How to bid on locomotive efficiency research for the Federal Railroad Administration

What the agency is buying

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is seeking research and testing services. The goal is to investigate whether aftermarket technologies can improve the efficiency of locomotives. This work supports the FRA's Office of Research, Data, and Innovation (RDI).

The FRA anticipates awarding a purchase order for this effort, with an estimated value of $350,000. This is a good opportunity for firms specializing in scientific data analysis and testing services.

Key dates and deadlines

This Request for Quote (RFQ) was published on July 31, 2026. All quotes must be submitted by August 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. It is crucial to submit your response before this deadline to be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses classified under NAICS Code 541380, which covers Testing Laboratory Services. The Product and Service Code (PSC) for this requirement is B529, "Special Studies/Analysis: Scientific Data." Firms with expertise in scientific research, data analysis, and testing related to transportation or mechanical systems would be a good fit.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation and prepare your response, you need to view the original source on the portal. Click the "View original source" link. 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. However, for many bids, you can view documents without an account. Once you have reviewed the full RFQ, submit your quotation in accordance with all instructions provided.

Tips for a competitive response

Ensure your quotation is complete and fully compliant with all requested submission requirements. Incomplete or non-compliant submissions may be removed from consideration. Clearly demonstrate your understanding of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and your capability to provide a complete solution.

Highlight your firm's experience in testing laboratory services and scientific data analysis, especially any relevant work with locomotive or transportation technologies. Focus on how your proposed approach will effectively investigate the efficacy of aftermarket technologies to improve locomotive efficiency, aligning with the FRA's research goals.