Air Traffic Management Concept Baseline Definition - The Boeing ...

Terminal Replacement System (STARS) and the Wide Area Augmentation System
(WAAS)-called for considerable development efforts. [Ref. 21, page 6-7] (T)
• STARS is an outgrowth of the troubled Advanced Automation System (AAS)
acquisition...the terminal segment of this system, known as Terminal Advanced
Automation System, would provide controllers in TRACONS with new workstations and
supporting computer systems. However, in June 1994, the FAA Administrator ordered a
major restructuring of the acquisition to solve long-standing schedule and cost problems.
These schedule delays were up to 8 years behind the original schedule, and estimated costs
had increased to $7.6 billion from the original $2.5 billion...FAA’s schedule for STARS
can be jeopardized by scheduling conflicts with other modernization efforts...in September
1996, the IPT identified 12 potential scheduling conflicts at the first 45 STARS
sites...another scheduling conflict involves terminal surveillance radars...many existing
surveillance radars are not digital, but STARS requires digital processing and
communications....there are also potential difficulties in developing STARS
software...[Ref. 20, page 3-4] (E), (O)
Issue # 13: FAA Organizational Culture and Workforce
FAA’s Organizational Culture
• FAA’s organizational culture has been an underlying cause of the persistent cost
overruns, schedule delays, and performance shortfalls in the agency’s acquisition of major
ATC systems. Weaknesses in ATC acquisitions stem from recurring shortcomings in the
agency’s mission focus, accountability, internal coordination, and adaptability. [Ref. 12,
page 22] (O)
• FAA officials rushed into production of ATC systems....cost, schedule, and performance
problems have resulted from excessive concurrency-beginning system production before
completing development, testing, or evaluation of programs. FAA has proceeded with
producing numerous systems, including Microwave Landing System (MLS), Mode S
radar, and Oceanic Display and Planning System (ODAPS), before critical performance
requirements had been met...[Ref. 12, page 24] (O)
• ...FAA concluded that because accountability for contract administration was not welldefined
or enforced, program officials were not encouraged to exercise strong oversight of
contractors...poor oversight...has caused acquisition problems in such projects as ODAPS,
Mode S, and AAS...the delivery of the first system (MODE S)...had been delayed by 5
years. [Ref. 12, page 28-29] (O)
• ...an environment of control...has been... fostered by the agency’s hierarchical
structure...employees are not empowered to make needed management decisions. This
lack of empowerment decreases their sense of ownership and responsibility, which...makes
them more reluctant to be held accountable for their decisions and actions....fewer than
half reported that they had enough authority to make day-to-day decisions about day-today
problems. [Ref. 12, page 29-30] (O), (H)
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