A -- Assess Alternatives for Addressing Differential Ground Movement at Railroad Bridge Approaches

The Federal Railroad Administration intends to award a sole source contract to Shannon and Wilson, Inc., of Seattle, Washington, in the approximate amount of $35,000.00, pursuant to the requirements of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 6.3 (48 CFR 6.3). The anticipated award date is August 31, 2006, with an estimated period of performance extending 4 months from the date of the award. Regulations require that the controlling locomotive of all trains on an equipped line be capable of using the train control system, so applying a system to permit high-speed rail necessarily impacts freight equipment and operations on those routes as well. The FRA’s goal is to maximize the capacity of railroads to carry a mix of high-speed passenger, commuter, and freight trains with minimal risk of collisions and accidents and at considerably lower installation cost than for conventional railroad signal and control systems. The FRA has been searching for techniques for eliminating or reducing the adverse effects of settlement at railroad bridge approaches, based on an understanding of the true source of the problem. Previous applications of concepts based on the conventional explanation of the problem, as caused by a change in track stiffness between approach and bridge, have all failed to produce any successful or even promising results. Thus, the need is to have proposed solutions from a source with a correct understanding of the problem and the apparent expertise and insight to develop promising solutions. Despite years of searching, both formally and informally, such sources have not appeared previously. This is a non-competitive acquisition and no solicitation is available. The Federal Railroad Administration’s justification for the lack of competition is: the unsolicited proposal recently received from Shannon & Wilson is the only one from a source appearing to understand that the conventional explanation of the bridge approach problem is incorrect; their proposal provided an apparent understanding of the correct source of the problem and how it might be addressed. Any responses to this solicitation will be evaluated in accordance with applicable FAR requirements. Interested sources must submit a fully descriptive statement of qualifications, including the resumes of key personnel, by 2:00 pm, July 26, 2006. The closing date for this notice is 8:00 am, on August 2, 2006. Qualification statements and resumes may be sent to the above address, or via fax to (202) 493 6171, or via email to [email protected].