Delays in Critical Air Traffic Control Modernization Projects Require Increased FAA Attention to Existing Systems
T-IMTEC-91-14: Published: Jun 14, 1991. Publicly Released: Jun 14, 1991.
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GAO discussed the delays and problems of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Voice Switching and Control System (VSCS) and Advanced Automation System (AAS). GAO noted that: (1) due to continuing development problems, the total cost for VSCS has almost doubled to $1.5 billion since 1989, and the schedule has been delayed for 8 years; (2) under the revised VSCS acquisition strategy, acceptance and operational controller testing of the prototypes were scheduled to be conducted before the production contract award, thereby ensuring that the system selected would meet functional and performance requirements; (3) risks remained that VSCS would not be successfully developed in the near future, since requirements remained difficult to attain and contractors had little time to incorporate changes prior to testing; (4) AAS experienced a 14-month delay, since requirements issues were unresolved at the time of award, FAA and the contractor underestimated the time it would take to develop and test software, and FAA added new requirements; (5) computer capacity shortfalls impaired controllers' ability to maintain safe separation of aircraft and led to a number of interruptions in the primary computer system; and (6) although FAA has taken steps to prevent capacity shortfalls from occurring in the near-term, it has not identified future requirements, making it impossible to determine if its actions to provide additional capacity will continue to be sufficient until AAS is implemented.
Apr 9, 2018
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Rail Transit:
Federal Transit Administration Can Strengthen Safety Oversight by Improving Guidance to StatesGAO-18-310: Published: Mar 20, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 9, 2018.
Feb 28, 2018
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Positive Train Control:
Many Commuter Railroads Still Have Significant Additional Implementation Work and Opportunities Exist to Provide Federal AssistanceGAO-18-367T: Published: Mar 1, 2018. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 2018.
Jan 30, 2018
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Highway and Transit Projects:
Evaluation Guidance Needed for States with National Environmental Policy Act AuthorityGAO-18-222: Published: Jan 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Jan 30, 2018.
Jan 16, 2018
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Commercial Space Launch Insurance:
FAA Needs to Fully Address Mandated RequirementsGAO-18-57: Published: Jan 16, 2018. Publicly Released: Jan 16, 2018.
Dec 21, 2017
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Transportation Security Administration:
After Oversight Lapses, Compliance with Policy Governing Special Authority Has Been StrengthenedGAO-18-172: Published: Dec 21, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 21, 2017.
Dec 14, 2017
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Transportation Security Administration:
Surface Transportation Inspector Activities Should Align More Closely With Identified RisksGAO-18-180: Published: Dec 14, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 14, 2017.
Dec 4, 2017
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Auto Recalls:
NHTSA Should Take Steps to Further Improve the Usability of Its WebsiteGAO-18-127: Published: Dec 4, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 4, 2017.
Nov 30, 2017
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Automated Vehicles:
Comprehensive Plan Could Help DOT Address ChallengesGAO-18-132: Published: Nov 30, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 30, 2017.
Nov 15, 2017
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Commercial Aviation:
Pilots' and Flight Attendants' Exposure to Noise aboard AircraftGAO-18-109R: Published: Nov 15, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 15, 2017.
Nov 2, 2017
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Discretionary Transportation Grants:
DOT Should Take Actions to Improve the Selection of Freight and Highway ProjectsGAO-18-38: Published: Nov 2, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 2, 2017.
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