22--Passenger and Freight Locomotive Engineer Operations Simulator

The Department of Transportation's Volpe National Transportation System Center is conducting market research to identify companies capable of providing a comprehensive simulation system for passenger and freight locomotive engineer operations. This simulation system will support both initial and recurrent training and certification for freight locomotive engineers and reservists, as well as facilitate human factors research and accident reconstruction. The system must realistically replicate various competencies such as road running, switching, coupling operations, train dynamics, control feel, signal recognition, and decision-making processes under normal and abnormal conditions. It will include coordinated visual, tactile, and auditory feedback, along with hardware and software that simulate the control stand environment. The simulation package will also feature an instructor station equipped with duplicate controls and system status displays, enabling track building, train composing, and instructor intervention. Data collection capabilities are essential to allow replay and analysis of simulator and operator performance, with compatibility for standard database software and processing tools. The primary simulator will be stationed at Fort Eustis, with four satellite simulators linked for training reservists at multiple locations, and the Federal Railroad Administration will use the software at Amtrak facilities and the Volpe Center. Interested contractors must submit their company names and qualifications within fifteen working days following the issuance of this sources sought notice, directed to the Volpe Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts.