FLL ATCT DB Market Survey 10.29.2026.pdf

FAA Market Survey | FLL ATCT Design-Build

Market Survey for the Design and Build of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT)

1. Introduction and Purpose

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a potential upcoming project for the design and construction of a new Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The purpose of this Market Survey is to seek interested and qualified sources capable of completing this requirement and to gather critical industry feedback regarding alternative project delivery and contracting strategies. This market survey is being conducted in accordance with FAA Acquisition Management System (AMS) Policy Section 3.2.1.2.1 (Market Analysis) to assist in procurement planning and acquisition strategy development.

The estimated project cost magnitude is approximately $85,000,000.00. This market survey evaluates industry capability and interest using Progressive Design-Build (PDB). The FAA is subject to Executive Order 14402 (Promoting Efficiency, Accountability, and Performance in Federal Contracting), which mandates Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract structures.

2. General Project Description and Scope of Work

The chosen contractor will provide integrated design and construction services to deliver a fully functional and approved ATCT facility. The project will require a high level of coordination and integration among the FAA, the prime contractor, airport stakeholders, and a third-party commissioning agent. Under any Design-Build model, the construction documents prepared by the design-builder must comply with the requirements document, FAA's Terminal Facilities Design Standard (TFDS), and local airport building requirements.

The scope of services contemplated includes, but is not limited to, general facility design and construction of the following elements:

• All permitting, temporary structures, and regulatory compliance actions.

• Comprehensive site clearing, detailed site investigations (geotechnical, utility mapping), and earthwork.

• All site work, airfield utility infrastructure, the ATCT structure itself, and an adjacent administrative Base Building.

• All facility systems and technical equipment for conveying (elevators), plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, and electrical services.

• Utility extensions, airfield utility connections, and ancillary site components.

• Connectivity and communication links from the new ATCT to existing technical equipment around the airfield.

• Access roadways, parking lots, pedestrian walkways, security gates, and native landscaping.

• Security perimeter fencing and advanced facility access control systems.

The scope of services will span two key integrated phases with multiple steps per phase:

• Phase 1:

o Validation: Define and confirm the Owner’s programmatic and performance requirements. Provide Cost Model validation and validate that programmatic and performance requirements can be achieved within the budget. Develop all contingencies or allowances in collaboration with the Owner.

o Preliminary design and Preconstruction services of the new ATCT and final parking and site configuration: All architectural and engineering services, material selections, equipment layouts, utility connections, environmental permitting, detailed surveys, site investigations, and project design supervision required to obtain Phase 2 pricing. FAA anticipates preliminary design will advance to approximately 60-70%.

• Phase 2:

o Final design of new ATCT and final parking and site configuration: All architectural and engineering services, material selections, equipment layouts, utility connections, environmental permitting, detailed surveys, site investigations, and project design supervision necessary to allow construction of the facility.

o Construction of new ATCT: Provision of all labor, materials, interior furnishings, technical equipment, construction supervision, quality control, quality assurance, and project administration. The contractor must deliver a complete and approved physical tower and base building ready for technical equipment installation. Note: The FAA will independently supply, install, and maintain National Airspace System (NAS) electronic equipment.

o Commissioning Coordination of new ATCT: All services, labor, materials, equipment, and testing required to execute and document the Commissioning Plan in collaboration with a third-party Commissioning Agent hired by the FAA. Commissioning is a quality-focused process verifying that the facility and all of its integrated mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems perform to codes, standards, and operational guidelines.

Option 1: Demolition of the existing ATCT and final site/parking construction: Option 1 is being contemplated due to the necessary site phasing for construction of the new ATCT/base building, fit out of NAS electronic equipment in the new ATCT by FAA (10-12 months after new ATCT occupancy), Air Traffic Control Service Availability of the new ATCT milestone, and decommissioning of the existing ATCT by FAA (6 Months after new ATCT Service Availability). At the conclusion of these activities, option 1 would be exercised to include the demolition of the existing decommissioned ATCT and construction of the final site/parking configuration.

