How to bid on New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) Pedestrian Impact Testing for DOT

What the agency is buying

The Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking contractors to perform pedestrian impact testing on production vehicle models. This work is part of their New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

The services include evaluating test procedures, qualifying various impactors (headform, Flex-PLI, and upper-legform), conducting vehicle tests, and providing detailed reports. There is also an option for cyclist and advanced pedestrian legform testing. This is a chance for firms to support vehicle safety standards.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This solicitation was published on September 04, 2026. All responses must be submitted by September 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Submitting your proposal by this deadline is critical for your bid to be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for professional services firms with expertise in automotive testing, particularly in crashworthiness and pedestrian protection. Firms with specialized facilities and equipment for impact testing, and personnel qualified in test procedure evaluation and execution, will find this relevant. The government intends to make multiple awards, issuing firm-fixed-price task orders as vehicle models are assigned.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation and supporting documents, you will need to 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 documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Focus on the evaluation criteria, as technical factors combined are more important than price. Your proposal should clearly detail your Technical Plan, Quality Assurance Management Plan, and Test Procedures. Emphasize the capabilities of your Facilities and Equipment, and highlight the qualifications and experience of your Organization and Personnel. Providing strong examples of Past Performance and Prior Experience will also be beneficial. Ensure your proposal directly addresses how you meet the specific requirements of the NCAP Crashworthiness Pedestrian Protection Test Procedure.