Wanted: radio communications and machine automation for new air traffic control (ATC) system by 2028
WASHINGTON – U.S. air traffic control (ATC) experts are preparing industry for a quick-turnaround effort to overhaul the nation's air traffic control system within the next four years.
Officials of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Washington issued a request for information (693KA7BNATCS) late last week for the Brand New Air Traffic Control System project, in response to President Trump's initiative to develop a new ATC system by the end of 2028.
In particular, this announcement is asking industry for ideas and enabling technologies in telecommunications; radio communications; surveillance; machine automation; and facilities that would apply to an overhaul of the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS).
From industry, the FAA wants to know in which of the five areas of interest -- telecommunications; radio communications; surveillance; automation; and facilities -- that companies have the deepest expertise.
Best design approaches
FAA officials also would like industry suggestions on design approaches to building a new ATC system; acquisition strategies; and business models.
The FAA is proposing three potential industry relationship models for developing and deploying a new ATC system: a prime integrator model in which the Integrator awards all contracts anew and existing contracts are cancelled; a non-prime integrator model in which the FAA holds all contracts but the integrator manages and oversees the contracts for the FAA; and a hybrid prime integrator model in which the integrator awards new contracts, and transfers existing contracts either to the integrator or are retained by the FAA but managed by the integrator. The systems integrator may not compete for technology contracts.
From industry, the FAA also wants suggestions on how to contain costs; how to finish a new ATC system by the end of 2028; how to manage supply chain risk; how to approach data rights; potential commercial solutions; and security concerns.
Companies interested should email responses no later than 23 June 2025 to [email protected]. More information is online at https://sam.gov/opp/8212d59c0ab04691bbe7b3110b3f7c85/view.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
