Fedwire

FAA comm system progresses

The Federal Aviation Administration has taken another step in its long-term effort to upgrade communications between pilots and air traffic controllers by forging agreements in late February with three companies. Rockwell Collins Commercial Systems, Melbourne, Fla.; Honeywell Aerospace Electronic Systems, Redmond, Wash.; and Avidyne Corp., Lincoln, Mass., will develop VHF Digital Link Mode-3 services for the Next Generation Air/Ground Commu.nications program.

Northrop bids for TRW

Northrop Grumman Corp. filed a $5.9 billion unsolicited bid to buy TRW Inc. late last month, a move that would merge two giant defense contractors.

Kent Kresa, Northrop Grumman's chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement that the combination would strengthen Northrop Grumman's long-term strategy by improving its space business, adding communications technology and capabilities and enhancing its information technology business.

TRW, in a statement, said its board would review Northrop's proposal.

Procurement tracker unveiled

The General Services Administration is asking agencies to help finalize the requirements for the new system that will track all federal procurements.

GSA and the Procurement Executives Council have been working on the vision for the Federal Acquisition Management Information System for almost two years. GSA announced Feb. 25 that it will hold open forums on March 7 and March 13 for agencies to discuss their operational needs for FAMIS, which will replace the Federal Procurement Data System. This input will be used to develop the draft request for proposals, which GSA officials expect to release on or around April 17.