How to bid on NHTSA crashworthiness and air bag testing

What NHTSA is seeking

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking capability statements from qualified small businesses for full-scale vehicle crashworthiness testing and side air bag out-of-position testing for the New Car Assessment Program.

The potential work includes testing facilities, equipment, personnel, inspection, testing, and reporting. This is a Sources Sought notice, not a contract award. NHTSA may issue a Request for Proposals later, but responding does not guarantee an award.

Deadline and what it means

The notice was published October 20, 2026. Responses are due November 2, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET. The notice also says responses must arrive no later than 10 calendar days after publication or by its closing date.

Submit by the stated closing date and time. NHTSA says it will not acknowledge receipt or formally evaluate the information, and it will not pay for preparing a response.

Who this opportunity suits

This notice is for qualified small businesses, including small disadvantaged businesses, 8(a) certified firms, HUBZone small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and women-owned small businesses.

The relevant category is NAICS 541380, Testing Laboratories. It may suit firms with vehicle testing facilities and equipment, experienced staff, and recent experience with similar testing and reporting work.

How to access the notice and respond

Click “View original source” above to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click it again to reach the bid. A free account may be needed to view documents, though some bids do not require one.

Prepare a corporate capability statement of no more than 10 pages and send it to the NHTSA point of contact identified in the notice. The notice asks firms to use its requested format and mark any proprietary information.

What to include in a strong capability statement

Cover the requested company information: business name and contact details, DUNS number, CAGE code, business size and classification under NAICS 541380, and any proposed teaming or joint venture arrangements. Include the requested GSA Federal Supply Schedule information and contracts awarded under this NAICS code, if applicable.

Explain how your firm can address each task area, including its relevant facilities, equipment, staffing, experience, and ability to plan, conduct, and document studies. Include similar contracts or task orders from the past three years, with the contract details and government points of contact requested in the notice.

Check that the statement is within the page limit, follows the requested format, and clearly distinguishes your firm’s experience from that of any partners. Make sure the response reaches the identified contact before the deadline.