FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI)
FTI provides high-quality, cost effective telecommunications services to all FAA operational and mission support activities, including everything from real-time communications between air traffic controllers, to administrative functions such as e-mail and payroll. Its implementation through a performance-based service contract has enabled substantial gains in efficiency and effectiveness in meeting FAA’s complex telecommunications requirements. FTI not only accommodates current operations, but is the foundation for communications capabilities supporting the Next Generation Air Transportation System.
Noblis’ contributions include the engineering and acquisition support that led to the successful award of the FTI contract, formulation of an affordable transition strategy, management and control processes for service orders, and business case validation.
Automated Flight Service Stations
A network of Automated Flight Service Stations across the National Airspace System provides aeronautical and meteorological information to pilots, primarily general aviation, in order to promote safe and expeditious flight. The principal services include weather briefings and flight planning support.
In February 2005, under the provisions of the Office of Management and Budget’s A-76 Circular, a contract to outsource these services and consolidate operations was awarded. This included implementing new telecommunications and systems infrastructure, as well as managing flight systems and personnel transition, while simultaneously maintaining 24x7 operations. Today, the same high quality services are provided at a substantially reduced operating cost through a managed-serviced contract.
Noblis has assisted the FAA from the inception of this effort, and is the only organization retained throughout the full lifecycle of the program. Noblis’ contributions include definition of the managed-services contract, independent cost estimation, engineering analyses, and transition planning and execution.
Air/Ground Data Communication
Data Communication services will augment the voice communications of today’s air traffic control system with digital transactions and services between air traffic controllers and pilots. These services will promote more precise and efficient transactions, and enable controllers to spend less time on routine tasks. They will not only benefit those who equip their aircraft, but provide system-wide benefits such as reduced weather delays, increased safety and capacity, and reduced environmental impacts. Data Communication services are critical to achieving the Next Generation Air Transportation System.
Noblis’ contributions to the FAA’s Data Communications Office include the formulation of programmatic alternatives and acquisition strategies, business case development, technical leadership and expertise in systems engineering activities, program integration and strategic planning, and benefits assessment for airspace users using a unique transaction-based model that enables those users to valuate the services based on their particular operations.