Parametric Railway Line Capacity Modeling

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation by replacing Attachment J-4 with Attachment J-5.

• Pages 27-28 of the solicitation are affected.
• Attachment J-4: CPARS Worksheet for Contractor Performance Self-Assessment is deleted.
• Attachment J-5: CPARS Worksheet for Contractor Performance Self-Assessment is inserted.

This amendment does not appear to modify proposal deadlines or submission requirements, but bidders should ensure they are using the most current attachments for their proposals.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides updated responses from the Government to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding Solicitation 03032026.

• Past Performance: If a completed CPARS is unavailable, the Government will accept a completed Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment J.4) or an equivalent. The Contractor Performance Self-Assessment Worksheet (J.5) is intended to be part of the information provided with clause H.9 POSTAWARD EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE, and may be used as a past performance questionnaire if required. Amendment 2 clarifies that J.5 was incorrectly listed as J.4.
• Data Acquisition: The quoter is primarily responsible for collecting and acquiring data for rail operations simulation/modeling. The FRA will work with the contractor to review internal resources, including a limited inventory of Class I railroad track charts and freight flow data. Additional localized data and collaborative efforts with FRA staff will be needed to support validation.
• Validation Scenarios: The parametric model will be representative of a wide range of conditions. While the SOO does not prescribe a set number of validation scenarios or specific corridors, the number will be determined in consultation with FRA. It is anticipated that the number of validation test cases will be 5 or less.
• Peer Review: The Government anticipates that input from external partners would provide value. Most peer engagement activities may be conducted virtually. Additional opportunities to engage outside experts (not affiliated with this RFP) may arise for tasks such as determining capacity measures and performance measures, and model design/specification.
• Award Timeline: The award is anticipated to be made within a couple of weeks of the completion of oral presentations.

This document clarifies requirements related to past performance documentation and data acquisition for validation. It also provides insight into the peer review process and the anticipated award timeline. Bidders should review these clarifications to ensure their proposals accurately address the solicitation's requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) seeks proposals to develop a new Parametric Model for Railroad Capacity Analysis to support the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Office of Railroad Development. The government intends to award a single firm-fixed-price contract with reimbursable travel costs.

The selected contractor will be evaluated on their ability to provide a complete solution as described in a Quoter-Developed Performance Work Statement (PWS). Key areas of focus include:

• Addressing each Statement of Objectives (SOO) objective.

• Developing innovative strategies for stakeholder engagement.

• Employing knowledge of parametric capacity models, operational analysis, and simulation.

• Providing a data management plan.

• Demonstrating a sound model validation and calibration approach.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price with reimbursable travel costs.

• Period of Performance: 18 months from the effective date of the contract.

• Submission: Quotations must be submitted via electronic mail to the Contracting Officer. Hard copies will not be accepted.

• Phased Procurement: The RFQ involves a phased approach:

  • Phase I: Prior Corporate Experience and Past Performance (due March 10, 2026).
  • Phase II: Technical Volume/PWS and Oral Presentation (due March 23, 2026, with oral presentations on March 26 and/or TBD).

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Factor 1: Demonstrated Prior Corporate Experience and Past Performance (more important than cost or price).
  • Factor 2: Oral Presentation.
  • Factor 3: Price.

• Evaluation Basis: Best value to the Government, considering both price and non-price factors. Award will not necessarily be made to the lowest priced quotation.

• Quotation Validity: 120 days or longer from the date of PWS submittal.

No specific set-aside information is provided in this document.

• The government reserves the right to cancel the RFQ without award.
• Quotations must be complete and compliant to avoid immediate removal from consideration.
• The RFQ includes detailed instructions on quotation volumes, format, and submission requirements, including specific information for Cover Letters, Prior Corporate Experience, Past Performance, PWS, and Price Quotation.
• Various FAR and TAR clauses are incorporated by reference, covering topics such as security, data protection, invoicing, and contractor responsibilities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a pricing schedule for the BASE YEAR of the contract. It outlines tasks, units, quantities, and pricing details required for bidders to complete their proposals.

• Task Price Schedule: Details various tasks associated with the contract.
• Unit, Quantity, Unit Price, Discount, Extended Price: Columns for bidders to fill in their pricing information.
• Transition Assistance: A specific task requiring pricing.
• Travel (Cost Reimbursable): Includes a pre-filled amount of $10,000.00.
• 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services: A placeholder for potential option period pricing.
• Total: A field for the overall total cost.