3. FLL ATCT Physical and Technical Specifications

The physical parameters of the ATCT and the surrounding site boundaries are detailed in the project's technical documentation package. Unlike other regional surveys, the FLL tower is a stand-alone facility designed to meet specific local airfield sightlines, geotechnical profiles, and airport capacity demands.

Note: The expected physical heights, structural dimensions, cab configuration, and administrative space requirements are specified in Attachment 1 (FLL Site Location and Height Document). For the purpose of this market survey, vendors should assume a major vertical facility of significant complexity, with an estimated project cost of $85M, to be constructed on active airfield property.

Technical Parameter FLL ATCT Target Specification

Project Site & Location Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Fort Lauderdale, FL

Structural Dimensions & Heights

As set forth in Attachment 1: FLL Site Location and Height Document

Technical Parameter FLL ATCT Target Specification

Technical Standards Compliance

FAA Terminal Facilities Design Standard (TFDS) & regional aviation codes

Project Cost Magnitude Approximately $85,000,000.00 (Standard FLL ATCT Project Budget)

4. Project Delivery and Contracting Strategies Under Evaluation The FAA is evaluating two progressive design-build delivery models to determine the optimal balance of risk allocation, cost certainty, and schedule performance. To inform this strategy, the FAA seeks industry feedback regarding the feasibility, risks, and market interest for the following contracting approaches:

4.1 Progressive Design-Build (PDB) with a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP):

Under this qualifications-based procurement method, the FAA provides a target budget and selects a progressive design-build team based on qualifications. Price and scope for are not determined at time of award. During Phase 1, the FAA and the Progressive Design-Builder collaboratively advance the design, performs open-book cost estimating, and mitigates risks before negotiating a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for construction. If the GMP is agreed upon between the FAA and Progressive Design-Builder, Phase 2 is executed (Final Design and Construction). Deferring final pricing until design maturity reaches 60%–70% offers transparency, better cost certainty, and an "off-ramp" protection for the FAA, if a fair GMP cannot be agreed upon.

4.2 PDB with a Firm-Fixed Price:

This will also be a qualifications-based procurement method, with a FAA provided target budget. Phase 1 will follow the same process (“open book” basis), but instead of providing a GMP, the Progressive Design-Builder will be providing a firm-fixed price for Phase 1 at the time for award and for Phase 2 price at the end of Phase 1.

5. Disclaimer

This announcement is not a Screening Information Request (SIR) or a Request for Proposal (RFP). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is not seeking or accepting unsolicited proposals. The responses to this market survey are intended solely for informational purposes. However, the FAA reserves the right to use the information obtained in connection with this market survey to conduct future procurement activities in support of the Brand-New Air Traffic Control initiative in accordance with Appendix A:

Accelerated Acquisitions as it relates to the Brand-New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS).

Therefore, all qualified and interested Contractors are urged and encouraged to respond.

This announcement should not be interpreted as a commitment or promise by the Government to enter into a contract. The Government is not responsible for any costs incurred in the preparation or submission of inquiries or responses to this announcement and will not reimburse any firm for these expenses.

Responses will not be returned.

6. Submittal Requirements

Interested sources must submit a comprehensive capability statement on company letterhead. Submittals must address each of the following elements to be considered for evaluation:

6.1. Corporate Identity and Business Profile

• Company Name (the resultant Prime Contractor that may ultimately be awarded any subsequent contract).

• Corporate Address.

• Point of Contact (POC) name, e-mail address, and telephone number.

• Business size status and certifications (e.g., 8(a) Certified, Large Business, Small Business, SDB, SDVOSB, etc.) under NAICS 236220.

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number.

• Number of years in business.

• Current available single-project and aggregate bonding capacity, and the name of the issuing

Treasury-listed bonding company.

6.2. Relevant Experience and Key Personnel Qualifications

Vendors must demonstrate experienced capability in vertical construction and high-rise structures, as well as the availability of key project management staff. The submittal MUST explicitly describe all of the following:

• Key Personnel: See attached draft SIR. should have experienced personnel for the positions of:

• Project Manager

• Project Superintendent

• Project Scheduler

• Building Information Modeling (BIM) Specialist

• Safety Manager

• Environmental Manager

• Coordinating Engineer

• Quality Control Manager

• Relevant Vertical and Tower Construction Experience: See attached draft SIR.

6.3. Strategic Feedback Questions

To help shape the upcoming FLL ATCT procurement strategy, please provide detailed feedback on the following questions:

1. Progressive Design-Build Delivery: Does your firm possess the capacity and interest to propose a project with an estimated budget of $85M project?

2. PDB Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) vs. Firm-Fixed Price: Provide your firm’s opinions and suggestions on these two contract approaches for PDB Phase 2 Final Design and Construction.

3. Teaming and Joint Ventures: Do you currently have Design-Build Teaming agreements or joint-venture relationships in place with A/E and trade partners? How likely are you to form a dedicated joint-venture, or designer/builder (prime/sub), or an integrated firm to compete?

4. Project PDB Phase 1 Duration: What would you propose as an estimated duration period (in calendar days) necessary to complete Phase 1 Validation, Preliminary Design & Construction?

5. Structural Material Preference: Does your firm have any preference for vertical structures primarily constructed using pre-cast concrete or structural steel? Please explain why and how this choice affects your interest, pricing, or risk profile.

6. Risk and Opportunity Assessment: What are the primary opportunities or potential risks you foresee in constructing a major new vertical facility on active airfield territory under an FFP vs.

GMP structure?

7. Market Capacity and Regional Portfolio: What impact, if any, are you experiencing with respect to upcoming or expected projects in your regional portfolio? Does your firm currently have the bonding and labor capacity to execute an approximately $85M critical vertical facility in South Florida starting in early 2027?

8. FAA Actionable Steps: Please describe any specific actions the FAA could take (such as, utility prep-work, or extended solicitation timelines) that would increase your firm’s level of interest in submitting a proposal for this project.

9. Project Labor Agreements: In order to gain insight into the marketplace regarding PLA’s the FAA is seeking to understand the impact, if any, of implementation of PLAs in procurement of the tower. The FAA is specifically interested in:

1. Please provide a projected cost increase for the use of PLAs on this contract as a percentage of overall contract value.

2. Which trades are more difficult to obtain unionized workers?

3. Do PLA’s effect pricing on large scale projects if yes could you elaborate?

4. Do PLA’s effect project timelines?

5. Do PLA’s effect your company’s interest in bidding FAA large scale projects?

6. Is there any other information you can share on PLA’s and impact positive or negative?

7. Contract Support

The FAA periodically utilizes contractor support to meet mission requirements. For this procurement, the following contractor personnel will participate in package reviews and support source selection evaluations:

• Jones Design Studio, PLLC

• SAIC

Contractors are required to identify any potential conflicts of interest regarding these companies. Please direct any questions about contractor support or roles to the Contracting Officer.

8. Submission Deadlines and Points of Contact

All communications and final market survey submittals must be in writing. No phone calls will be accepted. Questions regarding this survey must be emailed to the Contracting Officers noted below.

Submissions must be delivered in PDF format on company letterhead.

Critical Procurement Deadlines & Events:

• Market Survey Response Deadline: No later than 5:00 PM (Eastern Time) on October XX, 2026.

Authorized FAA Points of Contact (POC):

Name Role / Designation Email Address

ThuyLinh TranNguyen FAA Contracting Officer Thuylinh.t.Trannguyen@faa.gov

Sam Culberth FAA Contracting Officer Sam.G.Culberth@faa.gov

Erin Crabtree FAA Contracting Officer Erin.M.Crabtree@faa.gov

** The Contracting Officer for this procurement is ThuyLinh TranNguyen Construction Contracting, Federal Aviation Administration.

Contracting Officers Sam Culberth and Erin Crabtree, Federal Aviation Administration, are authorized to act on behalf of ThuyLinh TranNguyen as secondary Contracting Officers, holding complete decision-making authority after award of the contract.

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

1. FLL Site Location and Height Document

2. Draft SIR for FLL ATCT DB

8. Submission Deadlines and Points of Contact