How to bid on Interactive LNG Training Platform Development for PHMSA

What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking information from companies that can develop an interactive virtual training platform for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants. This platform should support virtual plant walkdowns, reviews of piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), visualization of process flows, 3D or digital-twin training, and complex safety scenarios.

This is a Request for Information (RFI), meaning PHMSA is conducting market research to inform future acquisition planning. For vendors, this is an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and influence the agency's understanding of available solutions before a formal solicitation is released. It's a chance to get in early and demonstrate expertise in high-fidelity 3D simulations and industrial training.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This RFI was published on September 09, 2026. Responses are due by September 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. This is a strict deadline, and all submissions must be received by this time.

After the deadline, PHMSA will review the submitted information. They may, at their discretion, invite select respondents to participate in virtual demonstrations or technical exchange sessions to gather more details and further inform their acquisition planning. This RFI does not guarantee a future Request for Proposal (RFP) or any contract award.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is ideal for technology firms specializing in custom computer programming services, particularly those with experience in developing high-fidelity 3D simulations, digital twins, and interactive training platforms for industrial facilities. Companies with expertise in virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) solutions for technical training would be well-suited.

PHMSA is interested in solutions that can integrate technical regulatory requirements (like 49 CFR Part 193) into interactive learning objectives and create branching scenarios for safety outcomes. Vendors should also be prepared to discuss cybersecurity, hosting, and intellectual property licensing for custom-developed content.

How to respond

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Responses should be submitted in electronic format to the point of contact listed in the RFI. Technical responses should be limited to 20 pages, not including company brochures or supplemental past performance data. Ensure your submission addresses all requested information categories, including company profile, technical capabilities, content design, cybersecurity, past performance, and rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimates and timelines.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Clearly articulate your firm's experience with 3D simulations and digital twins for industrial settings. Provide specific examples of past projects, highlighting the core technologies used and the client type (government or private).

Address how your proposed solution can leverage Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components versus requiring custom development. Government agencies often prefer solutions that utilize existing, proven technologies where possible.

Detail your approach to cybersecurity, deployment models (e.g., FedRAMP-authorized Cloud), and how you handle intellectual property and licensing for custom content. These are critical considerations for federal agencies.

Provide realistic rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimates for both timeline and pricing, outlining your standard pricing models (e.g., fixed-price, recurring licensing, maintenance). Even though this is an RFI, well-thought-out estimates demonstrate your understanding of project scope.