1- BAA Solicitation_PHMSA-26HM-BAA.docx

PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (PHMSA)

Office of Hazardous Materials Safety Research Initiative – FY2026 BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

BAA #: PHMSA-26HM-BAA

Disclaimer: This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicits white papers and proposals for analytical studies, stakeholder dialogues, technology assessments, and other research projects in support of PHMSA’s mission to ensure the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound movement of energy and hazardous materials. This BAA is issued under the authority of FAR 35.016.

Table of Contents

I. Introduction The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issues this Broad Agency Announcement to invite science, engineering, policy, and safety-focused research aligned with PHMSA’s core mission of preventing incidents during the transportation of hazardous materials.

This BAA will remain open from August 20, 2026 through December 22, 2026 or until superseded. Updates, amendments, and specific topic calls will be posted on SAM.gov.

II. References

· FAR Part 35 — Research and Development

· FAR 35.016 — Broad Agency Announcement

· Hazardous Materials Transportation statutes and regulations (49 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq.)

III. Overview of Research Opportunity

· Federal Awarding Agency: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590

· Funding Opportunity Title: PHMSA Pipeline Safety and Hazardous Materials Research Initiative

· Announcement Type: Broad Agency Announcement

· Funding Opportunity Number: PHMSA-26HM-BAA

· Primary NAICS Code: 541715 — Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences A Broad Agency Announcement is a competitive solicitation used to advance the state-of-the-art, increase knowledge/understanding, and invite a variety of technical and scientific approaches to address agency requirements.

IV. Detailed Information About Research Opportunity A. Mission and Objectives The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) in the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) conducts research to advance the safety of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) transportation across all modes. The mission of OHMS Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) program is to:

Improve hazardous materials safety and transportation through a proactive and holistic approach that enables innovative research, extensive collaboration, and data-driven decision making.

The primary goal of the program is Safety. RD&T’s main objectives relevant to this announcement are:

· Reduce injuries/fatalities due to HAZMAT transportation incidents

· Identify and address challenges and research gaps in transporting HAZMAT

· Advance safety while reducing or eliminating burden on businesses

· Discover or develop innovative technology to improve HAZMAT transportation safety B. Enduring Characteristics Projects should be nonpartisan, high-quality, and actionable; balance near-term needs with future risk identification; embrace multidisciplinary approaches; produce deliverables suitable for PHMSA leadership and stakeholders; include stakeholder engagement when appropriate; and move the PHMSA and DOT missions forward.

C. Program Expectations PHMSA will assign a Program Manager (PM) to each awarded project to serve as a technical POC; for contracts, the PM may also serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) if warranted. Timely communications with PM/COR, submission of deliverables, and adherence to invoicing/payment processes are mandatory. Financial submission system instructions will be provided in award documentation.

D. Deliverables Core deliverables may include but are not limited to:

· Project abstract and keyword list

· Project Management Plan including, at minimum, a project timeline; roles and responsibilities; and risk mitigation plan

· Data Management Plan compliant with DOT’s Public Access Plan[footnoteRef:1] [1: Official DOT Public Access Plan v1.1 | US Department of Transportation]

· Monthly progress reports (MPRs)

· Project one-pager

· Technical briefings (kickoff, midpoint, final)

· Final technical report (TECREP) + executive summary (EXSUM)

· Communication and engagement plan (if applicable); if an engagement plan is warranted or a project includes collection of information from the public, the project must consider and indicate whether activities might require Paperwork Reduction Act clearance[footnoteRef:2]; time to obtain clearance should be factored into timelines. [2: Do I need clearance? | A Guide to the Paperwork Reduction Act]

· Closeout report If applicable, deliverables may also include prototype technologies, technology demonstrations, and plans for technology transfer.

E. Publications and Public Release PHMSA encourages broad dissemination of final, cleared research outputs. All publications must acknowledge PHMSA sponsorship and include the following disclaimer: “This research was sponsored by PHMSA under contract #[CONTRACT NUMBER]. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of PHMSA or the U.S. Government.” Contractors must coordinate publication plans with the PM/COR and comply with pre-publication review requirements in the award. Reports will be 508- compliant to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for external publication.”

F. Security Considerations

· Do not submit classified material unless specifically requested.

· Maintain appropriate cybersecurity and information security practices.

· Comply with export control regulations; disclose foreign nationals involved in research.

