Finite Element Modeling Research and Development IDIQ Contract
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is issuing a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified small businesses for a potential Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. This contract would support Finite Element Modeling Research and Development to provide research data for reducing roadway deaths and injuries through crash simulations. Capability Statements are due by April 4, 2026.
Scope of Work
The objective is to develop and exercise crash simulations of vehicle safety research tests. This includes:
- Full vehicle laser scanning and tear down for new finite element model development.
- Material testing to define vehicle material behavior under impact conditions.
- Mesh development and part integration for full vehicle and component finite element models.
- Utilizing non-linear finite element analysis (primarily LS-Dyna) and potentially lumped parameter modeling software (e.g., MADYMO).
- Exercising and refining models to match available crash test data.
- Specific crash simulation efforts will be issued via Task Orders. The contractor must provide necessary equipment, personnel, location, and software as detailed in the Draft Statement of Work.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research for a potential IDIQ
- NAICS: 541380 - Testing Laboratories and Services
- Set-Aside: Small Business (SB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), 8(a) Certified SDB, HUBZone SB, SDVOSB, or WOSB concerns.
- Response Due: April 4, 2026, by 2:00 AM ET
- Published: March 23, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested firms must submit a Corporate Capability Statement (max 10 pages) demonstrating ability and past experience. It should include:
- General Information: Company name, address, POC, DUNS, CAGE, business size/classification (under NAICS 541380), potential teaming arrangements, GSA FSS number (if applicable), and past contracts under NAICS 541380.
- Technical Capability: Synopsis of ability to perform scope, evidence of experience and past performance (contracts/task orders from past 3 years with numbers, titles, dollar amounts, periods, and Government POCs), and data on personnel retention/succession planning.
- Additional Information: Intent to propose (Prime, Teaming, JV), validation/recommendation for NAICS, contract type, GSA vehicle, SB subcontracting opportunities, and any other recommendations or questions.
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice for market research purposes only. NHTSA does not intend to award a contract based on responses, nor will it pay for preparation of information. A Request for Proposals (RFP) may be issued later.