Air Traffic Control

Voice Communications System Continues to Encounter Difficulties Gao ID: IMTEC-89-39 June 1, 1989

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) efforts to implement its Voice Switching and Control System (VSCS), a computer-controlled voice system designed to significantly improve air traffic controllers' communications capabilities.

GAO found that: (1) FAA continues to encounter significant cost, schedule, and technical difficulties in implementing VSCS, with cost estimates tripling from $258 million in 1982 to over $786 million, and up to 6-year schedule slippages; (2) the two prototype contractors continue to experience difficulties in designing hardware and software capable of meeting VSCS performance requirements; (3) delays in implementing VSCS will adversely affect implementation of the Advanced Automation System, intended to replace work stations and some computer hardware and software to increase controller efficiency and effectiveness; and (4) FAA reduction in VSCS prototype testing requirements, intended to facilitate an earlier award of a production contract, could result in higher costs and longer delays if it is later determined that the equipment does not meet performance requirements.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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