Airport Construction Contracts: Complete Contractor Guide 2025
Win airport construction and aviation facility contracts. Learn about FAA requirements, TSA security protocols, airside vs landside work, and how to bid on terminal expansion, runway, and airport infrastructure projects.
Airport Construction Market Overview
Airport Construction Quick Facts
Annual Investment:
$15B+
US airport construction
FAA AIP Funding:
$3.4B
Annual grants
DBE Goal:
10%+
Federal projects
Major Projects:
200+
In progress nationally
Airport construction represents one of the largest infrastructure investment categories, with major terminal expansions, runway improvements, and modernization projects underway across the country. These projects require specialized expertise in FAA regulations, security protocols, and working in active airport environments.
FAA AIP Grants
Airport Improvement Program provides federal funding for safety, capacity, and security projects. Federal share typically 90%.
PFCs
Passenger Facility Charges collected by airports fund terminal improvements, gates, and ground access projects.
Airport Revenue Bonds
Airports issue bonds backed by revenue for large capital projects. Often combined with federal funding.
Airport Project Types
Project Types
- • Runway construction/rehabilitation
- • Taxiway improvements
- • Apron expansion
- • Airfield lighting (AGL)
- • NAVAID installation
Key Considerations
- • FAA AC 150/5370 specifications
- • Phased construction required
- • Night work typical
- • FOD prevention critical
- • Tight construction windows
Project Types
- • Terminal construction/expansion
- • Concourse additions
- • Baggage handling systems
- • Ground transportation centers
- • Parking structures
Key Considerations
- • Work in occupied facilities
- • TSA security requirements
- • Passenger flow maintenance
- • Complex MEP coordination
- • Tenant coordination
Project Types
- • Central utility plants
- • Fuel farm facilities
- • De-icing facilities
- • ARFF (fire rescue) stations
- • Maintenance facilities
Key Considerations
- • EPA stormwater requirements
- • Fuel system regulations
- • Redundancy requirements
- • Security clearance areas
- • Coordination with operations
Key Requirements
Personnel Requirements
- • SIDA badge required for secured areas
- • Background checks (TSA/FBI)
- • Escort requirements
- • Security awareness training
- • Badge accountability procedures
Work Area Security
- • Construction fence coordination
- • Tool control programs
- • Vehicle access procedures
- • Material delivery protocols
- • After-hours access restrictions
Notice of Proposed Construction
Required for any construction that may affect navigable airspace. Submit 45+ days before construction. Includes cranes and temporary structures.
Construction Safety & Phasing Plan
Required for airside projects. Details safety measures, phasing, NOTAMs, and coordination with airport operations.
Advisory Circulars
Technical specifications for airport design and construction. 150/5370 series covers construction standards.
Federal Requirements
- • 49 CFR Part 26 compliance
- • Airport-specific DBE goals
- • Good faith efforts documentation
- • DBE certification verification
- • Commercial useful function requirement
Typical Goals
- • 10-15% DBE participation typical
- • ACDBE for concession contracts
- • Small business programs
- • Local hire requirements
- • Mentor-protégé programs
Procurement Process
Low Bid (AIP Funded)
Federally funded projects typically use competitive sealed bidding. FAA grant assurances apply. Lowest responsible bidder selected.
CM at Risk
Qualifications-based selection with GMP. Allows early contractor involvement. Common for complex terminal projects.
Design-Build
Single contract for design and construction. Requires Alternative Project Delivery waiver for AIP-funded work.
JOC/IDIQ
Task order contracts for ongoing maintenance and small projects. Pre-qualified contractor pools.
Prequalification Requirements
Most airports require contractor prequalification for projects above threshold amounts.
Typical Requirements
- • Financial statements (3 years)
- • Experience on similar projects
- • Safety record (EMR)
- • Bonding capacity
- • DBE program compliance history
Special Requirements
- • Airfield paving experience
- • Security clearance capability
- • Night work experience
- • FAA AC 150 knowledge
- • Airport-specific certifications
Finding Airport Projects
Airport Authority Websites
Each airport has procurement portal. Major airports like LAX, DFW, ORD, ATL publish extensive capital programs.
FAA AIP Grant Awards
FAA publishes grant awards indicating upcoming federally-funded projects. Search FAA AIP database.
State Aviation Agencies
State DOTs and aviation departments fund smaller airport projects. General aviation airports often use state procurement.
Program/CM Firms
AECOM, WSP, Jacobs, and others manage airport programs. Building relationships with PMs leads to subcontracting opportunities.
Multi-Billion Dollar Programs
- • LAX - $15B+ modernization
- • JFK - $19B Terminal One/Two
- • ORD - $8.5B O'Hare 21
- • DEN - $1.5B+ Great Hall
- • SEA - $3B+ expansion
Regional Programs
- • SLC - $4.1B New Terminal
- • PIT - $1.4B Terminal Mod
- • BNA - $1.2B Expansion
- • AUS - $4B Expansion
- • SAN - $3B New Terminal
Winning Airport Bids
Airport-Specific Experience
Document completed airport projects by type (airside, terminal, support). Show understanding of airport operations.
Safety Record
Excellent EMR and safety programs. Airports prioritize safety due to operational environment.
DBE Program
Strong DBE subcontracting history. Demonstrated good faith efforts on previous projects.
Schedule Management
Ability to work in compressed schedules, night shifts, and coordinate with active operations.
- Underestimating security badging time and costs
- Not accounting for operational restrictions and closures
- Inadequate night work premium and productivity adjustments
- Missing DBE documentation requirements
- Failing to coordinate with FAA 7460 requirements for crane operations
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