FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
Joint Planning and Development Office
The Joint Planning and Development Office was established to plan the next generation Air Transportation System through 2025.
Conwal assistance to the JPDO began in 2003 with dedicated support in engineering, technical analysis, planning, and research and development concepts to meet future demands in security, safety, national defense, communication, navigation, surveillance, airports, environment, and economic competitiveness.
Conwal provides analysis expertise to the Transportation Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security in their role as principal member of the JPDO, and to the Futures Working Group and the Research Portfolio Working Group, conducting on-site visits and workshop presentations.
Conwal plays an important role in coordinating TSA/DHS JPDO interests with representatives from Departments of Transportation, Commerce, Defense, Office of Science & Technology, NASA, and the FAA.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Conwal is providing support to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in their pursuit of researching and developing technologies that will enhance the safety and efficiency of the nation’s Air Traffic Control System.
One such embryonic architectural component is the Airborne Separation Assistance System (ASAS). ASAS is currently defined as being capable of enabling an aircraft crew to maintain separation from one or more aircraft, and it provides information concerning other surrounding traffic.
Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) Support
In support of Management and Planning for Establishment and Implementation of Facility Systems, Conwal develops requirements for space planning, equipment layout, lighting, air conditioning and power systems, electrical and HVAC load growth profiles, and DC power distribution. Systems are designed for maximum redundancy to assure system performance, stability and reliability. Documentation libraries of Air Route Traffic Control Centers’ equipment manuals and installation drawings are maintained. Conwal has managed programs for refurbishment of external and internal power distribution systems, and for measuring and recording of critical power quality and reliability as affected by installation of new systems.
En Route Facilities
Conwal provides in depth and specialized engineering capability in support of the FAA’s Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) facilities. This support includes electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and space utilization and planning. These three areas of support are critical to the 24/7 needs of air traffic control. Without reliable electrical power, carefully controlled room temperatures, and well planned equipment layouts, en route air traffic control would severely suffer.
Conwal continues to work closely with the software programmers that are developing the Facility Power Panel Schedule (FPPS) database so that the necessary parameters, of interest to electrical engineers and technicians, are incorporated. Demonstrations of the instrumentation necessary for data collection, together with the computer techniques for populating the national FPPS database, are being performed for the benefit of the environmental technicians at each Air Route Traffic Control Center.
Conwal provides an overview and monitoring service for the FAA’s ARTCC modernization design-build program. This includes the review of design drawings and the costs associated with the ultimate construction.
Conwal participates in and provides support to FAA managers in the development of the En route Facilities and Building Systems (EFaBS) life cycle management plan, and assists in the configuration management of ARTCC systems.
Seismic Safety Program
Conwal provides support to the FAA’s Seismic Safety workgroup. This support consists of mission analysis, investment analysis, program budget and schedule baseline preparation and tracking.
Conwal assisted in developing the national Seismic Safety Program.
Conwal is currently providing ongoing technical and program management
support.
This support consist of developing; a Seismic Safety technical training program, a comprehensive resource CD-ROM, personnel safety handout, is coordinating identification of unacceptable seismic safety risks at staffed FAA facilities, and is providing required reporting to the Department of Transportation Office of Seismic Safety.
Facility Accessibility Program
Conwal provides support to the FAA’s Facilities Accessibility Workgroup. This support consists of mission analysis, investment analysis, program budget and schedule baseline preparation and tracking.
Conwal has assisted the Airways Support Facilities Division by defining and coordinating training for over 300 people throughout the FAA.
Conwal is providing technical as well as program support to the Agency in an effort to develop a more effective national Facilities Accessibility Program.
Conwal is conducting facility surveys for accessibility in accordance with current standards.
Conwal has also participated in data gathering, data analysis, cost estimation and coordination of report preparation with the Office of Civil Rights, and the Department of Transportation..
Facility Security Risk Management (FRSM) Program
Conwal provides systems engineering and program management support to the Facility Security Risk Management Program, to implement the requirements of FAA Order 1600.69, FAA Facility Security Management Program.
Conwal also provides life-cycle management support to the FSRM in accordance with the Acquisition Management System (AMS) including information to project budgetary baselines for the sustainment of the security systems/equipment deployed to FAA facilities.
Surveillance Technical Assistance
Conwal has been supporting the surveillance product team since July of 1993 beginning with the Surveillance Technical Assistance Contract (SURTAC) and continuing with the Engineering Support Services Area (ESSA) contract. This support has included support in areas such as, implementation, logistics, training, data management, process improvement (iCMM), program support, quality, and administration. Conwal has an outstanding understanding of the NAS, how systems are integrated into the NAS, how new systems must be tested prior to integration into the NAS, and the requirements for logistics support (spares, technical documentation, training, etc.).
Conwal has been a leader in the field of NAILS (National Airspace Integrated Logistics Support) for many years. Conwal has provided logistics support to such programs as AAS, ARSR-4, ASDE-3, AMASS, TAIU, PRM, ATCBI-6 and ASDE-X. Conwal uses this expertise to assist in the development of Statements of Work, review contractor’s proposals, evaluate contractor deliverables, analyze life cycle support of systems, estimate logistics costs, provide recommendations during the provisioning process, and provide assistance to the program manager. Conwal has developed inputs for such documents as: Integrated Logistics Support Plans (ILSP), Program Management Plans (PMP), In Service Reviews (ISR), Configuration Management Audits, and other program management documents. Responsibilities include reviewing and providing recommendations on data such as: Level of Repair Analysis, Integrated Support Plans, Logistics Support Analysis Plans, maintenance planning documents, alternative support concepts, site and depot spares lists, provisioning technical documentation (PTD), engineering drawings, and logistics support analysis data.
Terminal Facilities Transition and Implementation
Currently support is focused on functions, management, staffing, and process for the Terminal Business Service (ATB). Until the functionality was absorbed by the ATB, Conwal provided transition management, facility design, construction engineering, and systems engineering technical support to the Establishment and Modernization of Terminal Facilities. Included are orders for Airport Traffic Control Tower Siting criteria and TRACON facility designs, Control Tower Refurbishment and New Construction Criteria, research and reports on adequacy of terminal facilities heating and air conditioning, primary and back-up power generating systems, facility space usage, and establishment of the Terminal Facilities Building Systems Product Team.
Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) Infrastructure Assessment
Conwal is currently performing a nation wide survey of the FAA’s Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) facilities. The purpose of these surveys is to conduct condition assessment of the AFSS infrastructure equipment and buildings. This collected data will be evaluated for trends and will also be used to help validate requirements and to develop out-year maintenance and support requirements for the AFSS Sustain Program Office.
Lightning Protection, Grounding, Bonding, and Shielding (LPGBS)
The Conwal Lightning Protection, Grounding, Bonding and Shielding (LPGBS) Program Group provides project management solutions and engineering expertise to the FAA’s Power Systems Management Division.
This engineering group has more than 50 years of combined experience covering all aspects of program management, electrical power engineering, electrical protection, electromagnetic compatibility, and communication systems.
The team works to refine the scope of the LPGBS program, provide innovative engineering solutions for clients, forecast and manage financial resources, provide training, and perform site surveys.
Related areas of expertise are the investigation and mitigation of EMC issues, RF issues, equipment failure analysis leading to the identification of power and protection issues, and remote monitoring of power quality using state-of-the-art equipment.
Conwal is working with FAA to lead the government and industry in developing a new performance standard in the LPGBS area.
Airports
Conwal provided support to several State and Municipal Airports Authorities, in designing and developing plans for future airport expansion, modernization, and improvements. In addition to airfield and airspace planning, this support also aligned with the requirements of the FAA Office of Airport Planning and Programming, APP. Working closely with APP and the local Airports District Offices, Conwal maintained current on annual budget requirements, qualification criteria and approval process, to effectively advise the State and Municipal Authorities on FAA policies and processes. This provided the basis for effective assistance to state and local officials in meeting criteria for Aviation Improvement Program (AIP) and Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) entitlements and funding.
Air Traffic Management Systems
Conwal has provided Technical/Engineering and Management Support Services to Air Traffic Management Systems/organizations. Conwal supported the FAA’s Air Traffic Planning and Procedures Office. This support included budget analysis and assistance in budget development activities, as well as analytic and program management support for the Contract Tower and Contract Weather Programs. Services were also provided in assisting in the development of National criteria by which proposals for the competition of continued provision of Contract Tower and Contract Weather services were measured.
Runway Safety
In the area of management support, Conwal provided the FAA with program effectiveness evaluations. Conwal provided the subject matter expertise and knowledge to develop and administer survey questions to participants who support the Runway Safety Program. These included government and industry personnel who were interviewed in face-to-face settings. Analyses of the interview responses as well as recommendations for program improvements were provided in report form to the Runway Safety Program Office.
Conwal also provided management support in organizational development efforts, in-depth analyses of runway incursions and surface incidents, runway safety program order rewrites and finalization, as well as the rewrite of the national blueprint for runway safety.
Aeronautical Data Link (ADL)
Conwal provided technical and administrative project management and analysis support to the FAA's Aeronautical Data Link Integrated Product Team (IPT). This support focused on the national implementation of Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC). Conwal's ADL support extended into both domestic and international aviation community cooperation through the IPT's work with the FAA's Federal Advisory Committee, and the RTCA. By enhancing safe and accurate aviation communications, CPDLC promises to reduce voice congestion and ultimately reduce air traffic delays.
Large TRACON Program
Conwal’s role in New Large TRACON Program Management covered benefit to cost analyses, cost and schedule measurement and tracking, technical risk analyses, planning for site acquisition, and facility design.
