16a. Sharma_OfficeofSafetyInvestigationsSupport_SoleSourceJust_Signed.pdf
PDF 199 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Office Safety Investigations Support
- Solicitation number
- FR26RDI20000000052
About this file
This is a Sole Source Justification (SSJ) document for a commercial service acquisition exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, dated May 11, 2026.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Office of Acquisition Services, intends to award a sole-source, Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract to Sharma and Associates, Inc. for railroad safety research services. The estimated total contract value is $525,000. The requirement involves modeling, analyzing, and reporting on train make-up, handling, and external forces revealed in accident and derailment investigations to understand causation on an expedited basis as requested by the FRA's Office of Safety. The work supports engineering simulations and analysis responses to incidents and derailments, with findings often informing safety improvements in railroad operations and enhancing simulation software such as the Train Energy and Dynamics Simulator (TEDS). This is a continuation of a previous contract (IDIQ 693JJ618D000006 and Task Order #693JJ620F000101). The contract is authorized under 49 USC § 20108(a), 49 CFR § 1.88(b), and 49 CFR § 1.89(f), with potential applicability of emergency authority under 41 U.S.C. 1903.
The justification for sole source is based on Sharma's previously developed TEDS technology, continuous unfettered access requirements due to expedited response timelines (measured in hours and days), and specialized expertise developed through years of supporting FRA programs and national rulemaking initiatives. The Contracting Officer determined the anticipated cost is fair and reasonable based on market research, previous acquisition history on similar requirements at the Department of Transportation, and price analysis using FAR Subpart 15.404-1 techniques. A notice of intent will be posted on SAM.gov inviting any responsible sources to express interest. No other sources have expressed written interest in the proposed acquisition. The FRA will evaluate future automated inspection technology development to potentially increase competition for subsequent acquisitions.
View the file
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Sole Source Justification (SSJ) Commercial Service Acquisition for Requirements Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Pursuant
Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions for Requirements Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition
Date: 5/11/2026
Pursuant to the requirements under the authority of the test program for commercial items at 41 U.S.C. 1901 or the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1903 Special emergency authority as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.201-101 and consistent with the content requirements of FAR 6.303-2.
1.
sole source contract for the requirement described herein.
2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved.
(Sharma).
. This project supports the accurate engineering simulations and analysis responses to incidents and derailments.
The current action is a continuation of a similar contract
693JJ620F000101.
derailments and incidents
Sharma has been contracted to respond to type of support for the last few years. highly recommends the continued use of Sharma for
3. Description of Supplies/Services. Describe the supplies or services to be acquired.
The requirement is to train -and issues to understand why incidents and derailments occur on an expedited time basis as requested by . The information gathered from this often informs the FRA and industry for potential in operations. The
Commercial Service Acquisition for Requirements Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Pursuant
Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions for Requirements Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition information is sometimes also used to enhance simulation software such as the Train Energy and
Estimated Total Value: $525
4.
§ 1.89 (f).
5. Demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited.
notably the operation of the Train Energy Dynamic Simulator (TEDS) program. Through TEDS
- terminations of the FRA cannot predict the frequency of post- FRA historically requires their support multiple times per year. Because accident response timelines are measured in hours and days —
— Sharma expertise is operationally necessary.
Sharma
-based technical recommendations that are respected across the railroad industry. Their participation has also
Sharma’s -they
Key factors supporting sole source:
• Technology: TEDS
• Required for Safety Research: Replacing this significantly delay and possibly restrict FRA’s ability to understand the
Commercial Service Acquisition for Requirements Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Pursuant
Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions for Requirements Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition
6. Description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources
A notice of intent
7. Determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.
’s quotation using a -1. The recommended will be offered for this
8. Description of market research. (Market Research is required by FAR Part 10 and TAM Part 1210 – results of your market research or provide a statement of the reason why market research was not conducted).
s.
Findings include: Sharma is an expert and enhancing competition or not available. Discuss why your requirement cannot be modified
Government will be harmed if not acquired from that vendor. Address any potential
Modifying the requirement to increase competition would result in significant mission delays and a possible loss of confidence.
Commercial Service Acquisition for Requirements Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold Pursuant
Sole Source Justification for Simplified Acquisitions for Requirements Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition
11. A statement of action to competition before any subsequent acquisition of a statement of action taken or will be taken to increase competition for future acquisitions of the same item/service).
Defect Detector and consider future requirements. These may include:
• Exploring industry readiness for this automated inspection technology
Technical/Requirements Personnel Certification.
David C Brabb
Date:
Akwasi Kankam
Date: 5/11/2026
12.201-e and agency procedures.
AKWASI
KANKAM
Digitally signed by AKWASI
KANKAM
Date: 2026.05.11 08:43:21 -04'00'
DAVID CHARLES BRABB Digitally signed by DAVID CHARLES BRABB Date: 2026.05.11 08:20:27 -06'00'
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .