Agency Reportedly Aims to Complete Part of the Move By Early December

The Federal Aviation Administration is looking to begin the first phase of what is shaping up to be a very expensive move, aiming to get part of its workforce situated in the Department of Transportation headquarters by early December.

The agency confirmed the relocation in August as a means to improve collaboration and address safety concerns with its aging facilities.

According to the plan, the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization staff will be moving into the seventh and eighth floors of DOT’s East Building in Washington’s Navy Yard. The initial relocation is expected to be completed around December 10. Employees from both the FAA’s main headquarters and its Silver Spring, Maryland, satellite office are part of this first wave.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has claimed that the relocation is part of the DOT’s “1DOT” initiative: a project meant to unify transportation divisions under one roof. Duffy also noted that the FAA’s current buildings, constructed in the 1960s, have become outdated and even unsafe, citing poor air quality, water issues, and maintenance problems. The agency aims to create a “more modern and collaborative environment” for the agency’s 45,000 employees.

The plan has sparked anxiety among staff. Some employees said they were “blindsided” by the announcement, worried about how the move would affect commuting and parking options at Navy Yard. Those who live farther away, such as those based near Frederick, Maryland, are worried about longer commutes and unclear remote work options.

FAA documents also warned that the relocation could cost over $250 million and potentially disrupt operations vital to the National Airspace System. Those reports suggested that moving staff and systems might “impact NAS safety” if not handled carefully. FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau has downplayed those concerns, saying the agency is taking a “very intentional, very thoughtful” approach to prevent disruptions.

To make room for the FAA, the DOT has reportedly asked some of its own headquarters employees to relocate to other regional offices. The agency has not disclosed how many FAA workers will ultimately be moved or whether later phases could affect additional departments.

FMI: www.faa.gov