Health Monitoring of Roller Bearings Using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy(RUS)
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 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) intends to award a sole-source contract to BlueHalo Labs LLC for the Health Monitoring of Roller Bearings Using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS). This is a follow-on requirement to advance a RUS-based roller bearing inspection system, building on previous work under Contract No. 693JJ624C000042. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not a request for competitive proposals.
Scope of Work
This effort aims to advance a Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS)–based roller bearing inspection system. Under prior FRA sponsorship (Phase 1), BlueHalo Labs LLC demonstrated the technical feasibility of RUS combined with machine-learning–based anomaly detection for identifying internal roller bearing defects. Phase-1 activities established the Roller Bearing Damage Detector (RBDD) concept, validated laboratory performance, and demonstrated sensitivity to early-stage bearing damage using resonant-vibration spectral peak identification and alignment techniques, and unsupervised anomaly detection models. The project addresses the persistent safety and operational risk posed by railcar roller bearing failures to the U.S. rail network.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Notice of Intent (NOI) to Award a Sole Source Contract
- Intended Awardee: BlueHalo Labs LLC
- Authority: FAR 6.302-1, implemented by 41 U.S.C. § 3304(a)(1), "Only One Responsible Source."
- Period of Performance: May 4, 2026 - November 3, 2027
- Published: April 16, 2026
Set-Aside
This is a sole-source action; therefore, no set-aside designation applies.
Response Instructions
This is not a request for competitive proposals. However, interested parties may submit a capability statement demonstrating the ability to perform the RUS continuation effort without disruption, duplication of cost, or loss of program continuity. Capability statements must be received no later than May 3, 2026, by 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Oral communication will not be accepted. No solicitation document exists.
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: Akwasi Kankam (akwasi.kankam@dot.gov, 7712008245)