In 1996, Air Traffic Services (ATS) recognized the need to move the organization in a new and bold direction.  The time was right to start consolidating similar functions, resources, and processes between the Airway Facilities and Air Traffic organizations.  The goal was to strengthen the partnership between the two major operational components of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  The consolidation would enhance the position of the ATS organization to meet the internal and external challenges presented by the environment in which it operates.  A team representing various organizational elements was tasked with developing and presenting a business case that would document  the viability of consolidating the ATS requirements organizations (ATR and AFR).

Internal and external forces created an environment which drove the bold change to a NAS requirements process that would be more customer focused and responsive to dynamic operational needs.   The past individual requirements organizations, ATR and AFR, anticipated difficulty in ensuring ATS requirements outcomes due in part to organizational inconsistencies.

Simultaneously, the Air Traffic Management System Performance Improvement Act of 1995 stated that the FAA must become a more efficient, and different organization to meet future challenges.  The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 and the National Performance Review (NPR) highlighted the need for cost efficient government, customer oriented products and services, and streamlined processes.  In keeping with this legislation, agency reform goals, strategic plans, and congressional initiatives the new Air Traffic System Requirements Service (ARS) was created.

With the creation of a new organization, a vision and mission statement were established.

The ARS Vision:   To ensure the Air Traffic Services' operational needs of today and tomorrow are satisfied through the timely and cost effective delivery and sustainment of quality products and services that fulfill the FAA mission.

The ARS Mission:  To become a consolidated, customer focused organization that develops comprehensive National Airspace System requirements and manages a disciplined process to fulfill the operational needs of the Air Traffic Service (ATS).  The Air Traffic System Requirements Service (ARS) will do this by collecting, validating, translating, and advocating needs that ensure operationally effective solutions.

A Consolidation Team, consisting of representatives from AFR, ATR, and ATO performed an analysis of the functions performed by the past individual requirements organizations and determined there was significant overlap.  As a result, new functions were developed for the ARS organization.  Below is a summary of the primary functions outlined during the creation of ARS.

	Serve as the ATS NAS requirements focal point to internal and external stakeholders.
	Establish operational and support requirements for NAS facilities, equipment, and services based on assessment of customer input.
	Develop requirements, plans, policies and standards to sustain, improve, or replace systems and facilities.
	Set priorities for national investment budgets.
	Provide ATS representation to the Integrated Product Development process.
	Participate in testing activities and manage the ATS in-service and deployment decision process to ensure customers' needs are met.
	Analyze cost and performance data in support of NAS life-cycle decisions and formulation of objectives.
	Support the development of requirements for technical training, staffing and personnel certification for new systems or services.
	Act as the agency focal point with the Department of Defense on planning and coordination of requirements for development of the NAS.
	Be the requirements focal point in preparation for impact and implementation activities with national labor organizations for the delivery of NAS products and services.
	Facilitate the development and implementation of logistics policy that relates to the NAS acquisition process (e.g. provisioning, supply support, and disposal).

Back to the Top