SAM #0dbb7a53f0344549aae81b2b1739820b

Sole Source Notice: Office Safety Investigations Support for FRA using TEDS Simulations

This notice announces the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) intent to award a sole-source contract for specialized engineering support: - FRA, part of the Department of Transportation, will contract Sharma and Associates, Inc. for railroad incident and derailment investigation support - Services include engineering simulations and analytical reviews using the Train Energy and Dynamics Simulator (TEDS) - TEDS expertise is a unique requirement, as it has been used by FRA R&D since 2013 - The contract supports urgent and short-notice technical reviews for the Office of Safety (OSS), including post-accident analysis and preparation for congressional testimony - The contract will be firm-fixed-price with a three-year period of performance - This is a sole-source procurement under FAR 6.302-1 (Only One Responsible Source) - No competitive proposals are being solicited, but capability statements from interested parties are welcome - The incumbent, Sharma and Associates, has completed 11 derailment simulations in the recent period - Place of performance is Hinsdale, IL, with the contracting office in Washington, DC

Description

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, firm‑fixed‑price contract to Sharma and Associates, Inc. to provide engineering simulations and analytical support for railroad incident and derailment investigations. FRA’s authority for this work is established under 49 USC §20108(a) and 49 CFR §§1.88(b) and 1.89(f).

The FRA Office of Safety (OSS) frequently faces urgent, short‑notice requests for technical reviews and analyses—often following accidents, derailments, or preparation for congressional testimony. Many of these tasks require simulations using the Train Energy and Dynamics Simulator (TEDS), which FRA R&D has used to support OSS requests since 2013, averaging 3–5 simulation studies per year.

The current contractor has performed 11 derailment simulations between January 2024 and December 2025 and recently received another request. FRA R&D seeks to continue this support for an additional three years. The work requires deep familiarity with TEDS, industry knowledge, and an independent investigative approach.

This action continues to work similar to prior IDIQ 693JJ618D000006 and Task Order 693JJ620F000101, though each incident requires unique analysis. The Office of Safety strongly recommends continuing with Sharma due to their experience and long‑standing performance.

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 shall be for a total of three (3) years from the 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 Office Safety Investigations Support 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.

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