REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) No AUTOMATIC PASSENGER COUNT SYSTEM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Transcription

1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) No AUTOMATIC PASSENGER COUNT SYSTEM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Below are questions VRE received as of February 16, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. EST, with responses. Whenever possible, questions are presented as originally asked. Otherwise, the questions or inquiries are presented to capture the main thrust or idea. Section A - Purpose/Background 1. In reference to Sections A.3 and E.2, is it VRE's objective to apply APC-generated information to VRE's FY 2019 National Transit Database (NTD) submission? Reporting APC-generated information to the NTD as soon as practical is one (1) of the objectives. 2. Section A.3 - Objectives only references NTD reporting. However, within Section 5 of Attachment V.3 there is considerable reference to real-time reporting of passenger load and boardings/alightings. Is there a reason for the lack of reference to real-time reporting in the Project Objectives? Can VRE provide some insight into the relative importance of realtime reporting in relation to NTD reporting with respect to the Proposal evaluation criteria? Section A.3B. states that the APC system shall also be capable of being expanded and utilized for both real-time passenger counts and to support ridership analysis. It is VRE s intent to increase the frequency of passenger counts. Section B - Procurement Schedule 3. Will VRE consider extending the due date for Proposals by at least one (1) month? Yes, VRE has extended the due date for Proposals to March 30, See Addendum No. 1. Page 1 of 2

2 4. In order to better allow Offerors to assess each requirement thoroughly, wait for clarifications from VRE on the questions asked and formulate an offer, will VRE extend the due date for Proposals until March 23? See the response to Question No Due to the considerable number of questions and the need to work out a technical solution based on limited Ethernet connection, will VRE extend the due date for Proposals by two (2) weeks? See the response to Question No Will VRE consider scheduling a second equipment inspection of its rail cars to permit Offerors another opportunity to access the fleet for design purposes? No. However, once a Contract is awarded, the Contractor will be able to access the fleet as needed. 7. Will VRE provide an opportunity for a second question and answer period a few days after these questions are answered? No. Section D - Scope of Work 8. Can the Contractor perform tasks related to this RFP outside the United States? Yes. However, Offerors must certify their ability to comply with the Buy America provisions identified in Section H.12 of the RFP. 9. Can VRE provide the scale drawings of the train interior with all door opening dimensions? See the drawings provided in Attachment A hereto. 10. Can VRE provide the side and end door dimensions and measurements or drawings of all the doors? See the response to Question No. 9. Page 2 of 16

3 11. What planning and scheduling software does VRE use (Hastus, Trapeze, GTFS, etc.)? VRE provides GTFS and GTFS-Realtime feeds. Details can be found on VRE does not utilize Hastus or Trapeze. VRE s maintenance contractor provides a daily line up as a pdf file or as a cvs file. 12. Does VRE have a requirement to use an on-board computer based on Windows 7? VRE has no requirement to use an on-board computer based on Windows 7. The operating system and other software shall be suited for use on a rail vehicle. 13. Will VRE provide a representative from its Mechanical Department to inspect the Proofof-Concept (POC) installation and sign off on a commissioning checklist? Yes. 14. Can acceptance sheets for vehicle installation be provided via cloud-based solution? Acceptance sheets for vehicle installation shall be discussed and agreed upon during performance of the Contract. There is no requirement that precludes the use of a cloudbased solution. 15. Can the Contractor offer a work order solution based on vehicle defects via cloud-based solution? A work order solution for vehicle defects shall be discussed and agreed upon during performance of the Contract. There is no requirement that precludes the use of a cloudbased solution. 16. Will all the features of the software suite and reporting mechanisms be required at the start of the POC phase? The Proof-of-Concept is intended to validate the proposed on-board equipment and determine that the equipment achieves the accuracy and operational requirements of the APC system in the VRE environment. The full features of the wayside software suite and reporting mechanisms are not required at the start of the Proof-of-Concept phase, as long as the Contractor provides a method for validating the accuracy and operational requirements of the APC hardware. Page 3 of 16

4 17. What are the typical days of the week and times of day when the Contractor can access the POC consist for post-installation monitoring and quality control? The train consists return to either the Broad Run or Crossroads Maintenance and Storage Facilities daily after concluding service. The consist used for the Proof-of-Concept will be available during weekday nights and on weekends. 18. Will the Contractor be required to attend meetings on-site at VRE s offices or maintenance and storage facilities in Virginia? Meetings may occur via teleconference, web conference, on-site at VRE s offices or maintenance and storage facilities, or at the Contractor s location based on the requirements of each meeting. It is not expected that all meetings will occur in-person if there is no fundamental requirement for an in-person meeting. Section E - Special Terms and Conditions 19. With respect to Section E.2, will the Prime APC Contractor have the ability to supervise and inspect VRE's APC installations on the VRE rail cars after the Proof-of-Concept Phase? The Contractor will have the ability to review the installation of the VRE APC equipment. Section I - Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Policy 20. Can VRE clarify how the use (or not) of a DBE is evaluated in the evaluation criteria? VRE supports and encourages the use of DBE businesses and minority owned or controlled financial institutions and has established a DBE goal of 7.5%. While Offerors are encouraged to assist VRE in achieving this goal, there is no specific DBE requirement for this Contract. 21. Is the DBE goal of 7.5% based on the entire Contract or only for Item Nos. 1 8 (Proofof-Concept Phase) identified in Attachment V.7 Cost Proposal and Schedule of Costs (Item Nos. 9 and 10 are hardware delivery only)? See the response to Question No. 20. Page 4 of 16

5 Section M - Submission of Proposal 22. Can companies from outside the United States submit a Proposal in response to this RFP? Yes. However, Offerors must certify their ability to comply with the Buy America provisions identified in Section H.12 of the RFP. 23. Can Proposals be submitted electronically via ? No. In accordance with Section M.6E. of the RFP, electronic, facsimile or verbal Proposals shall not be accepted. Section N - Evaluation of Proposals 24. What respect to Sections N.3 and O.2, what VRE departments will be represented on the Technical Evaluation Team (TET)? The departments represented will include Mechanical Operations and Information Technology. Attachment V.3 Technical Specifications 25. Section 1.1.2A. states that the APC system shall time stamp the boarding and alighting data collected every time the doors are open with the station name (including station latitude/longitude), car number, time, date, train/trip number and train composition (all the individual cars in the consist). Is all this information available from the communication system? No. The communication system is programmed for a particular route by the train conductors prior to starting a trip to facilitate the automatic announcement of station stops. The station latitude/longitude, car number, time, date, train/trip and train composition is not available from the communication system. 26. Boarding/alighting and load will be reported by car at each stop. Can VRE explain how the movement of passengers shall be reported? The Contractor may propose a method during design review. The movement of passengers shall be reported each time the side or end doors close. Page 5 of 16

6 27. Section 1.1.4A. indicates that electronic equipment shall operate in accordance with European Standards (EN) , with all type tests performed and submitted to VRE. Is there a typo in this Section with respect to EN , which appears to have an extra 5 at the end? Yes. See Addendum No Section 1.1.4C. requires that appropriate power supplies, circuit breakers, wiring, and ancillary components be provided by the Contractor to complete the installation of the APC equipment. What voltage is available on the rail cars and what brand/model of circuit breakers are used on the cars? Systems on-board the Gallery IV railcars are powered through 480 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz HEP power from the locomotive, 74VDC (64 VDC LOCO. BATTERY) through locomotive control trainlines, 120 VAC provided by transformed power from the 480 VAC HEP, and 32 VDC power provided by the Battery Charger (BC) / Low Voltage Power Supply (LVPS). A variety of brands and models of circuit breakers are used on the cars, with Heinemann being used as the primary brand of circuit breaker. The Contractor is responsible for identifying where appropriate capacity exists to meet the requirements of the APC system. 29. Can VRE provide the model numbers for the circuit breakers? See the response to Question No It is the Contractor s responsibility to supply circuit breakers? The Contractor is responsible for providing the appropriate power supplies, circuit breakers, wiring, and ancillary components needed to complete the installation of the APC equipment. See Section of the technical specifications. 31. How many circuit breakers are needed per car? The Contractor is responsible for performing the engineering required to identify what, if any, circuit breakers or power supplies are required to complete the installation of the APC system. 32. With respect to Section System Interface, can VRE provide reliability data and/or experiential comments relative to the reliability and performance of the on-board systems: GPS, PIS, Trainline? Does VRE guarantee 100% availability of these systems in support of the APC functionality? The spare trainlines are not currently in use, and thus no performance data exists. VRE provides no guarantee of the availability of the referenced systems. Page 6 of 16

