Airport Engineering
PennDOT’s Regional Airport Engineers (Project Managers) are responsible for the management of all airport development projects administered under the state Aviation Development Program, federal Block Grant Program, and state Capital Budget Program. The primary focus is non-scheduled-service airport development, adherence to federal and state project requirements, and providing support to the Federal Aviation Administration at scheduled-service airport projects that include state funding.
Project Managers provide technical guidance to airport sponsors and consultants through all stages of project development, including:
Project Programming Assistance
Airport Project Managers provide technical guidance to airport project planning staff and airport sponsors to aid project selections based on four- and 12-year plans.
Grant Process
Airport Project Managers review information to ensure adherence to requirements for state - funded projects. They also provide technical assistance to airport sponsors and consultants with the electronic eGrants system and review submitted-documentation for accuracy and completion.
Consultant Selection
Airport Project Managers provide airport sponsors with technical assistance to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and obligations.
Construction Contract Bidding and Awarding
Airport Project Managers review project plans, specifications, and estimates and ensure Contractor Compliance Review for state obligations. They contribute to the approval of construction project bid awards and for equipment procurement.
Sample Materials:
Pre-Design Conference
A pre-design conference, convened and conducted by the airport sponsor or an authorized agent, provides an opportunity to discuss various items relating to design parameters, airport safety, aircraft routing and equipment, construction operations sequencing, environmental considerations, and labor requirements. Pre-design conferences are essential when a project could affect airport operations during construction, and potential conflicts between the two should be resolved at this meeting.
Construction and Safety Inspections
Airport Project Managers attend project inspections to ensure adherence to project plans and specifications, ensure adherence to equipment-procurement and real-estate-related specifications, and confirm that proper documentation and applicable federal and state requirements are satisfied.
Review of Project and Contract Changes
Airport Project Managers provide detailed reviews and approvals or rejections of proposed contract provision changes, including changes in orders for time, materials, and cost adjustments.
Final Project Inspections, Close-out, and Acceptance
Airport Project Managers attend project final inspections to ensure adherence to project plans and specifications for construction projects, ensure adherence to equipment-procurement and real-estate-related specifications, and confirm that proper documentation and applicable federal and state requirements are satisfied.
Upon approval of the final project documentation, the Project Manager will authorize the final financial drawdown, or payment, and then inform the sponsor of the project’s fiscal closure.