G. Research Topic Areas There are five research focus areas described in this section. Within each area are possible core research questions to act as a foundation and guide for proposed work. As such, submissions should describe a research approach that engages with one or more of these research questions; submissions should not provide definitive answers or conclusions to the questions, as the goal is to address the question through the results of the project. Submissions must fall within one or more of the topics areas but may pose a research question not listed in the topic description as long as the submission falls within the topic area(s). If posing a question not listed in this solicitation, this question must be explicitly called out in the submission. Future topic areas may be announced through additional Appendices to this announcement while the BAA is open.

26HM-ESS: Efficient Safety Standards Submissions in this topic area inform data-driven changes to hazardous materials safety standards that maximize safety and minimize burden. This topic area recognizes that some standards can become outdated or overly burdensome when they do not reflect the current state of transportation and technology. Within this topic area, efforts can also anticipate risks to develop information-gathering activities that will enhance safety standards. This topic area encourages the collection of robust data to inform decision-making efforts.

Research questions include but are not limited to:

Modernizing Standards and Testing

· What innovative strategies could streamline certification and approval processes for new HAZMAT technologies?

· What novel testing methods could be used or developed to streamline HAZMAT classification?

· What testing methods within the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) could be updated, validated, or re-evaluated to ensure alignment with modern-day techniques?

Enhancing safety data

· What HAZMAT safety data could be collected or analyzed to inform ways to reduce burden on businesses?

· What new or emerging industry trends require additional safety data to shape right-sized regulations for HAZMAT transportation?

· What new HAZMAT data could be generated to better inform risks of HAZMAT transportation?

· What is the risk landscape of new and emerging modes of transportation or transformative technologies in transformation (e.g., new powertrains, new vehicle types, automation, etc.)?

Leveraging technology for improved safety and efficiency

· What new technologies can be leveraged to streamline or enhance the analysis of HAZMAT transportation safety data?

· What novel technologies could improve efficiency of HAZMAT transportation while maintaining safety?

26HM-SST: Safe Energy Storage Technologies Submissions in this area address potential barriers to the safe transportation of energy storage technologies (e.g., batteries, energy storage systems, fuel cells, end-of-life batteries, alternative fuels, etc.) Energy storage demand continues to grow, along with the evolution of new technologies and need for critical mineral recovery. Energy storage systems have unique safety risks, such as battery thermal runaway, fires, and explosions. At PHMSA, energy storage research is holistic, addressing transportation risks for emerging chemistries/form factors, existing storage systems, and end-of-life systems.

Research questions include but are not limited to:

Fundamental Risk Assessment

· What energy storage-related safety knowledge gaps must be addressed to improve transportation safety?

· What are the effects of various storage conditions on energy storage devices?

· How can we better understand and address the risks of transporting energy storage systems via vessel?

Detection and Incident Mitigation

· What novel methods, packaging, or technology could decrease the risk of thermal runaway and catastrophic battery incidents?

· What are novel methods to detect undeclared batteries?

· What low-cost, efficient testing methods could be used to assess energy storage system safety?

Emerging Trends in Energy Storage

· What is the safety of new and emerging battery types and chemistries?

· How will emerging energy storage critical mineral recovery techniques affect energy storage classification?

· What is the risk landscape of new/emerging energy storage systems such as microreactors?

· What is the risk landscape for transporting new/emerging fuels or energy types?

26HM-IPG: Innovative Packaging This topic area aims to alleviate safety and reliability issues in hazardous materials transportation. Submissions could address known packaging failure points, strengthen hazard communication, or adapt to emerging technologies. For example, submissions may develop innovative and novel packaging materials and designs to improve safety. Additionally, submissions could address safety holistically by researching solutions for adverse transportation conditions that affect the package’s integrity. This topic area encourages offerors to think both within the “box” (i.e., the package and its materials) and outside of the “box” by looking at all factors that can impact HAZMAT packaging safety.

Research questions include but are not limited to:

Understanding External Factors Impacting Package Integrity

· What new/emerging and less studied transportation conditions impact packaging integrity?

· What advanced simulations or modeling could be developed to predict, mitigate, or understand the consequences of HAZMAT incidents?

Novel Packaging and Monitoring

· What novel strategies reduce the risk of inaccurate, obstructed, or destroyed packaging labeling/communication?

