Summary: Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) efforts to implement its Voice Switching and Control System (VSCS), a computer-controlled voice system designed to significantly improve air traffic controllers' communications capabilities.
GAO found that: (1) FAA continues to encounter significant cost, schedule, and technical difficulties in implementing VSCS, with cost estimates tripling from $258 million in 1982 to over $786 million, and up to 6-year schedule slippages; (2) the two prototype contractors continue to experience difficulties in designing hardware and software capable of meeting VSCS performance requirements; (3) delays in implementing VSCS will adversely affect implementation of the Advanced Automation System, intended to replace work stations and some computer hardware and software to increase controller efficiency and effectiveness; and (4) FAA reduction in VSCS prototype testing requirements, intended to facilitate an earlier award of a production contract, could result in higher costs and longer delays if it is later determined that the equipment does not meet performance requirements.
