Request for Information (RFI): Boxcar Interior Wood Lining
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 U.S. DOT John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for the installation of interior protective wood lining on thirty-eight (38) used 50-foot Plate C 70-ton boxcars. This modification is required for the safe transport of ammunition and explosives at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (IAAAP). The RFI aims to determine vendor capabilities and estimated pricing. Responses are due by June 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
- Install interior protective lining on all interior vertical surfaces of 38 boxcars.
- Lining must extend up to the top of the cargo, with a minimum height of 5 feet.
- End and side walls where ammunition touches must be lined with 3/4" BCX Plywood.
- All work must be performed on-site at the IAAAP facility; moving the boxcars is not permitted.
- All personnel entering the facility must possess proper identification and pass a background check.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Purpose: Market research for a potential future procurement.
- Set-Aside: None specified (vendors are requested to indicate socio-economic small business size status).
- Response Due: June 11, 2026, 4:00 pm Eastern Time.
- Published: June 1, 2026.
Submission Requirements
Respondents are requested to submit a Statement of Capabilities addressing:
- Technical Approach & Sourcing: Method for fastening lining, sourcing 3/4" BCX Plywood, and identification/mitigation of risks.
- Schedule & Capacity: Estimated timeline for completing work on all 38 boxcars.
- Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost Estimate: Broken down by material (end vs. side walls) and labor costs per boxcar.
- Additional Information: Company profile, point of contact, examples of similar work, and any required drawings/information for a firm quote. Submissions must be in Adobe PDF format and emailed to Andrew.Josephs@dot.gov.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only and is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP). The U.S. Government will not pay for any effort or materials expended in responding to this RFI. Submissions must be disclosable to the public, or a summary statement must be provided.