FAA Awards $1.8 BILLION ADS-B Ground Station Contract

Larry Dighera wrote:


WHAT YOU'RE SPENDING $1.8 BILLION ON
(http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#196044)
The FAA has decided who to saddle with hundreds of millions of dollars
and the responsibility to install the ground-based portion of the
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system. It has
awarded ITT a contract worth up to $1.8 billion to deploy upwards of
700 ground stations that will one day "run more aircraft safely and
with more efficiency," according to FAA deputy administrator, Robert
A. Sturgell. Losing out in this phase were rivals Raytheon and
Lockheed Martin.

But $1.8 billion is just the beginning. ITT only won the right to
build, own and maintain the ADS-B ground stations, many of which will
likely find homes in AT&T cellphone towers (AT&T is a contract
partner). The complete "next-gen" system is projected to cost near $15
billion over the next decade. For ITT's part, the ground stations
aren't expected to be completed until 2013 -- and you likely won't be
required to have ADS-B in your airplane until sometime around 2020.
-------------


http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/N...&Cache=Fals e
ITT Corporation awarded contract to lead FAA's ADS-B air traffic
modernization program

Next generation system will streamline air traffic flow using GPS,
other advanced technology

McLean, Va. - August 30, 2007 - ITT Corporation (NYSE: ITT) today
announced it was awarded a $207 million initial contract by the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to lead a team to develop and
deploy the Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B)
system. ADS-B is a key component of the FAA's NextGen program intended
to increase safety and efficiency to meet the growing needs of air
transportation.

The period of performance for the initial contract is three years,
with a contract value of $207 million. Under the contract, ITT will be
responsible for overall system integration and engineering and under
contract options will operate and maintain the system after deployment
through September 2025. The contract has a potential value with all
options exercised of $1.86 billion.

"The ITT Team is proud to have been selected by the FAA as its partner
in the establishment of this technology that will form the basis for
the transformation of the air transportation system under the FAA's
NextGen vision," said Steve Gaffney, president of ITT Defense. "ITT
and its premier team of industry partners are committed to working
with the FAA to ensure this NextGen cornerstone program delivers its
full potential for enhanced National Airspace System safety,
efficiency and capacity."

The ITT team includes its partners AT&T, Thales North America, WSI,
SAIC, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Aerospace Engineering, Sunhillo,
Comsearch, MCS of Tampa, Pragmatics, Washington Consulting Group,
Aviation Communications and Surveillance Systems (ACSS), Sandia
Aerospace and NCR Corporation.

The ITT team will work with the FAA to deploy a nationwide air traffic
control surveillance network consisting of field radio sites, data
processing centers, network operations centers, and equipment to
enable delivery of surveillance data to air traffic control
facilities. The deployed ADS-B surveillance network is designed to
provide more accurate and rapidly updating position data using GPS to
determine aircraft position. Other major benefits of the system
include:


a surveillance network that is more cost effective than today's
network of radar systems,
a potential future data link for delivery of safety information to
aircraft cockpits, and
a mechanism for future air-to-air exchange of position data which will
dramatically enhance pilot situational awareness.

ITT brings more than 60 years of experience in providing civil and
military air traffic control (ATC) systems, technology and support,
including supplying GPS technology for ATC since the 1980s. Every GPS
satellite launched features an ITT navigation payload.

For more information on the ITT ADS-B Team and access to imagery, go
to: www.itt.com/adsb

For more information on the FAA's NextGen, go to: www.adsb.gov

About ITT Corporation
ITT Corporation ( www.itt.com ) supplies advanced technology products
and services in several growth markets. ITT is a global leader in the
transport, treatment and control of water, wastewater and other
fluids. The company plays a vital role in international security
through its defense communications and electronics products; space
surveillance and intelligence systems; and advanced engineering and
related services. It also serves the growing leisure marine and
electronic components market with a wide range of products.
Headquartered in White Plains, NY, the company generated $7.8 billion
in 2006 sales.

Contact:
Tom Glover
(703) 790-6334

-----------------------------

http://www.itt.com/adsb/
How ADS/B Works: http://www.itt.com/adsb/images/IT-ADS-B-Graphic.jpg
----------------
http://www.itt.com/adsb/meet_the_team.html
TEAM MEMBERS


ITT is a proven systems integrator with a track record of success in
air-traffic control and within the FAA. ITT has applied its skills to
develop a systems architecture through a top-down system engineering
process that will meet all FAA requirements to include safety,
security, and spectrum efficiency. This architecture is low risk and
assures cost-effectiveness and sustained high availability providing a
services solution that will fully meet the FAA's and the user
communities' needs.


Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group,
serving defense, aerospace and security markets worldwide. Thales Air
Systems Division develops systems and equipment to support airspace
safety and security. In civil aviation markets, Thales provides
tailored solutions in all phases of air traffic management, as well as
ground-based navigational aids, satellite navigation systems and
airport security solutions. Thales is a leading provider of ADS-B
systems including successful programs with Australia, France and
Eurocontrol.


AT&T is coupling its secure worldwide network infrastructure, network
management, and data hosting expertise with the company's long history
serving the FAA. At the center of AT&T's support to the project is its
proven Enterprise Management System, which AT&T will use to control
and monitor system activity. The Enterprise Management System uses a
combination of COTS and proprietary products to evaluate network
performance, diagnose problems, restore service, and proactively
manage the network. And when catastrophic events occur, AT&T maintains
a team of professionals and a fleet of over 150 pieces of mobile-
recovery equipment positioned to respond. Underpinning every solution
AT&T builds are the global resources and assets of one of the largest
providers of communications services in the world. AT&T's dynamic
service management tools, advanced technology, and experienced staff
modernize operations and enhance its customers' experience, allowing
agencies to focus on their mission, not their IT challenges.


The Sunhillo Corporation has provided data communications products and
engineering expertise to the Air-Traffic Control (ATC) community for
over 15 years. Our innovative data communications and emulation
solutions have been deployed in En Route, Terminal, Oceanic, as well
as military and international installations. Having originally
provided a key technical role in the design and implementation of the
En Route Communication Gateway (ECG) FAA Program, Sunhillo continues
to directly support the FAA to ensure the continuous operation of the
ECG; resulting in the real-time distribution of radar, flight data,
and other critical ATC operationally critical information. Sunhillo
has also successfully provided data integration and conversion
solutions to support Homeland Security and Defense initiatives that
require the aggregation and integration of disparate, national sensor
information. Building upon the expertise gained during these and
other past successful initiatives, we would be proud to have the
opportunity to help ensure the seamless integration of ADS-B
information into the NAS with no impact to existing and future
automation systems.


In addition to established weather services, physical infrastructure,
and decision-support applications, WSI provides proven technical and
commercial experience delivering vital weather information to aircraft
systems and avionics via diverse communication, hardware, and software
interfaces. WSI has a strong strategic vision and technical expertise
to field FIS-B and create value for end users: seamless, hybrid
cockpit data link weather capability leveraging multiple communication
links and service tiers. WSI has proven experience complying with RTCA
standards and the FAA certification process. WSI is a trusted weather
provider to current FAA programs including ETMS, AFSS, MITRE CAASD,
and Capstone & Safe Flight 21 ADS-B programs, among others. WSI's
industry-accepted weather products are used by thousands of current GA
and commercial aviation customers to make critical flight decisions.
We enthusiastically bring our extensive applicable experience and
track record of success to the ADS-B initiative.


SAIC is a leading provider of scientific, engineering, systems
integration, and technical services and solutions. With more than
44,000 employees in over 150 cities worldwide, SAIC engineers and
scientists solve complex technical challenges requiring innovative
solutions for customers' mission-critical functions. SAIC assists the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the development and
modernization of civil aviation and the national airspace. We provide
systems integration, acquisition planning, and system implementation
for air navigation, air-traffic control, landing systems, and vertical
flight operations.
SAIC: FROM SCIENCE TO SOLUTIONS™


Aerospace Engineering is a veteran- owned, small business supplying
software tools and services to the FAA and the aviation industry for
more than 18 years. Our dedicated team of scientists and engineers
specialize in real-time aviation systems including airline arrival-
management and optimization systems. We offer a powerful suite of
off-the-shelf products including AERALIB® development libraries for
next generation ATC/ATM systems, AwSim™ simulation and metrics tools,
and Avid™ airspace visual analysis tools. Our experience base, along
with our suite of tools, provides a unique capability for prototyping
and measuring the benefits of ADS/B-enabled systems, operational
procedures, and ATC concepts.


PricewaterhouseCoopers provides industry-focused assurance, tax, and
advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its
clients and their stakeholders. More than 140,000 people in 149
countries across our network share their thinking, experience, and
solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.


Comsearch provides innovative spectrum management and wireless
engineering solutions to the global market for fixed, mobile and
broadband wireless applications. For three decades, their experienced
engineers, software products and information databases have addressed
wireless system design and the specific challenges of identifying,
analyzing and resolving radio frequency interference for an evolving
wireless industry. This specific area of expertise will allow
Comsearch to perform radio frequency interference and coverage
analysis for the ADS-B team.


Mission Critical Solutions (MCS) is more than just a name; it is also
their promise and commitment to providing their high profile clients
consistent results. MCS designs, installs, and services a broad range
of IP Convergence Technology systems grouped into three main divisions
- Information Systems, Telecommunications, and Building Automation. As
a member of the ADS-B team, MCS will assemble ADS-B equipment racks
and will perform critical field installations.


Pragmatics provides full life cycle software engineering support. They
use cutting-edge technologies, tools, and processes to make their
customers' strategic visions a reality. Their areas of expertise
include web-enabled, real-time, and data warehousing systems in the
command and control, financial, logistics, and telecommunications
domains. Pragmatics will apply their CMMI Level 4 software development
processes to support the development and maintenance of ADS-B
software.


With over 100 years experience in senior executive and managerial
positions within the FAA including policy formulation and execution;
management and technical training; and technology applications, WCG
will provide air traffic control operational expertise to the ADS-B
team. WCG can provide consulting services, operational support and
training for virtually every element that is critical to the operation
of an air traffic system for both domestic and international needs.


Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems is a leader in avionics
systems that increase safety and efficiency for civil and military
aircraft operators. ACSS has recently received FAA certification for
SafeRoute, a portfolio of airborne ADS-B IN applications that provide
direct benefits to the aircraft operators by addressing runway
incursion and improving situational awareness and approach sequencing
issues. ACSS brings extensive ADS-B avionics experience to the ADS-B
team.


NCR is a leading provider of IT Maintenance and Support Services
providing unique capability and value through their proven operational
performance, in-depth domain knowledge, Intelligent Services
Architecture, and trusted customer relationships. These drive
continual cost reduction and quality improvement through NCR’s
integrated delivery infrastructure and Knowledge Driven Services. NCR
will concentrate on performing field maintenance of deployed ADS-B
equipment for the team.


The Bottom Line
The ADS-B America solution is low risk and high-performance, offering
low life-cycle cost and full compliance with the letter and spirit of
FAA- service requirements. The ITT team assures a highly successful
program and will maintain a high-level of partnership with the FAA.

Just like Mode S huh? Another money pit boondoggle that will
be a cluster **** and cost 10 times as much and in the end
it won't work

On Tue, 04 Sep 2007 08:52:52 +0000, Larry Dighera wrote:

That
would seem to defeat the ability of ADS/B equipped aircraft to detect each
other independent of third parties.

As does the use of three mutually incompatible transceivers.

- Andrew

On Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:09:50 -0400, Andrew Gideon
wrote in :

On Tue, 04 Sep 2007 08:52:52 +0000, Larry Dighera wrote:

That
would seem to defeat the ability of ADS/B equipped aircraft to detect each
other independent of third parties.

As does the use of three mutually incompatible transceivers.

- Andrew

Surly ITT will address that issue.

Have you any idea how the features of each compare?

In article ,
Larry Dighera wrote:

From what I recall, the military has no intention to equip its
aircraft with ADA/B.

Who declared the military's intention wrt ADS-B equippage? What person?
What office?

Is the MITRE document on the ADS-B/Link-16 gateway your only source
for your belief wrt the military intention wrt ADS-B equippage?



Instead, there has been a proposal to create
another (ground based) system to broadcast their position to the ADS/B
network.

Borrelli's demo of a ADS-B/Link-16 gateway was just that, a demo.

Did you read it?

Yes. Did you?.

"Disclaimer: 'The statements contained herein are that of the author and not of
the FAA, nor of the United States Air Force.'"

"demonstrated", "prototype"...

"In this paper, the reader is introduced to the purpose of this demonstration,
objectives, the experience during three days of flight testing, and conclusions.
Finally, the paper provides a recommendation to develop a Concept of Operations
(CONOPS) in order to proceed with system deployment."

Do you believe the assertions made in that document
are inaccurate?

Is there part of the paper that you think is the military's position on ADS-B?


That would seem to defeat the ability of ADS/B equipped
aircraft to detect each other independent of third parties.

well, until the Mode S mafia stops insisting that Mode S can be used for
ADS-B we are going to have a problem with the ability to detect ALL
other traffic without any gateway.

Are you aware of an ADS/B system that isn't based on Mode S?

Yes. There is the UAT. If you go to the FAA website a couple of the
recent press releases on ADS-B mention the FAA "decision" to have Mode-S
and UAT as the two datalinks for ADS-B.



I expect DoD aircraft will get ADS-B, assuming sufficient funding is
provided by Congress.

They claim there is no room to install the equipment in many of their
aircraft:

Who is "they"?

IIRC, it was in the at the link I provided in my previous followup.

MITRE?

--
Bob Noel
(goodness, please trim replies!!!)

On Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:16:03 +0000, Larry Dighera wrote:

Surly ITT will address that issue.

How? Is that even in their mandate?

Have you any idea how the features of each compare?

Not any more, in detail. I did read a couple of reports on this, and I
also had a chat with a engineer involved in at least one of the systems.
But this was all a while ago, and I never did know more than a little

The mode S based system, if memory and gossip serves, exists only as a
cost-savings device for the airlines (though I admit I don't quite see
how...unless they've already invested in mode S; have they?). The UAT
appeared to be the more generally useful, again if memory serves.

