Instrument Landing System Draft Specification

The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting a market survey to gather industry input on a draft performance specification for Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) intended to establish and sustain the infrastructure required for Category I, II, and III precision approach procedures. This initiative, governed by the FAA Acquisition Management System and identified by solicitation number 693KA8-26-R-11111, is not a formal solicitation or request for proposals, and no pricing, contracts, or award decisions are being sought at this stage. The FAA is specifically seeking feedback on the draft ILS specification to refine technical requirements and inform the acquisition strategy for the next ILS contract. Responses must be submitted by October 2, 2026, via email to specified FAA contacts using a required subject line, and must include completed comments within the provided Comment Matrix template, along with a Business Declaration Form disclosing firm details, ownership status, small business certifications, and financial history. The technical scope encompasses the full suite of subsystems required for a complete ILS, including VHF Localizer, UHF Glide Slope, VHF Marker Beacon Stations, Remote Control and Maintenance Monitoring systems, and associated monitoring receivers, all governed by FAA Specification FAA-E-2852/b Change 2 and ICAO Annex 10, with additional requirements tailored to National Airspace System needs such as enhanced Localizer Antenna Array performance and Remote Control Subsystem interlocks. Equipment must comply with stringent safety protocols including OSHA-recognized testing, NFPA 70E accessibility standards, prohibition of hazardous materials like mercury and asbestos, and compliance with NEMA Z535.1 hazard marking standards. All signs and labels must meet specific design criteria with three-panel configurations, and all testing and verification must use NIST-traceable calibration standards. Developmental Testing must be conducted in controlled environments prior to first article acceptance, followed by Operational Testing at FAA facilities like the William J. Hughes Technical Center. Data security, access control, and audit logging are mandatory, and any proprietary information must be clearly marked. Responses must be submitted electronically in PDF with an optional Word version, with the Comment Matrix required in Word format, and no phone calls or paper submissions are accepted. The FAA will not compensate respondents for costs incurred in preparing their submissions.