Supply Thermal Protection Systems for Railroad Tank Cars

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only.

Purpose

This RFI seeks information regarding providing Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) for railroad tank cars to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center. A qualified vendor must demonstrate they are able to provide either complete test specimens as detailed further below or sufficient materials to fabricate completed test specimens without the need for specialized facilities or techniques. Qualified vendors are requested to respond as detailed further below, which includes capability, small business classification, estimated lead time including any risks that may impact delivery, and any other industry concerns the government might consider before solicitation. The intent is to gather information to inform a possible future procurement or contract.

Background

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is conducting research into the performance of TPS for railroad tank cars. TPS are designed to delay or prevent the catastrophic release of hazardous materials from a railroad tank car exposed to fires that may result from train derailments.  In the FRA’s planned research, test specimens of TPS are to be evaluated in simulated pool fire and torch fire conditions similar to those defined in Appendix B to 49 CFR 179. The durations of the fire exposure would extend beyond the 100 minute pool fire and 30 minute torch fire duration specified in Appendix B to 49 CFR 179.

Pool fire test specimens are applied to a 1 foot by 1 foot steel plate of nominal 0.625 inch thickness.

Torch fire test specimens are applied to a 4 foot by 4 foot steel plate of nominal 0.625 inch thickness.

The Volpe Center is looking to procure a minimum of two (2) pool fire test specimens and two (2) torch fire test specimens for each TPS.  Multiple TPS of different construction from the same vendor may be considered.  The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) maintains a list of tank car TPS that have been tested and shown to comply with the requirements of Appendix B to 49 CFR Part 179. Inclusion on this list is not a requirement for a TPS to be used on a tank car. There is a preference of TPS that are currently on the PHMSA list and/or being used on tank cars, but other systems may be considered.

Scope of Information Requested

The U.S. DOT Volpe Center is seeking information from tank car thermal protection system manufacturers and/or vendors, on their willingness, ability, and requirements to provide the physical specimens as well as material and installation information needed to conduct the above fire testing research.

1. Description of how the TPS is assembled.

Example :

              1 inch insulation – Brand XXX

              1 inch fiberglass – generic

              11 gauge steel jacket – generic

              10 mils coating – Brand YYY, Component A and Component B in 1:1 volume ratio

Include any relevant brand names or item numbers specific to this system. Also include any required surface preparation or other processing steps.

1. Is the TPS currently used on railroad tank cars?  If so, is it on the PHMSA approved list here:

https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/standards-rulemaking/hazmat/tank-car-thermal-protection-system-list

1. Are you capable of supplying fully assembled test specimens? 
   1. If YES, do you require government furnished plates on which to apply the TPS?
   2. If NO, are you prepared to supply detailed instructions on fabrication, including any considerations for required equipment, cutting, bonding, forming, attachment, surface preparation, mixing, curing/drying or any other fabrication steps?
2. What is the required lead time for either assembled test specimens or sufficient materials for third-party fabrication?
3. Your willingness to sell TPS for this third-party testing effort.
4. Availability and willingness to share any existing pool and/or torch fire testing data on the subject TPS, and any sensitivities or proprietary data protections that would be needed prior to sharing such information.
5. Estimated prices of either assembled test specimens or sufficient materials for third party fabrication.
6. Any other comments that can help the U.S. DOT Volpe Center better define the research scope and direction and ultimately yield technical data beneficial to both the government and industry are welcome.

Responses should include the above as well as:

• Company information
  • Name
  • UEI
  • Address
  • POC information

This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and is a market research tool to determine the availability and adequacy of sources prior to determining the method of acquisition and possible issuance of a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This RFI does not constitute a solicitation for bids, quotations, and proposals, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for or award a competitive contract. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government.