The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Nov. 20 a request for proposals that would revolutionize air traffic control systems.
The agency said it had issued a Request For Information (RFI) for a proposal that would replace the current en route and terminal systems that provide air traffic controllers with information on flight data and how they move aircraft between facilities. The agency said it is looking for a single, state-of-the art platform called the Common Automation Platform (CAP), to be part of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s plan to build a new air traffic control system.
“Under this Administration’s leadership, we’re going to give our hard-working air traffic controllers the technology they deserve at their fingertips,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said. “CAP will strengthen safety, reduce delays, and ensure America’s airspace is prepared for the future.”
Currently, the FAA uses the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) and the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) to track and control aircraft. ERAM manages high-altitude flights and provides controllers with real-time data for safe aircraft navigation through en route airspace, while STARS tracks and coordinates flights in Terminal Radar Approach Controls (TRACONS) facilities and air traffic control towers to sequence, issue conflict alerts and weather updates for aircraft.
Officials with the FAA said CAP would unify the platforms into a single, modern and adaptable solution. The initiative would enhance resiliency and stability across the national airspace system and allow controllers to organize airspace more efficiently.
Interested parties should visit SAM.gov to learn more about the RFI. Previously, the FAA issued RFIs for a runway safety lighting system and a vendor challenge to modernize the air traffic flow system. The agency said a Prime Integrator to manage building the new air traffic control system will be announced soon.