Seeking vendors for Remote Tower Systems (RTS) for the National Airspace System (NAS)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requesting proposals to identify vendors for the design, manufacture, and long-term support of Remote Tower Systems (RTS) within the National Airspace System (NAS). This solicitation begins the System Design Approval (SDA) process, which allows the FAA to evaluate the vendor market, production capacity, and the costs of scaling RTS technology. The FAA anticipates a potential need for up to 50 RTS units over five years, though this is an estimate for planning rather than a firm commitment. The scope includes delivery, installation, and sustainment of units that meet specific technical, safety, and security requirements. Evaluation will follow a best-value tradeoff approach, focusing on a vendor's ability to achieve SDA, their manufacturing scale, and lifecycle costs compared to traditional air traffic control towers. Proposals are due June 26, 2026. The solicitation package includes the primary RFP, evaluation criteria, and a Q&A document detailing technical baselines such as video frame rates, latency limits, and safety development standards. The FAA is looking for vendors to handle the design, production, installation, and sustainment of Remote Tower Systems (RTS). This solicitation focuses on the System Design Approval (SDA) process, ensuring that digital tower technology meets safety and performance requirements for air traffic control. The agency wants to gauge market depth, production capacity, and the costs associated with achieving SDA. The FAA is seeking vendors to design, build, install, and maintain Remote Tower Systems (RTS) for Class D airports. The goal is to identify systems that can pass the System Design Approval (SDA) process, which is the formal FAA acceptance of a non-federal design. Approved vendors wil…