DEPARTMENT: Aviation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Frank Miller
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Extension of the Noise and Operations Monitoring System Contract at San Antonio International Airport
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes an extension to a contract with Exelis, Inc. (Exelis) for the Noise and Operations Monitoring System (NOMS) at the San Antonio International Airport. The one-year extension will commence on July 1, 2015 at an annual rate of $183,000.00 with two optional one-year renewal periods.
The extension will authorize Exelis to install new equipment to support Exelis' NextGen Surveillance program. For a separate lump sum of $19,605.00, Exelis decommission the equipment of the current system, remove its equipment and return to the Aviation Department for storage.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The San Antonio International Airport (SAT) installed a Noise and Operations Monitoring System (NOMS) to monitor noise and collect flight tracking data. The NOMS monitors aircraft over-flying local communities and notes their noise levels. Each monitoring site is linked to a central computer processor and is constantly updated with the latest flight, weather, radio communications and noise data. The NOMS provides an objective tool for assessing and analyzing airport noise impacts and airspace utilization.
The NOMS data is used to:
• Record aircraft noise events
• Track noise levels over time
• Link complaints to flights, airlines and aircraft types
• Map complaints
• Identify potential noise anomalies
• Create reports on noise events and complaints
• Produce maps and graphics
Because it is important to be able to relay to the local communities the level and nature of noise effects in a timely fashion, the Aviation Department maintains its NOMS system to monitor areas of significant noise impact and to identify specific flights that cause noise disturbances. This tool allows real time tracking and reporting of compliance with published noise abatement procedures. Aircraft deviations are noted by identity and may be correlated with pilot/controller voice communications for a case-by-case analysis.
The current system consists of 11 Remote Monitoring Sensors (RMS), one onsite NOMS and 5 Multilateration (MLAT) flight tracking sensors in communities surrounding the airport.
Extension
The system was accepted for operation in July 2010. The extension will commence on July 1, 2015 with the option of two, one-year renewal periods. As part of this agreement, Exelis will replace the current MLAT system to Exelis' NextGen Surveillance system. The new system will provide for a volume of 40 nautical miles around the center of the airport and extend to a height of 20,000 feet. Exelis will remove the MLAT equipment and provide to the Aviation Department.
ISSUE:
The Aviation Department would like to extend the contract for an additional year with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods. The contract extension will allow the Aviation Department to upgrade its NOMS equipment and software.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could elect to not approve the contract extension with Exelis. However, without the extension of services, the San Antonio International Airport would not have the services of NOMS and would not be able to provide noise data from flights.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds in the amount of $183,000.00 are available from the Fiscal Year 2015 Airport Operating and Maintenance Fund Budget. Pending authorization of the options, $183,000.00 will be appropriated in the next two fiscal years, subject to the approval of City Council.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the extension of the contract with Exelis for the NOMS system for the San Antonio International Airport.