Air Traffic Control: FAA's Modernization Investment Management Approach Could Be Strengthened

摘要

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has undertaken an ambitious and costly program to modernize its air traffic control system. Under this program, FAA is acquiring new surveillance, data-processing, navigation, and communications equipment in addition to new facilities and support equipment. Totaling 126 active projects, the modernization effort is estimated to cost $26. 5 billion from fiscal year 1982 through fiscal 2004.' Of this total, FAA estimates that it will need $12.9 billion for 59 information technology projects-the software/intensive and complex information and communications systems supporting the air traffic control system. Given the large expenditures required to carry out FAA'S modernization effort, the past problems, and the continuing concerns about key projects funded under the program, the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation's Subcommittee on Aviation and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Aviation asked GAO to review FAA'S investment management approach as carried out through the Acquisition Management System (AMS), which was implemented in April 1996. GAO evaluated the processes, data, and decisions that FAA uses to select, control, and evaluate its investments. This report addresses the extent to which FAA, through AMS, (1) has established a structured approach for selecting and controlling its investments; (2) incorporates all investments, including those currently in operation, in the agency's portfolio; and (3) selects, controls, and evaluates its investments with complete and reliable information.