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

The Federal Aviation Administration is soliciting proposals under solicitation number 693KA8-26-T-00016 to support the planning, development, and deployment of Remote Tower Systems (RTSs) for the National Airspace System, with the goal of enhancing safety and efficiency through fully operational and redundant SDA-compliant systems. This solicitation is issued as an other transaction under 49 U.S.C. 106(1) and (m), meaning it is neither a procurement contract, grant, nor cooperative agreement, and it explicitly excludes the application of Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions. Proposals must be submitted electronically by June 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time to Saaduddin.Khan@faa.gov in Microsoft Word format, with cost data in Excel, and are limited to ten pages excluding business qualifications. Offerors must be actively registered in SAM.gov throughout the process and must demonstrate qualified in-house or teaming staff, financial capacity to cover operational expenses, and relevant past performance. The FAA will evaluate proposals using a best-value tradeoff approach, with technical approach being significantly more important than cost, though price remains a key consideration. Key deliverables include system metrics captured through approved evaluation plans, verbal status reports, briefing materials, and validation of RT technology at the William J. Hughes Technical Center and real-world airfield environments. The minimum required configuration for SDA compliance is defined as Item 1.0, and infrastructure such as fiber installation, mast construction, power, communications, and security are excluded from the scope and must be provided separately. The FAA retains the right to require updates to documentation and reserves all rights to accept or reject any proposal without obligation to award. The contracted work is to be performed in Washington, D.C., and payment requests must be submitted to FAA Accounts Payable via mail or electronic invoice. Any unspent FAA funds must be returned upon termination or expiration, and the Government maintains audit rights for three years post-performance. The agreement includes an indemnification clause requiring the contractor to hold the United States harmless against third-party claims and to secure full liability protection, with liability capped at direct damages only up to the amount of obligated funding. All participants must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, export control laws including ITAR and EAR, and FAA policies on organizational conflicts of interest. The Contracting Officer for this action is Saaduddin Khan, and any subcontracting requires prior written approval. The estimated