Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) Replacement

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (Authority) invites interested Design-Build firms (Respondent) to submit qualifications to provide professional design and construction services in accordance with Florida Statute Section 287.055 for the design and construction of the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) Replacement (Project) at Tampa International Airport (TPA). This Project will be designed and constructed using the progressive Design-Build methodology.

The existing ATCT facility was constructed in the early 1970s and is in need of replacement. TPA’s existing ATCT is operated, owned, and maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA, in conjunction with the Authority, has determined that an acceptable location for the new ATCT is Site 18A, which is within an approximately 2-acre parcel located at the northwest quadrant of the Main Terminal complex.

Since the FAA’s approval, it has been determined that the ATCT location needs to be adjusted. The Authority has submitted an adjusted ATCT location to the FAA, which is approximately 40 feet west of Site 18A. The adjusted ATCT location is identified as Site 18C and is currently under review by the FAA. See Exhibit A, Conceptual Site Layout Plan, which represents the conceptual site layout plan for the ATCT facility and includes the new ATCT's adjusted location.

The Project’s location is currently under construction, featuring an elevated guideway for shuttle car service between the Main Terminal and the new Airside D. Construction is expected to be completed in February 2027. The Authority’s goal is to complete the ATCT structure and remove the cranes by March 1, 2029, ahead of Airside D’s May 2029 opening.

The Authority and the FAA are in the process of finalizing an agreement whereby the Authority will contract for and manage the design and construction of the Project. The FAA will be included as a major stakeholder in all facets and approvals of the design and construction of the Project.

The FAA will be responsible for the design, furnishing, installation, testing, and commissioning of all FAA required electronic and operational systems (FAA Equipment).

Funding for this Project is provided through a contribution from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).