The Daily Scoop Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Peraton wins deal to oversee multi-billion-dollar FAA air traffic control modernization
Date: December 8, 2025
Host: Billy Mitchell

Overview

This episode spotlights two major developments affecting federal agencies:

• Peraton’s selection to oversee the FAA’s multi-billion-dollar air traffic control modernization project, a crucial and long-awaited overhaul of the nation’s aging aviation infrastructure.
• Updates on the Department of Education’s decision to temporarily bring back Office of Civil Rights (OCR) staff who were previously placed on administrative leave due to reduction in force (RIF) measures, pending ongoing litigation.

The episode blends headlines and analysis, with a focus on the technological, managerial, and workforce implications for federal leadership.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Peraton Wins FAA Air Traffic Control Modernization Contract

[00:34 – 03:18]

• Selection Announcement:

  • Peraton, a Virginia-based technology firm, has been chosen as the integrator for the FAA’s air traffic control system overhaul.
  • The selection follows an extended search process initiated earlier this year, prompted by mounting concerns over the reliability and antiquated nature of existing systems:
    • “The FAA’s search for an integrator for the modernization effort began earlier this year and came amid concerns over its aging air traffic control systems... existing infrastructure range from IT outages that caused travel delays to the continued use of antiquated technology such as floppy disks.” (Host, 01:25)

• Project Scope and Funding:

  • Initial Congressional funding: $12.8 billion from the “One Big Beautiful bill.”
  • FAA Administrator Brian Bedford stated an additional $20 billion is likely needed:
    • “This is a long term investment in the future of air travel and we’re committed to getting it right.” (Brian Bedford, 01:14)
  • Project planned to take three years.

• Selection Process:

  • Finalists: Peraton vs. Parsons (the latter partnered with IBM).
  • Parsons expressed optimism, targeting delivery by 2028, but Peraton was ultimately chosen due to demonstrated experience and platform integration capabilities.

• Urgency and Systemic Challenges:

  • Host underscores the urgency and magnitude of the challenge, referencing FAA Administrator Bedford’s September statement:
    • “The current system is failing every day.” (Referencing public appearance, 01:41)

2. Department of Education Temporarily Brings Back OCR Staff

[03:19 – 05:03]

• Overview of Staffing Action:

  • The Department of Education notified OCR employees on Friday that they are to return to work later this month while a court reviews ongoing litigation over RIF orders.
  • Targeted return dates: December 15th or 29th.

• Motivation & Justification:

  • Agency notice emphasizes the need:
    • “It is important to refocus OCR’s work and utilize all OCR staff to prioritize OCR’s existing complaint caseload... all those individuals currently being compensated by the Department need to meet their employee performance expectations and contribute to the enforcement of existing civil rights complaints.” (Agency notice, 03:57)
  • Aimed at bolstering enforcement to benefit parents, students, and families.

• Legal and Policy Context:

  • Litigation has been ongoing over RIF actions instituted last March and April.
  • The recent government funding resolution included language pausing some RIF actions until January 30th.
  • Dispute centers on coverage of the continuing resolution and varying groups of employees affected.
  • Department’s legal affairs secretary, Julie Hartman, reiterates agency intent:
    • “The Department will continue to appeal the persistent and unceasing litigation disputes concerning the reductions in force, but in the meantime it will utilize all employees currently being compensated by American taxpayers.” (Julie Hartman, 04:28)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The current system is failing every day.”
  — FAA Administrator Brian Bedford, quoted at [01:41]

• “This is a long term investment in the future of air travel and we’re committed to getting it right.”
  — FAA Administrator Brian Bedford, [01:14]

• “It is important to refocus OCR’s work and utilize all OCR staff to prioritize OCR’s existing complaint caseload...”
  — Department of Education notice to staff, [03:57]

• “The Department will continue to appeal the persistent and unceasing litigation disputes concerning the reductions in force, but in the meantime it will utilize all employees currently being compensated by American taxpayers.”
  — Julie Hartman, Secretary for Legal Affairs, Department of Education, [04:28]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Peraton FAA Modernization Deal: [00:34 – 03:18]
• Urgency of FAA Overhaul: [01:25 – 01:41]
• Department of Education OCR RIF Update: [03:19 – 05:03]
• Legal Context of OCR Return: [04:20 – 04:50]

Tone & Language

The podcast maintains a straightforward, informative tone, blending factual reporting with analysis suitable for policy and federal government audiences.

Conclusion

This episode delivers essential updates on large-scale federal contracts and workforce actions, particularly impacting critical national infrastructure and civil rights enforcement capabilities. The thorough coverage of the Peraton-FAA deal highlights both the technological imperatives and institutional complexities facing U.S. air travel modernization, while the OCR segment spotlights the human and legal intricacies of federal workforce management amidst budget and legal challenges.

For more details on policy and tech in government, the host points listeners to fedscoop.com.