DOTX2000 Locomotive Repairs

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, firm‑fixed‑price contract to Progress Rail, LLC to perform all tasks in accordance with Progress Rail, LLC repair/replacement plans for similar locomotives to return the DOTX2000 to its full operational capacity. FRA’s authority for this work is established under 49 USC §20108(a) and 49 CFR §§1.88(b) and 1.89(f).

The DOTX2000 Locomotive is owned by FRA and operated by the Indiana Northeastern Railroad. This locomotive allows FRA to collect real-world data on new technologies developed that improve rail safety.

Progress Rail LLC, a Caterpillar company, is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the EMD (Electro-Motive Diesel) product line, which includes the DOTX2000 locomotive. As the OEM, Progress Rail maintains exclusive ownership and control over the proprietary engineering drawings, technical specifications, and specialized software code (such as the EM2000™ or FIRE™ control systems) essential for the safe and reliable repair of this specific asset.

Only Progress Rail has the unique ability to provide genuine OEM components and certified technicians who possess the comprehensive system-level knowledge required to ensure the locomotive remains compliant with its original design and safety certifications. Attempting to use a non-OEM source would introduce significant technical risk, as third-party vendors lack access to the restricted diagnostic protocols and critical tolerances necessary for a locomotive of this complexity.

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

The period of performance of the contract is 12 months from date of award. 

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 DOTX2000 locomotive repairs 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.

POINT OF CONTACT (POC)

Akwasi Kankam

Contract Specialist, Federal Railroad Administration

Email: akwasi.kankam@dot.gov

DISCLAIMER

This Notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for information provided in response. No solicitation document exists.