· What novel performance packaging could be developed?

· What existing materials not used in HAZMAT packaging could be adapted to HAZMAT packaging?

· What novel packaging materials could be developed to improve containment of hazardous materials to prevent leaks and spills?

· What are innovative ways to monitor packaging integrity during transportation?

26HM-RER: Risk Reduction for Emergency Response Submissions in this area evaluate and address challenges for HAZMAT emergency response. Emergency responders face a complex safety landscape, with a need to accurately understand incident conditions as well as response approach. Responders also face new risks as the HAZMAT transportation landscape changes. This topic area calls for research to improve responder safety by considering this landscape, exploring foundational data gaps, or identifying/testing novel approaches and technologies for safer response.

Research questions include but are not limited to:

· What data gaps exist that hinder safe and efficient HAZMAT emergency response?

· What novel materials or technologies could improve the safety of emergency responders?

· What innovations could reduce or minimize safety risks during or immediately after a HAZMAT incident?

· What novel approaches or technologies could be used to improve HAZMAT communication?

· What novel approaches could increase HAZMAT emergency responder preparedness?

26HM-RTS: Hazardous Materials Rail Transportation Safety HAZMAT incidents on rail can have particularly extreme and adverse consequences for public safety. Submissions in this area should improve the prevention, mitigation, detection, and consequence reduction of hazardous materials released from rail tank cars and equipment. Proposed efforts should advance the scientific understanding of derailment dynamics, tank car performance under real-world loading scenarios, advanced inspection and monitoring technologies, predictive analytics, emergency response effectiveness, and risk-based decision-support tools.

Research Questions Include:

· How do modern tank car designs perform under derailment loading conditions—including impact, thermal exposure, rollover, and puncture?

· How can advanced analytical and numerical modeling approaches improve prediction of cascading tank car failures during high-energy derailment events?

· What advanced materials can measurably improve tank car puncture resistance and crashworthiness, while maintaining manufacturability, ease of inspection, and lifecycle cost efficiency?

· What design features or protective systems (e.g., improved fittings protection, thermal shielding, pressure-relief optimization) are most effective in reducing the probability and magnitude of hazardous material releases following derailments?

· How can tank car design features or protective systems be optimized to reduce the probability/magnitude of hazardous material releases?

V. Federal Award Information A. Eligibility for Competition U.S.-based industry (including small businesses), accredited universities, non-profits, and permitted federally affiliated research centers. Federal, State, and local government bodies are not eligible to participate. Foreign entities may participate as subcontractors under permitted conditions.

B. Award Instrument Contracts only.

C. Size of Awards Awards will be no greater than $2,000,000. Number of awards will be based on funding availability.

D. Period of Performance Base period up to 24 months; option years may be included (up to a total, including base and options, of 36 months).

E. Cost Sharing Cost sharing (i.e., matching funds provided by a non-government entity or in-kind contributions) is permitted but not required.

F. Reserve List of Selected Proposals Subject to Availability of Funds The Government reserves the right to create and maintain a reserve list of proposals for potential funding, in the event that sufficient funding becomes available. The reserve list will remain active and available for funding for up to 12 months after the date of selection. All awards are subject to the availability of funds.

VI. Application and Submission Information A. Process

1. Phase I — White Paper: White papers are intended to vet the foundational scientific and technical merit of a concept before the offeror incurs the cost of full proposal preparation. White Papers provide a higher-level description of the proposed work, scope, timeline, and qualifications.

2. Phase II — Full Proposal: Proposal submissions will be allowed by invitation only and based upon the evaluation of the White Papers.

B. Submission Window Submissions can be made via email as noted on SAM.gov. Submissions can be made through December 22, 2026 (11:59 AM Eastern Time).

C. Cost of Preparation Costs to prepare submissions are not allowable direct charges to resulting awards. White papers and proposals will not be returned.

D. Format and Document Requirements The requirements in Section VI. D. apply to both white paper and proposal submissions. Submissions shall use the templates provided in the attachments. The templates are in the required format: 8.5 x 11 inches, single-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12 pt for body text. Larger font for headings and smaller font in captions and tables are acceptable. Submission font must be one of the following: Verdana, Aptos, Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, or Helvetica. File types should not be password-protected, encrypted, or zipped. Documents must be searchable.

