers and airport lighting, according to the release.
“Our team has successfully delivered more than $100 billion of aviation projects globally, including the design and delivery of more than 20 air traffic control towers to date,” said Bane Gaiser, chief executive of AECOM’s global buildings and places business. “We’re excited for the opportunity to support the FAA in delivering resilient, high-performance infrastructure that contributes to the continued safety and efficiency of U.S. airspace.”
The award enables FAA contracting officers to execute task orders through a single contracting vehicle as airports and air traffic facilities continue to modernize. The program supports the FAA’s long-term investments to improve safety and operational efficiency of critical air traffic infrastructure across the country, according to the release.
Congestion and outdated, strained resources in U.S. airport infrastructure have gained increased attention in 2025 due to a military helicopter colliding with American Airlines Flight 5342 as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Jan. 29. All 67 people aboard both aircraft died.
AECOM has already secured two task orders under the contract, according to the release. These projects include construction support services at Florence Regional Airport in South Carolina and architecture and engineering design services at Chicago Rockford International Airport in Illinois.
“This award reaffirms AECOM’s role as a key partner in designing for the future FAA,” said Karl Jensen, executive vice president of AECOM’s governments business. “As we continue our 44-year partnership with the FAA, we’re proud to expand our current portfolio in the Eastern Region to deepen our impact across the Central and Western regions.”
The win adds to AECOM’s portfolio of jobs in the aviation sector, including design leadership on the tallest and second-tallest air traffic control towers in the U.S. at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, respectively. The contract award comes in the wake of the firm’s record backlog reported on its latest earnings call, where CEO Troy Rudd confirmed strong activity in transportation-related projects, in addition to water work.
