The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) intends to increase the IDIQ Maximum Value of Contract No. DTFR5317D00002 with MERMEC Inc. on a sole-source basis, pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 3304(a) (1), FAR 6.302-l (b)(1) "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements."

The base contract was issued on an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity basis in accordance with FAR 16.504. Task Orders are issued in accordance with FAR 16.505 titled “Ordering.” The contract currently has a contract ceiling of $15,303,633 over a five-year ordering period which is set to expire December 21, 2022. The intent of this action is to increase the contract ceiling from $15,303,633 to $16,196,779 for a total potential increase of $893,146.00. The additional funding is required to allow continuity of services during the Automated Track Inspection (ATIP) re-compete as well as funding for the transition-out of incumbent operated vehicles should the incumbent not be awarded the same vehicles in the recompete.

The re-competition of the ATIP requirement was delayed by the restrictions put in place due to the COVID – 19 pandemic. Covid restrictions on travel, venue use, and meeting size delayed FRA’s ability to, for example, hold an Industry Day by approximately four months. An Industry Day, with one on one meetings with vendors, is one of the most effective ways to communicate the needs of the program and receive effective information from Industry regarding the state of the market and the state of the art. The delay of FRA’s Industry Day for the ATIP requirement had a direct effect on FRA’s acquisition timeline.

The proposed increased funding levels will allow for the continuation of inspections services until March 31, 2022. It is anticipated that the vehicle DOTX 216 will be operated during this period. The total potential value of the increase for continuity of services is estimated to be $893,146.00.

This notice of intent is NOT a request for competitive proposals. Interested sources may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement. All information received will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.