The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) seeks to develop a new Parametric Railway Line Capacity Model (PRLCM) to replace its outdated 1975 model, aiming to make it publicly available for the railroad industry and project sponsors. This initiative will provide an expanded set of tools for railroad capacity analysis, supporting early project feasibility studies, regional intercity passenger rail planning, and the development of hypotheses for operational and infrastructure changes. The project involves establishing methodological guidelines, collecting and managing data, developing the PRLCM using advanced simulation and statistical techniques (primarily Python or R), and validating and calibrating the model. Key deliverables include a Project Management Plan, Data Management Plan, the PRLCM itself, an Algorithm Description Document, and a User's Guide. The project also emphasizes compliance with Section 508 standards, open data principles, and potential options for annual maintenance and future enhancements.

The document outlines a Performance Work Statement (PWS) issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for developing a new Parametric Railway Line Capacity Model (PRLCM). This initiative aims to modernize railroad capacity analysis tools to reflect changing operating practices and infrastructure developments over the past 50 years. The tasks include creating a detailed project plan, gathering and managing data, developing methodological guidelines, and validating the model through beta testing. Stakeholder engagement is critical, with four meetings planned to gather feedback, and the contractor is required to implement rigorous data management practices, including compliance with Section 508 standards for accessibility. Deliverables include a comprehensive Data Management Plan, training for FRA personnel, and ensuring public access to the final model and documentation under open data principles. The PWS emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and the incorporation of modern analytical techniques while positioning the new model as a vital tool for high-level operational analysis and future railroad improvements.