Q and A - Final AOI Complexity of Systems and Operations.xlsx
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- Solicitation number
- 693KA8-27-T-00003
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers document addressing clarifications for the FAA's Research and Commercial Solutions Opening (RCSO) Area of Interest (AOI) titled "Complexity of Systems and Operations" under BAA-693KA8-26-RCSO. The document provides 49 Q&A responses addressing submission requirements, eligibility, scope, and evaluation criteria for Phase I Research/Solution Briefs due November 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM EST.
Key submission requirements include: briefs should not exceed five (5) written pages using 12-point font or alternatively up to fifteen (15) briefing slides; references are not counted against the page limit; the email subject line must be "693KA8-27-T-00003 INNOVATIVE RESEARCH/SOLUTION BRIEF - AVIATION HUMAN FACTORS RESEARCH"; and a single brief may address multiple topic areas from Sections 5.1-5.6. Research must comply with FAA Order 9500.25C and 49 CFR Part 11 regarding human subjects; FAA IRB approval is not required before award. Cost-sharing is not required for this AOI. The total budget is up to $5,000,000 with multiple awards anticipated; individual award amounts and periods of performance will vary by proposal. Phase II pitch sessions will be conducted virtually with an anticipated timeline of approximately 1.5 months between each phase (brief submission, pitch invitations, RFP issuance, and award). The FAA expects delivery of research results and accurate descriptions of analytical methods; data rights and underlying proprietary methods will be determined during Phase III RFP negotiations if applicable. Teaming is encouraged with no restrictions, provided companies disclose potential conflicts of interest. Research scope encompasses Part 121, Part 135, Part 91, rotorcraft, AAM/eVTOL, and remote pilot operations; focusing on a single operator population is acceptable. Both foundational and applied research are of interest, and various measurement methods including psychophysiological monitoring are acceptable if justified in proposals.
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Sheet1
| COMPLEXITY OF SYSTEMS AND OPERATIONS | ||
| QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | AOI | ||
| No. | Question | FAA Answer |
| 1 | Is an analytic study of existing, de-identified, publicly available pilot-written safety reports (for example NASA ASRS), with no new data collection from pilots, responsive as a stand-alone effort under Section 3, or does the FAA expect it to be paired with empirical pilot studies or pilot-in-the-loop validation? | Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) reports are useful but may not, on their own, provide a sufficient basis for achieving the objectives of this AOI. |
| 2 | Section 3 asks offerors to "empirically identify and evaluate" contributors to complexity. Does the FAA count systematic analysis of existing operational reports as empirical for this purpose? | See Response #1 |
| 3 | BAA Section 3.4.3 says the entity "shall provide cost sharing ... if applicable to the AOI." Does cost sharing apply to this AOI, and if so at what level? | Cost-sharing is not required for this requirement. |
| 4 | Please confirm the email subject line. Section 1.1.4 reads "693KA8-27-T-00003 INNOVATIVE RESEARCH/SOLUTION BRIEF - AVIATION HUMAN FACTORS RESEARCH", while the AOI title is "Complexity of Systems and Operations." We have used the Section 1.1.4 wording here. | Submission with 1.4 "693KA8-27-T-00003 INNOVATIVE RESEARCH/SOLUTION BRIEF - AVIATION HUMAN FACTORS RESEARCH" is correct. |
| 5 | What time of day on 2 November 2026 are briefs due? The AOI gives a date only, and SAM shows 6:00 PM Eastern. | November 2, 2026 no later than 6 PM EST |
| 6 | Section 1.1.1 refers to topic areas "specified in Section 1.4", and Section 6 refers to "Section 3.1". We read these as Section 5 and Section 6.1. Is that correct? May one brief address more than one topic? | The reference in Section 1.1.1 should point the reader to Section 5.0, not Section 1.4: |
• Phase I – Research/Solution Briefs: Phase I begins with the submission of a written Research/Solution Brief. Respondents should identify the relevant topic areas specified in Section 1.4 that is associated with their submission.
The reference in Section 6 should point the reader to Section 6.1, not Section 3.1:
• 6. Program Information: Section 3.1 provides a description of the Program, and how the research results will be used.