AI statement: Any use of AI tools (i.e. generative AI or large language model [LLM, e.g. ChatGPT]) in the preparation of the submission must be disclosed on the cover page. If AI tools were used, indicate what AI tool(s) were used, the approximate percentage of the document that was generated or assisted by AI, and briefly describe the purpose of such use (e.g., language enhancement, content generation, literature review). Submitters remain fully responsible for verifying the accuracy, originality, and ethical integrity of all content, including AI-generated portions. U.S. DOT reserves the right to reject any submission that U.S. DOT determines in its sole discretion may have used AI in an unreasonable, unethical, or illegal manner.

VII. Phase I — White Paper Submission A. White Paper Submission Email/Portal Submit to PHMSA submission inbox as specified in the current amendment. Email subject must include “[Topic area #] 2026 PHMSA BAA White Paper Submission”, where [Topic Area #] corresponds with the codes in IV. G (e.g., 26HM-ESS).

B. White Paper Requirements

· Single file, max 9 pages, max 5 MB, PDF preferred.

· Do not submit capability statements, project lists, or slides.

· Images, charts, and other explanatory graphics are encouraged. Ensure any such content is 508-compliant. Page limit includes images/charts/figures.

C. White Paper Components:

· Cover Page (1 page): title “WHITE PAPER,” procurement sensitive, BAA number, research area, project title, estimated cost, PoP (months), PI, technical POC, business POC, institution address, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE), North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS), and Authorized Officer signature. AI statement, if applicable (see VI. D Format and Document Requirements)

· Summary Page (1 page): One page describing the key points of the submission including project goal, research question, brief abstract, and alignment with Departmental/program strategic goals. The summary page can include a single 508-compliant graphic or chart that is descriptive of the whole work (i.e., a visual abstract; this is encouraged but not required.)

· Technical Concept (up to 4 pages): Background (include research focus and research question), scope of work planned, methodology, milestones, and team qualifications (including brief descriptions of related past research or work to the proposed effort). The scope of work should describe, at a higher level, the planned effort including testing, analysis, and outputs.

· Expected Outcomes and Impacts (up to 2 pages): Identify key technical, operational, and safety outcomes expected from the project. Explain how the project will improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the hazardous materials transportation system, including contributing to the reduction of injuries and fatalities. Describe which Departmental Strategic Goals the submission would fall under.[footnoteRef:3] [3: Safety, Infrastructure, Innovation, and Efficiency]

Describe the anticipated short-, medium-, and long-term impacts, including reductions in risk, improved system performance, and enhanced support for data-driven decision-making.

· Cost Estimate (1 page): Summary of labor, travel, other costs; include baseline assumptions.

VIII. Phase II — Proposal Submission A. Components

1. Technical Proposal (≤15 pages)

· Cover Page (1 page): Title “Proposal”, procurement sensitive, BAA number, research area, project title, estimated cost, PoP (months), PI, technical POC, business POC, institution address, UEID, TIN, CAGE, NAICS, Authorized Officer signature. AI statement, if applicable (see VI. D Format and Document Requirements)

· Summary Page (1 page): One page describing the key points of the submission including project goal, research question, brief abstract, and alignment with Departmental/program strategic goals. The summary page can include a single 508-compliant graphic or chart that is descriptive of the whole work (i.e., a visual abstract; this is encouraged but not required.)

· Technical Concept (10 pages): Research goal, background, Statement of Research Work, technical approach, and Project Management Plan.

1. Background: Explain how the proposed work meets the research goal and how the outcome would answer the research question. Provide a description of need. Explain how the need aligns with mission and department goals. As appropriate, describe historical context and technology readiness. Describe anticipated outcomes and impact.

2. Statement of work (SOW): Include description of planned work scope, project schedule, requirements, milestones and deliverables. Requirements must be separated into major tasks and subtasks.

3. Project Management Plan: Detailed management plan for the project, including a work breakdown structure (WBS), project schedule, and risk mitigation plan. Describe the quality requirements for the project and identify the processes and/or procedures that will be employed to ensure these requirements are satisfied.

· Capabilities and Experience (3 pages): Identify and describe the relevant capabilities and experience of key project personnel and organizations. Describe any unique capabilities that the Offeror team possesses that may reduce project risk or duration and/or may improve project financial performance. Describe these capabilities within the context of the objectives of the BAA and the proposed project’s scope of work. Describe any past related research or work that is relevant to the proposed work.

