DOT/RSPA/VOLPE National Transportation Systems Center, 55 Broadway, Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02142

B -- FEASIBILITY EVALUATION OF RAILSCAN DEVICE SOL DTRS57-98-Q-80077 DUE 031098 POC Karen Marino, Purchasing Agent, (617) 494-2437 WEB: Volpe Center Acquisition Division Home Page, http://www.volpe.dot.gov/procure/index.html. E-MAIL: Purchasing Agent, marinok@volpe1.dot.gov. The Volpe Center plans to procure through Simplified Acquisition procedures a sole source to Metalelektro Ltd., Budapest, Hungary, to provide services for conducting a demonstration test and evaluation study of the RAILSCAN in the United States at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colorado. In an effort to improve safety and performance of continuous welded rail (CWR) tracks, a track buckling prevention research program is being conducted by the Volpe Center in support of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The purpose of this research effort is to conduct a field demonstration test and feasibility study of the RAILSCAN device and perform evaluation studies of its capabilities to accurately and non-destructive measure all rail neutral temperature and longitudinal force under US conditions. The contractor will perform the experimental and analytical investigations to fulfill the purpose as listed above. Small Business firms classified under SIC Code 8731 that are interested inproposing must demonstrate in writing, no later than 15 days from the date of publication that they are able to describe the RAILSCAN concept, its application and technique/device verification results. Small Business firms will be required to submit documentation in support of the above prior to receiving a quotation. A single award will result from this solicitation. NO telephone requests will be accepted -- only written requests for this will be accepted -- however, we will accept requests via facsimile at (617)494-3649. Attn: Karen Marino, DTS-853. For Minority, Women-Owned and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises: The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of Small and Business and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), has a program to assist minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises to acquire short-term working capital assistance for transportation-related contracts. Loans are available under the DOT Short Term Lending Program (STLP) at prime interest rates to provide accounts receivable financing. The maximum line of credit is $500,000. For further information and applicable forms concerning the STLP, please call the OSDBU at (800) 532-1169. (0054)

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