Research, Development, Test and Evaluation
ID: 93JJ624RDTEType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OFFEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION693JJ6 FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINWASHINGTON, DC, 20590, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/fb6596892be844b9a3e042c21689fcfc/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Transportation, through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), is seeking information from vendors regarding a potential contract for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) services aimed at enhancing railroad safety and technology. The contract, which may evolve into a multiple award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicle, will focus on four key areas: Rolling Stock, Track, Train Control and Communications, and Human Factors, with the objective of improving safety standards and operational efficiency within the rail industry. This initiative is critical for addressing urgent research needs and supporting ongoing safety improvements mandated by federal regulations. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit their responses to the Request for Information by 3:00 PM ET on September 23, 2024, to Mandy Fenter at mandy.fenter@dot.gov, with additional inquiries directed to Dr. Kirsten Hawley at kirsten.hawley@dot.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Mandy Fenter, Contracting Officer
    mandy.fenter@dot.gov
    Dr. Kirsten Hawley
    kirsten.hawley@dot.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DRAFT Work Statement 08.19.2024.pdf
    The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), is issuing a Work Statement aimed at securing contract services for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) to enhance railroad safety and technology. The contract, spanning five years, requires contractors to provide personnel and resources for specific research areas: Rolling Stock, Track, Train Control and Communications, and Human Factors. Key objectives include improving railroad vehicle safety, optimizing track integrity, enhancing train control systems like Positive Train Control (PTC), and analyzing human factors that contribute to operational safety. The document outlines detailed methodologies for performance evaluations, quality control, and staffing requirements, focusing on expertise and professional behavior of contractor personnel. The contractor will also be responsible for data acquisition, instrumentation design, and conducting engineering analyses. Compliance with federal security, data rights, and accessibility standards is mandated, further emphasizing the importance of safeguarding sensitive information. The document is structured to provide clear guidelines on the execution of research services, ensuring that the contractor adheres to the highest standards of quality and performance in support of federal railroad safety initiatives.
    RDTE RFI V2 Vendor Questions 08.19.2024.xlsx
    The document outlines a Request for Information (RFI) for a federal RDT&E (Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation) ID/IQ (Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity) contract that encompasses four primary functional areas: Track, Rolling Stock, Train Control & Communication, and Human Factors. The government seeks insights from vendors regarding their capabilities, experiences, and suggestions for contract structures, with an emphasis on fostering competition among qualified participants. Key requests from vendors include evidence of experience in relevant functional areas, qualifications in human factors testing, and capacity to manage multiple research projects concurrently. The government explores two contract structure models: a pool-based system for vendors to opt into specific areas of expertise and a teaming arrangement that encourages collaboration through Prime/Subcontractor relationships. Furthermore, the FRA seeks constructive feedback on a draft Work Statement to improve clarity and effectiveness. The overarching goal is to ensure that selected vendors possess the necessary expertise to perform comprehensive research and services aligned with the FRA's objectives. The document invites vendors to engage actively in shaping the future direction of the RDT&E program through their insights and recommendations.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Research, Development, Test and Evaluation
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