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Sources sought

Laboratory Capabilities to Test Railroad Tank Car Thermal Protection Systems (TPS)

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.

Notice typeSources Sought: Market research. The agency wants to know who can do this work. Answering is free and can get the job set aside for small businesses.
Who's buying6913g6 Volpe Natl. Trans. Sys Cntr, Office of the Secretary
WhereCambridge, Massachusetts
DeadlineFri, Nov 20, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST (28 days left)
Who can bidOpen to any business (no set-aside)
IndustryNAICS 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services)
Solicitation #6913G627SS1002
PostedMon, Oct 19, 2026
ContactMarino, Karen M, [email protected]

Open the official posting

From the notice

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

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