The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) engineering and development program management was examined with an emphasis on the Upgraded Third Generation System, a computer-based semiautomated system intended for en route control centers and airport terminals.

By the end of 1975, over $149 million had been spent on this system, and $564 million was spent and was planned for the next decade. Detailed studies and analyses which would provide information to assess the program's potential have not been completed. Among the unresolved issues are: whether programs to develop the system are designed in response to accident conditions and causes, whether programs to develop the system are cost effective, and whether the government should go forward with the Third Generation program. FAA development plans are often untimely; they lack information needed for program appraisal; they do not use savings techniques such as life-cycle-costing and design-to-cost goals; and they do not adequately describe integration of the various components into the existing system. FAA does not have effective management control throughout development.

Status Legend:

Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.

Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.

• Review Pending
• Open
• Closed - implemented
• Closed - not implemented

Recommendation for Executive Action

Recommendation: A formal process to formulate long-range requirements and incorporate criteria for cost, schedule, and performance in these development plans should be established. Systems analysis should be strengthened and an implementation strategy should be developed early.

Agency Affected:

Status: Closed

Comments: Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.