Bidders must use this pricing schedule to accurately calculate and submit their proposed costs for the base year. The "Travel (Cost Reimbursable)" line item indicates a specific amount that may need to be factored into overall cost considerations. This document is critical for proposal preparation and will likely be a key component of the evaluation process.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding a solicitation for a Parametric RFQ. It clarifies various aspects of the solicitation, including CLIN structure, option periods, evaluation criteria, cybersecurity requirements, subcontracting plans, and data rights.

• CLIN Structure & Deliverables: The price/deliverables schedule is reserved for the quoter to propose. Bidders are expected to list deliverables and prices based on their proposed PWS.

• Option Periods: No priced option periods are anticipated, but services may be extended per FAR 52.217-8. Bidders should price for 18 months plus an additional optional 6 months.

• Cybersecurity: A revised cybersecurity attachment (J.2) with internal comments removed has been uploaded. The DOT SOC clause (2-hour reporting) takes precedence over the addendum's timelines for cyber incident reporting.

• Subcontracting Plans: Subcontracting plans are required for all prime offerors other than small businesses. Updated small business goals have been provided in the revised subcontracting form. The due date for the Phase 2 response (including the subcontracting plan) has been extended to March 23, 2026.

• Data Rights: The Government intends to assert Unlimited Rights for all deliverable code. New code will be hosted on the FRA GitHub repository and released under an Open Source License (e.g., MIT or Apache 2.0). Vendors must identify any pre-existing proprietary tools or 'Background IP' in their proposal.

• Validation: While specific validation scenarios are not prescribed, the model is expected to be useful for estimating rail capacity under various conditions. A validation plan will be developed to verify accuracy and reasonableness of model outputs.

• The due date for the Phase 2 response has been extended to March 23, 2026.

• A revised cybersecurity attachment (J.2) has been uploaded.

• FAR 52.217-9 will be removed via amendment.

• An NTE amount of $10K will be stipulated for travel.

• The standard set of oral presentation questions will be provided with the down-select notification.

Amendment / Modification

This document, "Addendum 2: Cybersecurity, AI, and Data Protection Contract Requirements," tailors cybersecurity, Zero Trust, AI, and Data Protection requirements specifically for Phase I Model Development of the Parametric Railway Line Capacity Model project. It establishes mandatory contract requirements for model development and delivery of artifacts, excluding production hosting, enterprise Zero Trust architecture, FedRAMP authorization, and continuous SOC operations, which are reserved for potential Phase II contracts.

• Definitions: Defines "Government Data," "Cybersecurity Incident," and "Personally Identifiable Information (PII)."
• Information Security Program: Requires the Contractor to establish and maintain a documented program to protect Government Data.
• Compliance: Mandates adherence to Federal cybersecurity and privacy laws, DOT/FRA policies, and NIST guidance for contractor-hosted development environments.
• Data Handling & Access Control: Specifies requirements for handling, storing, transmitting, and disposing of Government Data, including encryption, role-based access, multi-factor authentication, and logging.
• Vulnerability Management: Requires routine scanning and patch management for development environments.
• Incident Response: Mandates an incident response capability and specific notification timelines for cybersecurity or privacy incidents.
• Subcontractor Requirements: Ensures subcontractors comply with essential data protection requirements.
• Audit & Review: Reserves the Government's right to assess the Contractor's cybersecurity and data protection controls.
• Data Return & Destruction: Requires return or secure destruction of Government Data upon contract completion/termination per NIST SP 800-88.
• Breach Liability: Assigns responsibility to the Contractor for costs related to cybersecurity incidents due to non-compliance.
• Training: Requires role-based cybersecurity and privacy awareness training for personnel accessing Government Data.
• Zero Trust Principles: Mandates adherence to identity-centric security practices for Contractor accounts.
• AI/ML Restrictions: Prohibits the use of Government Data for training, tuning, or operating AI/ML models without explicit Government authorization.
• Systems Security Engineering: Requires security considerations in the design and development of model artifacts.
• Restrictions on Disclosure: Prohibits unauthorized disclosure of proprietary, privacy, privileged, or Government information.
• Data Rights: Confirms the Government's unrestricted rights to data, code, tools, and systems developed under the contract.
• Survival: Specifies that data protection and confidentiality obligations survive contract expiration or termination.
• Contract Passthrough: Requires inclusion of essential data protection clauses in subcontracts.

