Issues RFI For “Integrator” To Coordinate All Aspects Of Project

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the FAA is looking for an innovative company to play the role of “integrator” who will lead the build-out of a brand-new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system. 

As a way to encourage industry partners to join in and discuss the plan, Duffy and the FAA are hosting “Industry Days” on June 10-12.

As part of the plan to attract a lead coordinator, the FAA has issued a Request for Information, or RFI, for an integrator to perform the key role in executing President Donald Trump and Duffy’s vision for building the new ATC system.

Duffy said, “We have an antiquated air traffic control system that is showing its age. In order to implement President Trump and I’s plan for a brand new system, we need the technical expertise and management experience from the best innovators in the world.”

Secretary Duffy has said his top two priorities are hiring more air traffic controllers as soon as possible along with building a new state-of-the-art system.

To bring this vision for the ATC system to fruition, the FAA wants innovative new ideas, new technologies, and new procurement strategies.

Chris Rocheleau, Acting Administrator of the FAA said, “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a new, world-class air traffic system. We need world-class innovators to step up and tell us the best way to build it. 

The multi-billion dollar project will involve replacing core infrastructure components such as radar, software, hardware, and telecommunications networks to manage the level of air traffic that has exponentially grown over the past 50 years, the average age for many components currently in the system.

Whoever is selected to be the integrator of this effort has many cats to herd and faces a huge job including acquiring capabilities and deploying new technologies in addition to the components that will require replacement.

FMI:  www.transportation.gov/ , www.faa.gov/