Laboratory Capabilities to Test Railroad Tank Car Thermal Protection Systems (TPS)
Updated
Sources Sought from the Office of the Secretary, for work in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Due Nov 20, 2026, 3:00 PM (UTC-5), 31 days left.
| Solicitation number | 6913G627SS1002 |
|---|---|
| Agency | Office of the Secretary |
| Office | 6913G6 Volpe Natl. Trans. Sys Cntr |
| Notice type | Sources Sought |
| Set-aside | None |
| Trade (NAICS) | Testing Laboratories and Services (541380) |
| Product or service code | H222 |
| Place of performance | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Posted | Oct 19, 2026 |
| Response deadline | Nov 20, 2026, 3:00 PM (UTC-5) (31 days left) |
| Add the deadline to | Google Calendar · Apple / Outlook (.ics) |
Official notice and attachments
Description
Request for Information (RFI) only. Purpose This RFI seeks information regarding Laboratory Capabilities to perform pool and torch fire tests of Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center. A qualified vendor must be capable of performing pool and torch fire tests as described in 49 CFR 179 Appendix B. The vendor should also be capable of performing light fabrication and/or assembly of test specimens for the aforementioned tests.
Qualified vendors are requested to respond as detailed further below, which includes capability, small business classification, estimated lead time including any risks that may impact delivery, and any other industry concerns the government might consider before solicitation. The intent is to gather information to inform a possible future procurement or contract. Background The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is conducting research into the performance of TPS for railroad tank cars.
TPS are designed to delay or prevent the catastrophic release of hazardous materials from a railroad tank car exposed to fires that may result from train derailments. In the FRA’s planned research, test specimens of TPS are to be evaluated in simulated pool fire and torch fire conditions similar to those defined in Appendix B to 49 CFR 179. The durations of the fire exposure would extend beyond the 100 minute pool fire and 30 minute torch fire duration specified in Appendix B to 49 CFR 179.
Pool fire test specimens are applied to a 1 foot by 1 foot steel plate of nominal 0.625 inch thickness. Torch fire test specimens are applied to a 4 foot by 4 foot steel plate of nominal 0.625 inch thickness. The Volpe Center is looking to perform a minimum of two (2) pool fire tests and two (2) torch fire tests for each TPS.
The total number of TPS to be tested has not yet been determined. Although the tests will be similar to those defined in 49 CFR 179 Appendix B, this research may require some modifications to the test protocol including but not limited to additional instrumentation, data collection or varying of test parameters such as duration of the fire exposure. The Volpe Center is also looking for the capability to perform light fabrication of test specimens as detailed above.
For examples of possible fabrication requirements, see phmsa.dot.gov/standards-rulemak...
Scope of Information Requested The U.S. DOT Volpe Center is seeking information from commercial testing laboratories, university laboratories, and other interested parties on their willingness, ability, and experience in conducting the simulated pool and torch fire testing planned for various tank car TPS. Descriptions of your facility’s pool and torch fire testing capabilities, including equipment, experience, capacity, resources and staff preparedness for testing tank car TPS.
You are encouraged to submit publications of relevant past work. Descriptions of any laboratory accreditation or certification related to pool fire testing. Laboratory hourly rates, technical personnel rates, general facility and equipment usage charges, overhead and other expenses, etc. Descriptions of staff/facility/equipment availability, including any limitations on when fire testing may be conducted (e.g., blackout dates due to seasonal weather conditions) Information on any pre-test data or preliminary sample testing that may be required prior to a full-scale test.
Information on your typical post-test laboratory analyses and report formats, and your ability to tailor report/data formats to customer requirements. Description of your facility’s fabrication and assembly capabilities, including: Cutting of 11 gauge steel sheet (0.1196 inches) Cutting of 0.625 inch steel plate Cutting of insulating materials that may generate hazardous airborne particulates such as fiberglass.
Mixing and application of coatings to required specifications similar to examples on the PHMSA TPS list. What is the required lead time for fabrication of test specimens? Technical personnel rates, general facility and equipment usage charges, overhead and other expenses, etc. for fabrication of test specimens.
Estimated time to conduct one simulated pool fire and one simulated torch fire test including setup, conduct of the test, cooldown, and teardown of test setup. Any other comments that can help the U.S. DOT Volpe Center better define the research scope and direction and ultimately yield technical data beneficial to both the government and industry are welcome. Responses should include the above as well as: Company information Name UEI Address POC information This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and is a market research tool to determine the availability and adequacy of sources prior to determining the method of acquisition and possible issuance of a Request for Quotation (RFQ).
This RFI does not constitute a solicitation for bids, quotations, and proposals, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for or award a competitive contract. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government.
Contracting contact
- Marino, Karen M · [email protected] · (617) 930-2546
As published on the official notice. Ask questions in writing and before any questions deadline the notice sets.
Is your business small enough?
For NAICS 541380, a business counts as small if it has no more than $19.0 million in average annual receipts (SBA size standard). This notice is set aside, so only businesses under that size, or in the named program, can bid. SBA table, current as of Oct 15, 2026.
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