This addendum introduces specific cybersecurity, Zero Trust, AI, and Data Protection requirements applicable to Phase I model development. It clarifies what is included in Phase I and what is deferred to Phase II or other contracts.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation RFQ No. 693JJ626Q000005.

• Timeline Adjustments:

  • The date for "Phase II: Technical volume and Oral Presentations" has been changed from March 20 (Oral presentation TBD) to March 23, 2026.
  • The date for "Phase II: Oral Presentations" has been added as March 26 and/or TBD.
  • The "Award" date remains TBD.

• Option to Extend Services (FAR 52.217-8):

  • Clarification on pricing for the Option to Extend Services (up to six months).
  • Quoters must include six-month pricing in their quotations, which should be the same as the option period 3 pricing.
  • New six-month pricing is not permitted.
  • This six-month option pricing will be part of the total evaluated price.
  • The total evaluated price will be based on the base period, option periods, and the six-month option period after the last period of performance allowed under FAR 52.217-8.
  • The document also notes that the total evaluated price is based on the 18-month base period and option, and the 6-month option period after the last period of performance allowed under FAR 52.217-8.

• Deletion of FAR Clause:

  • FAR 52.217-9, "OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)" has been deleted from page 29.

• Page 2: Timeline for Phase II activities and Award.

• Page 7: Clarification and pricing instructions for the Option to Extend Services (FAR 52.217-8).

• Page 29: Deletion of FAR 52.217-9.

Bidders should note the updated timeline for Phase II activities. The instructions regarding the Option to Extend Services pricing are clarified, and bidders must adhere to these specific pricing requirements. The deletion of FAR 52.217-9 should also be noted.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "J.5 Addendum 2: Cybersecurity, AI, and Data Protection Contract Requirements," details specific cybersecurity, Zero Trust, AI, and data protection requirements tailored for Phase I of the Parametric Railway Line Capacity Model project. It is intended to be contract-enforceable and establishes mandatory requirements for model development and delivery of limited non-production demonstration artifacts.

• Definitions: Defines "Government Data," "Cybersecurity Incident," and "Personally Identifiable Information (PII)."
• Information Security Program: Requires a documented program to protect Government Data, including administrative, technical, and physical safeguards.
• Compliance: Mandates adherence to Federal cybersecurity and privacy laws, DOT/FRA policies, and relevant NIST guidance.
• Data Handling, PII Protection, and Access Control: Outlines requirements for handling, storing, transmitting, and disposing of Government Data, including encryption, role-based access, multi-factor authentication, and logging.
• Vulnerability Management: Requires routine scanning and patch management for development environments.
• Incident Response and Reporting: Mandates an incident response capability and specific notification timelines for cybersecurity or privacy incidents.
• Subcontractor Requirements: Ensures subcontractors comply with essential data protection requirements.
• Audit, Assessment, and Right to Review: Reserves the Government's right to assess the Contractor's controls.
• Data Retention, Return, and Destruction: Specifies requirements for returning or destroying Government Data upon contract completion.
• Breach Liability: Assigns responsibility for costs related to cybersecurity incidents caused by non-compliance.
• Training: Requires personnel with access to Government Data to complete cybersecurity and privacy awareness training.
• Zero Trust Principles: Mandates identity-centric security practices for Contractor-issued accounts.
• AI/ML Restrictions: Prohibits the use of Government Data for training, tuning, or operating AI/ML models without explicit authorization.
• Systems Security Engineering: Requires security considerations in the design and development of model artifacts.
• Restrictions on Disclosure: Prohibits unauthorized disclosure of proprietary, privacy, privileged, or Government information.
• Data Rights: Confirms the Government's unrestricted rights to data, code, tools, and systems developed under the contract.
• Survival: States that data protection and confidentiality obligations survive contract termination.
• Contract Passthrough: Requires essential data protection clauses to be included in subcontracts.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the stringent cybersecurity and data protection obligations associated with handling Government Data during Phase I model development. It outlines specific technical, procedural, and compliance requirements that will impact project execution, resource allocation, and overall proposal strategy. Bidders must ensure their proposed solutions and internal processes align with these requirements, particularly concerning data handling, access control, incident response, and the use of AI/ML technologies.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Contractor Performance Self-Assessment Report Worksheet (CPARS) used for evaluating contractor performance. It serves as a template for assessors to document their ratings and justifications for various aspects of a contract.

• Contract Information: Fields for Contract Number/Order Number, Contractor name, Assessor's Name, and Assessment Date.
• Self-Assessment Purpose: To define the reason for the assessment.
• Period of Performance: Start and End Dates.
• Rating Categories: Includes sections for:
  • Quality Rating
  • Schedule Rating
  • Cost Control Rating / Value Added Services (Note: Not applicable for Fixed Price)
  • Management Rating
  • Small Business Subcontracting Rating (Note: Not applicable to contracts/orders awarded to a Small Business prime)
  • Regulatory Compliance Rating
  • Other Areas Rating
• Justification: Each rating category requires a detailed justification to substantiate the assigned rating.
• Rating Definitions: Reference to Tables 42-1 and 42-2 (provided within the document) for detailed definitions of rating scales (Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory, Not Applicable) and specific guidance for Small Business Subcontracting.

This worksheet outlines the criteria and methodology used by the government to assess contractor performance. Understanding these criteria can help bidders anticipate performance expectations and requirements for future contracts. It highlights the importance of quality, schedule adherence, cost control, management, regulatory compliance, and small business subcontracting in performance evaluations.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This document outlines the objectives for developing a new Parametric Railway Line Capacity Model (PRLCM). The goal is to create a publicly available tool that updates and expands upon the 1975 FRA model, which has become obsolete due to significant changes in railroad operations, infrastructure, and traffic over the past 50 years. The new model aims to support short-term and long-term network, traffic, and capital planning, and serve as an adjunct to existing simulation tools for high-level operations analysis and corridor-level investment studies.

The contractor will be responsible for:

• Developing the PRLCM, including algorithmic specification, reproducible source code, and supporting documentation.

• Model design, estimation, testing, validation, and delivery of code and documentation.

• Establishing methodological guidelines for capacity analysis.

• Developing model specifications, defining inputs and outputs.

• Creating a foundational parametric model prototype with a core algorithm and a non-production demonstration user interface.

• Performing model validation and reasonableness checking against real-world conditions.

• Preparing the model for use by FRA, including all necessary data, software, and documentation.

• A validated, reproducible Railroad Parametric Capacity Model (RPCM) with associated documentation and code.

• Technical reports on methodology, model development, simulation software selection, functionality, and validation.

• Model source code developed in R or Python.

• Algorithm Description Document.

• Non-production demonstration interface.

• Transition assistance for Government engineers.

Not specified in this document.

• The contractor must propose a Performance Work Statement (PWS) that aligns with the objectives and outcomes.
• Offerors are encouraged to propose innovative and tailored approaches.
• All work must be conducted within approved environments, adhering to FRA/DOT IT security standards and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Personnel must have demonstrated experience in railroad operations and simulation modeling.
• Deliverables must comply with Section 508 Accessibility standards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) Survey used by the Government to assess contractor performance. It is intended for "FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY – PROCUREMENT SENSITIVE" purposes.

• Contract Information: Contract Number, Contractor Name, Date of Assessment.
• Assessor Information: Name, Phone Number, Email Address.
• Survey Purpose: Initial assessment or other specified purpose.
• Period of Performance: Start and End Dates.
• Rating Categories: Includes Quality, Schedule, Cost Control / Value Added Services, Management, Regulatory Compliance, and Utilization of Small Business.
• Rating Definitions: Provides definitions for Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, and Unsatisfactory ratings, referencing FAR 42.1503 and Table 42-1.
• Justification: Requires detailed justification for each assigned rating.
• Recommendation: Asks if the contractor would be recommended for similar requirements in the future.
• Continuation Sheet: For additional comments.

While this document is primarily for government use in evaluating contractor performance, bidders may encounter it as an attachment to solicitations or contract modifications. Understanding the CPAR process and the criteria for evaluation can provide insight into the government's expectations for performance and the factors that influence past performance evaluations, which are often a component of source selection.

