Tower Simulation Systems E2 - Challenge Based Acquisition

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Concept Paper (RCP) for the Tower Simulation System Enhancement 2 (TSS E2) Challenge-Based Acquisition (ChBA). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking enhanced TSS solutions to address controller staffing shortages and meet a mandate to improve simulator access by May 2028. The TSS E2 acquisition aims to deploy enhanced TSS solutions to 102 training sites by May 2028 and provide operation and maintenance services. This RCP initiates a multi-phase evaluation process to identify offerors eligible for future contract awards.

Offerors are required to submit a Concept Paper addressing the objectives outlined in the TSS E2 Statement of Objectives (SOO). Key areas to address include:

• Technical Approach and Solution Architecture
• Implementation Approach (including deployment by May 2028)
• Operational Approach (life cycle support, training)
• Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Estimate for development, deployment, and one year of O&M.

Specific capabilities sought include high-fidelity simulation, rapid video database modification, efficient training scenario development, realistic virtual pilot representation, integration of remote instructors, automated evaluation, and leveraging modern architectures (e.g., cloud, AI). The solution must also address FAA safety, cybersecurity, and industry-standard monitoring requirements.

The document outlines a multi-phase acquisition process. Phase I involves the submission and evaluation of Concept Papers. Phase II, Proof of Concept, will involve demonstrations and Q&A. The ultimate goal is to award one or more contracts or subcontracts for the selected TSS E2 solution.

• Submission Deadline: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
• Submission Method: Email to Manish Patel (manish.patel@faa.gov) with the subject line "ChBA TSS Request for Concept Paper."
• Format: Separate Adobe .pdf files for Cover Sheet and Concept Paper, adhering to specific formatting (Times New Roman 12pt, 8.5x11 pages, 1-inch margins). Page limit for the concept paper is 25 pages (excluding cover sheet, table of contents, and ROM Estimate).
• Evaluation: Responses will be evaluated based on how well they meet SOO objectives, present a complete and realistic solution, and address strengths, weaknesses, and risks. Non-government advisors will be used in the evaluation.

Not specified in this document.

• This RCP is not a Screening Information Request (SIR) or Request for Offers (RFO).
• Costs associated with responding are the sole responsibility of the offeror.
• Offerors may submit questions until Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
• A list of attachments, including the SOO and System Specification, is provided and accessible via a provided link.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the TSS E2 Challenge Based Acquisition.

• Site Identification: The FAA has updated the TSS Site List to indicate the number of screens expected to meet training requirements and space constraints, as a definitive "Large/Medium/Small" configuration is not provided. For proposal responses, sites 1-102 are considered in scope.
• VDB and Training Scenarios: A sample VDB and training scenario have been provided. All existing VDBs will be provided in the same format to the potential awardee. The FAA will provide instructions/requirements for subsequent phases.
• Pass/Fail Thresholds: Pass/fail thresholds for automated student evaluations are not in scope. However, the TSS system must identify student metrics for instructor evaluation.
• Interfaces: The TSS E2 solution is not required to have interfaces with external systems. Refer to the TSS System Specification for simulated systems.
• Test-Bed Environment: Vendors must design and maintain their own test-bed environment.
• ConOps Document: The ConOps document does not reflect current requirements and should not be considered for proposal preparation.
• FIDO Acronym: The acronym FIDO was an error; the correct reference is "Flight Data Input Output (FDIO)".
• Solution Type: The FAA is seeking a complete hardware and software solution.

Vendors should rely on the updated Site List, SOO, and System Specification for current requirements. The ConOps document should be disregarded. Clarifications address site scope, data provision, system requirements, and terminology.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 1 to the Tower Simulation System Enhancement 2 (TSS E2) Statement of Objectives (SOO), dated March 2026. It updates the original SOO to reflect the FAA's goals and expectations for the implementation and operation of the TSS E2 System.

• Purpose: Clarifies the SOO describes the FAA's goals and expectations for the TSS E2 System.
• Background: Provides context on the FAA's current TSS operations, the need to expand controller workforce, and the mandate from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 to deploy additional TSSs by May 2028.
• Current Environment: Details the existing TSS hardware and software, its capabilities, and the current contract expiration dates (software in May 2028, operational and maintenance support in September 2028).
• Objectives: Outlines 14 specific objectives for TSS E2, including high-fidelity simulation, realistic virtual pilots, digital repository, remote instructor participation, automated student evaluation, software design and architecture, performance reporting, integrated logistics support, operational support, remote software maintenance, VDB development and modification (10 days for changes, 30 days for new airports), scenario development (5 days for changes), operating efficiencies, and installation timeline (completion by May 2028).
• Constraints: Specifies that the TSS E2 solution must align with FAA standards, operate on commercial power, meet electromagnetic compatibility requirements, use COTS hardware, adhere to FAA network connectivity requirements, and comply with Federal laws.
• Government-Furnished Equipment and Information: Details what the FAA will provide, including designated training sites, space, utilities, network connectivity, a list of VDBs, access to the FAA's existing VDB library, and access to applicable FAA orders and policies.
• Place of Performance: States that work will occur at FAA facilities and remotely, with the vendor responsible for depot/logistics, test bed, and offsite help desk functions.

This amendment updates the Statement of Objectives and does not appear to modify proposal submission deadlines or evaluation criteria, as it is an amendment to the SOO itself.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Request for Concept Paper (RCP) initiating a Challenge-Based Acquisition (ChBA) for the Tower Simulation System Enhancement 2 (TSS E2). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) seeks an enhanced TSS solution to address urgent staffing shortages and improve controller training accessibility. The goal is to deploy enhanced TSSs to 102 training sites by May 2028 and provide associated operation and maintenance services. This RCP is the first phase of the ChBA, aiming to identify eligible offerors for subsequent phases, which may include demonstrations, prototypes, and proposals, potentially leading to contract awards.

