WHY WAS THIS FUNDED?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which operates under the Department of Transportation, regularly contracts with private companies to maintain and modernize the technology that keeps the national airspace safe and running. Additional specific legal authority details for this award are not available.

WHAT PUBLIC PROBLEM IS IT TRYING TO SOLVE?

The U.S. airspace handles millions of flights each year, and the systems that track, communicate with, and guide aircraft require constant operation, maintenance, and upgrades. Without reliable flight services technology and support, the safety and efficiency of air travel across the country would be at risk.

WHO BENEFITS?

Airline passengers and pilots across the country benefit from the safe and efficient air traffic management systems this contract supports. Leidos employees working on the program also benefit through jobs in technology, engineering, and operations.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Because this is a 15-year contract worth over $659 million, there is a risk that costs could grow beyond estimates or that performance may be difficult to monitor over such a long period. The contract type is listed as unknown, which limits public visibility into how the government is holding the contractor accountable for results and spending.

WHAT HAPPENS IF FUNDING IS REMOVED?

If this contract were cancelled, the flight services and technology systems Leidos supports could face gaps in maintenance or operation, potentially disrupting air traffic management services. Finding and transitioning to a replacement contractor for such a large and specialized program would likely take significant time and resources.

ARGUMENTS FOR

• •Maintaining reliable flight services technology is essential to the safety of millions of air travelers and the pilots who serve them every day.
• •A long-term contract can provide stability and continuity for complex aviation systems that require years of specialized expertise to manage properly.
• •Contracting with a private company like Leidos can bring technical efficiency and innovation that government agencies may not be able to provide on their own.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST

• •A 15-year, $659 million contract locks the government into one vendor for a very long time, which could reduce competition and limit flexibility if better or cheaper options emerge.
• •The contract type is listed as unknown, making it harder for the public and lawmakers to assess whether taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely and efficiently.
• •Long-duration contracts with large technology firms have historically been associated with cost overruns and delays, raising concerns about whether the final cost will stay near the original estimate.