SAM #CTS-II-MarketSurvey-002

FAA Seeks Industry Input for Controller Training Solutions II Program – Advanced ATC Training Services and Innovation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking industry input for its Controller Training Solutions II (CTS II) program, focused on advancing air traffic controller training nationwide. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Air Traffic Organization - FAA Academy and ATC Facilities - Services Requested: - Program management for controller training support - Classroom and simulation training at FAA Academy and 300+ field facilities - Curriculum development, maintenance, and revision for resident, national, and local courses - Human Performance and Learning training for contractor instructors - Innovation support, including evaluation and implementation of emerging technologies (AI, ML, AR, VR) - Key Roles: - Program Manager, Deputy PMs, FAA-certified instructors, simulation operators, scenario developers, lab managers, remote pilot operators - Notable Requirements: - Transition to a firm-fixed-price contract structure to incentivize innovation and cost control - Emphasis on quality control, certification, and transition management - Seeking industry feedback on structuring contracts to encourage continuous innovation without costly modifications - No specific OEMs, vendors, products, part numbers, or purchase quantities are listed; focus is on service delivery and technology innovation.

Description

This Request for Information (RFI) for Air Traffic Controller (ATC) training is being issued in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acquisition Management System (AMS) Policy 3.2.1.2.1.  Responses to this RFI will be used for informational purposes only to support the development of a contracting strategy for ATC training. The information will not be released except as required under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Proprietary information will be protected if appropriately marked. This is not a Screening Information Request or Request for Proposal.

The purpose of this announcement is to obtain industry feedback on an updated acquisition strategy as well as the application of innovative training technologies and models for the next generation of ATC Training Support Services program.

Historically, these complex training services—encompassing institutional classroom instruction, simulation laboratory support, and curriculum maintenance and development at the FAA Academy and field facilities—have been procured using a Time & Materials (T&M) contract structure for everything other than Program Management activities. Currently, the contract supports two primary locations for instruction:

FAA Academy (~40% of value under T&M): Centralized foundational training and workforce development. Field Facilities (~60% of value under T&M): Localized delivery across 300+ nationwide sites (EnRoute centers, TRACONs, and airport control towers).

Executive Order 14402 “Promoting Efficiency, Accountability, and Performance in Federal Contracting,” directs Federal agencies to  prioritize fixed-price (FP) contracts with performance-based considerations to improve efficiency, accountability, and cost control in government procurement. In alignment with this policy, the FAA intends to transition to a firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract structure for its ATC training support requirements.

The FAA seeks specific industry feedback on how to best structure a future ATC training contract as a FFP vehicle to ensure the continued delivery of world-class training while mitigating cost overruns and performance risks. Additionally, the FAA requests industry feedback on designing a FFP structure that incentivizes contractors throughout the period of performance to continuously identify, evaluate, and integrate innovative methods, technologies, tools, and curricula (such as but not limited to advanced simulation, AI-driven adaptive learning, or updated instruction techniques) without requiring costly or complex contract modifications.

Related announcements include: CTS-II-MarketSurvey-001 and 693KA8-25-R-00013

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