FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure Program: FAA needs to Take Steps to Improve Management Controls and Reduce Schedule Risks

摘要

This report presents the results of our audit of the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) program. The purpose of the FTI program is to replace seven existing FAA-owned and -leased telecommunications networks with a single network that would cost less to operate. However, expected benefits from reducing operating costs are eroding because of schedule problems. FAA officials recognize these problems and told us that they are committed to taking steps to get FTI back on track. The largest and costliest network to be replaced by FTI is the Leased Interfacility National Airspace System Communications System (LINCS), operated formerly by MCI WorldCom but now by Verizon. FTI is considered a mission-critical program because its network will carry the National Airspace Systems (NAS) telecommunication services (e.g., voice and radar) for air traffic control operations. These services are currently carried on the LINCS network. When completed, FTI will consist of about 25,000 telecommunications services at over 4,400 FAA sites.