Fabrication and testing of the Prototype 8-axle Fortis Railcar to provide capability for large-scale transport of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste

The contract seeks the fabrication and testing of a prototype 8-axle Fortis railcar designed to enable the large-scale transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, establishing a critical capability for safe and efficient nuclear material movement. This initiative is led by the Office of Nuclear Energy within the Department of Energy, with the railcar’s development focused on meeting stringent safety, structural, and regulatory standards required for handling highly radioactive materials over long distances. The work will primarily occur in Pennsylvania, and the effort is aimed at advancing national infrastructure to support long-term nuclear waste management strategies. The project is forecasted for release on August 10, 2026, and is categorized under NAICS code 541330, indicating it involves engineering services. It is flagged as a set-aside for other than small business categories, leaving room for varied contractor participation. Karen Tappert, the Small Business Program Manager at the Office of Nuclear Energy, serves as the point of contact for inquiries and has been designated to support any relevant small business engagement efforts. No solicitation number has been assigned yet, as this remains a forward-looking forecast, not an active procurement, but stakeholders are encouraged to prepare for a competitive acquisition process centered on technical excellence, safety compliance, and industrial capability.