DOT Plans Nationwide Expansion of SMART Air-Traffic Decision Tool

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) began using its SMART air-traffic decision-support tool at three Washington-area airports in September 2026. According to DOT, the tool has helped reroute 110 flights while reducing flight time and fuel consumption. DOT says it plans to expand the tool nationwide in the coming months, positioning the program as an operational technology effort intended to help manage air traffic and improve flight efficiency. The announcement identifies Air Space Intelligence (ASI) as the tool’s developer. It does not state the contract value, identify a solicitation number, or provide a procurement contact.

For government contractors, the reported results make the program relevant to aviation operations, artificial intelligence, data-driven decision support, and transportation technology. Rerouting 110 flights provides an initial measure of operational use, while DOT’s reported reductions in flight time and fuel use point to outcomes that could inform future requirements, performance measures, and technology evaluations. The source does not provide quantified savings, a measurement period beyond the stated deployment context, or technical details about how the tool generates recommendations. Contractors should therefore treat the reported benefits as DOT’s stated results, not as a fully specified performance baseline.

The planned nationwide expansion signals potential demand for solutions that support air-traffic decision-making across a broader operating environment. However, an agency’s announcement of an operational expansion is not itself evidence of a forthcoming competition. The available information does not establish whether DOT or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will extend an existing arrangement, modify a current contract, or pursue a new procurement. Nor does it provide an acquisition schedule, funding amount, requirements document, or indication that additional vendors will be considered.

Companies assessing the opportunity should monitor DOT and FAA procurement notices and related program communications for details on deployment scope, integration needs, data access, cybersecurity, and support. Potential areas to track include interoperability with existing air-traffic systems, operational validation, implementation across additional airports, user training, and ongoing technical support—but none of these needs is confirmed as a requirement in the source. The near-term intelligence value is the agency’s stated intent to scale a tool already in use, alongside reported flight and fuel-efficiency benefits. Contractors should distinguish that program signal from an open bid opportunity until formal acquisition information is published.

• DOT began using the SMART air-traffic decision-support tool at three Washington-area airports in September 2026.
• DOT reports that the tool has helped reroute 110 flights.
• The department says the tool has reduced flight time and fuel use; the source provides no quantified savings figures.
• DOT plans to expand the tool nationwide in the coming months, but gives no detailed rollout schedule.
• Air Space Intelligence (ASI) is identified as the tool’s developer.
• The Federal Aviation Administration is listed among the agencies associated with the signal; the source does not specify its contracting role.
• No contract value, solicitation number, procurement contact, or new competition is identified.
• Contractors should monitor official DOT and FAA notices and avoid treating the operational expansion as an open solicitation.