7 33. Section 1.1.5B. states that system interfaces may include, but are not limited to, Global Positioning System (GPS), station information from the communication system as identified in Section 1.3, no-motion indication from the car, speed sensors provided by the Contractor, and door open status from the door system. Can VRE clarify its intent with respect to this Section and the speed sensors? VRE is not prescriptive in how the APC system receives its required information including location, consist configuration, schedule, or route. Train location may be determined using GPS alone, GPS using speed sensors to provide dead reckoning in areas of poor GPS reception, or through some other means. Speed sensors are not required, but may be included as part of the Contractor s solution. 34. Is a no-motion signal available? A Zero-Speed Relay (ZSR) driven by an on-board decelostat controller is installed on each car. The Contractor would be responsible for performing the engineering necessary to determine what is needed to make use of this signal (for example, additional relays or relay contact blocks), if the zero speed signal is required by the Contractor s solution. 35. Can VRE describe the door open/close indication that is available from the door system through the trainline and/or mechanical switch and/or high low digital voltage? Mechanically operated limit switches are provided by the door system to provide door position information to the door control circuits. The variety of limit switches are configured to provide a sequence of door leaf opening indication, including indication when the door is fully closed, in the process of opening, and fully open for the door control circuitry. Trainline circuits include requests by the train crew to open or close left or right doors, which may be configured by door zone controls located in each car. These signals are used internal to the door system, and the Contractor is responsible for determining their suitability for use based on the APC system requirements, while maintaining door system integrity. 36. How does VRE know when each door (side door and end door) is open or closed? Is a signal available from each door (door leaf) that indicates the door is not closed? If so, what is the voltage? Is a dry contact available? Each side door leaf is controlled by its own side entry door operator. Each side entry door operator includes three (3) limit switches which are used by the door circuitry to identify the status of each door leaf. The door control circuits are powered by low voltage power. A spare dry contact is not available. These signals are used internal to the door system, and the Contractor is responsible for determining their suitability for use based on the APC system requirements, while maintaining door system integrity. Page 7 of 16

8 37. In revenue service operation, can a single door be opened individually or are all doors opened simultaneously? In revenue service operation, the conductor commands all doors to open on a single side zone. Individual doors may be cut-out of service due to a failure, and a consist of multiple cars may be operated in a zoned configuration if a train is operating with only a portion of the cars accessible to passengers. In these instances, a door zone control switch will be configured to cut the trainline commands being sent by the conductor. 38. Can the Contractor connect to a door controller to get open door information? The doors on the Gallery IV passenger cars are not microprocessor controlled. Therefore, no door controller exists to receive door open information. The control of the doors is through a door control relay panel assembly, provided in each car in an equipment locker. 39. Is there a switch available for tapping into the door information? See the response to Question No. 36 and Question No Will there be an accessible switch for the wheelchair lift? The wheelchair lift system includes a left and right keyed lift switch which individually enable operation of either the left or right lift. The wheelchair lift includes indications which identify that the wheelchair lift is fully stowed. 41. With respect to Section 1.2 Accuracy, can VRE define the responsibility for executing the APC Accuracy Evaluation (VRE, Contractor/APC Supplier, or third party)? If VRE or third party, will experienced transit checkers be utilized to execute the manual observations? If VRE or third party, what sample size of boarding/alighting observations will be obtained? If VRE or third party, how many checkers will be assigned to each car? VRE intends to use experienced transit checkers as part of its routine manual passenger count observations, following its standard procedure for capturing ridership data. The sample size will be sized based on the confidence level identified in the specification and anticipated ridership for VRE. If there are particular requirements, they shall be identified in the Proof-of-Concept Test Plan and Procedure required by Section 3.1.1B. of the technical specifications. Page 8 of 16

