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2.2 : Research and Systems Analysis
(Revised 8/2008)
The FAA undertakes research, study, and analysis to discover applications of new technology, explore new opportunities for service delivery, solve problems with current operations, define and stabilize requirements, and mitigate risk. These activities generate information supporting the integrity of identified capability shortfalls, future service needs, capability and system requirements, expectations of benefits, and design alternatives.
Research and systems analysis activity is tightly coupled with and supportive of other AMS lifecycle management processes. It is especially important during the early stages of lifecycle management when such activities as simulation, rapid prototyping, and computer-human interface development are conducted to define requirements, develop operational concepts, and reduce risk before entering into investment analysis.
Promising new technologies that have matured during research and systems analysis may be placed in the operational environment to evaluate effectiveness, validate concepts of use, collect performance data, determine requirements, and refine the business case. Fielded systems and equipment are supported while in the operational environment and removed and the site restored when activity is complete.
The FAA research and development (R&D) program supports all aspects of aviation from research on materials and human factors to development of new products, services, and procedures. It supports: regulation, certification, and standards development for aircraft, air operators, manufacturers, aircrews and other aviation personnel; airports; commercial space transportation; environment; modernization, operation, and maintenance of the national airspace system; and aerospace policy formulation, planning, and analysis.
Research activity across FAA is coordinated through the R&D portfolio process (http://nas-architecture.faa.gov/nas/downloads/). The R&D portfolio integrates research programs in four R&D appropriation accounts: Research Engineering and Development, Air Traffic Organization Capital, Airport Improvement Program, and Safety and Operations. The R&D executive board develops the R&D portfolio each year using strategic planning in the National Aviation Research Plan (NARP) as a guide. The NARP links FAA research activities to broader strategic planning in the FAA Flight Plan, Operational Evolution Plan, and the Joint Planning Development Office. The R&D executive board is supported by program planning teams assigned to prepare and manage specific research program areas.
Program managers execute research programs. They work closely with research sponsors (business units that own or share the R&D requirement) to ensure results meet customer needs. Annual evaluations determine whether research results are meeting performance targets and supporting FAA strategic goals. Evaluations also determine whether FAA strategic planning is leading the R&D portfolio in the right direction.
The RE&D Advisory Committee and its associated subcommittees review the R&D portfolio twice a year, first during budget formulation and later during portfolio evaluation.
2.2.1 : What Must Be Done
(Revised 7/2008)
Service organizations:
- Identify, justify, and manage research, study, and analysis programs within their service area of responsibility;
- Prepare white sheets for research programs approved for inclusion in the R&D portfolio;
- Submit research, study, and analysis proposals to the R&D portfolio development process for evaluation and possible inclusion in the R&D portfolio;
- Use peer reviews by subject-matter experts to improve the quality and timeliness of ongoing research programs;
- Plan and obtain support for operational prototypes as specified in the Integrated Logistics Support Process Manual. This may include training, manuals, spare parts, repair, and support services, as well as removing prototypes and restoring sites when activity is complete; and
- Plan for certification and configuration management of prototypes that will remain in operational use and for their transition to national support and operation.
ATO Operations Planning organization:
- Manages the R&D planning and budget process;
- Coordinates annual development of the National Aviation Research Plan;
- Ensures the R&D portfolio is aligned with FAA strategic goals and the enterprise architecture;
- Identifies and analyzes potential solutions to service need, including feasibility analyses;
- Evaluates prototypes and conducts feasibility demonstrations to validate and refine initial requirements, operational concepts, and potential solutions;
- Integrates FAA research activity with research sponsored or conducted by industry, universities, and other government organizations; and
- Interfaces with OST, OMB, Congress, trade associations, international organizations, and other state and federal government organizations for agency-level research issues.
R&D Executive Board:
- Works with the lines of business to develop the FAA R&D portfolio each year; and
- Coordinates sequential review of the portfolio with the OEP Review Board, ATO Executive Council, Associate and Assistant Administrators, and Joint Resources Council.
Capital Investment Team:
- Formulates ATO Capital R&D funding requirements.
2.2.2 : Outputs and Products
(Revised 4/2008)
- FAA R&D portfolio;
- White sheets for approved research programs;
- National Aviation Research Plan;
- Research products addressing the needs of the FAA and aviation community.
2.2.3 : Who Approves?
(Revised 4/2008)
The Joint Resources Council:
- Approves FAA budgets, which include research, study, and analysis programs;
- Approves research funding in support of key lifecycle management processes such as mission analysis and investment analysis.
The Administrator:
- Approves the National Aviation Research Plan.
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