Request For Information-DODX Flat Railcars
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS) and the Army Contracting Command-Detroit Arsenal, is seeking information to support the replacement of its aging Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet heavy-duty flatcars, specifically the DODX 40000-Series, which are scheduled for mandatory retirement beginning in 2031. These flatcars currently transport heavy tracked vehicles like the 72-ton M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, with an emphasis on ensuring future replacements can handle similar or heavier equipment with increased carrying capacity to accommodate potential vehicle weight growth. The initiative focuses on procuring commercially designed and produced flatcars that meet stringent military requirements and facilitate efficient transport within existing railway interchange fleets. The Request for Information (RFI) invites industry feedback on several pre-identified low-risk railcar design concepts, including a modernized version of the existing DODX 40000-Series for two heavy tracked vehicles on a single deck, a modernized DODX 41000-Series for one vehicle on a single deck, a design featuring two flatcar bodies permanently connected by a drawbar each carrying one vehicle per deck, and an open-ended category for innovative designs capable of carrying two 72-ton tanks meeting all ARTRANS specifications. The RFI aims to promote a competitive commercial solutions opening and is officially open from May 6, 2026, through June 5, 2026, with responses required by the deadline for consideration in subsequent phases of the replacement program. The primary points of contact are located in Warren, Michigan, and the solicitation is identified under NAICS code 336510 relating to railroad rolling stock manufacturing.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Warren, MI, 48092, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Response Deadline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
This initiative is focused on replacing the Army's existing Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet (DFRIF) heavy-duty flatcars which are facing mandatory age-driven retirement starting in 2031. These heavy-duty flatcars, known as the “DODX 40000-Series”, currently can carry two 72-ton M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and other similar Heavy Tracked Vehicles (HTVs) on a single deck. The U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS) is seeking commercial railroad flatcar design and production services to procure replacement heavy duty flatcars capable of carrying up to two nominally 72-ton M1 tanks or equivalent HTVs. This railcar design should also be capable of carrying all other applicable military equipment and containers with maximized carrying capacity (allowed by design) to accommodate potential vehicle weight growth. ARTRANS in conjuction with Army Contracting Command- Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA) is requesting information to engage relevant railcar builders on the availability and feasibility of requested design concepts which ARTRANS has identified as low risk and potentially capable of meeting necessary requirements. Additionally, ARTRANS seeks feedback from industry on other applicable design concepts that may meet the stated requirements but have not been previously considered. ARTRANS is seeking information to foster a robust and competitive future Commercial Solution Opening.
ARTRANS is seeking information on different general railcar design concepts which have significant design and/or capability differences. These concepts were assessed as feasible and at a low risk for rapid production and implementation into interchange service. These concepts include:
- Modernized DODX 40000-series design concept to carry two heavy tracked vehicles on a single deck.
- Modernized DODX 41000-series design concept to carry one heavy tracked vehicle on a single deck.
- Two flatcar bodies permanently connected by a draw bar capable of carrying one heavy tracked vehicle per deck.
- An “Open Design” for previously unconsidered design concepts which can carry two 72-ton M1 tanks and meet all other ARTRANS requirements.
This Request for Information (RFI) formally opens on 06 May 2026. All responses must be submitted no later than 17:00 EST on 26 June 2026. Information received after this closing date and time may not be reviewed or considered for subsequent phases of this initiative.
For more information regarding the Commercial Solutions Opening process please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://www.waru.edu/acquipedia-article/commercial-solutions-opening-cso
***Amended the reponse date from 5 June 2026 to 26 June 2026.***