“Locomotive Waste Heat Recovery System” (Sole Source Intent Notice)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Washington, DC, intends to award a Sole Source, Contract to Thermadynamics Rail LLC for continued development begun under FRA grant numbers FR-RRD-0005 and FR-RRD-0035, and FR-RRD-0068, and contract number 693JJ618C000018. The initial effort researched and investigated the feasibility of the technology to be applied to a GE/Wabtec and EMD/Progress Rail locomotive engines and to optimize the prototype system for GE/Wabtec engine for commercialization. The intent of the effort proposed here is a (1) feasibility study of the technology to be applied to EMD/Progress Rail locomotive engines, which will yield a conceptual design on the system in its application, and (2) Further development of technology in its application to GE/Wabtec locomotive engines and optimization for commercialization. This will entail final optimized design for next step of commercialization, evaluation of emissions reduction and market research for commercialization. Test plan for railroad service test will also be developed. Competitive bid and use of a new contractor would result in need for additional time to bring new contractor up to speed on the project and understanding of the technology.

The proposed contract action, for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source, is under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 and 41 U.S.C. 253(c)(1).

This synopsis is not a request for competitive proposals; however, interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. Respondents must provide a capability statement for a “Ruggedization and Field Testing of Freight Train Rapid Airbrake Propagation Device (RAPiD)”. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this synopsis. Interested parties with the capability of meeting the proposed requirements are requested to provide an E-mail to the FRA point of contact, Ms. Moyah Wilson, (moyah.wilson@dot.gov) no later than 3:00 p.m. EST Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Such capabilities/qualifications will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed effort on a full and open competition basis, based upon responses to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government.

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