Air Traffic Control: Status of FAA's Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System Project.

The Federal Aviation Administration FAA oversees the largest, busiest, and most complex air traffic control system in the world. However, components of the system are aging and are difficult and costly to maintain. FAA projects that it cannot meet projected traffic increases and make required safety and efficiency enhancements without replacing equipment. Since the early 1980s, FAAS modernization efforts have experienced lengthy schedule delays and substantial cost overruns. Because of such problems, in 1994, FAA restructured its acquisition of the Advanced Automation System-the long-time centerpiece of its air traffic control modernization program-into more manageable segments. One of these segments is called the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System STARS project. This project is expected to replace 15- to 25-year-old computers and related equipment used at FAA facilities that track aircraft in the airspace surrounding airports. In September 1996, FAA contracted with Raytheon Corporation to develop, produce, and install STARS. Given FAAS past schedule and cost problems and the significance of the STARS project, you asked us to examine FAAS acquisition planning to date. Specifically, you asked us to determine to what extent 1 the schedule estimate for STARS is attainable and 2 cost estimates to make STARS operational are likely to change.