VDL apparently has some advantages over longer range. (ie. oceanic).

I'd welcome someone with more knowledge to provide details. But the fact
remains that we've three mutually incompatible mechanisms in a system a
major advantage of which is peer-peer communication. That seems
counterproductive.

Andrew

On Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:38:40 -0400, Bob Noel
wrote in
:

the paper provides a recommendation to develop a Concept of Operations
(CONOPS) in order to proceed with system deployment.

That's what leads me to believe the military will deploy the gateway
system rather than equip their fleet with ADS/B.

In article ,
Andrew Gideon wrote:

The mode S based system, if memory and gossip serves, exists only as a
cost-savings device for the airlines (though I admit I don't quite see
how...unless they've already invested in mode S; have they?).

The airlines already have Mode S (it's a required component of TCAS II).
Cargo aircraft are also being equipped with Mode S.

--
Bob Noel
(goodness, please trim replies!!!)

On Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:06:51 -0000, wrote in
om:


ADS-B provides a lot of benefits for pilots. Situational awareness
with regard to other traffic and weather without having to install
TCAS, TPAS, or XM Weather. If they do it right the ADS-B box will
cost less than $10K and will interface with most moving map displays
(expect software updates from all the vendors to support it).



http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...0-07_Final.pdf
http://tinyurl.com/yuy6bt
How much will it cost general aviation to equip?
The cost to equip a general aviation aircraft ranges from $7,644
to $10,920 for ADS-B "Out" [where data are transmitted OUT of the
aircraft's transponder] and from $10,444 to $29,770 for ADS-B
"Out" and ADS-B "In" depending on aircraft type. It is expected
that most general aviation operators will desire the ADS-B
“In” services. However, the unit costs for general aviation are
expected to drop 30 percent after the introduction of the final
rule mandating ADS-B avionics equipage. The final rule is targeted
for fall of 2009. ...

Will there be a rule mandating avionics equipage needed for ADS-B?
The agency expects to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking that
would mandate the avionics necessary for implementing ADS-B across
the national airspace system. This proposed rule is targeted for
release in September 2007. The FAA hopes to issue the final
rule in late 2009. This rule will be structured much like today’s
transponder rule, so that ADS-B avionics will be required to
operate in controlled airspace and the busy terminal airspace
around major airports. Aircraft owners who don’t plan to fly in
the ADS-Brequired airspace will not have to equip; however, those
that do will benefit from cockpit displays of traffic, weather,
and terrain maps that will help them fly more safely.

How will the move from radars to ADS-B be coordinated?
Under the contract, the FAA expects by 2010 to be able to
“commission” ADS-B services for use in the national airspace
system, and by 2013 to have coverage everywhere there is now radar
coverage. The full evolution of ADS-B will take about 20 years,
taken in manageable segments of equipage and ground-station
installation, with about half of the legacy radars maintained
throughout to provide a back-up in case of a GPS outage. Benefits
in improved safety and efficiency will accrue with each step of
the implementation.

On Wed, 05 Sep 2007 05:16:05 -0400, Bob Noel wrote:

The airlines already have Mode S (it's a required component of TCAS II).
Cargo aircraft are also being equipped with Mode S.

Ah! Yes, that clarifies the mode S issue for me. Thanks...

Andrew

On Tue, 04 Sep 2007 21:05:27 -0400, Andrew Gideon
wrote in :

On Tue, 04 Sep 2007 22:16:03 +0000, Larry Dighera wrote:

Surly ITT will address that issue.

How? Is that even in their mandate?


I have no idea. Are you intimating that ITT will support incompatible
ADS/B service?

Have you any idea how the features of each compare?

Not any more, in detail. I did read a couple of reports on this, and I
also had a chat with a engineer involved in at least one of the systems.
But this was all a while ago, and I never did know more than a little

The mode S based system, if memory and gossip serves, exists only as a
cost-savings device for the airlines (though I admit I don't quite see
how...unless they've already invested in mode S; have they?).

This is the only information I have on that issue:

On Wed, 05 Sep 2007 05:16:05 -0400, Bob Noel
wrote in
:

The airlines already have Mode S (it's a required component of
TCAS II).
Cargo aircraft are also being equipped with Mode S.

--
Bob Noel

The UAT appeared to be the more generally useful, again if memory serves.

Have you got a link to information about that system?

VDL apparently has some advantages over longer range. (ie. oceanic).

Have you got a link to information about that system?

I'd welcome someone with more knowledge to provide details. But the fact
remains that we've three mutually incompatible mechanisms in a system a
major advantage of which is peer-peer communication. That seems
counterproductive.

Andrew

I suppose it depends on how incompatible these three systems are. If
it's merely a matter of data format, I suppose that might be
accommodate rather easily.