How to respond to the Volpe Center’s Railroad Tank Car TPS Testing RFI

What the Volpe Center wants to learn

The U.S. DOT Volpe Center is gathering information from laboratories and other interested parties that can test railroad tank car thermal protection systems in simulated pool and torch fires. It is also interested in light fabrication or assembly of test specimens.

The research anticipates at least two pool fire tests and two torch fire tests for each system, but the number of systems is not yet known. Fire exposures may extend beyond the durations in 49 CFR 179 Appendix B. This is an RFI for market research, not a request for bids or a promise of a future contract.

Deadline and what it means

The response deadline is November 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.

This RFI is voluntary and for planning purposes. The government will not pay for response information or the cost of preparing it. The notice does not commit the government to issue a later solicitation or award a contract.

Who this opportunity may suit

This request is aimed at commercial testing laboratories, university laboratories, and other interested parties with relevant fire-testing capabilities. It may suit a firm that can perform both pool and torch fire tests and has staff, equipment, and capacity to test tank car TPS.

Fabrication capabilities may also be relevant, including cutting steel sheet and plate, cutting insulating materials, and mixing and applying coatings. The RFI asks respondents to describe their small-business classification.

How to access the opportunity and respond

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

Prepare a response describing your testing and fabrication capabilities, experience, availability, costs, and lead times, including risks that could affect delivery. Include company name, UEI, address, and point-of-contact information. The RFI also asks for small-business classification and invites relevant publications and other industry concerns.

What to cover in a useful response

Address the specific test conditions: pool and torch fire capability, applicable experience, equipment, staffing, capacity, and any accreditation or certification related to pool fire testing. Explain availability limits, possible pre-test work, and the estimated time for setup, testing, cooldown, and teardown.

Describe specimen fabrication and assembly capabilities, fabrication lead time, and related labor, facility, equipment, overhead, and other charges. For testing, provide the requested hourly and technical personnel rates, facility and equipment charges, and other expenses.

Explain the analyses and report formats you typically provide and whether you can tailor data and reports to customer needs. Be clear about assumptions, limitations, and factors that could affect timing or cost so the Volpe Center can use the information to shape possible future procurement planning.