Request for Information - Dunnage Bar Manufacturing

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Subject: Dunnage Bar Manufacturing
Issuing Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
RFI Reference No.: 6913G627RFI100
Date of Issuance: October 16, 2026
Response Due Date: October 23, 2026

1. Purpose and Objective

This RFI seeks information from qualified vendors regarding the feasibility, recommended approach, rough order magnitude, lead time, and any risks associated with manufacturing approximately 1,000 dunnage bars similar to the EVANS DF-1 loader crossbar. The intent is to gather information to inform a possible future procurement or contract.

2. Equipment Specifications and Background

The intended part is modeled after the EVANS pattern DF-1 Dunnage Bar, which is used to secure heavy cargo and equipment inside boxcars.
● The bars are telescoping on one end, allowing the overall length to vary between approximately 107” – 115”. The steel beam exhibits a “Z”-shaped 8-gauge steel cross section with ½” returns, bolted between two oak wood bars. Each end is fitted with a cast metal head and a pinned locking latch.
● Material: Steel and oak wood

3. Load Ratings

The manufactured dunnage bars will need to meet minimum load ratings as follows: ● Uniformly Distributed Vertical Load: 4,000 lbs.
● Concentrated (Center Span) Load: 2,000 lbs.
● Horizontal / Longitudinal Restraint Load: 4,000 lbs.

4. Scope of Capabilities Requested

Vendors should state in RFI response which steps they can support: ●
●
●
●
●
●
●

3D scanning of sample cast parts
Casting of head and latch parts
Machining of cast parts
Bending of metal for Z-bar parts
Machining wood parts
Welding of cast head parts
Assembly of dunnage bars

5. Technical Requirements and Component Dimensions

5.1. 3D scanning of sample dunnage bar:
● The cast ends of the bar will require accurate measurements for molds to be made. ● Once scans are made from an existing sample the scanned image will need to be digitally adjusted to compensate for aging of the sample.
● Vendors should note whether they will do the scanning in-house or contract it out.

5.2. Casting head end parts:

●
●
●
●
●

Casting to be investment type casting or drop forged
Locking pins to be hardened
Castings to be zinc plated or commercial-grade black oxide Telescoping head to have cast tailpiece integrated with head Fixed head to have tabs that slot into main crossbeam to facilitate welding

5.3. Main crossbeam body: