FAA selects Cherokee Federal to update weather observation tech at more than 500 airports
TULSA, Okla. - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $69.4 million contract to Cherokee Strategic Solutions (CSS), a subsidiary of Cherokee Federal, to enhance the agency’s Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) at over 500 airports across the United States.
As part of the five-year base contract, with three one-year options, CSS will manufacture, design, and install upgraded AWOS technology at FAA-operated airports, with installations to be completed by the end of the contract period.
"This award reflects the FAA's ongoing confidence in our team and our shared commitment to advancing aviation safety," said Aaron Fletcher, senior program manager at Cherokee Federal. "Over the past decade, we have evolved into a truly integrated partner with the FAA, solving problems, implementing solutions and delivering results as an extension of their mission."
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The new AWOS units are designed to provide more accurate, real-time weather data to pilots and air traffic controllers, improving flight planning, routing, and safety, particularly in remote and weather-sensitive areas like Alaska.
In previous FAA work since 2015, Cherokee Federal has manufactured and deployed 231 AWOS-C systems and 226 Surface Weather Systems (SWS), upgraded Digital Altimeter Setting Indicator (DASI) equipment, and integrated wind profilers at key locations, including the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and Juneau, Alaska.
The company has also delivered mobile weather systems, including the FAA’s Mobile Surface Weather System and 10 Mobile AWOS units, and supported Low Level Wind Shear Alert Systems (LLWAS) and large mobile air traffic control tower integrations.
