Request for Information (RFI) for Supplying Rail Equipment Batteries

Project ID: 6913G6-26-TBD FederalOpportunitiesSpecial Notice

Overview

Agency	Office of the Secretary of Transportation
Deadline	02/20/26
Posted	02/05/26
Estimated Value	Not Provided
Set Aside	None
NAICS	335910 - Battery Manufacturing
PSC	2240 - Locomotive And Rail Car Accessories And Components
Location	Cambridge, MA United States

Description

Primary Latest Change

Posted: Feb. 5, 2026, 3:11 p.m. EST This is a request for information to determine what sources exist which are capable of satisfying the Government's requirements as described in the attached document and any considerations the government might consider before procuring this requirement. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information, for planning purposes, regarding (1) the availability and capability of qualified sources to provide three (3) rail equipment batteries as described; and (2) the size classification of the available and capable sources relative to the North American Industry Classification (NAICS) code 335910 or alternate proposed NAICS for the potential acquisition. This notice does not solicit proposals. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the government to form a binding contract. Additionally, the U.S. Government will not provide reimbursement for any information that may be submitted in response to this RFI/market research. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses incurred from responding to this RFI/market research. Responding will neither increase nor decrease an information provider's likelihood of being awarded any contract in the future for the requisite supplies. The acquisition strategy for the procurement has not been determined at this time; however, either an unrestricted competition or a set-aside may be chosen depending on the responses to this market survey. Responses should not only state a vendor is capable, but also include make, model, and any associated specifications demonstrating the offered equipment will meet the Government's need. Interested persons should provide the requested information to Melissa Reams via e-mail at melissa.reams@dot.gov, by February 20, 2026.

Summary (Newest Update)

Background The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), specifically the Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Research and Development, is conducting research into the crashworthiness of battery energy storage systems used for railcar propulsion. The primary objective is to evaluate protection strategies for battery enclosures to resist puncture and mitigate post-collision or post-derailment fire risks. This RFI aims to gather information for a potential future procurement of rail equipment batteries. Work Details The Volpe Center is seeking to procure a minimum of three rail equipment batteries used for propulsion from suppliers of freight locomotives, passenger locomotives, or multiple unit trains (MUs). The procurement will include: - Battery energy storage systems with chemistries and designs currently used as primary or secondary power sources for locomotives or MUs. - All structural components of the battery housing, including mounting brackets and shock absorbers. - Engineering drawings necessary for assembly and finite element modeling to support test planning. Respondents are requested to provide detailed information including: 1. Make/model of the battery capable of meeting these requirements. 2. Lead time estimates and any issues that may impact delivery (e.g., minimum order quantities, supplier availability). 3. Experience and references related to similar work performed. Place of Performance U.S. DOT Volpe Center.

Current: Posted: Feb. 11, 2026, 4:00 p.m. EST This is a request for information to determine what sources exist which are capable of satisfying the Government's requirements as described in the attached document and any considerations the government might consider before procuring this requirement. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information, for planning purposes, regarding (1) the availability and capability of qualified sources to provide three (3) rail equipment batteries as described; and (2) the size classification of the available and capable sources relative to the North American Industry Classification (NAICS) code 335910 or alternate proposed NAICS for the potential acquisition. This notice does not solicit proposals. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the government to form a binding contract. Additionally, the U.S. Government will not provide reimbursement for any information that may be submitted in response to this RFI/market research. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses incurred from responding to this RFI/market research. Responding will neither increase nor decrease an information provider's likelihood of being awarded any contract in the future for the requisite supplies. The acquisition strategy for the procurement has not been determined at this time; however, either an unrestricted competition or a set-aside may be chosen depending on the responses to this market survey. Responses should not only state a vendor is capable, but also include make, model, and any associated specifications demonstrating the offered equipment will meet the Government's need. Interested persons should provide the requested information to Melissa Reams via e-mail at melissa.reams@dot.gov, by March 2, 2026.

Contacts