Department of Transportation Appropriations Act of 1996 (Sections 347 and 348) (November 1995)

Dear David:

Implementation of the personnel and procurement reforms in the transportation appropriations bill will be a key milestone in our continuing efforts to bring fundamental changes to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The ability to deploy the latest technologies and to have a well-trained and mobile workforce will be critical in ensuring the long-term safety and efficiency of the air traffic control system.

Beyond their importance for the FAA, these reforms also can serve as models for reforms throughout government. I want you to know that the full resources of the Administration are available to you in designing and carrying out these reforms, and I encourage you to utilize the expertise that exists throughout the government and in the private sector. This should be a time to be bold, to find the best corporate practices and put them into place for the government. Your considerable experience as business leader should be of great value as you lead this process. Given the importance of these reforms, their development should be a top priority for you and the senior management of the FAA.

It is critical that the employees of the FAA and their representatives be fully involved in the design and implementation of these systems. I have been struck by the tremendous efforts of dedicated FAA employees to maintain aging equipment and provide the critical services demanded of them. Much of our focus in bringing change to the FAA has been to give employees the tools that they need to effectively carry out their important responsibilities. These employees and their representatives have been, and will continue to be, critical to the success of any reforms.

The tasks at hand are obviously ambitious, and will be important parts of our efforts to make government work better and cost less. I commend you and the employees of the FAA for your diligence and commitment, and look forward to the implementation of these important reforms.