PRCI

Newsroom

May 14, 2009

PRCI Right of Way Automated Monitoring (RAM) Program Update – Request for Information (RFI)

PRCI is continuing to advance its research on the Right of Way Automated Monitoring (RAM) Program with its research partners, NASA Ames Research Center and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The RAM program was initiated in 2008 and consists of a multi-year effort to substantially advance the pipeline industry’s capability in detecting, identifying, communicating and responding to the three primary threats to pipeline operation and security:

  1. mechanical damage caused by third-party equipment and unauthorized intrusion/encroachment;
  2. changes and ground disturbance caused by man-made activity and natural phenomenon; and
  3. small leaks from operating systems. Initial efforts have focused on developing threat detection algorithms and evaluating various remote sensing technologies.

In support of the RAM program, PRCI, PHMSA, and NASA have developed a Request for Information (RFI) that is being broadly distributed across the US as well as internationally to identify technologies that may be applicable to the program. The purpose of the RFI is to gather information on the performance and capabilities of existing technologies that are currently available as commercial off-the-shelf systems (COTS), as well as identifying and assessing any promising and emerging technologies. A Technology Gap Analysis will then be conducted by NASA to assess and evaluate these technologies and their potential applicability to addressing the challenges of the RAM Program.

The RFI process is being managed through PHMSA on behalf of the research partners and is posted on the FedBizOpps.gov web site at RFI # DTPH56-09-I-000001. PRCI respectfully requests that all interested parties participate in the RFI process. Please review the RFI and forward a copy to the Chief Financial Officer or other representatives in your organization that may know of technology vendors that would be interested in responding to the RFI. If you have any questions regarding the RFI, please contact Richard Healy or Gweneyette Broussard.

Return to the Newsroom Front Page

For More Information

Contact PRCI via (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).