FAA Tower Simulation System Software - Enhancement Two
ID: FAA-TSS-E2-MARKETSURVEYType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OFFEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION693KA8 SYSTEM OPERATIONS CONTRACTSWASHINGTON, DC, 20591, USA

NAICS

Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/52ecfebd37ac4fa3bab11b20f8a115f7/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking information from potential vendors regarding the enhancement of its Tower Simulation System (TSS) software, aimed at improving air traffic controller training. This market survey is intended to gather insights on vendor capabilities and recommendations related to the draft requirements for the TSS software, which is crucial for training air traffic controllers in a realistic, non-operational environment. The FAA currently operates 111 TSS units and aims to expand access to more controllers across the national airspace system, as mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Interested vendors must submit their capability statements and responses to specific questions by May 19, 2025, to Manish Patel at manish.patel@faa.gov, with a total submission limit of 25 pages.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Manish Patel
    manish.patel@faa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Attachment A - TSS Software Specification - DRAFT.pdf
    The Tower Simulation System (TSS) Software Specification outlines the requirements and functionalities for a comprehensive air traffic control training simulator used by the FAA. The TSS facilitates the training of air traffic controllers in a safe, non-operational environment, enhancing their decision-making, communication, and situational awareness skills. It includes various modules such as voice recognition, scenario management, and dynamic weather systems, ensuring realistic representations of air and ground traffic. Key functionalities comprise a scalable hardware setup, a robust database of visual environments for multiple airports, and realistic simulations of a variety of operations, including runway management and aircraft characteristics. The software must also support advanced audio-visual outputs, integrating voice communication systems essential for optimal training. Furthermore, it allows for customizable training scenarios, enabling instructors to create specific conditions to enhance learning outcomes. Overall, the TSS software is designed to reflect real-world complexities in air traffic control, providing both initial and refresher training while ensuring safety and efficiency. The specification serves as a critical guideline in the context of federal grants and RFPs, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to improve aviation safety and operational readiness through technological advancements in training tools.
    Attachment B - Business Declaration Form.pdf
    The Business Declaration form, dated October 2013, serves as a standardized document for firms applying for federal contracts, particularly those targeting small, disadvantaged, or minority-owned businesses. It collects essential information about the firm, including its name, tax identification, address, and contact details, alongside a declaration of its ownership structure and controlling interests based on demographic categories (e.g., Black, Hispanic, Native American, etc.). The form also requires details about the firm’s management authority, business nature, years in operation, number of employees, and gross receipts from the past three years. Additionally, it assesses eligibility by asking if the firm qualifies as a small business, service-disabled veteran-owned, or woman-owned. A Privacy Act Statement is included, indicating that the information may be shared among relevant offices for small business development and contracting continuity. The declaration concludes with a signature section certifying the accuracy of the information provided. This form plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria for government contracts set aside for specific business demographics, thereby supporting minority and disadvantaged enterprises in acquiring federal funding and opportunities.
    Attachment J-3 - Representative TSS Hardware Components - Draft.pdf
    This draft document outlines the representative hardware components for the Tower Simulation System (TSS) across three configurations: Large, Medium, and Small. Each configuration is tailored to specific operational capacities and contains varying quantities of essential hardware. The Large TSS comprises 11 gaming desktop computers, multiple Dell OptiPlex tower computers (both for file server and simulation purposes), and a variety of monitors (including several 75-inch models) alongside peripherals like Logitech sound systems and thermal strip printers. The Medium TSS follows with fewer gaming desktops and a reduced quantity of other devices, while the Small TSS includes the least hardware, providing essential computing and display capabilities. Each section details specific items and their quantities, indicating the structured approach to establishing a comprehensive TSS setup. The intention of this document likely serves as a guideline for federal RFPs and grants, ensuring uniformity and clarity in hardware procurement for simulation purposes across government facilities.
    Attachment J-4 - Representative TSS RPO Hardware Components - Draft.pdf
    The document outlines a draft list of essential hardware components for a Remote Pilot Operator station, as part of a federal Request for Proposal (RFP). The components include one Dell OptiPlex XE4 computer, one BOCA Flight Strip Printer, two LG monitors (a 32" and a 24"), one or two Beetronics 12” Touchscreens, one or two various communication devices compatible with specific headsets, one Luxor Adjustable Height Workstation, one CyberPower UPS, and one Creative Pebble USB Desktop Speaker. The quantities provided for some items reflect variability based on facility requirements. This information is crucial for procurement and ensures that the technical needs of pilot operations are met in adherence to standards required for government operations. The focus is to establish a uniform framework for equipping remote pilot operators with necessary hardware to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness within federal guidelines.
    Attachment J-5 - Representative TSS SDL Hardware Components - Draft.pdf
    The document outlines the hardware specifications for a Scenario Development Laptop, specifically detailing the components required for procurement. The main entry featured is the MSI Vector 16 HX A14VGG laptop, with a specified quantity of one unit. The structure consists of a straightforward tabular format listing the hardware components vital for the Scenario Development initiative. This proposal aligns with government RFP standards, facilitating the acquisition of technology necessary to support various projects or operations. The inclusion of specific hardware indicates a focus on specifying the needs for enhanced computational capabilities within a governmental context, reflecting the intent to streamline technological resources for effective scenario planning and analysis. This summary captures the essence of the document while emphasizing its purpose in the broader framework of federal grants and RFPs.
    TSS E2 Market Survey Questions - Q and A Responses.pdf
    The FAA is conducting a market survey for the TSS E2 ATCT Simulation Software, focusing on operational and technical requirements. Key inquiries include whether the existing TSS software meets these requirements, especially regarding performance gaps such as speech recognition accuracy and security. The FAA states it will not comment on current contracts but anticipates vendor feedback on operational standards. It is crucial that the speech recognition software can accurately process standard aviation phrases without user-specific training. Furthermore, the FAA confirms vendors must provide editable Airport Visual Databases (VDBs) in an unencrypted, open format, ensuring FAA personnel can modify them as necessary. These databases, composed of critical geographical and airport data, are owned by the FAA, highlighting the agency's priority for accessibility and functional control over these resources. Overall, this survey aims to gather insights from the industry that will shape the future procurement and implementation of aviation-related simulation software while ensuring operational effectiveness and data manageability.
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    FAA Tower Simulation System Software - Enhancement Two
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