Next Generation Brakes for Rail Rolling Stock (Sole Source Intent Notice)

Next Generation Brakes for Rail Rolling Stock (Sole Source Intent Notice)

FR20RPD32000000016

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Washington, DC, intends to award a Sole Source, Contract to Sharma & Associates for continued development begun under DTFR53-13-C-00067.  The first award was made using a competitive Broad Agency Announcement process in 2013,  BAA-2013-1 Topic #FRA RS-004, “Acceleration the Implementation of ECP Brake Technology”. The initial effort investigated the feasibility of emulator technology to advance the implementation of ECP Brake technology in the US rail system.  This new initiative will further develop the Emulator technology to meet the environmental requirements for equipment operating in the US rail environment.  The technology will be ruggedized for extreme temperature, shock and vibration operations.  It is recommended that the continuing work be awarded to Sharma & Associates.  SA has performed the Phase I and II effort.  The Phase II effort tested the system in static rail yard tests; the next step is further developing the system to withstand -40°F to 125°F temperatures, high shock and vibration impact loads.  Competing this work would result in substantial cost to the government as significant development of the emulator technology has been completed since 2013 by SA.  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 proposed contract action, for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source, is under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 and 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1).  

This synopsis is not a request for competitive proposals; however interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. Respondents must provide a capability statement for a “Next Generation Brakes for Rail Rolling Stock”. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this synopsis. Interested parties with the capability of meeting the proposed requirements are requested to provide an E-mail to the FRA point of contact, Ms. Moyah Wilson, (moyah.wilson@dot.gov) no later than 3:00 p.m. EST Thursday, July 6, 2020. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.