INSTRUCTIONS_and_BACKGROUND_Rail_Guard_Cars_MarketResearch_27Nov19.pdf

INSTRUCTIONS AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

MARKET RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE TO PROVIDE ASSURED ACCESS

TO EIGHT (8) RAIL GUARD CARS FOR THE U.S. ARMY EUROPE

(USAREUR)

Request for Information

BACKGROUND. U.S. Military rail movements in Europe have increased 900% over the past five years from about 40 annual rail movements in 2013 to approximately 400 annual rail movements in 2019 with possibly more expected in 2020 and beyond. As of now, the U.S. Military currently has exclusive use of 4 passenger cars with a current need for an additional 8 passenger cars. Access to additional passenger cars is not guaranteed due to maintenance schedules and Deutsche Bahn’s (DB’s) first-come/first-served nature of usage requests.

The current lack of guard cars has limited the operational reach of U.S.

Commanders by rail which has already delayed rail movements and delays will only increase when multiple Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT) or Multi National Partners are moving concurrently or moving to or from Southeast

Europe. Currently, in order to meet speed of assembly timeline of moving one ABCT one-way solely by rail requires twelve exclusive passenger guard cars which highlights the necessity to have eight additional guard cars.

U.S. Army personnel must accompany and guard these rail shipments, however, the cargo cars are not equipped with the necessary features to make them habitable for the guards. Therefore, the U.S. Army has a requirement for rail cars to house the U.S.

Army personnel who are guarding the cargo shipments.

PURPOSE. To obtain the most efficient and cost effective method for providing eight (8) Rail Guard Cars, which will be used for protection of U.S. Military shipments by rail. This market research includes determining whether rail guard cars are customarily available in the commercial market place, identifying market practices, and examining vendor base capabilities for obtaining these items.

SCOPE OF REQUIREMENT. Assured access to eight (8) rail guard cars that would be utilized throughout Europe. Each rail guard car will come equipped with latrines, running water, kitchenette, electrical outlets, self-sustaining heat, seating and sleeping accommodations for up to 6 personnel. The contractor wi ll be responsible for all resources and management required to perform maintenance of the water, heat, and electric systems including while in transit. The vendor shall store and maintain the rail guard car fleet up to proper living standards while the rail cars are not in usage.

This market research also includes gathering information about the typical methods of procurement utilized by customers and providers currently in the marketplace; i.e., do customers buy rail guard cars, lease rail guard cars, have exclusive use arrangement, etc. Further, this market research includes determining the type of contract(s) used in the commercial market place; i.e., firm-fixed price, cost plus, cost sharing, etc.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE/MAGNITUDE. Expected to be a requirements contract with one (1) base year, plus four (4) one year option periods for a possible total of a five (5) years, if the Government chooses to exercise the option periods. The contract type is currently undecided, pending the findings from market research.

INSTRUCTIONS TO INTERESTED PARTIES: All information contained herein is preliminary and subject to change. Participation in responding to this market research effort is strictly voluntary with no cost or obligation to be incurred by the Government. Narrative answers are requested from respondents. Respondents are requested to identify information provided in response to this market research questionnaire that is proprietary or otherwise protected from release by the Government pursuant to law. To submit a response, download the attached market research questionnaire complete all areas and email:

• usarmy.rheinland-pfalz.409-contr-spt-bde.mbx.rco-wie-bids@mail.mil

• martin.glueck.ln@mail.mil

• devin.g.hollenbaugh.civ@mail.mil on or before 8 January 2020, 11 AM Central European Time (CET).

For further information, please contact:

PRIMARY CONTACT:

Mr. Devin Hollenbaugh

Contracting Officer, Regional Contracting Office Wiesbaden

409th Contracting Support Brigade

Phone: +49 (0) 611-143-546-6702

E-mail: devin.g.hollenbaugh.civ@mail.mil

SECONDARY CONTACT:

Mr. Martin Glueck

Contracting Specialist, Regional Contracting Office Wiesbaden

409th Contracting Support Brigade

Phone: +49 (0) 611-143-546-6750

E-mail: martin.glueck.ln@mail.mil mailto:devin.g.hollenbaugh.civ@mail.mil mailto:martin.glueck.ln@mail.mil