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

The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking qualified vendors to design, manufacture, deliver, install, and sustain Remote Tower Systems (RTS) for deployment at Class D airports within the National Airspace System. This solicitation, numbered 693KA8-26-T-00017, is not a commitment to purchase but rather an effort to assess vendor capability, production capacity, and readiness to achieve System Design Approval (SDA)—the FAA’s formal acceptance of a non-federal system for use in the NAS. Vendors must demonstrate the ability to meet stringent technical, safety, and operational requirements outlined in the RT Technical Requirements, including compliance with DO-278A, DO-254, and ARP 4754B assurance levels for software, hardware, and system-level development. Key performance criteria include continuous 360-degree visual coverage, detection and identification performance across defined Line of Sight distances, alignment with FAA human factors standards, high-resolution visual presentation under all environmental conditions, seamless integration with existing airport infrastructure, and the provision of a detailed maintenance and lifecycle model spanning a 20-year period. Proposals must include a complete work breakdown structure using Attachment 1 and show capacity to produce up to 50 units over five years, though this figure is purely indicative and not binding. Evaluation will be based on a best value tradeoff approach, with non-cost factors being significantly more important than cost or price. The technical approach will be assessed for soundness, feasibility, effectiveness, maturity, and alignment with FAA safety and operational objectives, rated on an adjectival scale from Unacceptable to Outstanding. Cost submissions will be evaluated for reasonableness, realism, and competitiveness against traditional tower lifecycle costs, without a formal cost realism analysis due to the nature of the MOA agreement. Vendors must submit responses electronically by June 26, 2026, no later than 5:00 PM EST, with a strict 37-page limit excluding the cost template, and in specified formats: Microsoft Word for technical content and Excel for pricing. Offerors are required to certify their business size status, provide detailed past performance records with project and subcontract information, and describe any teaming or subcontracting arrangements. All proposals must demonstrate capability to produce required safety documentation including Functional Hazard Assessment, Preliminary and System Safety Assessments, and address installation-specific requirements such as mast frangibility, lightning protection, and grounding. Functional acceptance evaluations will occur at the William J. Hughes Technical Center,