Mobile Railcar Inspection Portal (M-RIP) Solution-as-a-Service

Description

Subject: Sources Sought Notice: Mobile Railcar Inspection Portal (M-RIP) Solution-as-a-Service Response Date: 2/21/2026 1. Introduction: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is conducting market research to identify potential sources capable of providing a Mobile Railcar Inspection Portal (M-RIP) as a fully managed Solution-as-a-Service (SaaS) that meets all requirements in the attached Technical Requirements Checklist (Attachment 1). 2. Background: The FRA requires a portable, automated railcar inspection system to enhance safety and inspection efficiency. This system must be deployable to various remote locations without the need for permanent infrastructure investment. 3. Key Requirements: Interested parties must demonstrate the capability to provide all requirements in Attachment 1, including the following key requirements: A Mobile Platform: A self-powered, containerized inspection portal capable of being relocated up to 12 times annually. Advanced Imaging: High-speed, high-resolution automated imaging of the vehicle undercarriage and side-truck panoramas. AI Analytics: Automated defect detection using Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) with results delivered within near real-time (60 seconds). Managed Services: A "turnkey" offering where the vendor owns and maintains the equipment, providing remote inspections via certified personnel. 4. Requested Information (Capability Statement): Interested firms should submit a brief capability statement (not to exceed 5 pages) addressing: Technical ability to meet all requirements in Attachment 1. Past performance in providing wayside detection or similar rail technology. Business size and status (e.g., Small Business, 8(a), etc.). Confirmation of registration in SAM.gov. 5. Disclaimer: This is a Sources Sought Notice for market research purposes only. This is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP). The Government will not pay for information submitted. ATTACHMENT 1 Technical Requirements Checklist Mobile Railcar Inspection Portal (M-RIP) Solution-as-a-Service The proposed solution must contain the following core capabilities: Mobility & Form Factor: The system must be a portable self-contained unit packaged within a customized 20-foot ISO container mounted on a 30-foot chassis for rapid deployment. Imaging Perspectives: The solution must provide high-resolution, 360-degree visibility, specifically including a Vehicle Undercarriage Examiner (VUE) for full underside views and Lower-side Panoramas for truck components like brake shoes and springs. Operational Speed: The system must be capable of capturing crisp, high-resolution images of railcars moving at track speeds. Automated Identification: The system must include dual-path AEI Tag Readers to identify railcars via RFID tags, ensuring data integrity even if one tag is obscured. On-Board Processing (Edge Computing): The unit must house an integrated Edge Data Center with hardened servers for real-time image acquisition and AI processing. Power & Connectivity Autonomy: The system must be power-independent (integrated generator/battery bank) and support dual-path remote connectivity via 5G/LTE and satellite. AI-Based Defect Detection: The software must include "plug-and-play" AI/ML modules designed to automatically detect anomalies and defects on rolling stock. Solution-as-a-Service (SaaS) Model: The provider must offer a managed service that includes at least 12 relocations per year, full hardware maintenance, and remote inspection by certified Mechanical Railcar Inspectors.