The Department of Transportation is undergoing rapid transformation under Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Since stepping into the role in January 2025, Duffy has prioritized robust infrastructure investments, safety standards, and the speedy, efficient delivery of critical projects nationwide.
DOT’s transformation presents ample opportunities for the private sector to deliver the innovation and expertise indispensable to modernizing the U.S. transportation infrastructure.
To learn more about opportunities for industry to do business with federal civilian agencies such as DOT, sign up for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 FedCiv Summit. The event, scheduled for Oct. 29, will feature keynote speeches and panel discussions, providing FedCiv agency officials a platform to communicate directly with industry what their respective organizations need to support mission execution. There will also be networking sessions for new and established GovCon players to forge partnerships that advance government priorities. Register here.
How Can Industry Support FAA Efforts to Enhance Airspace Safety and Operations?
The Federal Aviation Administration has numerous contract opportunities currently open for industry partners to support a modern, secure, safe and efficient national airspace. Training has emerged as a critical requirement at the FAA as the agency expands workforce development, especially in air traffic control.
Tower Simulation Systems (TSS) E2
The FAA plans to deploy additional high-fidelity simulators, called Tower Simulation Systems, to expand training and certification of air traffic controllers. The systems enable controllers to practice air traffic control procedures in a realistic environment without risk to the National Airspace System.
To meet its requirement to improve training access and efficiency, the agency launched TSS Enhancement 2 Challenge-Based Acquisition, or ChBA. Under the ChBA framework, the FAA will conduct a multi-phase evaluation process and issue challenges that may include demonstration or prototype developments. The agency already issued a request for concept papers to identify companies capable of participating in future phases.
Air Traffic Controller Academy Performance & Excellence System
FAA wants to develop an Air Traffic Controller Academy Performance & Excellence System, or APEX, to provide near-real-time visibility into the performance of students training to be air traffic controllers. The agency requires a platform that integrates data from multiple sources into a unified analytics environment to support decision-making, performance standardization and predictive modeling.
Interested parties may submit concept papers for existing technologies and implementation plans until April 17.
How Is DOT Responding to Emerging Technologies?
DOT’s recent acquisition efforts reflect a modernization initiative to ensure that its components are ready to accommodate new and emerging technologies, including quantum computing and unmanned systems.
Post Quantum Cryptography Support for FAA IT and National Air Space Systems
The FAA has issued an RFI seeking industry input on transitioning its National Airspace System and business systems to post-quantum cryptography. The agency is requesting insights on architectures, capabilities and approaches that support enterprise-wide adoption of PQC while managing cost and operational risks.
The FAA noted that current market limitations may require multiple vendors due to gaps in cryptographic capabilities and integration across IT and operational systems. Responses to the RFI, due April 24, will inform its acquisition strategy.
FRA Enterprise Unmanned Aircraft Systems Delivery
The Federal Railroad Administration is researching enterprise delivery models for unmanned aircraft systems. The agency issued an RFI seeking industry input on UAS platforms, sensors, software, data processing services, and purchasing or leasing options. The effort aims to evaluate commercially available capabilities and identify the most effective approach for a national UAS program. Potential applications include railroad inspections, accident investigations, infrastructure assessments, safety monitoring and trespassing detection.
Responses are due on Wednesday.
Enterprise-wide implementation of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, will be a key topic for government and industry leaders to explore at the 2026 FedCiv Summit on Oct. 29. Register today to secure your spot.
What Capabilities Does the DOT Need to Support IT Modernization?
DOT, like other federal civilian agencies, is undergoing modernization to replace legacy systems and adopt systems that improve operational efficiency.
Strategic Sourcing for the Acquisition of Various Supplies and Equipment (SAVES)
The FAA’s Office of Finance and Management requires commercial products and services, including personal computing devices and network infrastructure components, to support various agency requirements.
SAVES serves as a centralized, mandatory-use contract vehicle designed to streamline the process of obtaining commonly used products and services, reduce redundancies, and improve efficiency. Managed by the Office of Finance and Management, the contract vehicle is pursuant to the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform, or FITARA, Act and Office of Management and Budget requirements for category management.
According to a notice on SAM.gov, the FAA has temporarily paused the SAVES acquisition process to accommodate planned amendments to previously issued solicitation documents. No final timeline has been announced for the release of the updated request for proposals or the submission deadline for offerors.
IT Support and WCF Transformation Services
DOT’s Office of Financial Management and Transit Benefits is seeking IT support and transformation services to modernize its Working Capital Fund following the consolidation of IT resource management across 11 operating administrations. The effort aims to enhance the office’s financial architecture, improve service delivery, and prepare for future integration of HR and procurement functions.
The contractor will serve as a program management office, overseeing governance, risk management and strategic planning. Responsibilities also include executing change management strategies, stakeholder engagement and maintaining knowledge resources.
DOT will award a firm-fixed-price contract with a five-year period of performance, including options, for the requirement. The agency has issued an RFI, but has not yet announced when the final RFP will be issued.
What Infrastructure Opportunities Is DOT Offering Industry?
Infrastructure support is a common requirement at the DOT as part of the department’s push for a safer and more efficient U.S. transportation system. In fact, in 2025, DOT awarded $488.1 million in Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, or BUILD, grants to 30 aviation, maritime, rail, road and transit infrastructure projects across the country. The goal, according to the officials, is to “improve safety, reduce congestion and spur economic growth.”
Pisgah National Forest Project
FHWA’s Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division recently issued a sources sought notice to assess industry capability for a major design-build project to repair hurricane damage in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. The effort will address damage from Hurricane Helene across multiple forest service roads, including South Toe River, Curtis Creek, Stony Fork and Big Ivy roads.
The project is expected to cost between $100 million and $150 million. Responses are due April 21.
DOT and other federal civilian agencies are increasing spending on various capabilities to meet evolving regulatory mandates and national priorities. Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 FedCiv Summit on Oct. 29 to get exclusive insights into challenges that agencies are facing and upcoming initiatives to support government missions. Tickets are available here.
