Our Work

SEI analyzes big data to understand complex interactions among systems, people, and operations for data-driven decision support for modernizing the National Airspace System and improving aviation safety performance. ​ Big Data - Pipelines for automated data collection - Tools to organize and manage large data pools - Techniques to translate customer needs into algorithms ​ Analysis - Machine learning to detect risk factors and event patterns - Data mining methods for unstructured and structured data - Semantic parsing and natural language processing to derive meaningful information - Statistical & trend analysis to quantify and qualify data ​​ Models - Metrics and visualizations to support decision making - Data correlations and dependencies to understand decision and change impacts

SEI's full stack development teams right-size software projects to suit client objectives and timelines - from rapid prototypes for proof of concept solutions to production applications with continuous delivery in the Cloud. ​ Data as a Service: - Cloud hosting of data warehouses and data lakes - Secure application programming interfaces (APIs) for data access - Analytical tools to understand and visualize data ​​ Application & Web Development: - Business logic and custom algorithm definition and development - Machine Learning integration - Rapid search engine implementation - Containerization for efficient use of cloud or server infrastructure - Information security (INFOSEC) controls​ - Website and dashboard design and development ​ Software Maintenance: - Re-engineering for legacy code - Technology refresh and migration planning - Software maintenance to prevent technical issues, adapt to changing operations, and improve performance

SEI has performed key roles in concept and requirements definition, system acquisition support, and tests for NextGen and operational system sustainment. ​ Concept Definition: - ​​Needs analysis, use case modeling, and concept of operations development for Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B), surface surveillance, and trajectory-based operations ​ Requirements Engineering: - Functional analysis, requirements specification, and performance studies for ATC automation, UAS operations, flight management, and controller–pilot data communications systems ​ Implementation & Test Support: - Key site deployment and in-service review management for ADS-B and precision runway monitoring - Test case development for multilateration, ACAS-X, and data link - System and operational test support, evaluation of vendor reports, and problem report tracking

SEI helps DOT/ VOLPE/FAA/NASA programs and vendors navigate design assurance compliance, with a focus on safe, robust, and reliable solutions. Policy: - Leader in defining software assurance policy for FAA Safety Office - Key presence on RTCA DO-178 and DO-278 committees on airborne and ground systems’ software design assurance Assessment: - Safety-driven approach to identify assurance levels for NextGen and system modifications - Thorough compliance checklists and guidance—in use by FAA Safety Office - Compliance gap analysis—engaged by FAA to assess compliance for ADS-B, ERAM, STARS, Tower Data Link, Linux O/S Compliance: - Work with vendors to set up assurance level-compliant engineering processes from the start - Evaluate equivalent methods of compliance for COTS and modified COTS products - Practical approach to resolve compliance gaps—for acquisitions and modifications in-process

SEI has developed project management plans and schedules for multiple DOT/VOLPE/FAA/NASA acquisition programs. We have developed project risk management plans, led risk management boards, set up database to track risks and mitigation plans, and developed and conducted risk management training with the FAA and above mentioned organizations. The templates and tools we have developed for reporting risk, schedule, and performance metrics are in use across multiple FAA programs. We have established Technical Performance Measures (TPMs) to estimate and track system performance from design through implementation and test. In addition, we have worked with acquisition programs to develop and monitor checklists for on-time system implementation and test, receiving an FAA award for on-time ADS-B system in-service decision.

SEI understands how the DOT, VOLPE, FAA and NASA do business—from establishing a program to obtaining funding to awarding contracts. We have consulted on investment analyses and decisions, including the development of concept and requirements documentation and business case analysis inputs. We also have participated on acquisition planning and proposal evaluation teams. ​ We provide systems engineering and program management support for many DOT, VOLPE, FAA and NASA system acquisitions from mission needs analysis through solution implementation.

SEI has developed over 50 safety risk analyses for FAA system acquisitions and major modifications. System safety is a specialty engineering area that requires experience across the system life cycle and in applying multiple engineering processes including requirements analysis and definition, system architecture and design analysis, verification and validation, and qualitative and quantitative risk modeling. SEI applies each of these engineering methods to assist clients with risk-based decision making through all stages of the system life cycle with data-driven hazard analyses. This includes Preliminary Hazard Analysis, Subsystem & System Hazard Analysis, Operating & Support Hazard Analysis, System Safety Assessment Reports, Comparative Safety Analysis, Target Level of Safety Analysis, and Failure Modes & Effects Analysis. SEI has served as a key contributor in the evolution of FAA's Safety Management System (SMS) and monitoring of safety risk management processes and controls for complex systems.

SEI has developed test plans and procedures for multilateration surveillance and data communications systems. We have conducted independent verification & validation (IV&V) for multilateration siting analysis tool performance and have developed models to verify/validate line-of-sight coverage and probability of detection. We have provided air traffic operational expertise for operational test to validate tower data link and terminal automation display system changes, and have developed a test tool for validation & verification for prototype STARS radar interface and tracker requirements. SEI has set up and continues to monitor problem report tracking systems. We have evaluated system vendor test plans, procedures, and reports for conformance to program requirements, and have served as a test witness, responsible for verifying test configuration items, “as-run” procedures, and test results.

SEI has developed maintenance concepts for radar and multilateration ground surveillance systems. We have reviewed maintenance and certification procedures and conducted operating & support hazard analysis for modifications to ASR-9/Mode S, STARS, CommonARTS, and ADS-B. We have developed engineering distributions/models to characterize radar component failure trends given parts’ demand and repair data, and RMA and diminishing manufacturer sources of supply/parts obsolescence analyses for ASR-8, ASR-9, Mode S, and ATCBI-4/5. In addition, SEI has developed Monte Carlo simulations to analyze multilateration surveillance system reliability given sensor configuration and infrastructure failure variables, and have used the results in a stochastic model to maximize system availability with the minimum number of sensors.