Request for Information for FRA Rail Network Conflation and Integration

The purpose of this modification is to provide the following answers to questions submitted by interested vendors: Q1: Is it the goal of the FRA to have one rail network and does that network require the spatial alignment of the NARN within the FRA network? A1: Yes, conflation will result in one network comprised of the FRA network and the NARN. Q2: Does the FRA require the like the attributes of the FRA to remain within the data, or should a combination of attributes for like line segments (between the networks) be considered? A2:The data dictionary of the FRA network will remain and add in additional attributes from the NARN. The attributes that are shared will be compared and when there are discrepancies, they will be flagged for future review. Q3: Are additional attributes to be populated (or corrected) to the rail line features during the conflation process? Based on review of the sample data it appears that many of the rail lines in the FRA network exist for Abandoned lines but still contain attribution stating it is an Active Track (when compared to aerial imagery). A3: Abandon tracks must be done through the STB. If there is track that is not active and there is no STB abandonment number to this location, they are marked as "X" for out of service. Q4: It appears that there are many abandoned lines represented in the FRA network (that do not exist in the NA network). If the spatial location (which is more accurate in the NA) is to be used for conflation - how do you see these existing (abandoned) lines represented in the FRA network connected to the realigned locations? (Simply extended or trimmed at the new main locations intersections?) A4: Abandon tracks will not be removed, they still provide value within the industry. Q5: Will the chosen conflation team need to verify the track attribute? In the sample data it appears that the NARN represents a set of tracks with dual lines where the FRA only A5: Yes, conflation means the spatial and attribution of both networks. In this case, the conflation will keep the dual lines. Once again, FRA would like to stress that this RFI is an informational exchange performed to leverage industry's knowledge in order to better define and understand a potential procurement. Answers are provided to submitted questions in order to further enhance that process. Nothing that is submitted or not submitted in response to this RFI will have any bearing on a vendor's ability to compete on any potential future related acquisition. Any and all input is appreciated.