Bid guide
How to bid on applied rail research for the Federal Railroad Administration
What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is looking for applied research projects through its FY 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). They are interested in concept papers related to three main research areas: Track, Rolling Stock and Equipment, and Train Control and Communications. This is an opportunity for innovators, creators, professors, rail enthusiasts, and rail subject matter experts to contribute to Department of Transportation and FRA strategic objectives.
If your concept paper is approved, you will be invited to submit a full proposal for a potential contract award. This BAA uses a concept paper submission process to identify promising research ideas.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This opportunity was published on August 21, 2026. You can submit concept papers over a 15-month period. The final deadline for all concept paper submissions is September 30, 2027, at 12:00 PM ET. No concept papers will be reviewed after this ultimate deadline.
It is important to note that the announcement is subject to periodic amendments. Some research topics may become unavailable over time. Four track-related topics (FRA-TR-005, FRA-TR-006, FRA-TR-007, FRA-TR-009) have already been removed and are no longer available for submission.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is best suited for firms and individuals with expertise in professional research and development, particularly within the rail industry. This includes specialists in track infrastructure, rolling stock and equipment design and maintenance, and train control and communication systems. The FRA welcomes top innovators, creators, professors, rail enthusiasts, and rail subject matter experts.
The BAA is designed for full and open competition, meaning a wide range of organizations and individuals can participate.
How to respond
To access the full details and prepare your response, you will need to view the original source document on the portal. Click the designated link to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required for every bid.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When preparing your concept paper, focus on clearly articulating how your proposed research aligns with the specific objectives of the FRA's research topics in Track, Rolling Stock and Equipment, or Train Control and Communications. Ensure your paper highlights the applied nature of your research.
Given the rolling submission period and potential for topic removal, it is advisable to submit your concept paper well before the final deadline. Regularly check for any amendments to the announcement to ensure your chosen research topic is still available. Clearly demonstrate your expertise and innovative approach to the chosen rail research area.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Federal Railroad Administration; the original posting controls.