QA - RFQ Rail Car ITV v5.pdf

Q# Reference

Section Reference Paragraph

Question Government Response

1 PWS 2.1.3 a) How was the threshold for impact events selected?

Suitable thresholds very wide between vendors due to different device specifications and mounting locations.

The Government's requirement for impact events was determined based on market research.

2 PWS 2.1.3 c) What are the acceptable methods for tamper detection?

In accordance with (IAW) RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.1.3, the Government requires a device or additional sensors that are able to detect a tampering event. The Government is not dictating the exact method for tamper detection; however, examples are provided in RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.1.3(c).

3 PWS 2.1.3 c) How is the DoD planning to react to tampering events?

The Government will monitor events to meet operational requirements. Event history will be provided to authorities, if required, for relation to investigations such as rail car pilferage. In the event of tampering, the rail car and device(s) will be inspected at next destination and tag replaced as necessary, IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV .

4 PWS 2.2.4

Is battery life remaining required for devices with solar recharging?

Yes. IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.2.4., this is a requirement for ITV devices.

5 PWS 2.2.5

MIL-STD 464A seems superseded, should this be MIL-STD 464D?

Yes, MIL-STD 464D is the correct version the base regulation. This regulation reference has been updated in the following RFQ documents:

1.) RFQ v Amend 01 2.) RFQ PWS Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV v Amend 01 3.) RFQ Attachment 6 - Technical Worksheet v Amend 01

6 PWS 2.2.8 Does the DoD have any size requirements for the label?

The Government does not have a specific size requirement. The label will need to fit on the proposed RMD or within proximity. The size of the RMD could also vary.

7 PWS 2.2.8 Does the DoD have a template or a standard for this label?

There is not a template. IAW RFQ Attachment 1- PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.2.8, "A label shall be placed onto the RMD or within proximity to identify the RMD as being property of the “United States (U.S.) GOVERNMENT" and containing sensitive monitoring instruments. The label shall contain a “WARNING” in large red letters with a description of handling requirements to ensure the RMD is not damaged during loading or unloading operations at installations by MHE, such as forklifts. The Contractor’s proposed warning label shall be approved by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) before production and affixing to DODX rail cars".

8 PWS 4.1

Does the globally unique tag identifier need to follow a specific standard?

No.

9 PWS 4.1 Is a unique identifier generated by the vendor acceptable?

Yes.

10 PWS

7.2 Coverage Gap Duration

Does the DoD know if all their yards and routes have LTE-M coverage?

It is the responsibility of the Prime Contractor to ensure "[the ITV device has] broad access to data networks, enabling coverage at military installations and ports across the country. Cellular devices shall utilize the industry’s globally recognized mobile phone standards, minimally Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) coverage such as LTE/4G, with fallback to alternative standards (e.g., 3G and 2G), as required to interoperate on the provider’s cellular networks within CONUS. Satellite devices shall provide no less than equivalent coverage as provided by the Iridium satellite constellation. Hybrid devices must meet both cellular and satellite requirements above. Satellite and hybrid devices are not required to utilize the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) Gateway. All devices shall be capable of storing data when not able to connect to a network and be capable of sending data when reconnection occurs" IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 4.5.

11 PWS

7.2 Coverage Gap Duration

Does the DoD have a general idea of their current utilization? If so, what is the DoD’s estimate?

The Government does not currently monitor cellular utilization.

Rail car utilization, as defined in the answer to question 15, averaged 55- 60%.

However, this can vary significantly depending on operational requirements.

12 PWS 2.1.2

Does the Government have a reporting interval change process or will the vendor be expected to provide the change process?

IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.1.2., "the Government may change data reporting intervals as required by missions." The Government will coordinate with the Prime Contractor to define the process for changing data reporting intervals as required in the PWS.

13 PWS 4.4 Are there any data storage location requirements?

IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 4.4, the "Contractor shall retain rail car data, either online or in offline storage, for the length of the contract. At the end of the contract, the Contractor shall provide the Government the data in a mutually agreed to format that will allow use of the data without the Contractor’s system within 30 days."

Data requirements must also meet the provision and clause requirements as listed in the RFQ such as DFARS 252.204-7008, Compliance with Safeguarding Covered Defense Information Controls and DFARS 252.204-7020, NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements.

