Notice of Intent to Issue a Sole Source Contract to University of Sheffield for continuation of Modeling Wheel-Rail Friction Modifier- Phase 2.

Notice of Intent to Issue a Sole Source Contract to University of Sheffield for continuation of Modeling Wheel-Rail Friction Modifier- Phase 2.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Washington, DC, intends to award a Sole Source, Contract to University of Sheffield for continued development begun under DTFR5317C00009. The first award was made using a competitive Broad Agency Announcement process in 2017, BAA-2015, Topic # FRA-TR-006 – Modeling Wheel-Rail Friction Modifier.
The FRA Office Research, Data, and Innovation wishes to build upon the previous research efforts conducted by the University of Sheffield aimed at improving the safety and effectiveness of the railroad operations in North America by enhancing the vehicle-track interaction modeling techniques, and modeling prediction accuracy.
Based on the experience acquired during the previous phase of the project, the research team of the University of Sheffield possess the necessary unique qualifications and specialized equipment to continue the research efforts proposed in Phase 2 that aim to improve and implement the previously developed model. The testing facilities used during the tests, the scaled wheel rig (SWR), the full-scale rig (FSR) and the SUROS twin-disc rig are unique to the University of Sheffield and are the only source to perform the required tests and conduct the model validation effort. Although selecting another research institution to build similar testing facilities and continue the work in Phase 2 could be feasible, it would require a substantial investment of additional time and duplication of previous funding to bring the new research team up to speed in order to satisfactorily complete the Phase 2 tasks of the project. Additionally, testing of such a model would have to be accomplished at the University of Sheffield. Based on the above, there is only one responsible source capable of providing the required services.

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).

NO SOLICITATION OR REQUEST FOR QUOTE IS AVAILABLE. 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. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this synopsis. Interested parties with the capability of meeting the proposed requirements are requested to identify their interest by email to the FRA point of contact, Akwasi Kankam, akwasi.kankam@dot.gov no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Friday May 31, 2024. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely to determine whether 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.