9 42. Section 1.2E. states that for 100% of stops, the boarding and alighting counts shall be within +/- 5% of the actual load. Therefore, the passenger load specification should be graduated based on the passenger load on the car. The +/- 5% might be applicable for a passenger load of fifty (50) or more on a given car, but excessively restrictive for a passenger load of fifteen (15) on a given car. Will VRE consider expanding the 5% requirement for relatively smaller passenger loads? Yes. See Addendum No. 2. VRE will permit +/- 1 passenger when the total count is less than twenty (20) passengers. 43. Section 1.2G. indicates that accuracy shall be validated during Phase 1 Proof-of-Concept of the Contract by manual observation, in real-time or by recorded video, on in-service revenue trains operated by VRE. Is the Contractor responsible for providing personnel for the manual observation or video hardware, or will this be VRE s responsibility? VRE will provide the personnel for manual observation and video hardware. 44. Can VRE explain the basic operation of the communication system? At the core of the communication system is a Communication Control Unit (CCU) that contains a database of information including station names and the distance each station is from the origination station in feet. Prior to a trip, the conductor selects a route using the Operator Display Keyboard, which communicates with the CCU via Ethernet hubs. During the trip, automated announcements are triggered to play when the passenger car travels a set distance from the station of origination. The CCU calculates the distance traveled measuring pulses from an axle generator. The CCU relays this information to interior messaging signs and the public address system via the Ethernet hubs. 45. Section 1.3 System Integration (PIS) indicates that each VRE Cab Car is equipped with a communication system that provides the interface for the crew to enter a route to identify the scheduled train service. Can VRE provide details of this system such as the manufacturer and interface information? The communication system was manufactured by ISC Applied Systems (formally Envitech and Interalia). The communication system utilizes several Ethernet hubs to provide communication between on-board components including a Communication Control Unit, Communication Control Panel, Operator Display Keyboard, Analog Trainline Interface, Signs, and PEI. Communication between cars is performed using the Analog Trainline Interface device. A web-based PTE is provided through the car network. Connections to the Ethernet Network, analog trainline, or additional software development on the CCU or ATI may be used to obtain information from the PIS. Limited information is available about the existing internal interfaces between communication system components. Page 9 of 16

10 46. Is there a back office system for the PIS that may be used for integration purposes? No, the PIS system data is on-board only. 47. What is the software and hardware interface to connect with the PIS system? Envitech Vehicle Announcement Management is the interface to upload announcements in the CCU. PTE Services are accessible using a laptop computer with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and with some success using Internet Explorer. 48. Section 1.3C. explains that at the option of the Contractor, integration with the existing communication system may be used. Can VRE identify the communication provider and how long the system has been in place? See the response to Question No. 45. The system was delivered with the cars, which range from six (6) months to twelve (12) years old. 49. With respect to Section Automatic Car Linking / Consist Forming / Train Composition, since VRE intends on installing the APC system on all Gallery IV rail cars, will the de-link and re-link configuration be done with only the Gallery IV cars or are there other car types that could be inserted into a consist without an APC system? There are no other car types which could be inserted into a consist without an APC system. VRE intends to install the APC system on all passenger cars used in revenue service. 50. Section 1.4A. requires the system to be capable of reporting passenger counts on a per-car and per-train (scheduled service) basis. How shall the movement of passengers between cars be reported based on real-time information? The Contractor is free to propose a method, but it may include on a request basis (e.g., when a request is made through the application programming interface), when the enddoors close, or each time the passenger count changes by more than a configured number of passengers. The movement of passengers between cars is envisioned to allow VRE to identify how many passengers are on each car during incidents requiring bussing, or to provide passengers an overview of the loading per car to assist them in finding available seats. Page 10 of 16