14 PWS 4.3.2 What is meant by “queried through running reports”?

IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 4.3.2., the Government shall have the ability to produce a report(s) by querying historical data for each and all assets.

15 PWS 4.3.2 What is “utilization” defined as (moving vs stationary)?

Utilization is the time that a rail car is loaded with cargo.

16 RFQ 2.h.(2) Does my SAM registration cover all the Reps/Certs required for this bid?

In accordance with (IAW) FAR 4.1102(a), Representations and Certifications shall be submitted online using https://www.sam.gov where available OR may be submitted with your contract documentation.

Additionally, see 2.h.(2) of the RFQ for a list of provisions that must be included with your quote if they are not in your SAM record.

Further, The contractor shall complete the actions required in the RFQ Information and General Compliance Worksheet (RFQ Attachment 5) and submit a copy of the completed worksheet.

17 RFQ N/A

In properly constructing the installation component of the bid, do you have any more specific locations (i.e. city, ST, ZIP code) for the installation locations for the sensors onto the DODX cars. Broadly providing the 8 states (WA, CA, CO, KS, TX, NC, SC, NY) does not provide enough specificity to provide an accurate cost estimate for the mileage, labor and mobile repair unit needs to support the installs.

Specific installation location (i.e., city, state, and zip code) will not be provided. IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 3.3, location of RMD installation include military installations or ports where SDDC operates. Further, IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 5.3, the Government will identify installation location and timeline for ordering. Notification will be provided by the COR at a minimum of 30 days' notice for planning purposes. Within 14 days from the expected mission start date, the CO will provide the Contractor a task order to include the actual number of devices, the location of the cars, and the timeline for when cars will be positioned at the location.

As outlined in RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraphs 3.3.3. - 3.3.4., the Government intends for installation to occur in the states listed in the PWS; however, the Government may require performance at other CONUS locations.

IAW RFQ Attachment 2 - Pricing, travel costs shall be excluded from the installation price. RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 3.6. describes allowable travel costs.

18 RFQ N/A Does data need to be stored in North America?

Data storage must meet the provision and clause requirements as listed in the RFQ such as DFARS 252.204-7008, Compliance with Safeguarding Covered Defense Information Controls and DFARS 252.204-7020, NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements.

19 RFQ N/A

Mentioned in the document it says that devices need to last for 5 years, and any failures need to be replaced at no cost to the government. Does this include labor cost to install the replacements?

Yes, the Contractor will be responsible for the cost of the RMD and installation if the device within the required life expectancy malfunctions or no longer works as described in Section 2 IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.3. Further, RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.3 also states, "[i]f the car is not at a location where the Contractor can access the car to install the replacement within 90 days, the CO may allow the Contractor to ship a device to an agreed upon location where the Government can install. Replacements will be shipped within 5 days."

20 PWS N/A

The Amended PWS now has Section numbers that do not align and makes it confusing to respond to specific requirements. Are you planning to reissue the PWS?

Examples:

No. The RFQ PWS titled "Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV_vAmend 01" posted to SAM.gov with an "update date" of 28 July 2025 has the correct paragraphs and sub-paragraphs.

Please obtain the latest PWS from SAM.gov.

21 PWS N/A

We were given the understanding that the load sensing requirement was planned for removal. Was [the load sensing requirement] left in as an oversight or should this requirement be in there from a TRANSCOM operational requirements perspective?

The Government requires a Remote Monitoring Device (RMD) or additional sensors that shall detect and report the load status of the rail car (i.e., loaded or empty) IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.1.3.

22 PWS 2.1.2 What the average ‘in motion’ time volume is? Time in motion varies widely by rail car type and operational requirements.

2.2.5 How such a test is conducted, where and when?

IAW the RFQ, at the time of quote submission, the Contractor must provide documentation of HERO testing and certification per MIL-STD 464D (IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.2.5). The Contractor is responsible for all required testing and certification.

PWS 2.2.7 If needed, the whole device will be replaced?

RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.2.7 requires a mounting device to mount the RMD. The RMD must be removeable from the mounting device for servicing and battery replacement.

PWS 2.2.8 What is the procedure?

RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.2.8 requires a label to be placed onto the RMD or within proximity to identify the RMD as being property of the “United States (U.S.) GOVERNMENT" and containing sensitive monitoring instruments. Further, the Contractor will coordinate and obtain approval by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) before production and affixing to the DODX rail cars.

