Request for Information – Railcar Tracking Project

Subject: Request for Information – Railcar Tracking Project – 12-3J14-Notice-24-0044 This is a request for information as prescribed in 52.215-3 for Planning Purposes. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this request for information. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently working on improving our tracking of rail shipments through the Web Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system.

In order to achieve this goal, we are seeking additional data points to ensure a more seamless and efficient process for tracking railcars and capturing information in WBSCM. By providing enhanced visibility and coordination to all stakeholders involved, including freight forwarders, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO), steamship lines, stevedores, and the USDA, this initiative has the potential to greatly optimize logistics operations.

Real-time information on railcar tracking will enable stakeholders to make better decisions and plan more effectively, allowing for adjustments to schedules in the event of delays or disruptions. Ultimately, this will lead to smoother logistics operations and improved efficiency in the transportation of USDA cargo. In order to successfully implement this initiative, it is important for USDA to understand how the USDA cargo is booked by our industry partners. Some key details that USDA would need to consider include:

1. Shipper Details - Whether the plant location or corporate vendor location is provided asthe shipper information.

2. Consignee Details - Whether the warehouse where the goods are delivered (or the stevedoring company, if one exists) is identified as the consignee.

3. Commodity Details - How USDA purchase order information is identified (e.g. free text or in a specific field).

4. Origin and Destination Location - Whether these locations are identified separately from the shipper and consignee information.

5. Railcar Number - Whether the railcar number entered on the Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN) is the same as on the waybill, and if there are scenarios where it may differ.

6. Short Rail vs. Class 1 Carriers - Whether the above information changes based on the type of carrier used.

7. Instructions from Freight Forwarders - Whether instructions are received from freight forwarders on how the booking needs to be made.

8. Notify Party - Whether a notify party is currently used, and if so, which party is identified as the notify party.

9. Access to Other Parties - Whether there are any other parties involved in booking rail who can identify USDA as a party to the shipment. We have designated the following individual to serve as the official point of contact for this RFI. Contact Information for RFI point of contact below:

David Cottrell, Branch Chief. International Commodity Procurement Division, Commodity Procurement Program. David.Cottrell@usda.gov Please submit your responses to this RFI via email to the RFI point of contact above before close of business September 16, 2024. In the subject line of your response please note: “Railcar Tracking Project”.