11 51. Section 1.4D. states that since the cars move throughout the VRE system in varying configurations, the system must have the ability to automatically de-link from cars removed from a consist, and link with new cars incorporated into a consist. How often are VRE rail cars decoupled? VRE rail cars are decoupled when removing cars due to inspection requirements, routine maintenance, or equipment failures. Typically 4% change nightly. 52. Section 1.4E. references that the VRE Galley IV cars include a spare #16 twisted shielded pair (pin number 24, 25 of COMM./DOOR TRAINLINE 27 PIN), and spare #12 wires on pins 21, 26 and 27. Can the Contractor utilize two (2) twisted spare wires that currently exist between the cars? The VRE Gallery IV cars include one spare twisted shielded pair. This twisted shielded pair is available for Contractor use. 53. In reference to Section 1.6 Communication, VRE is requesting real-time updates through Wi-Fi. VRE understands that the transmission will occur when connectivity is established at stations where Wi-Fi access points are installed and not when doors are closed. Therefore, can VRE address the following: To clarify, the system is required to implement real time updates through Wi-Fi and through Long-Term Evolution (LTE) cellular technology. VRE does not understand what the door status has to do with transmission of passenger count information. It is expected that the system will communicate the counts when an event occurs, or when requested by the wayside system. If the connection is lost between the time when the doors close and the train departs the station, and is outside of Wi-Fi range, it is expected that the relevant information be transmitted either through LTE, or once Wi-Fi is re-established at the next equipped station. a. Is there a local Ethernet network available on each car? The communication system implements a local Ethernet network used exclusively for the communication system. b. Is a driving/no motion signal available? Each car has a Zero Speed Relay. See the response to Question No. 34. Spare relay contacts may not be available. c. Is there a signal cab-active available? No cab-active signal is available. Page 11 of 16

12 d. Are Ethernet switches available in each car? If yes, how many ports are available for use? Where are the switches located? The communication system utilizes ten (10)-base T Ethernet hubs in each car six (6) in the trailer car, and seven (7) in the cab car. Two (2) communication system Ethernet hub ports are open in the A-1 locker. 54. Will there always be an active cab signal available, to include when the locomotive is the leading car? There is no active cab signal. There is a Positive Control Relay, which indicates when the cab car is in control of the throttle trainlines. This is only active when the cab car is in the lead position, and is not active when the locomotive is in the lead position. 55. Section 1.6A. states that APC data transfer should be via Wi-Fi and LTE Cellular. Should this instead state Wi-Fi or LTE Cellular? The system shall be capable of offloading APC data both by Cellular and by Wi-Fi. A system which only provides Wi-Fi offload capability, or only provides Cellular offload capability, is not compliant with VRE s requirements. 56. With respect to Section 1.6A., at which stations or maintenance locations does VRE have Wi-Fi connectivity? Wi-Fi will be available soon at VRE s two (2) Maintenance and Storage Facilities. No stations have Wi-Fi at this time. 57. VRE explains in Section 1.6B. that it intends to utilize the APC system to receive real-time updates from the VRE fleet. Is there an existing communication infrastructure on-board the train that can be used by the APC system? The communications system may provide limited information. See the response to Question No. 25 and Question No When will Wi-Fi be installed at VRE stations? Can VRE confirm its intention to utilize Wi-Fi for APC data transfer? There is no definitive schedule for Wi-Fi rollout at each VRE station. VRE confirms it intends to utilize Wi-Fi for APC data transfer, as well as Cellular. Page 12 of 16

13 59. With respect to real time data transfer, can it be confirmed that VRE will install access points at each station? See the response to Question No With respect to Section 1.6C., this specification assumes 100% reliability of the Trainline. Are Trainlines 100% reliable? Will VRE accept an alternative to the reliance on the Trainline to move APC data from the rail cars? The specification makes no assumption as to the reliability of the trainlines. When the train is operating with the cab car in the lead position, if the locomotive control trainlines fail, the train stops. The reliability of the trainlines will depend on how the trainlines are used. Digital trainline communication, through a new Ethernet based trainline supplied by the Contractor, is the preferred method of offloading data and enabling real-time passenger count information. Offerors are free to propose alternative methods and include in their Proposals reasoning for why those methods are preferred. 61. In reference to Section 1.6E., if a wireless communication device is installed in a Cab Car, such as a modem, will VRE be responsible for maintaining the contract with the carrier? VRE will be responsible for the cellular carrier contract. The Contractor shall identify any special requirements for the cellular contract. 62. Section 1.6F. states that if a single non-equipped trailer car is placed within the consist, APC information from all the equipped cars shall be offloaded. Can VRE clarify this requirement? Are all trains equipped with communication? What is typically done to a cab car to make it function as a trailer car (i.e., conductor actions, etc.)? If a non-equipped trailer car is added between an equipped contiguous set of trailers or cabs, and the locomotive, the data off-load shall still take place (counting only the cab cars and equipped trailer cars). A cab car can function as a trailer car if it is placed in the middle of a consist, where the cab is not occupied (e.g., when it is not the leading or trailing unit). A cab car is considered to function as a trailer as it relates to train operation when it is the trailing car of a consist (in this case, the locomotive is the operating cab). Page 13 of 16

