Laboratory Capabilities to Test Railroad Tank Car Thermal Protection Systems (TPS)

Request for Information (RFI) only. Purpose This RFI seeks information regarding Laboratory Capabilities to perform pool and torch fire tests of Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) to the U.S. DOT Volpe Center. A qualified vendor must be capable of performing pool and torch fire tests as described in 49 CFR 179 Appendix B. The vendor should also be capable of performing light fabrication and/or assembly of test specimens for the aforementioned tests. 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 perform a minimum of two (2) pool fire tests and two (2) torch fire tests for each TPS. The total number of TPS to be tested has not yet been determined. Although the tests will be similar to those defined in 49 CFR 179 Appendix B, this research may require some modifications to the test protocol including but not…