Sample Task 1.pdf

Attachment 1: Hypothetical Task Order 1

Task 1: The contractor should identify the barriers to the implementation of Electronically Controlled

Pneumatic (ECP) brakes on the entire fleet of cars and locomotives and a proposed plan to implement the same.

The rail engineering community has long had consensus on the potential safety and operating benefits of ECP braking. AAR Specification S‐4200 is the prevailing standard for ECP brakes. There are institutional barriers, transition issues, and cost issues that must be identified before a plan is prepared for industry wide implementation. There must be a clear understanding of present and post ECP operating and maintenance costs. Respondents must prepare a proposal to address all of the barriers and proposed solutions to overcome these barriers.

As an end result, FRA seeks a plan to implement ECP brakes on an industry wide basis, including a transition approach from present braking to ECP brakes. Some innovative thinking may be required on how this can be undertaken. Many simulation and economic analyses tools are available to accomplish this objective.

FRA seeks a proposal for this purpose, complete with required tasks, a well defined schedule, identifying all resources to be deployed, data sources to be tapped, method for developing consensus on the ECP transition options. Respondents must provide a proposal complete with labor categories and rates, material costs, fees travel costs and a well defined schedule. The offeror should also submit the approach that the respondents plan to use and the rationale for using the selected approach, and prior experience in undertaking similar projects within the rail industry. A full cost proposal must be presented.