Hopefully this will help OKC seal the deal in landing the Piper aircraft plant as well..

OU announces $132 million FAA contract
By - 7/12/2007


The University of Oklahoma Outreach announced today it has received a Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Instructional Support contract that provides for a base and four one-year options totaling $132 million.


The largest contract in OU history, it will provide support to the FAA Air Traffic Academy’s initial and specialized training for all current and future air traffic controllers.


“Receiving the largest training grant in OU’s history is a great tribute to the quality of the faculty and staff at the university,” said OU President David L. Boren in a statement. “Vice President for University Outreach Jim Pappas and his entire team have made a great contribution not only to the university but to the economy of Oklahoma as this program will bring thousands of air traffic controllers from all over the country to train in our state.”


Through OU Outreach’s College of Continuing Education, OU has provided support to the FAA since 1981.


“We are excited to have the opportunity to continue our long relationship with the FAA, and we are also very proud of the significant impact this contract has on the local economy in terms of jobs and infrastructure,” Pappas said in a statement.


The contract also provides support for Air Traffic courseware development at the Academy and Air Traffic field facilities throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and Guam as well as international air traffic training and courseware in 22 countries.


The Oklahoma City-based training facility – located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center – represents the U.S.' second largest concentration of Department of Transportation employees.