Amendment / Modification

This document is an addendum to FAR 52.212-1, "Instructions to Quoters—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Tailored)". It provides specific instructions and clarifications for submitting offers.

• Submission of Quotation: Specifies required elements for an offer, including solicitation number, quoter's contact information, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), EFT indicator, information for evaluation, completed representations and certifications, and a statement of agreement with solicitation terms.
• Period for Acceptance of Offers: Quoters must hold prices firm for 120 calendar days from the offer receipt date, unless an addendum specifies otherwise.
• Late Submissions, Modifications, Revisions, and Withdrawals: Outlines rules for late offers, modifications, and revisions. Late offers are generally not considered unless received before award and accepting them won't unduly delay the acquisition. Late modifications making terms more favorable to the Government may be accepted. In case of emergencies interrupting Government processes, offer receipt times may be extended. Quoters can withdraw offers by written notice before award.
• Contract Award: The Government intends to award without discussions, meaning initial offers should be the best terms. However, discussions may be held if necessary. The Government reserves the right to reject offers, accept non-lowest offers, and waive informalities.
• Brief Explanation: Upon request, the Government will provide a brief explanation for the award decision, detailing why unsuccessful quoters were not selected.

This document modifies or clarifies the standard FAR 52.212-1 provision as it applies to this specific solicitation.

Bidders must ensure their offers include all specified elements and are submitted by the deadline. The 120-day price validity period and the conditions for late submissions are critical for proposal preparation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a pricing schedule for the BASE YEAR of the contract. It outlines the tasks, units, quantities, unit prices, discounts, and extended prices that bidders should use for their proposals.

• Task Price Schedule: Details various tasks associated with the contract.
• Unit: Specifies the unit of measure (e.g., Each).
• Quantity: The number of units required.
• Unit Price: The cost per unit.
• Discount: Any applicable discounts.
• Extended Price: The total price for each task (Quantity * Unit Price).
• Includes a line item for 'Transition Assistance'.
• References '52.217-8 Option to Extend Services'.
• A 'Total' line for the sum of all costs.

Bidders must use this pricing schedule to accurately calculate and submit their proposed costs for the base year of the contract. It is essential for understanding the cost structure and ensuring compliance with the solicitation's pricing requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) seeks proposals to develop a new Parametric Model for Railroad Capacity Analysis to support the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Office of Railroad Development. The government intends to award a single firm-fixed-price contract with reimbursable travel costs to the responsible quoter offering the best overall value, considering price and non-price factors.

• Develop a new Parametric Model for Railroad Capacity Analysis.

• The Statement of Objectives (SOO) in Attachment J.1 outlines suggested deliverables/CLINs.

• The Performance Work Statement (PWS) must address SOO objectives, include a project schedule, demonstrate innovative strategies, employ knowledge of parametric capacity models and railroad operations fundamentals, provide a data management plan, and demonstrate comprehensive model validation and calibration approaches.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price with reimbursable travel costs.

• Period of Performance: 18 months from the effective date of the contract.

• Submission Deadline:

  • Submission of Questions: February 23, 2026
  • Prior Corporate Experience and Past Performance (Phase I): March 10, 2026
  • Notification of Provisional Down Select: March 16, 2026
  • Technical Volume and Oral Presentations (Phase II): March 20, 2026

• Quotation Submission:

  • Volume I: Cover Letter (Phase I)
  • Volume II: Prior Corporate Experience and Past Performance (max 5 pages)
  • Volume III: Oral Presentation (Factor 2)
  • Volume IV: Price Quotation (Factor 3) submitted in an unlocked MS Excel spreadsheet.

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Phase I: Demonstrated Prior Corporate Experience and Past Performance (most important)
  • Phase II: Oral Presentation
  • Phase III: Price

• Evaluation Approach: Best value determination, considering non-price and price factors. Award may not necessarily go to the lowest priced quotation. Confidence ratings will be assigned.

• No specific set-aside is mentioned. Offerors must be responsible.

• Hard copies will not be accepted; offers must be submitted via email.

• Quotations must demonstrate a complete understanding of the scope and capability to provide a complete solution.

• Assumptions, exceptions, or dependencies must be clearly identified and justified.

• The government reserves the right to cancel the RFQ without award.