Summary: In response to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Technical Center's roles and responsibilities in the development and implementation of the National Airspace System (NAS) Plan.
GAO found that the Technical Center: (1) provides the test facilities, skills, and services necessary to support the development, testing, and evaluation of NAS equipment, systems, and procedures; (2) supports the modernization of the air traffic control system; (3) maintains the operation of computer systems; (4) provides research into aircraft safety and aviation security; (5) assists program managers in developing procurement specifications and soliciting contractor proposals; and (6) is responsible for the management of the Automated En Route Air Traffic Control II program. GAO also found that: (1) the number of Technical Center employees has decreased, while the number of contractor personnel has quadrupled; (2) funding for contract services increased from $28 million in 1985 to about $59 million in 1987; and (3) overall funding increased from $114 million in 1984 to $144 million in 1987, due to increased appropriations for facilities and equipment for NAS.
