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 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), specifically the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified sources capable of supplying rail equipment batteries. This market research aims to gather information for planning purposes regarding a potential future procurement related to battery energy storage systems for railcar propulsion. Responses are due by March 2, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI seeks to determine the availability and capability of vendors to provide a minimum of three (3) rail equipment batteries for propulsion in freight locomotives, passenger locomotives, or multiple unit trains (MUs). The government is also interested in understanding battery chemistries, designs, structural components (including housing, mounting brackets, and shock absorbers), and engineering drawings for assembly and finite element model development. The information will support the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) research into the crashworthiness of battery energy storage systems.
Information Requested
Respondents should provide:
- Details on battery make, model, and specifications demonstrating capability to meet the government's need.
- Information on battery chemistries and designs currently used as primary or secondary power sources.
- Descriptions of all structural components of the battery housing, including mounting brackets and shock absorbers.
- Engineering drawings for assembly and finite element model development.
- Identification of technical requirements for batteries.
- Lead time estimates and potential impacting issues (e.g., order quantities, supplier availability).
- Any risk questions or concerns.
- Examples of similar work performed.
- Vendor information including Name, SAM Unique Entity ID, Point of Contact, proposed NAICS Code (335910 - Battery Manufacturing), and Small Business Classification.
- Optional: Company profile, mitigation strategies for noted risks, assumptions used in responses, and confidentiality statements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Special Notice (Market Research)
- Set-Aside: Not determined; acquisition strategy (unrestricted or set-aside) will depend on RFI responses.
- Response Due: March 2, 2026, by email.
- Published: February 11, 2026.
- NAICS Code: 335910 (Battery Manufacturing) or alternate proposed.
Additional Notes
This is not a solicitation for proposals and does not guarantee a future contract. The government will not reimburse respondents for information submitted. Responding will not influence future contract awards.