R --Acela Post-Electrification Measurements and Analysis of Electromagnetic Fields

NA The Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) plans to procure a sole source from Electric Research, Inc. (ERI), to perform a survey and analysis of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and radiation (EMR) associated with the Acela rail infrastructure and operations from New Haven, CT and Boston, MA. The contractor will be required to characterize and quantify the frequency, time and spatial variability of the intensity of static and extreme low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields and also measure relevant broad band radio-frequency (RF) radiation (EMR) emissions associated with the Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES) train control, and with track signaling and data radio system. This data shall be compared with the 1999 report, “EMF Monitoring on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor”. Measurements performed under this requirement will obtain 24 hours ELF/EMF monitoring data to compare the EMF levels before Acela Regional and Express trains commenced operations, with after electrification EMF levels due to catenary and substations infrastructure and to rail operations, in both urban and rural settings and at environmentally sensitive locations along the track. The contractor shall use the portable MultiWave-2 wave capture equipment, supplemented with static magnetic field flux meters to perform the above measurements. This procurement will be conducted under Simplified Acquisition procedures in accordance with FAR Part 13. Small business firms classified under NAICS Code 541990, Business Size Standard $6M, that are interested in proposing on this requirement must respond in writing no later than 15 days from the date of this publication that they possess a recognized specialization in measuring ELF/EMF levels along the northeast corridor, familiarity with the Federal Railroad Administrations (FRA) EMF database and measurement protocols. The contractor must have access to the Multiwave hardware and the MWAVE data analysis software that was used to assemble a comprehensive EMF database This proposed action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority in FAR Part 6.302. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed purchase order based upon responses received to this notice would normall y be considered, solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. The RFQ issuance will be on or about June 17, 2004. Small business firms will be required to submit a maximum of three but not less than two pages of documentation in support of the above for evaluation prior to receiving a solicitation. No telephone requests will be accepted – only written requests for this solicitation will be accepted, however, we will accept requests via facsimile at (617) 494-3024, ATTN: Karen Marino, DTS-853.