FY 26 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) - Federal Railroad Administration

The Federal Railroad Administration is soliciting applied research proposals through its FY 2026 Broad Agency Announcement to advance strategic objectives in three core areas: Track, Rolling Stock and Equipment, and Train Control and Communications. Interested parties must first submit a concept paper aligned with specified research topics, and those approved will be invited to submit a full proposal. The solicitation operates on a rolling basis with a hard deadline of September 30, 2027, and research topics may be removed periodically as they are filled or updated. Proposals must adhere to a strict four-volume format, including a 20-page technical proposal, cost and pricing data in Excel and PDF, supplemental information such as SAM registration, intellectual property disclosures, subcontracting plans, and key personnel summaries with supporting letters, along with a Project Quad Chart using the prescribed template. All submissions must be emailed to FRABAA@dot.gov without encryption or password protection. Proposals are evaluated through a two-phase process with pass/fail gates, where technical merit is appreciably more important than cost or price, while cost is somewhat more important than past performance. Evaluation is based on criteria including technical approach, program management plan, and deliverable feasibility, with ratings ranging from Exceptional to Unsatisfactory. Contract awards may take the form of Firm-Fixed-Price, Cost-Reimbursement, or hybrid structures, with pricing requiring detailed breakdowns of direct labor, equipment costs, funding sources, and partner contributions. Awarded contractors must comply with specific FAR clauses including limitations on pass-through charges, allowable costs, labor standards, payment procedures, and data rights, as well as additional regulatory requirements such as electronic invoicing via the DELPHI system, delivery of quarterly and monthly reports, and adherence to a Technology Transfer Plan approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative. All contractors must be registered in SAM with a valid UEI, submit DD Form 882 for inventions and subcontracts, and complete the FAR 52.204-24 representation regarding telecommunications and surveillance equipment. Deliverables are due 30 days before the end of the 15-month performance period, with annual reporting required for multi-year efforts, and contractors are subject to government inspection under FAR 52.246-9. Performance is monitored through mid-point and end-point self-assessments, and all communications must be clearly marked with contract identifiers. The Federal Railroad Administration actively encourages submissions from small businesses, minority-serving institutions, and other underrepresented entities, though no set