Automatic Engine Start Stop (AESS) continuation and Air Leak Fuel Penalty Study

FR26RDI20000000033 - NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT THIS IS A NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI) TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT AND IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) intends to award a sole-source contract to Southwest Research Institute to identify the fuel and emissions penalty of the Automatic Engine Start Stop (AESS) system not being able to keep the locomotive shutdown due to air leaks. This is in addition to the available information on the fuel consumption and emissions penalty associated with the addition of a simulated break pipe air leak of 30 and 60 Standard Cubic Foot per Minute (SCFM) as a follow-on requirement to continue work previously performed by Southwest Research Institute under Contract No. (693JJ623C000028) during the base performance period. The previous contract only identified the fuel penalties associated with the line haul and switcher duty cycles during continuous operation but did not identify the penalty associated with the additional time that the Locomotive Automatic Engine Start Stop (AESS) system needs to operate the engine to maintain the air pressure in the Main Reservoir (MR). AUTHORITY This sole source action is conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302‑1, implemented by 41 U.S.C. § 3304(a)(1), Only One Responsible Source.” No solicitation or request for quote is available. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE June 30, 2026 - June 29, 2028 RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive proposals; however, interested parties may submit a capability statement that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the Automatic Engine Start Stop (AESS) continuation and Air Leak Fuel Penalty Study without disruption, duplication of cost, or loss of program continuity. Capability statements must be received no later than 15 calendar days from the date of posting, by 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Oral communication will not be accepted.