Mobile Railcar Inspection Portal (M-RIP) Solution-as-a-Service
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
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) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify potential sources capable of providing a Mobile Railcar Inspection Portal (M-RIP) as a fully managed Solution-as-a-Service (SaaS). This initiative aims to enhance rail safety and inspection efficiency with a portable, automated system. Responses are due February 21, 2026.
Scope of Work
The FRA seeks a comprehensive M-RIP SaaS solution with the following core capabilities:
- Mobility & Form Factor: A self-contained, portable unit packaged within a customized 20-foot ISO container mounted on a 30-foot chassis, capable of up to 12 annual relocations.
- Advanced Imaging: High-speed, high-resolution automated imaging providing 360-degree visibility, including Vehicle Undercarriage Examiner (VUE) and Lower-side Panoramas for detailed component views. The system must capture crisp images of railcars moving at track speeds.
- AI Analytics: Automated defect detection using Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) with results delivered within near real-time (60 seconds).
- Managed Services (SaaS Model): A "turnkey" offering where the vendor owns and maintains the equipment, provides remote inspections via certified Mechanical Railcar Inspectors, and includes at least 12 relocations per year.
- Automated Identification: Dual-path AEI Tag Readers for railcar identification.
- On-Board Processing: Integrated Edge Data Center with hardened servers for real-time image acquisition and AI processing.
- Power & Connectivity Autonomy: Power-independent (integrated generator/battery bank) and dual-path remote connectivity via 5G/LTE and satellite.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: February 21, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: February 19, 2026
Requested Information
Interested firms should submit a capability statement (not exceeding 5 pages) addressing:
- Technical ability to meet all requirements outlined in Attachment 1.
- Past performance in providing wayside detection or similar rail technology.
- Business size and status (e.g., Small Business, 8(a)).
- Confirmation of registration in SAM.gov.
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought Notice for market research purposes only and is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP). The Government will not pay for information submitted.