Air Traffic Requirements Support
Conwal provided aid in the development of System Requirements for Enhancements to the National Airspace System through an evaluation of national and regional air navigation and air traffic control services, support to the Joint Resources Council, the System Engineering Operations Analysis Team, the Capital Investment Plan, and Major Acquisition Review activities. Participation on technical workgroups of the NAS Information Architecture Committee, the Telecommunications Strategic Planning Team, and the NAS Information Security Committee support requirements validation were included in the final analysis.
Air Traffic Operations Service
Conwal provided analysis to support development and validation of Air Traffic operational requirements for the National Oceanic Program through evaluation of feasibility of consolidation and restructure of oceanic and adjacent domestic en route facilities and airspace, and benefit to cost analyses of alternatives. Support to the Flight Service Station Future Architecture program included identification of alternative architectures and the impact of future infrastructure enhancements and user interface with Operational & Supportability Implementation System and Direct User Access Terminal Service.
Free Flight
Conwal provided the planning, analysis and development for new FAA systems within the Free Flight environment. These systems included automation, communication, decision support, air traffic management, navigation and surveillance. Conwal provided the expertise and knowledge in the areas of industry relations, ATC operations, economic analysis, software and systems engineering, operations research, statistical analysis, database/configuration management, technical writing and documentation.
Conwal furnished the analytic support to measure the impact of new air traffic systems/tools on system operations, system performance, system users and air traffic controllers. Conwal provided the planning and conducted base-lining studies that considered safety, capacity, task performance, and controller workload. These studies were organized as field studies, laboratory studies, and international studies using ATC equipment and other prototype platforms. In the area of management support, Conwal developed plans to survey, document, integrate, coordinate, prioritize, and track the development of stakeholder consensus. Conwal provided reviews and evaluations of stakeholder views and expectations with respect to the effectiveness of the free flight program management.
Conwal provided this technical support to FAA headquarters, notably the Free Flight Program Office; various airline offices; the FAA’s Technical Center, contractor’s facilities, FAA field sites, and other locations to perform this effort.
NAS Defense Operations Working Group (NDOWG)
Conwal provides systems engineering and program management support to the NDOWG. This support is provided through the NAS Defense Operations Liaison (NDOL), whose duties entails providing operational coordination for all NAS Defense Program (NDP) sites within the NAS, serving as focal-point for all external (non-ATS) users, coordinating and distributing NDP project implementation schedule, etc.
Conwal is currently providing support to the NDOL in an effort to further refine/consolidate existing national agreements (which are stand-alone, high-level documents) to meet the needs of the FAA and DoD.
NASA Aviation Safety Program (AvSP)
Conwal has supported the NASA Langley Center in the AvSP since the inception of the joint NASA/FAA Program. Support has included portfolio management, technical assessments of risk, cost, performance, and product markets. Projects included Aviation System Modeling and Monitoring, Weather Accident Prevention, Synthetic Vision, System-Wide Accident Prevention, Single Aircraft Accident Prevention, and Accident Mitigation. The AvSP works with the airlines, aircraft airframe and equipment manufacturers, aviation associations, military, academia, the FAA and National Weather Service to determine the direction and effectiveness of the program.
Aviation Security
Conwal has provided management and technical support to the TSA Aviation Security Research & Development Aviation Security Laboratory at the W. J. Hughes Technical Center. The focus of support initially included development of a comprehensive near and mid term Aviation Security Staffing Plan including recruitment, training, upward mobility, and assignment diversity aspects. Later, Conwal was tasked by the Division to develop an implementation plan for the recommendations approved from the initial study. Conwal conducted a review of the Argus Program for explosives detection at small to medium airports. The review included requirements for an assessment of technical, programmatic and managerial elements of the program. Recommendations approved from this report will be adopted for Argus and future EDS programs at the Aviation Security Laboratory.
Conwal was awarded a contract with the TSA Aviation Security Laboratory Explosives & Weapons Detection R&D Branch to provide Vector Engineering technical support to its Research and Development Program. This classified support included development and acquisition engineering, product development analyses, and testing design and engineering tasks.
Special Programs Integration
Conwal’s analysis of system requirements for establishment and consolidation of traffic management and terminal control facilities included the relocation of the Air Traffic Control System Command Center, security system design, local area network, and on-site engineering support.
System Capacity Enhancements support included analysis of facility capacity for consolidation, traffic predictions and airspace design, and facility establishment criteria assessment.
Non-Federal Navigational Aids and Air Traffic Control Facilities Program
Conwal provides systems engineering and program management support to the The Non-Federal Navigational Aids and Air Traffic Control Facilities Program to update and implement the requirements of FAA Order 6700.20, “Non-Federal Navigational Aids and Air Traffic Control Facilities”. This support requires close coordination with the FAA Regional non- Fed Program Coordinators and other key federal /non-federal entities. Familiarity with the FAA and a keen knowledge and understanding of aviation safety are critical to providing this support.
Conwal also provides support the non-Federal Working Group to resolve issues pertaining to non- Federal systems.
