FAA Tower Simulation System E2 - Statement of Objectives
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Special Notice seeking industry feedback on its Statement of Objectives (SOO) for the Tower Simulation System (TSS) Enhancement 2 (E2) program. The FAA plans to acquire and deploy 86 new TSS units by May 2028 to significantly improve air traffic controller training and certification. Feedback is due by February 5, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The FAA requires the TSS E2 program to address staffing shortages and accelerate controller training by providing high-fidelity simulation capabilities. The program aims to deploy 86 additional TSSs to training sites across the National Airspace System (NAS). Key objectives outlined in the SOO include:
- Delivering high-fidelity air traffic control simulation training.
- Implementing realistic virtual pilots capable of understanding and responding to spoken commands, eliminating the need for Remote Pilot Operators (RPOs).
- Creating a digital repository for Visual Databases (VDBs) and training scenarios.
- Enabling remote instructor participation and automated student evaluation.
- Utilizing open standards, modular, and expandable architecture for software design, integrated with existing FAA systems.
- Providing performance reporting and integrated logistics support.
- Accelerating VDB and training scenario development (e.g., VDB changes within 10 days, new VDBs within 30 days).
- Achieving operating cost efficiencies and completing all installations by May 2028. The accompanying System Specification details comprehensive technical requirements, including system architecture, functional capabilities (e.g., dynamic weather, aircraft models, voice recognition), visual and audio systems, hardware, security, and performance metrics (e.g., reliability, maintainability, availability).
Key Information & Action
This is a Special Notice for market research and feedback purposes only; it is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quote (RFQ). The FAA is not seeking or accepting unsolicited proposals and will not pay for any information received. Interested parties are invited to submit comments and feedback on the SOO to help refine the requirements.
- Submission Method: Email feedback to the Contracting Officer, Manish Patel, at manish.patel@faa.gov.
- Proprietary Information: Clearly mark any proprietary or confidential information. Unmarked information may be publicly released.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Request for Information/Feedback)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Feedback Due: February 5, 2026, 12 PM Eastern
- Published: February 2, 2026 (latest update)
Additional Notes
The FAA intends to pursue an acquisition for additional TSSs based on this SOO at a later date. Details of the acquisition process and documentation will be provided separately. Vendors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for future solicitations and amendments.