Research, Development, Test and Evaluation

Purpose: The purpose of this Sources Sought / Request for Information is to obtain information for the purposes of market research, which may inform future requirements and development of a multiple award Research, Development, Testing & Evaluation IDIQ ordering vehicle.

Background: The Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Office of Research, Data and Innovation (RDI) conducts a variety of research programs for improving transportation safety and efficiency. Frequently, these programs are derived from short term reactive conditions requiring the research to be performed as expeditiously as possible.

This requirement is intended as a mechanism for providing timely responses in such instances, as well as to provide an efficient mechanism for the support of programmed research in the following four functional areas: Rolling Stock Track Train Control and Communications Human Factors FRA RDI conducts research, development, testing and evaluation to support the Department's stated goals and statutory mandates.

These activities provide a rational and effective basis for safety regulations and standards and/or revisions thereof and promote general safety improvements in the rail industry. Within FRA RDI, the Track Division’s efforts focus on track and structures research and the interaction of rolling stock and track. The Rolling Stock Division’s efforts are directed towards improving the safety of rolling stock equipment, including hazardous material transport.

The Train Control and Communications Division investigates how to avoid collisions, both on the track, and at grade crossings. The Division collaborates with the Human Factor Division on Grade Crossing Safety and Trespass Prevention program research, shared with the Human Factors Division. Finally, The Human Factors Division seeks to optimize human performance in railroad operations and to understand the causal factors of human error, including fatigue and distraction. Please see the attached draft Work Statement and the RFI targeted questions.

Instructions: Vendors are asked to provide responses to the RFI target questions on the attached excel spreadsheet. Please submit responses no later than 3:00 pm ET, Monday, September 23, 2024 to mandy.fenter@dot.gov