PWS 2.2.8

What is the minimum size of such a label (or other specifications)?

The Government does not have a specific size requirement nor other specifications than those outlined in RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.2.8. The label will need to fit on the proposed RMD or within proximity. The size of the RMD could also vary.

PWS 3.2 Which are the different railroad car types

IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 1.1.1, this requirement will provide SDDC rail car tracking devices for approximately 1,700 DODX chain flat rail cars.

PWS 3.2

Can you provide the flat car diagrams and measurements, including still width and thickness?

Specific dimensions vary by car type and manufacturer, common lengths range from 60 to 89 feet. Inside widths can range from around 8.2 to 10.6 feet depending on the flatcar type. The height of the loading deck, measured from the top of the rail, is typically around 3.75 feet.

PWS 3.2

Is it possible to install the RMD without a specific mounting bracket, as it may cause transmission interference?

IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 2.2.7, a mounting device shall be used to mount the RMD.

PWS 3.2 Is it possible to avoid the screwing (Magnet solution).

The Contractor may propose their recommended method of mounting bracket installation as stated IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 3.2. Methods other than bolt/screw or epoxy must be approved by the COR.

PWS 3.2

Upon COR approval for mounting location, does it require presenting pre-installation diagram or will it be conducted in real time on-site between the installer and the CO?

IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 3.2, the Contractor shall get COR approval for mounting location(s) before installation begins. COR approval may be obtained during virtual monthly meetings with the COR or through other methods of pre-installation communications.

PWS 3.2

If any delays occur due to the COR schedule, how should such a delay be taken into consideration (locally and operationally)?

Refer to Government response to Question #31. The Government does not anticipate COR schedule creating Contractor delays for installation.

3.3.4

To what extent Government may require performance at other CONUS locations ?

Refer to Government response to Question #17.

PWS 4.2.1

Where can the contractor see the draft of such an agreement to evaluate costs and development aspects if needed?

The Data Sharing Agreement will be based on the specific requirements of the awarded system.

PWS 4.3

We will need to conduct training for the COR personnel on how to work on our platform – how can it be reflected in the contract?

The PWS has been updated to reflect the requirement for a demonstration and training guides. See RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 4.3.4.

PWS 5.3.3

Do we need to be prepared for multiple work groups for different installations at different locations across the

CONUS?

Yes, this may occur.

PWS 5.3.5

To what extent and what will be the lead time to provide additional devices and their installation?

IAW RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV paragraph 5.3.5, the Government may purchase additional devices, above the projected 1700 devices, if needed. Ordering for these additional devices will follow PWS paragraphs 5.3.1 - 5.3.2.

PWS 6.4.4

This item requires specifications due to possible large expenses?

RFQ Attachment 1 - PWS Rail ITV Paragraph 6.4.4 states: "The Contractor will be liable for any damage they cause to government property during the course of installation operations." IAW PWS Paragraphs 3.3.1 - 3.3.4 installation operations may take place on government installations, ports or other commercial facilities.

PWS 3.2

The DODX fleet consists almost entirely of chain flat cars.

The mounting bracket may attach to the DODX car by being bolted/screwed into place or by the use of epoxy or other method approved by the COR. The RMD shall be mounted securely on the side of the rail car (including trucks/bogie) offering the least exposure to damage from material handling equipment (MHE).

Can the mounting bracket be welded to the side of the railcar (including trucks/bogie) with the sensor being affixed to the mounting bracket to allow removal for servicing and battery replacement?

Refer to Government response to Question #30.

40 RFQ N/A

We request an extension on the submission deadline for the RFQ. We are currently facing unforeseen delays related to the necessary certification process for HERO requirements.

The Government is currently unable to grant the extension to the date requested due to mission requirements. However, the Government is able to extend the quote submission deadline to 14 August 2025 at 8:00 am CDT.

41 RFQ N/A

… after filling out the remainder of the info [in SAM.gov], will there be additional time needed prior to fully being granted the Identification ID?

IAW the RFQ paragraph 2.h (1) "To be eligible for award, the contractor is required to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) when submitting a quotation and shall continue to be registered until time of award."

Further, IAW FAR 4.1102(a), Representations and Certifications shall be submitted online using https://www.sam.gov where available OR may be submitted with your contract documentation.

Questions about the SAM.gov website should be directed to the SAM.gov help desk.

https://sam.gov/help

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