A single Research/Solution Brief can specify and address multiple topics. The brief should state the topic areas, per the AOI solicitation.
| 7 | Will Phase II pitches be in person or virtual? | Phase II Pitch Sessions may be conducted virtually. |
| 8 | Is there an anticipated funding range, number of awards, or period of performance for this AOI? | The total budget for this AOI is up to $5,000,000. Multiple awards may be made, with individual award amounts and periods of performance varying by proposal. |
| 9 | Does a study that uses only de-identified public data need any human subjects determination for the FAA? | Research must comply with applicable requirements in FAA Order 9500.25C and 49 CFR Part 11. Whether a study using only de-identified public data requires a human-subjects determination will be coordinated with the FAA IRB during Phase III: RFP. |
| 10 | Section 3 asks for artifacts "suitable for potential use by the FAA and General Public." Does the FAA expect unlimited rights to delivered datasets and reports, and may an offeror keep its underlying analytic method proprietary? | The FAA expects delivery of the research results and accurate descriptions of the analytical methods used. Whether underlying analytical methods may remain proprietary cannot be determined based on the information provided. |
Data rights and FAA legal guidance will be sought during Phase III RFP, if the data rights provision is a point of the negotiations.
11 Is the reference list part of the 5-page limit? References are not part of the 5-page limit.
| 12 | Does the brief expect the qualification of teams? If so, will it be part of the page limit? | See the AOI solicitation and respond accordingly. Phase II Pitches address qualifications. |
| 13 | Cost Sharing: The BAA states entities "shall provide cost sharing." Is cost share required for this AOI, and is there a minimum or expected amount? | See Response #3 |
| 14 | Teaming Restrictions: Are there restrictions or preferences for teaming partners—specifically universities, FAA Center of Excellence members, or aircraft/avionics manufacturers, given potential conflicts with future FAA criteria? | Teaming is encouraged and there are no restrictions. If any company are aware of potential conflicts of interest, the company shall inform the CO immediately. |
| 15 | Page Limit & Attachments: Do letters of support, résumés, or figures count against the recommended five-page limit, and can they be included as attachments? | Per the AOI solicitation, 1.1.2 Phase I Solution Brief Content: Research/Solution Briefs should not exceed five (5) written pages using 12-point font or, alternatively, Briefs may take the form of briefing slides which should not exceed fifteen (15). |
| 16 | Phase 2 Pitches: What is the expected timeline, and will the format be virtual or in person? | Timeline is TBD. Phase II Pitch Sessions may be conducted virtually. |
| 17 | Section 1.1.4 gives the subject line as "693KA8-27-T-00003 INNOVATIVE RESEARCH/SOLUTION BRIEF - AVIATION HUMAN FACTORS RESEARCH." Should briefs for this AOI use that exact subject line, or one that names Complexity of Systems and Operations? | Use this subjectline:"693KA8-27-T-00003 INNOVATIVE RESEARCH/SOLUTION BRIEF - AVIATION HUMAN FACTORS RESEARCH." |
| 18 | Under Topic 5.5 (new airspace structures, operating concepts, and new entrants), would research on the pilot-side complexity created by commercial space launch and reentry operations (for example, temporary airspace closures, debris response areas, and short-notice reroutes described in the CSINAS ConOps) be in scope, given the Section 4 limit to pilot and maintainer human factors? | Yes, provided the research focuses on the pilots’ perspective and human factors components associated with the complexity introduced by commercial space launch and reentry operations. |
| 19 | Is modeling and simulation of those airspace events, used to build realistic scenarios for pilot studies, acceptable as a core method, or does the FAA expect proposed work to include human-in-the-loop data collection with pilots? | Modeling and simulation can be useful, but their sufficiency is context dependent. |
| 20 | Does the FAA anticipate making multiple awards supporting individual topic areas or larger awards addressing multiple topic areas simultaneously? Specifically, automation and AI-enabled automation overlap topics 3 and 4 – are white papers that span topics 3 and 4 welcome? If so, should they name a primary topic? | Multiple awards may be made, with individual award amounts and periods of performance varying by proposal. A single Research/Solution Brief can specify and address multiple topics. |
| 21 | Is the FAA seeking foundational research that characterizes how pilots monitor and troubleshoot complex systems or applied work that produces validated assessment tools ready to use? | Both foundational and applied research are of interest to the FAA. |
| 22 | Is the FAA open to use of psychophysiological monitoring (eye tracking, pupillometry, ECG, EEG/fNIRS)? Or does the FAA prefer to limit the scope to measures that can be easily deployed in an operational environment, such as behavioral and contextual markers? | The FAA is open to multiple approaches, depending on the proposed research and topic. Proposals are expected to explain the rationale for the selected measurement methods, tools, and techniques, including their anticipated benefits, limitations, and tradeoffs in addressing AOI goals. |
| 23 | If the goal is validated assessment tools, what is the desired scope of those tools? |
| 1. | Is it desired to focus on identifying relevant aspects of complexity at design time, and developing strategies at design time to address that complexity? | |
| 2. | For design-time tools, is it desired to support deployment in a real flight environment for research purposes/data collection, or are technologies that are suitable only for a simulation environment acceptable? | |
| 3. | Is it desired/required that the tools be deployable in an operational setting to monitor the complexity of the current environment/tasking and deploy strategies for adapting operations in real-time to manage complexity? | |
| 4. | If psychophysiological monitoring is in scope, is it acceptable to monitor different sets of signals depending on the environment (i.e., monitor a larger set of signals in simulator experiments, some of which may not be practical for in-cockpit monitoring)? | • Design-time research: Identifying complexity and developing strategies to address it at design time are of interest, but research is not limited to the design phase. |
• Applications: Acceptability depends on the tool’s intended purpose and how it addresses the proposed research objectives.
