1-BAA_Solicitation_PHMSA-26HM-BAA_AMD_0002.docx

Amendment 0002 - Summary of Changes

The following changes are incorporated into solicitation PHMSA-26HM-BAA via Amendment 0002:

1. PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT

The purpose of this Amendment 0002 is to incorporate PHMSA’s Responses to Vendor Inquiries regarding Phase I white paper submissions, subcontractor eligibility for foreign entities, submission limits, deadlines, and multi-topic proposals under Solicitation PHMSA-26HM-BAA.

2. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (Q&A)

Question 1: Foreign University Research Partner Eligibility

· Inquiry: Can a foreign university (e.g., based in the United Kingdom or other foreign country) participate as a research partner or subcontractor under PHMSA-26HM-BAA, and what specific restrictions or requirements apply?

· PHMSA Response: Yes. Foreign universities are permitted to participate as research partners or subcontractors, provided the entity is not located within a comprehensively sanctioned country or region (pursuant to FAR Subpart 25.7, specifically 25.701(b)). Foreign entities cannot serve as the prime offeror; the prime offeror must be a U.S.-based entity. Proposals involving foreign subcontractors must clearly define the specific responsibilities, data access requirements, and technical contributions of the foreign entity.

Question 2: Limits on Multiple White Paper Submissions

· Inquiry: Is there any restriction or limit on the number of Phase I white papers that a single organization or Principal Investigator (PI) may submit across different research topic areas?

· PHMSA Response: You may submit up to 5 distinct white papers per research group. Ensure each submission is standalone, fully compliant with the required templates and formatting (single file, up to 9 pages), and clearly indicates its applicable topic area in the email subject line. Submissions that span topic areas should still only be submitted under the single, most applicable topic area.

Question 3: Phase I White Paper vs. Phase II Proposal Submission Deadlines

· Inquiry: Does the November 18, 2026 deadline apply to Phase I White Paper submissions, or must white papers be submitted earlier so full proposals can be requested by November 18?

· PHMSA Response: The deadline of November 18, 2026 (11:59 AM Eastern Time) applies specifically to Phase I White Paper submissions. Following evaluation of Phase I white papers, selected offerors will be formally invited to submit Phase II Full Proposals. A separate submission deadline for Phase II proposals will be provided in the formal invitation letter.

Question 4: Multiple Research Topics Scope

· Inquiry: If an offeror's proposed research aligns with multiple core topic areas, should the offeror submit a single combined white paper covering multiple topics or separate white papers for each topic area?

· PHMSA Response: Offerors should submit separate Phase I white papers for each distinct research topic area rather than combining multiple topic areas into a single white paper.

Question 5: Independent Evaluation of Submissions

· Inquiry: If an offeror submits multiple technically distinct white papers, will each be evaluated independently?

· PHMSA Response: Each white paper will be evaluated as an independent submission, even if submitted by the same entity. Ensure each white paper contains a full, standalone justification for its technical merit, relevance, cost, and team capabilities without referencing or relying on other submitted white papers.

Question 6: Eligibility for Multiple Awards

· Inquiry: Is an organization eligible to receive more than one award under the BAA if multiple concepts are selected?

· PHMSA Response: A single entity may be selected for multiple awards for different submissions.

Question 7: Standalone Project Efforts for White Papers

· Inquiry: Are there any preferences or considerations we should be aware of when submitting multiple concepts—for example, whether PHMSA prefers separate white papers versus combining related research questions into a single submission?

· PHMSA Response: Each white paper should consist of a single, independent research question. While there may be subsidiary/related questions within an overarching question, the white paper should encompass a standalone project effort that doesn’t rely on parallel efforts. Ensure the research question encompasses the full work to be proposed.

Question 8: Applicability of $2 Million Award Ceiling

· Inquiry: We understand individual awards may be valued at up to $2 million. Is that ceiling applicable to each selected project independently?

· PHMSA Response: Each separate submission will be evaluated independently. The $2M ceiling will apply to each independent submission and will not be split/combined across submissions from the same entity. Each submission should have its own independent cost proposal and should not combine elements from another submission.

Question 9: Topic Area Award Allocations

· Inquiry: Does PHMSA anticipate making multiple awards within the 26HM-RER topic area, or is the anticipated number of awards determined only after reviewing submissions and available funding?

· PHMSA Response: Awards will be based upon the evaluations of the full proposals and fund availability. There is not a pre-set number of awards for each of the topic areas.

Question 10: Topic Area Alignment Responsibilities

· Inquiry: Would a modeling-focused research scope (uncertainty-calibrated prediction of cascading tank-car failures) be considered responsive to Topic 26HM-RTS?

· PHMSA Response: The offeror is responsible for identifying the applicable topic area for the proposed research question. To ensure a consistent and fair process for all offerors, PHMSA will not provide individual determinations regarding whether a specific research question falls within a particular topic area. Offerors should use their best judgment to determine the topic area that most appropriately aligns with the focus and objectives of their proposed research.

Question 11: Emergency Response Personnel Engagement (26HM-RER)

· Inquiry: For topic area 26HM‑RER, does PHMSA encourage or permit contractors to use real emergency‑response personnel to evaluate technologies, communication tools, or safety innovations?

· PHMSA Response: The offerors are permitted to engage with emergency response personnel. Plans for stakeholder engagement and subcontracting should be specified. You are permitted and encouraged to engage real emergency-response personnel to test and evaluate innovations. If more than 9 individuals are engaged as stakeholders, Paperwork Reduction Act clearance may apply.

Question 12: Prior Approval for Integrating External Personnel

· Inquiry: Does PHMSA require prior approval before the contractor may integrate external personnel into PHMSA-funded research activities?

· PHMSA Response: All subcontractors and plans to engage external personnel must be included in submitted plans. If integrating additional personnel after award, the Contractor is responsible for coordinating with the PM and COR to ensure the addition is within scope. Note: Engaging with more than 9 external stakeholders may require PRA clearance.

Question 13: Municipal Fire Departments, Hazmat Teams, or Civil Support Teams & Training Exercises

· Inquiry: Are there restrictions on using municipal fire departments, hazmat teams, or National Guard Civil Support Teams as part of research demonstrations? If not, can the contractor's response be aligned/scheduled during a training exercise of either the National Guard or municipal fire departments and hazmat teams?

· PHMSA Response: Participation & Subcontracts: You can include municipal fire departments, hazmat teams, or National Guard Civil Support Teams as project stakeholders, testing partners, or subcontractors. (Note that government bodies are ineligible to act as primary offerors). Leveraging Training Exercises: Aligning demonstration activities with existing training exercises is permitted, given that the offeror has received permission from the entities conducting the training. Note: If the partner organization receives PHMSA funding directly through your contract (as a subcontractor/consultant), ensure their compliance with federal award rules. If using National Guard or active government personnel, verify that their participation complies with their respective agency ethics and external research involvement guidelines.