Request for Information (RFI) for Supplying Rail Equipment Batteries
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 Department of Transportation (DOT), specifically the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Supplying Rail Equipment Batteries. This RFI aims to identify sources capable of providing three rail equipment batteries, including protective housing, attachment hardware, and engineering drawings, to support Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) research into battery energy storage systems for railcar propulsion. Responses are due by February 20, 2026.
Scope of Information Requested
Vendors are asked to provide details on:
- Battery Specifications: Minimum of three batteries for propulsion in freight locomotives, passenger locomotives, or multiple unit trains (MUs), including chemistries and designs.
- Structural Components: All components of the battery housing, mounting brackets, and shock absorbers.
- Documentation: Engineering drawings for assembly and finite element model development.
- Technical Requirements: Identification of technical requirements for batteries.
- Logistics: Lead time estimates and potential impacting issues (e.g., order quantities, supplier availability).
- Risk Assessment: Any other risk questions or concerns.
- Past Performance: Examples of similar work performed.
- Vendor Information: Company name, SAM Unique Entity ID, Point of Contact, proposed NAICS Code (335910 - Battery Manufacturing), and Small Business Classification.
Respondents may also submit company profiles, mitigation strategies for risks, assumptions used, and confidentiality statements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Special Notice
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: February 20, 2026, by 9:30 PM ET
- Published: February 5, 2026
Background & Purpose
This RFI is for planning purposes only and is not a solicitation. The FRA is researching the crashworthiness of battery energy storage systems for railcar propulsion, focusing on protection strategies for battery enclosures against puncture and post-collision/derailment fires. The information gathered will inform a potential future procurement or contract related to battery energy storage systems.
Additional Notes
Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted to form a binding contract. The U.S. Government will not provide reimbursement for information submitted, and responding will not affect a provider's likelihood of being awarded any future contract.