14 63. Section 1.6I. indicates that installation design of any antennas provided as a part of the APC system shall not interfere with existing or planned antennas. Can VRE provide the installation design for antennas and antenna arrays that are already installed to support communications? Is there an available antenna that can be used for APC? The installation design for antennas and antenna arrays will be provided to the Contractor during the Proof-of-Concept phase. No existing antenna is available which can be used for the APC system. 64. Regarding Section 2.2 Installation Requirements, will VRE consider a solution that includes an aesthetically pleasing enclosure that is mounted to the ceiling or side of the car? VRE will consider non-obtrusive designs with appropriate justification. 65. Section indicates that the timeframe for the entirety of Phase 1 Proof-of-Concept, including installation and testing, shall be no more than six (6) months, including three (3) to four (4) months of in-service testing. What specifically does three (3) to four (4) month testing mean? VRE intends to run the Proof-of-Concept consist in revenue service for three (3) to four (4) months, collecting passenger count data and monitoring the system for failures. Testing may end after three (3) months on a system that runs flawlessly and more time may be taken with a system that does not perform as well. 66. In accordance with Section 5.1C., VRE requires a full-featured mobile/tablet version, utilizing responsive design principles. Will VRE confirm that rendering the system responsively, using the web browser on a mobile device/tablet will meet this requirement? Yes, using a web browser to view the full-feature responsively designed web interface would meet the requirement. 67. Will VRE provide the target platforms for the mobile/tablet version? Apple ios and Android are the target platforms. 68. With respect to Section 5.3 Web-Based Reporting / Real-Time Passenger Counts, can VRE provide its IT security requirements for the web-based portal? User credentials shall require a unique username and password. Password requirements shall include at least ten (10) characters, with one (1) UPPERCASE, one (1) lowercase, one (1) number, and one (1) special character. Page 14 of 16

15 69. Will the VRE IT security requirements be the same for on-premises or vendor-hosted solutions? Yes. 70. Per Section 5.3D.7., VRE requires schedule adherence reporting. Is schedule adherence to be computed by the APC system? Yes, schedule adherence shall be computed by the APC system. 71. Section Data Export and Data Transfer, Paragraph C.3 references compass heading. Can VRE clarify what this means? The direction of the vehicle, such as one reported by GPS receivers. If the APC system is utilizing a device other than a GPS receiver to calculate location information, this can be omitted. 72. Section Data Export and Data Transfer, Paragraphs C.7 and C.8 reference rolling counts. Can VRE clarify the meaning of rolling counts? Rolling counts means an ever-increasing number. For example, an on-going count of passengers who have alighted or de-boarded, which only resets (rolled-overs) at a predefined overflow number (for example, at the limit of a 32-bit integer). 73. Section 5.4F. indicates that the web-based portal shall support integration with automated ridership reporting software, through the use of Application Programming Interfaces (API), or other method as approved by VRE. Can VRE explain the API requirement and what should be provided? What is VRE looking for? The application programming interface is some method where an additional system may extract historic ridership reporting or real-time count information, which may be provided to 3 rd party systems or agencies. An example of how this might be used is to provide realtime consist configuration and passenger counts to a system that provides information to VRE riders about where they may stand on a platform. Page 15 of 16

16 Attachment V.7 Cost Proposal and Schedule of Costs 74. Offerors are required to provide a fully burdened Hourly Shop Rate, which we believe is intended for field support. However, some of the work required may be for software support or enhancements. Should each Offeror also provide a rate for its software developer? No. 75. Can VRE define the testing requirements associated with Item No. 6 Testing in the Schedule of Costs? The testing requirements include the Contractor s support of the Proof-of-Concept testing defined in Section 3.1 of the technical specifications. 76. Will VRE allow options to be priced by Offerors in addition to the items included on the Schedule of Costs? No. Page 16 of 16