• Real-time operational tools: Operational deployment and real-time adaptation are not required.
• Environment-specific measurements: Different sets of measures may be proposed for different environments. Research or Solution Briefs should justify the selections and describe their benefits, limitations, and tradeoffs.
| 24 | What level of maturity/TRL does the FAA expect at the end of the PoP? | The FAA is interested in both basic and applied research briefs. Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are not necessarily relevant as they are oriented around technology development. |
| 25 | Which operator populations are of greatest interest? The AOI includes options for Part 121, Part 135, Part 91, rotorcraft, AAM/eVTOL, and remote pilots. Is it acceptable to focus initial development on one high-priority group of operators? | The Flight Deck/Maintenance/Systems Integration Human Factors program historically has focused on Part 121, Part 135, Part 91, Part 27/Part 29 (Rotorcraft), and recently eVTOL and remote pilots. All are within scope; however, we are not expecting a proposal to address the entire population. Selecting one population group is acceptable. |
| 26 | Under topic 4, is the emphasis for human error on prevention, detection, recovery from error or is the emphasis broadly on every aspect of human error? | Topic 4 is broader than prevention, detection, and recovery. |
| 27 | What simulation fidelity does the FAA expect for empirical studies? What level of empirical validation is expected in Phase I concepts? | Simulation fidelity and the level of validation depend on the proposed research objectives and the topic being addressed. |
| 28 | Cost-Sharing Applicability: BAA Section 3.4.3 outlines cost-share procedures "if applicable to the AOI". Please confirm whether cost sharing or in-kind matching is mandatory for small businesses and non-traditional contractors under this specific AOI, or if cost sharing is optional. | See Response #3 |
| 29 | Target Operational Environment (Topics #2 & #3): In evaluating the representation and allocation of complexity under Topics #2 and #3, does the FAA prioritize research focused on traditional multi-crew transport aircraft (14 CFR Part 25 / Part 121), or is the agency interested in single-pilot and emerging operations (such as Advanced Air Mobility / Part 135) where automation allocation is concentrated on a single operator? | The FAA is interested in both. |
| 30 | Failure Modes & Anomaly Scope (Topics #3 & #4): Under Topics #3 and #4, is the FAA interested in evaluating subtle, latent system degradation (such as sensor drift, multi-system data discrepancies, or algorithmic confidence decay) over discrete component failures? | Yes, if the examination of latent system degradation is in the context of human factors. |
| 31 | Prototype Scope & Architecture Boundary: Section 5 addresses flight deck automation, interface complexity, and human monitoring. Please confirm that research solutions and software prototypes evaluated within auxiliary environments (such as human-in-the-loop research flight simulators or Electronic Flight Bag advisory partitions) satisfy the Government's technical scope and maturity objectives for this AOI | Human-in-the-loop simulation, software prototyping, and evaluation in auxiliary environments may be within scope, depending on the topic and proposed research objectives. Research results are intended to inform FAA personnel responsible for updating the human factors aspects of regulatory policy and processes. Results may also support FAA development of practical tools, such as checklists, handbooks, job aids, and related materials. |
| 32 | Please confirm the due time and time zone for Phase I briefs on November 2nd, 2026 and November 11th, 2026. | See Response #5 |
| 33 | Section 4 limits research to the perspectives of pilots and aircraft maintenance personnel. May research involve controllers or controller data if the focus stays on the pilot? Does “pilot” include remote and AAM pilots? | Yes, and yes. |
| 34 | Does the Government anticipate awarding research OTAs, prototype OTAs or both? Would follow-on production apply? | The Government anticipates awarding one or more Research OTAs. As for follow-on production, see the BAA. |
| 35 | What is the anticipated number of awards and funding range? | The total budget for this AOI is up to $5,000,000. Multiple awards may be made, with individual award amounts and periods of performance varying by proposal. |