2. Cost Proposal

· Cover Page (1 page)

· Cost Spreadsheet, including:

1. Labor: a direct labor breakdown by WBS index number, identifying labor categories or individuals and projected hours, hourly rate, and projected subtotals.

2. Overhead and/or Fringe: Outline labor overhead and/or fringe rate(s) and base(s), and cumulative effect on labor costs.

3. Materials, Supplies, and Equipment: Describe and estimate the cost of materials, supplies, and equipment, to include the basis of the cost data (e.g., historical data, competitive market quotes, and in-house transfers). Specific mention should be made of any highly specialized or costly test equipment or supplies needed to accomplish the project during the evaluation phase. Any equipment revealed after the time of award, may not be supported. It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure there are sufficient resources to conduct the research.

4. Milestones: Provide a spreadsheet fully compatible with Excel that breaks down deliverables by name, acceptance criteria, delivery date, and payment amount.

5. Travel and Transportation: Provide a breakdown of travel and transportation costs. Bear in mind that travel expenses must be approved in advance and related directly to the project.

6. Subcontracts: Break down individual subcontracts. State the amounts of time of subcontractor/consulting services to be devoted to the project, including the cost to be charged to the proposed contract/agreement.

7. Other Direct Costs: For example, break down costs associated with reproduction, computer time, and consultants.

8. General and Administrative (G&A): Identify the G&A rate, base, and cost outcome.

9. Partner Investments/Cost Participation: Identify the extent of partner investments/cost participation, if any (exclusive of the Offeror’s prior investment). Include the actual dollars or the percentage of the partner investment of the proposed research or technology project to be provided by the applicant, third-party contributors, or other Federal funding sources, if allowable. Identify the type and extent of cost limitations (direct or indirect) or the specifics for and extent of similar concepts indicative of cost participation. (Note: The Offeror may be required to certify it has secured the appropriate partner investment funding levels and identify the source of funding.)

· Cost Narrative (up to 10 pages) + appendices as needed

3. Supplemental Information

· Subcontracting Plan:

The subcontracting plan must contain complete information on the contractor’s plans for subcontracting any portion of the experimental, research, or development efforts as stated in FAR 35.009, or, if no subcontracting opportunities exist, provide a statement to that effect.

· Key Personnel and Support Letters: Provide short summaries (2-page maximum, each) on the education, technical qualifications, and experience of all key personnel on the project. Provide any letters of support from industry partners or other stakeholders.

· Data rights assertion list

· Intellectual Property Declaration:

Offerors must submit information describing the intellectual property that will be used in the performance of the contract and any proposed restrictions on the Government’s use of such intellectual property. Offerors must provide a good faith representation, in writing, that they either own or possess appropriate licensing rights to the intellectual property used for this project. If Offerors are unable to make such a representation, provide a listing of the intellectual property needed and explain how and when the Offeror plans to obtain these rights. Offerors must describe any limitations on any intellectual property (patents, inventions, trade secrets, copyrights, or trademarks) that will affect the Offeror’s performance of the contract or the Government’s subsequent use of any deliverable under the contract. The Offeror must describe the intellectual property in sufficient detail to describe the limitations (data assertions of the Offeror or any subcontractor, potential patent licenses required by the Government, etc.), and to describe how the Government can accomplish the stated objectives of this BAA with the limitations described or proposed by the Offeror. For issued patents or published patent applications, provide the patent number or patent application publication number, a summary of the patent or invention title, and indicate whether the Offeror is the patent or invention owner. If a patent or invention is in-licensed by the Offeror, identify the licensor. If a patent application has been filed for an invention that has not been made publicly available and contains proprietary information, provide the patent application serial number, patent application filing date, a summary of the invention title, and indicate whether the Offeror is the invention owner.

B. Submission Delivery

· Attach each component as separate files in a single email.

· Email subject must include “[Topic area #] 2026 PHMSA BAA Proposal Submission”, where [Topic Area #] corresponds with the codes in IV. G (e.g., 26HM-ESS).

C. Cost Realism

· Proposals will be evaluated for cost realism and reasonableness per FAR 35.016(e). Provide detailed justification in the cost narrative.

