Small Firm Gets Air Traffic Control Work The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a $280 million contract for engineering work on a new air traffic control system to CSSI Inc., a Washington-based woman-owned small business. The award is the first of six under FAA’s $7 billion System Engineering 2020 program to support the Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen. The agency says one more prime contract will be awarded to a small company. The upgrade of air traffic control will cost at least $25 billion by the time it is completed in 2025. “Innovative ideas to help advance our nation’s airspace won’t come only from large companies,” said Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari. ”Small businesses are uniquely positioned to help make NextGen a success.” FAA said its SE-2020 contractors will evaluate new technologies such as Trajectory Based Operations, which allow aircraft to operate the most efficient routes, and Optimized Profile Descents, which allow aircraft to fly smooth, continuous descents to airports. CSSI, a graduated 8(a) firm headed by CEO Cynthia Castillo, said it will lead a team of 10 subcontractors and will add to its 270 employees.