LSJ_Pendulum_8.5.2024_Ver4.pdf

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LIMITED SOURCES JUSTIFICATION

1. Contracting Agency: United States Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Office of Acquisition and Grants Services, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20590.

2. Action to be Approved: The FRA intends to award a task order on a sole source basis to Sharma & Associates, Inc., for “Tank Puncture Evaluation – Modeling and Testing using a Pendulum Impactor.”

3. Description of the Services: Research to evaluate the performance of welds in tank cars.

4. Authority Cited: The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition of these services is contained in 41 U.S.C. § 253(c)(1) as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 8.405-6 (a)(1)(B), "Only one source is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services are unique or highly specialized".

5. Reason for Authority Cited: There is only one source, Sharma & Associates, Inc., that can quickly, cost effectively and at the level of quality required, continue this critical railroad safety test and simulation effort. This research and development effort is a continuation of work begun under 693JJ620F000105. The first award was made using a competitive IDIQ process in 2020 and was focused on evaluating the puncture performance of tank cars. The initial effort conceptualized, developed, and prototyped a repeatable test setup that can used for impact and puncture testing of small-scale tanks, full-scale tank sections, and weld samples.

The system was demonstrated on three 1/3rd scale tanks recently and showed effective operation. The system is being used as part of a current FRA R&D effort to evaluate the puncture resistance of DOT 113 LNG tanks, with a particular focus on the performance of weld seams. This is also to addresses and answer questions from the National Academy of Science (NAS) regarding the performance of welds in tank cars. Overall, the system has provided an effective means to test puncture performance in a repeatable manner, with a quicker turnaround time, and lower cost than full scale testing of tank cars.

Based on this, the FRA has identified several other research needs related to the puncture performance of tanks that could be addressed through this test setup. The intent of the work proposed with this SOW is to explore through testing and associated modeling, the above-mentioned research needs. It is recommended that the continuing work be awarded to Sharma & Associates (SA). SA has performed the prior conceptualization, prototyping, and testing efforts. The test setup and the associated laboratory facilities at SA are particularly suited to conducting the needed test efforts. The test facility is unique and similar test setups at this scale are not available else in the US. Further, the SA team is uniquely situated in conducting the necessary modeling effort, having conducted such efforts in support of FRA, including modeling that has been used to support FRA’s rulemaking processes. Competing this work

2 | P a g e would result in substantial cost to the government as SA has the specifically needed test facilities and has completed significant, similar testing. Competitive bid and use of new contractor would result in need for additional time to bring new contractor up to speed on the project and understanding of the technology, the need to redevelop the laboratory and testing facilities, and the need for the contractor to adapt to the FRA-specific modeling requirements.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition: RFI via GSA’s Market Research as a Service was issued on

Feb 14, 2024. Market research report showed that there was one response to the issued RFI by GSA. After evaluation of the vendor’s capabilities, the FRA determined the vendor was not capable of performing the requirement.

7. Action to Increase Competition: The contracting officer will continue to review GSA schedules to determine if a competitor develops on a schedule.

8. Market Research: RFI via GSA’s Market Research as a Service was issued on Feb 14, 2024.

Market research report showed that there was one response to the issued RFI by GSA that did not meet the requirements for moving forward.

9. Interested Sources: To date, only one unqualified source has expressed an interest, in writing, in the proposed acquisition and that source was deemed not capable after the FRA’s evaluation.

10. Other Factors: N/A

11. Technical/Requirements Certification: I certify that the technical requirements and the technical justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Contracting Officer