The requirement for a Discrete Address Beacon System (DABS) was highlighted by the Department of Transportation Air Traffic Control Advisory Committee to provide improved surveillance and ground-air communications in support of air traffic control automation. This document presents a technical development plan for such a system; this plan was developed in close colaboration with FAA personnel in the Office of System Engineering Management and the Systems Research and Development Service. The DABS Technical Development Plan identifies the critical issues and technical options, presents a program for their resolution, followed by the development and test of a feasibility model of the system, and suggests a management structure to coordinate and carry out the many tasks involved in the implementation of the plan.