| 36 | How many AOIs does the FAA anticipate posting under BAA-693KA8-26-RCSO, and on what schedule? Are additional Human Factors AOIs planned? | All are unknown at this time. |
| 37 | What is the anticipated timeline from brief submission to pitch invitation, request for proposal, and award? | Anticipate about 1 1/2 months for each phase. |
| 38 | Will offerors not invited to pitch receive feedback on their briefs? | Although not required by OTA policy, the CO may provide written debriefs, if a company request it. |
| 39 | If a brief is not selected, may a revised version be submitted under a future AOI? | A company can participated in future FAA opportunities, if their brief did not advance to the next Phase. The submission must comply with the FAA AOI solicitation. |
| 40 | Which FAA organization will serve as the technical sponsor for awards under this AOI? | The Senior Technical Experts Program will be the primary technical sponsor for awards under this AOI. |
| 41 | Airport Access & Operational Testing: For Phase 1 pilot studies proposing on-site airport user testing and human-in-the-loop (HITL) data collection, will the FAA facilitate coordination with airport authorities or terminal operators for secure airside/ramp access, or is the Offeror expected to independently secure testbed approvals? | The Offeror is expected to secure the relevant testbed approvals. |
| 42 | IP & In-Kind Valuation: Under BAA Section 3.4.3, when utilizing pre-existing patented intellectual property and proprietary software modules as an in-kind cost share, does the FAA require an independent third-party valuation, or is internal R&D expenditure and documented commercial market valuation acceptable for proposal evaluation? | See Response #3 |
| 43 | Human Factors Standards & Simulators: Given that Topic #3 and Topic #4 focus heavily on automation complexity and human error mitigation, does the FAA have preferred simulation environments (e.g., specific flight deck simulators, air traffic control testbeds, or data logging formats) that data deliverables must align with for seamless integration into existing FAA research databases? | The FAA does not have preferred simulation environments. |
| 44 | Cybersecurity & Integration Standards: Given that our solution incorporates advanced AI automation and secure data networks, what specific FAA or federal cybersecurity frameworks (or simulation interface standards) are preferred for data deliverables under Topics #3 and #4 to ensure seamless integration into existing research testbeds? | FAA is not necessarily required to provide access or facilitate integration with testbeds. |
| 45 | Follow-On Transition Thresholds: Can the FAA clarify the baseline metrics or "successful completion" criteria (per Section 7) that transition an initial prototype OTA into the non-competitive follow-on production or scaled OTA phase under Section 6? | Proposed research topics should result in rigorously documented analyses, data, and reports, accompanied by supporting artifacts that are suitable for potential use by the FAA and General Public, such as structured datasets, methods, tools, and information resources. The total budget for this AOI is up to $5,000,000. Multiple awards may be made, with individual award amounts and periods of performance varying by proposal. |
| 46 | Submission time. Please confirm the time and time zone of the November 2, 2026 deadline | See Response #5 |
| 47 | Subject line. Please confirm that submissions should use the subject line “693KA8-27-T-00003 INNOVATIVE RESEARCH/SOLUTION BRIEF - AVIATION HUMAN FACTORS RESEARCH.” | See Response #21 |
| 48 | Topic coverage. May a single brief address more than one AOI topic (we are considering Topics 5.1 and 5.6 together), or does the FAA prefer a separate brief for each topic? | A single Research/Solution Brief can specify and address multiple topics. The brief should state the topic areas, per the AOI solicitation. |
| 49 | Human-subjects research. May a university research partner conduct the empirical studies with pilots and maintenance personnel under its own Institutional Review Board? If so, is IRB approval expected before a Phase II pitch, or only before award? | Research must comply with applicable requirements in FAA Order 9500.25C and 49 CFR Part 11. FAA IRB decision is not expected before award. |
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