Flow Management Data and Services (FMDS) - Challenge Based Acquisition

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a Special Notice announcing a challenge-based acquisition for the Flow Management Data and Services (FMDS) system, which will replace the current Traffic Flow Management System (TFMS) that manages air traffic for over 45,000 daily flights across the National Airspace System. The acquisition seeks innovative solutions from potential vendors to develop a modernized traffic flow management system that can handle the growing complexities of the aviation sector, including new entrants like drones and commercial space vehicles. This Request for Information was posted on September 24, 2025, with responses due by October 10, 2025. The FAA is implementing this procurement under its Acquisition Management System guidelines as part of a significant technology modernization effort for air traffic management infrastructure. The new FMDS system will provide comprehensive traffic flow management services across multiple FAA facilities including Air Route Traffic Control Centers, TRACON facilities, and Air Traffic Control Towers.

The primary objective is to replace the legacy TFMS with a state-of-the-art solution that improves reliability, maintainability, and system performance through enhanced capabilities such as improved trajectory modeling, probabilistic demand prediction, and automated problem resolution. Contractors must submit a Concept Paper by 2 PM Eastern on October 10, 2025, addressing four evaluation criteria: minimum organizational requirements, prior experience, technical solution, and business model. Key eligibility requirements include having a system at Technical Readiness Level 8, demonstrating capability to display airspace resources and evaluate demand versus capacity, and understanding Traffic Flow Management operations in the National Airspace System. The acquisition will proceed through three phases including concept paper submission, demonstration presentations, and prototype development, with Initial Operating Capability targeted for December 2028. Interested parties must also execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement and submit employee screening information by October 2, 2025, to access sensitive technical documents required for preparing their submissions.