Offerors must submit concept papers describing their approach to meeting the objectives outlined in the TSS E2 Statement of Objectives (SOO) and System Specification. Key areas include:

• Technical Approach and Solution Architecture: High-fidelity simulation, rapid video database modification, efficient training scenario development, realistic virtual pilot representation, integration of remote instructors, automated evaluation feedback, innovative architectures (open source, cloud, AI), cybersecurity, and real-time monitoring.
• Implementation Approach: A viable plan to install working TSS systems at 102 sites by May 2028, addressing deployment risks.
• Operational Approach: A comprehensive plan for life cycle support, including on-call and in-person training.

Not specified in this RCP. Subsequent phases may lead to contract awards for hardware, software, and services.

• Submission Deadline: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
• Submission Method: Email to manish.patel@faa.gov with subject "ChBA TSS Request for Concept Paper". Concept papers must be submitted as separate PDF files (Cover Sheet and Concept Paper).
• Questions Deadline: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
• Evaluation: Concept papers will be evaluated based on the completeness and realism of the proposed solution addressing SOO objectives and RCP requirements. The FAA seeks the best value, considering strengths, weaknesses, and risks. Non-government advisors will be used for evaluation.

Not specified.

• This RCP is not a Solicitation, SIR, or RFO. Responses do not commit the FAA to a contract.
• Offerors must bear all costs associated with responding.
• Referenced attachments (SOO, System Specification, Site List, etc.) are accessible via a provided Box link.
• Concept papers have a 25-page limit (excluding cover sheet, table of contents, ROM Estimate).

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the TSS E2 Statement of Objectives (SOO).

• Bridging Capability: The FAA is not interested in interim bridging solutions or proof-of-concept at smaller tower subsets.
• Near-Term vs. Advanced: The SOO represents the FAA's end-state objectives for TSS E2.
• Bandwidth: The FAA will ensure bandwidth availability and does not desire an airgap approach for sites with limited bandwidth.
• MIL-SPEC Components: The FAA is open to innovative solutions that meet the SOO, including MIL-SPEC components if they offer advantages.
• Site Modifications: The TSS E2 vendor is not responsible for heating, cooling, ventilation, and power modifications at sites.
• On-site Support: The FAA will provide space for on-site contractor support employees.
• Human RPOs: The FAA is open to replacing human RPOs to the extent practical based on demonstrated technology capabilities.
• Speech Recognition Accuracy: Offeror solutions will be evaluated during a future demonstration phase; specific thresholds are not provided but innovation is encouraged.
• Cloud/Hybrid Framework: Proposed solutions will be evaluated on their extent to meet the SOO, including cloud-based repositories with potential on-premise artifacts.
• Security: Solutions must meet FISMA controls for low-impact systems, follow FedRAMP for cloud solutions, and implement FAA ICAM and Zero Trust standards.
• Contract Award: Anticipated award date is late FY26, subject to change.

These clarifications provide specific guidance on technical approaches, operational considerations, and security requirements. Bidders should incorporate these responses into their understanding of the SOO and their proposed solutions. The anticipated award date is noted as late FY26.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This Statement of Objectives (SOO) outlines the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) goals for the implementation and operation of the Tower Simulation System (TSS) Enhancement 2 (E2) System. The FAA aims to expand the controller workforce and improve training accessibility by deploying additional TSS units across the National Airspace System (NAS).

The FAA uses high-fidelity TSSs to train air traffic controllers. Currently, 111 TSSs serve 264 towers, but 173 towers lack on-site simulators, requiring controllers to travel. This initiative addresses controller staffing shortages and a mandate to improve simulation training access by May 2028.

• High-fidelity simulation: Deliver training for any FAA-operated ATCT at designated sites.

• Realistic virtual pilots: Replace Remote Pilot Operators (RPOs) with AI-driven virtual pilots capable of understanding and responding to spoken commands.

• Digital repository: Create an online repository for Visual Databases (VDBs) and training scenarios, accessible from any TSS.

• Remote instructor participation: Enable instructors to perform supervisor roles remotely with full capabilities.

• Automated student evaluation: Provide objective, automated performance evaluation and feedback.

• Performance reporting: Offer real-time access to usage data for monitoring and evaluation.

• Integrated logistics support: Include help desk, test bed, hardware maintenance, and depot support.

• VDB and scenario development: Accelerate development and modification of VDBs (10 days for changes, 30 for new) and training scenarios (5 days for changes/new).

• Operating efficiencies: Achieve cost savings compared to the current system, minimizing hardware power and thermal loads.

• Installation timeline: Complete all TSS E2 installations, VDB/scenario development, and solution implementation by May 2028.

• Software Design: Utilize open standards, modular and expandable architecture, and a modern, scalable design for integration and resiliency.

• Hardware: Employ Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components where possible.

• Compliance: Adhere to FAA standards, orders, network connectivity requirements (security, compatibility, performance), and relevant federal laws.

• Power & Environment: Operate on commercial power and meet electromagnetic compatibility and noise requirements.

• Designated TSS training sites (space, power, cooling, ventilation, network).

• Access to existing FAA VDB libraries and applicable FAA orders/policies.

Work will occur at FAA facilities and remotely. The vendor must provide necessary facilities for depot/logistics, test bed, and offsite help desk functions.