Automatic Engine Start Stop (AESS) continuation and Air Leak Fuel Penalty Study

SOL #: FR26RDI20000000033Special NoticeSole Source

Overview

Buyer

Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration
693JJ6 FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMIN
WASHINGTON, DC, 20590, United States

Place of Performance

San Antonio, TX

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical (541715)

PSC

General Science And Technology R&D Services; General Science And Technology; Applied Research (AJ12)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Apr 23, 2026
2
Action Date
May 14, 2026, 6:00 PM

Qualification Details

Fit reasons
  • NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
  • Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
  • Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
  • Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps

Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.

Quick Summary

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) intends to award a sole-source contract to Southwest Research Institute for an Automatic Engine Start Stop (AESS) continuation and Air Leak Fuel Penalty Study. This effort aims to identify the fuel and emissions penalty when the AESS system cannot maintain locomotive shutdown due to air leaks, building upon previous work.

Scope of Work

This contract will expand on prior research (Contract No. 693JJ623C000028) by Southwest Research Institute. The primary objective is to identify the fuel consumption and emissions penalty associated with the AESS system needing to operate the engine longer to maintain air pressure in the Main Reservoir (MR) due to air leaks. Previous work only covered fuel penalties during continuous operation for line haul and switcher duty cycles, not the additional operational time caused by air leaks.

Contract & Timeline

  • Type: Notice of Intent to Award a Sole-Source Contract
  • Intended Contractor: Southwest Research Institute
  • Authority: FAR 6.302-1, implemented by 41 U.S.C. § 3304(a)(1) (Only One Responsible Source)
  • Period of Performance: June 30, 2026 - June 29, 2028
  • Set-Aside: Not Applicable (Sole Source)
  • Product/Service Code: AJ12 (General Science And Technology R&D Services; Applied Research)
  • Published: April 23, 2026

Response Instructions

This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to perform the AESS continuation and Air Leak Fuel Penalty Study without disruption, duplication of cost, or loss of program continuity. Capability statements must be received by May 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Oral communication will not be accepted.

Contact Information

People

Points of Contact

Akwasi KankamPRIMARY
akwasi.kankam@dot.gov

Files

Files

No files attached to this opportunity

Versions

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Special Notice
Posted: Apr 23, 2026
Automatic Engine Start Stop (AESS) continuation and Air Leak Fuel Penalty Study | GovScope