New Airport Traffic Control Tower to be Designed and Built at Pocatello Regional Airport
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $78,282,000 ($78.3M)
Contractor: Walsh Federal LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2025-09-03
End Date: 2028-11-06
Sector: Transportation
Official Description: PIH ATCT DESIGN-BUILD. THIS CONTRACT IS TO FOR THE DESIGN AND BUILD OF A NEW AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER (ATCT) AT POCATELLO REGIONAL AIRPORT (PIH) IN POCATELLO, IDAHO. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED SPECIFICA
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $78.3 million to WALSH FEDERAL LLC for work described as: PIH ATCT DESIGN-BUILD. THIS CONTRACT IS TO FOR THE DESIGN AND BUILD OF A NEW AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER (ATCT) AT POCATELLO REGIONAL AIRPORT (PIH) IN POCATELLO, IDAHO. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED SPECIFICA Key points: 1. Significant investment in airport infrastructure to enhance air traffic control capabilities. 2. Competition for this large design-build contract is likely robust, though specific details are not provided. 3. Potential risks include construction delays, cost overruns, and integration challenges with existing airport operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $78.3 million represents a substantial investment in critical aviation infrastructure. This is a design-build contract, which can offer efficiencies but requires careful management.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The award method is listed as 'DELIVERY ORDER', suggesting it may be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a pre-competed vehicle. Further details on the original solicitation are needed to determine the level of competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from improved aviation safety and efficiency at a regional airport.
Public Impact
Enhanced safety and efficiency for air travel at Pocatello Regional Airport. Potential for temporary construction-related disruptions for airport users and nearby residents. Long-term economic benefits through improved airport capacity and connectivity.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep during the design phase.
- Ensuring timely completion within the allocated budget.
- Managing unforeseen site conditions during construction.
Positive Signals
- Modernization of critical aviation infrastructure.
- Consolidated design and build responsibilities under one contractor.
- Investment in regional economic development.
Sector Analysis
This project falls within the broader transportation and infrastructure sector, specifically focusing on aviation facilities. Investments in air traffic control towers are crucial for maintaining and upgrading national airspace safety and efficiency.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Walsh Federal LLC. There is no indication of small business set-asides for this specific delivery order, suggesting it was competed on a broader basis.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for overseeing this project. Oversight will focus on ensuring the design meets all safety and operational requirements and that construction adheres to specifications and timelines.
Related Government Programs
- Airport Infrastructure
- Air Traffic Control Systems
- Design-Build Contracts
Risk Flags
- Construction Risk
- Schedule Risk
- Cost Overrun Risk
Tags
airport-infrastructure, air-traffic-control, design-build, transportation, federal-aviation-administration, pocatello, infrastructure-project
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $78.3 million to WALSH FEDERAL LLC. PIH ATCT DESIGN-BUILD. THIS CONTRACT IS TO FOR THE DESIGN AND BUILD OF A NEW AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER (ATCT) AT POCATELLO REGIONAL AIRPORT (PIH) IN POCATELLO, IDAHO. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ATTACHED SPECIFICA
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WALSH FEDERAL LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $78.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-03. End: 2028-11-06.
Analysis insight 1
The contract's design-build nature aims to streamline the process by combining architectural/engineering design with construction services.
Analysis insight 2
The project duration spans over three years, indicating a complex undertaking requiring phased execution.
Analysis insight 3
The location in Pocatello, Idaho, highlights investment in regional airport modernization across the country.