CSC set to upgrade FAA core software

Computer Sciences Corp. will upgrade the core software of the Federal Aviation Administration's Traffic Flow Management System, as part of a previously awarded 11-year, $589 million contract.

TFMS tracks and manages air traffic throughout the United States. The software upgrades will enhance information sharing among commercial aviation system users and improve collaborative planning, decision-making and congestion management, CSC officials said.

The new system integrates real-time weather and flight data from multiple sources and provides centralized communications, enhanced security, initial relational database constructs and a centralized system management.

The TFMS modernization is part of the overall transformation of the aviation industry, known as the Next Generation Air Transportation System, which is responding to the impact of increased air traffic. CSC won the support contract in 2004.

During Phase 1 of the contract, FAA developed TFMS' modernized interfaces.

In Phase 2, CSC installed new hardware and developed new software to manage those interfaces. CSC also installed the System Management Console, which provides around-the-clock help desk and maintenance support.

In the forthcoming third phase, to be completed August 2009, CSC will replace and modernize the core application software to meet increased demand for national air space resources.

Ultimately, the updated system will reduce flight delays and lower costs for airlines and customers, Mike Gough, FAA director of system operations programs, said in a statement.

CSC, of Falls Church, Va., ranks No. 9 on Washington Technology's 2008 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.