Major technology upgrades in the federal government are essential, but when new systems don’t work seamlessly on day one, managerial risk increases quickly. When this happens, it is essential that federal managers have the tools they need to protect their careers – a professional liability insurance (PLI) policy from FEDS Protection can help.
That reality will soon play out at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which recently selected two companies to replace more than 600 aging radar systems that air traffic controllers rely on every day. The systems being replaced date back decades and depend on obsolete components that are increasingly difficult to maintain.
The long-term goal is clear: improve reliability, safety, and resilience. However, the transition period itself is where risk concentrates, and where federal managers are most exposed.
When Operational Friction Becomes a Management Issue
Air traffic delays caused by system slowdowns or outages don’t stay confined to technical teams. They affect airlines, passengers, airport operators, and elected officials, all of whom will want accountability if something goes wrong.
Recent radar-related disruptions in the Northeast led to thousands of delayed or canceled flights into and out of Newark Liberty International Airport. In this case, both the primary and backup systems failed, causing widespread issues at the major hub airport.
When that happens, the dissatisfaction from agency officials and members of the public rarely targets equipment alone. It often turns into:
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Formal complaints from airlines and labor groups
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Inspector General inquiries into planning and oversight
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Congressional questions about accountability
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Public outrage from affected consumers
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Allegations that managers failed to anticipate, mitigate, or communicate risks
Even when managers follow policy and act in good faith, perception matters, and perception drives complaints.
Why Managers Bear the Brunt
Technology failures are often viewed externally as leadership failures. For federal managers, this creates several vulnerabilities:
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Decisions made years earlier are judged in hindsight. Modernization timelines, contractor selection, and rollout strategies may all be scrutinized after a disruption.
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Service impacts escalate emotions. Missed flights, stranded passengers, and economic losses amplify frustration, increasing the likelihood that complaints are filed.
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Documentation becomes evidence. Emails, meeting notes, and internal risk assessments can all be reviewed to determine whether managers “should have known” problems would occur.
In these situations, managers may face administrative complaints, internal investigations, or allegations of mismanagement, even when the underlying issue is a necessary system upgrade.
Managing the Risk – Not Just the Technology
Federal managers overseeing technology transitions should assume that complaints will arise, even when projects are necessary and well-executed. The key is preparation.
Clear documentation, proactive communication, and realistic expectations help, but they do not eliminate risk. When dissatisfaction leads to allegations, managers must be ready to respond professionally and protect their careers.
Why Protection Matters
When complaints turn into investigations, managers are often expected to defend their decisions. Having access to experienced legal representation can make a critical difference.
A FEDS Protection professional liability insurance (PLI) policy can provide peace of mind during these high-risk transition periods.
As the PLI provider endorsed by leading federal manager associations, FEDS Protection offers coverage options that include:
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Civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs
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Legal representation coverage for administrative actions
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Criminal defense cost coverage
Annual premiums start at $290, and many federal supervisors and managers are eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of their policy cost through their agency.
Technology modernization is unavoidable. Professional exposure during the transition doesn’t have to be.
To learn more about how a FEDS Protection PLI policy can help safeguard your role as a federal manager, visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. ET.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions.