This is a sole-source combined synopsis/solicitation for engineering consulting services to support the Volpe Center’s track system safety research for the Federal Railroad Administration, focusing on preventing rail failures and track buckling. The contractor will provide recorded 1-hour technical consultations, quarterly presentations, white papers, and electronic data files under a one-year base period plus two one-year option periods. Performance will involve virtual or in-person meetings with the Volpe Center in Cambridge, MA, and the intended contractor is located in North Reading, MA. The scope includes rail neutral temperature management, track buckling analysis, rail defect crack-growth modeling, and related research tasks. The acquisition follows FAR Part 12 commercial item and FAR Part 13 simplified acquisition procedures.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center intends to award a sole source contract for Track System Safety Research Rail Integrity Consulting Services. The contractor will provide engineering consulting on track buckling and rail failures, including recorded technical consultations, presentations, white papers, and data files. The performance period includes a 1-year base period and two 1-year option periods. The work will be performed for the Volpe Center, supporting the Federal Railroad Administration’s Track Safety Research Program. No budget amount or performance location outside of the Volpe Center is specified.