FAA Enterprise Network Services (FENS)
Key Dates
Due Date
-
Posted Date
-
Agency & Value
Agency
693KA8 SYSTEM OPERATIONS CONTRACTS
Contract Value
Not provided
Codes & Classification
Solicitation Number
693KA8-26-D-00016
NAICS
517810 - All Other Telecommunications
Classification Code
DG11
Additional Details
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, has issued an award notice for the FAA Enterprise Network Services (FENS) program. This procurement, identified by contract number 693KA8-26-D-00016, represents a direct, undefinitized single-award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract granted to AT&T Enterprise Services, LLC. The award leverages the FAA’s Acquisition Management System (AMS) waiver authority, specifically to support the Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) initiative. The contract is anticipated to evolve into a multi-billion dollar IDIQ agreement upon definitization, with a potential period of performance extending up to 15 years.
The scope of the FENS program is comprehensive, aiming to deliver highly available and secure communications and information management services essential for the FAA’s mission of maintaining the world’s safest and most efficient aerospace system. FENS will also provide access to administrative information systems, including email, payroll, and online training. To ensure compliance with security standards and policies, FENS services will be segmented into distinct Networking Capabilities—such as Critical Services, Essential Services, and Administrative Services—as defined by the government. The program requires robust support for secure communications both within FENS Networking Capabilities and between these capabilities and external networks, including the public internet.
The initial task order under this contract, numbered 693KA8-26-F-00278, is valued at $74,300,000 and covers early start-up planning and development activities. This task order is currently the only funded effort under the undefinitized contract.
The FAA’s justification for a direct award to AT&T is multifaceted. The agency faces a critical timeline, with an operational deadline of December 2028 for BNATCS. The existing FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure is insufficient to support current and future National Airspace System (NAS) operations, and a competitive procurement process would not meet the required timeline. The FAA strategically determined that engagement with a Tier-1 telecommunications provider—one that owns core network infrastructure—is essential for mission success, offering superior network resiliency, cost efficiencies, and streamlined accountability. Of the three Tier-1 providers in the United States, AT&T is the only one currently willing and able to commit the necessary resources to meet the BNATCS timeline. AT&T’s prior participation in the 2020 FENS competitive procurement and recent FAA market research, as well as its existing support for FAA programs such as ADS-B and Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS), further demonstrate its familiarity with FAA requirements and infrastructure. AT&T’s technical capabilities include nationwide Tier-1 core network infrastructure, extensive network engineering expertise, and operational capacity to support approximately 4,500 FAA facilities with continuous, mission-critical operations.
The procurement is classified under NAICS code 517810 (All Other Telecommunications, 2022 version) and product service code DG11. There are no set-aside requirements for this contract. The place of performance is Virginia, United States. The contracting entity is the FAA’s System Operations Contracts Office (organization key 500000118), with Benjamin Golway serving as the primary contact ([email protected], 202-267-8139).
This award notice remains active and is accessible via SAM.gov (Opportunity ID: 89275702a17c4bc4a1906fd596fe8828). Contractors considering opportunities in the telecommunications sector should note that this contract is a direct award to AT&T, reflecting the FAA’s urgent operational needs and strategic requirements for Tier-1 network infrastructure. The program’s objectives, security segmentation, and nationwide operational scope are expected to remain constant throughout the contract lifecycle.