US Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Acquisition and Grants Services, RAD-30, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590

A -- ENGINEMEN STRESS AND FATIGUE (PHASE II): ENGINE CREW ON-DUTY, REST SOL DTFR53-96-C-00004, Task Order 01. Due 122396. POC Contracting Officer Thomas L Riddle, 202/632-3391. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with the Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute (IITRI) to conduct experimental research using the Research and Locomotive Evaluator/Simulator (RALES) to determine if planned on-duty rest for locomotive engineers is useful in improving alertness, attentiveness and safety performance. This effort is a follow-on task order to previous research conducted by IITRI using the RALES on Enginemen Stress and Fatigue (report in publication). RALES is a state-of-the-art, fully functional, high fidelity locomotive and train-handling simulator, with the capability to simulate most freight railroad operating scenarios including night operations. It is equipped with EMD SD-40-2 locomotive cab, AAR control stand, six degrees of freedom motion base, high resolution video-based visual system, full-range sound system and computerized and software enhanced controls. In conducting the subject research activities, the contractor will be required to perform the following tasks: (1) prepare a study design for FRA approval; (2) conduct a pilot test and revise design as necessary; (3) conduct performance testing and data collection; (4) evaluate and analyze data; and (5) substantiate research results through the submission of a final report documenting its findings and recommendations. IITRI is considered uniquely qualified to perform the proposed work due to its ability to conduct full-scale research testing using RALES to simulate actual train operations that are as realistic as possible while maintaining laboratory-type controls (i.e., limit the introduction of random, unknown variables as much as possible). Spin-off simulators built for US railroads are not considered comparable as they were generally built for training purposes rather than research, and as such do not have many of the features unique to the RALES that are often necessary for conducting research projects. In addition, IITRI has the singular distinction of being the operating manager and custodian of the Government-owned RALES under the FRA's existing facilities management contract for use of the RALES Facilities. The applicable authority for this announced intention is that under 41 USC 253 (c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, ``Only One Responsible Source.'' This task is not a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) and a competitive RFP is not available. See Note 22. (302)

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