IX. Evaluation and Selection A. Process PHMSA will perform an initial administrative compliance and eligibility screening of all Phase I White Papers and invited Phase II Full Proposals. Submissions that comply with formatting, page limits, and eligibility requirements will be routed to a technical review panel. Technical evaluation teams will conduct a technical review of white papers using the criteria described in IX. B. A source selection official will send invitations to submit a full proposal based on the evaluation of white papers. The full proposals will also be screened for compliance before a technical review. The technical evaluation of full proposals will use the criteria described in IX. C.

B. Phase I — White Paper Evaluation Criteria Scoring and Criteria Phase I submissions will be evaluated on their own merit (not relative to other submissions) based on the following four factors:

1. Technical Merit and Feasibility (35%): This factor assesses whether the proposal is innovative, feasible, and realistic based on scientific/technical principles. Evaluation assesses novelty of the work, technical and practical feasibility, includes feasibility of the timeline, completeness of technical elements, and robustness of identified risks and mitigation strategies.

2. Relevance to Program Mission and Objectives (35%): This factor assesses the extent to which the proposal aligns with and advances the stated mission of the RD&T program. Evaluation includes alignment with DOT Strategic Goals, filling critical knowledge gaps, alignment with the topic area, and potential for reducing the number or severity of HAZMAT incidents.

3. Experience, Qualifications, and Facilities (20%): This factor evaluates whether the experience and qualifications of the proposed project team align with the work, whether facilities/equipment are sufficient, and the adequacy of subcontracting/consulting plans.

4. Submission Quality (10%): This factor will evaluate clarity of writing and effectiveness of graphics/figures.

The Phase I Cost Estimate and capabilities summary will be reviewed administratively for project scale and viability but will not receive a formal weighted score. A Source Selection Official will issue invitations to Phase II based on the technical evaluation.

C. Phase II — Full Proposal Evaluation Criteria & Weights Invited Full Proposals will be scored using the following weighted criteria. The percentages indicate the relative importance of each factor to the final award decision:

Technical Merit and Feasibility (30%): This factor assesses whether the proposal is innovative, feasible, and realistic based on scientific/technical principles. Evaluation assesses novelty of the work, technical and practical feasibility, and robustness of identified risks and mitigation strategies.

Relevance to Program Mission and Objectives (30%): This factor assesses the extent to which the proposal aligns with and advances the stated mission of the RD&T program. Evaluation includes alignment with DOT Strategic Goals, filling critical knowledge gaps, alignment with the topic area, and potential impact.

Experience, Qualifications, and Facilities (20%): This factor evaluates whether the experience and qualifications of the proposed project team align with the work, whether facilities/equipment are sufficient, and the adequacy of subcontracting/consulting plans.

Cost and Pricing / Cost Realism (10%): PHMSA will evaluate the Offeror’s proposed prices to determine whether the costs are realistic, complete, and reasonable in relation to the solicitation requirements. Proposed costs must be directly compatible with the technical proposal.

Submission Quality (10%): This factor will evaluate clarity of writing and effectiveness of graphics/figures.

Past Performance: The technical lead and Source Selection Official will evaluate whether the Offeror’s past performance references show demonstrated experience working on projects of the same or similar nature. PHMSA reserves the right to utilize information provided by the offeror, reference interviews, and federal databases including SAM, CPARS, and FAPIIS. Past performance will not be a weighted component of the technical evaluation.

D. Notifications Offerors will be notified of selection or rejection via email; any debriefs will follow agency policy.

X. Submission Instructions A. Submission Address PHMSA submission inbox.

B. POC Information Provide at least two points of contact; ensure communications are not blocked by spam filters.

C. Legal & Administrative An award is binding only after a formally executed contract; no work should commence prior to award. No costs should be incurred prior to award.

XI. Negotiation

· Selected proposals are subject to negotiation under FAR procedures. The Contracting Officer has final authority on scope and award.

XII. Contact Information Program Technical POC: Dr. Erica Wiener, Physical Scientist Email: HAZMATresearch@dot.gov Contracting Officer POC: Tremayne Terry, Contracting Officer Email: tremayne.terry@dot.gov

ATTACHMENTS

See separate documents attached to the SAM.gov posting.

1. White Paper Template

2. Proposal Template

3. Cost Proposal and Narrative Spreadsheet

4. Clauses and Contractual Requirements

5. DD Form 882 - Report of Inventions and Subcontracts image1.png