The FAA continues to fall behind with the implementation of its Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s inspector general. The IG has been conducting ongoing assessment of the FAA’s progress with NextGen under the provisions in Title II of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

The latest report, issued on January 28, says that as of last August the agency had implemented or was on track to implement fewer than half of the recommended provisions. The FAA has yet to implement several provisions the IG believes are key to achieving all of NextGen’s benefits, such as necessary rulemaking related to ADS-B procedures.

Longstanding programmatic and organizational challenges, including technical complexity and collaboration with other government and aviation stakeholders, as well as financial concerns, such as meeting the requirements of the Budget Control Act of 2011, still hinder the FAA from meeting Title II provisions, said the IG. The DOT watchdog said the FAA needs to place greater management focus on these NextGen issues.

The FAA concurred with two of the IG’s recommendations to provide more information to Congress and other stakeholders regarding its progress in future planning documents and briefings.