Independent Positive Train Control (PTC) Safety Assessment Services

*********THIS IS A PRESOLICITATION NOTICE ONLY********** Projected Release of RFP: June The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), intends to issue a solicitation for Independent Positive Train Control(PTC) Safety Assessment Services. FRA intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit proposals for a multiple award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts with a base year and three (3) option years. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is seeking contractors to conduct an independent safety assessment of each railroad's positive train control (PTC) system for compliance with the requirements of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 236, subpart I (https://www.ecfr.gov) to support FRA's issuance of PTC System Certifications. In general, a railroad may not operate a PTC system in revenue service unless and until FRA grants PTC System Certification (Certification) to the railroad under Title 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) � 20157(h) and 49 CFR � 236.1015. To enable FRA to issue the required Certifications, FRA is seeking to engage independent safety assessors (Contractor(s)) to: 1. Comprehensively review each railroad's highly technical and complex PTC Safety Plan (PTCSP) and supporting documentation, 2. Conduct an independent safety assessment of the railroad's risk assessment process and safety demonstration of its PTC system, 3. Provide confidence that the railroad has properly conducted the required risk assessment(s) under 49 CFR � 236.1015(d)-(e), and 4. Provide a formal, written, technically-supported and justified, and independent opinion regarding whether or not a railroad's PTC system meets the regulatory requirements for PTC System Certification under 49 CFR part 236, subpart I, including under 49 CFR �� 236.1005, 236.1009, 236.1015, and, if applicable, 236.1007 (additional requirements for high-speed service). FRA expects to receive approximately 25 to 30 new PTCSPs between now and December 31, 2020. FRA will utilize the Contractor's conclusions and recommendations when determining whether to grant, grant with conditions, or deny a railroad's request for PTC System Certification under 49 CFR part 236, subpart I. The Contractor's conclusions and recommendations, however, are merely advisory in nature and are not binding on FRA. The solicitation will only be released and available electronically at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. Accordingly, NO written, telephone, facsimile or e-mail requests for the solicitation package will be accepted. Interested parties may register at the aforementioned site to receive notification of this action, as well as a variety of other procurement announcements and information. It is the responsibility of offerors to monitor the FedBizOpps website for any amendments or additional information related to the solicitation package and this procurement. NO OTHER PROCUREMENT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.