FAA Request for Information (RFI) Alaska Automation Capability (AAC) Challenge Based

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides for the safe and efficient use of the nation's airspace. FAA Flight Service contributes to these objectives through weather briefing and flight planning capabilities, with the primary role of Flight Service being to supply weather information, aeronautical information, and flight planning services to general aviation pilots and other users. In Alaska, these services are provided by Flight Service Stations (FSSs) located throughout the state. Alaska Flight Service currently operates three (3) FSS Hub facilities and fourteen (14) FSS Satellite facilities. FSS maintains a hub concept with the Satellite FSSs reporting to one of the three Hub FSSs.

Alaska Flight Service customers include:

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   Airline transport, Government, commercial, private, student and recreational pilots;

   
   

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   Military, air taxi and on-demand charter Part 135 operators;

   
   

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   Domestic and international aviation interests; and

   
   

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   Public safety and law enforcement agencies.

   
   

Flight Service performs flight planning functions; coordinates Search and Rescue (SAR) activities; performs Visual Flight Rules (VFR) orientation services to lost aircraft; maintains and provides continual weather broadcasts on selected Navigation Aids (NAVAIDs); issues and cancels Notice to Airmen (NOTAM); relays clearances; and provides Airport Advisory service at non-towered or part-time towered airports. Additional supporting services include development, translation, processing, and coordination of aeronautical, meteorological, and aviation information to advise, notify, and educate customers.

In support of the Secretary of Transportation’s plan for a Brand-New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS), the FAA is currently seeking innovative solutions to replace the Alaska Flight Service Automation System. The Alaska Automation Capability (AAC) seeks to modernize the Alaska Flight Service management system from its legacy Operational and Supportability Implementation System (OASIS) to a modern, web-based cloud automation system capable of meeting the demands of today and the future. This challenge-based acquisition focuses on evaluating solutions to AAC for safety, efficiency, and innovation.