RFI on Laboratory Capabilities to Test Fiber Reinforced Plastic Materials (FRP) and Portable Tanks made with FRP Materials (2).docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY

Laboratory Capabilities to Test Fiber Reinforced Plastic Materials (FRP) and Portable Tanks made with FRP Materials

BACKGROUND:

The Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) is currently conducting research into planning a testing study to understand the performance of portable tanks made with fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials in accordance with the United Nations Model Regulations (UNMR). Portable tanks are low pressure vessels and have dimensions consistent with that of a 20-foot standardized shipping container. Presently, the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) do not address the specific performance requirements for FRP (composite) Portable Tanks, though PHMSA has issued a special permit with renewable terms for commercial companies to manufacture, sell and use non-specification T7 and T10 FRP Portable tanks. In the Notice for Proposed Rulemaking HM-215 Q, concerns with adopting the use of FRP Portable Tanks in the US were raised. PHMSA has determined that additional research is needed to evaluate the performance and safety of UNMR FRP Portable Tanks before a decision can be made on whether to harmonize the HMR specifications with the UNMR. The goal of the PHMSA testing study is to provide FRP Portable Tank performance data to inform a possible rulemaking, as well as to identify a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique suitable for future testing and in-service inspections. Portable tanks are low pressure vessels and have dimensions consistent with that of a 20-foot standardized shipping container.

A suitable NDE technique needs to be practical for evaluating large tanks with operating pressures under 100 psi. Further, as the materials and design can vary, PHMSA is looking to identify one or more NDE methods that can be performed without knowing tank specific manufacturer information and be able to detect/evaluate both the inner and outer FRP layers without core interference. Manufacturers utilize different designs and materials to construct FRP Portable Tanks in accordance with international requirements. Tanks may be constructed using a glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) or carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), tanks may incorporate a single wall design or a sandwich design consisting of inner and outer FRP layers separated by a core material. The thickness of the FPR layers will vary based on the fiber type and layup sequence, and the core material and corrosive barrier can also vary based on the insulation needs and commodity to be transported.

Several performance tests (vibration, NDE, and Pool Fire) will also need to be conducted to fully address the concerns that were raised in the NPRM. Benchtop testing will be necessary to validate test methods and understand the materials used to construct the FRP Portable Tank prior to full scale testing.

SCOPE:

PHMSA is currently defining the requirements for the material and component level tests to be conducted on FRP materials used in the manufacture of FRP Portable Tanks. While the test matrix is not fully defined, it is expected to yield material parameters describing nondestructive testing, vibration testing, and fire resistance (pool fire testing). PHMSA is reviewing the ASTM FRP test standards, ASTM Vibration Testing of Shipping Containers and HMR Part 178, Subpart H, among other documents, as a basis for defining the test matrix.

PHMSA is currently not aware of an existing industry standard for non-destructive evaluation of FRP Portable Tanks, as such PHMSA is envisioning performing experimental feasibility testing on different material samples to evaluate the suitability of different potential NDE technologies. The findings from the feasibility testing will then be used to develop an NDE method for testing full-scale FRP Portable Tanks. Multiple FRP Portable Tanks will then be tested to validate the resulting method and to establish pre- and post- conditions of FRP Portable Tanks subjected to vibration and pool fire testing. Due to the variety of FRP Portable Tank designs more than one NDE method may be required, a single NDE technology may not be suitable for all designs.

The objective of the vibration (shaker) testing is to simulate and investigate fatigue associated with vibration impacts on the frame of portable tanks on rail beds. PHMSA is still looking to identify an existing industry vibration standard for testing the portable tanks. The expectation is that the vibration testing will need to be performed on multiple FRP Portable Tanks.

PHMSA seeks to better understand the performance of FRP portable tanks constructed according to the UNMR under pool fire conditions. The pool fire test requirements will mirror the requirements of the UNMR, except instead of a duration of 30 minutes the test shall continue until such a time as the tank experiences a complete failure. The tests will also include collecting pressure and temperature data from in and around the tank during the test. The portable tanks are to be filled with water (to 80% of capacity) and fully equipped with all operating equipment, including typical valves, piping, and PRDs.

All interested parties are invited to respond to this RFI and are being asked to utilize the table below to summarize their applicable capabilities and resources. PHMSA would prefer to have all testing conducted at one location but understands that that may not be feasible or practical, as facilities may not be equipped or capable of performing all the tests needed.

Overview / Needs Submitters’ Capabilities and Resources

Method development

Pre- and post-condition testing.

Anticipate needing a shaker table large enough to accommodate portable tanks (consistent with a 20-foot shipping container).

Desired to be conducted at the same facility as the vibration testing.

Responses should also address the following items of interest to PHMSA for defining the testing study and further understanding capabilities:

1. Descriptions of your facility’s NDE capabilities, including equipment (specifically the different NDE techniques you can perform) vibration table that is able to facilitate a portable tank) experience, capacity, resources and staff preparedness for feasibility testing, method development, and full-scale testing of portable tanks. You are encouraged to submit publications of relevant past work.

2. Recommendations on NDE techniques, NDE material sample requirements (e.g. geometry, size, quantity, etc.), and NDE industry standards that could be potentially suitable and practical for inspecting FRP Portable Tanks.

3. Descriptions of your facility’s vibration testing capabilities, including equipment, (specifically a vibration table that can accommodate a full-scale portable tank) experience, capacity, resources, and staff preparedness for testing FRP Portable Tanks. You are encouraged to submit publications of relevant past work.

4. Recommendations for vibration testing standards that have been or could potentially be used for testing portable tanks.

5. Descriptions of your facility’s pool fire testing capabilities, including equipment (specifically a pool fire ring that can accommodate a full-scale portable tank), experience, capacity, resources and staff preparedness for testing portable tanks. You are encouraged to submit publications of relevant past work.

6. Laboratory hourly rates, technical personnel rates, general facility and equipment usage charges, overhead and other expenses, etc.

7. Descriptions of staff/facility/equipment availability.

8. Information on any pre-test data or preliminary sample testing that may be required prior to a full-scale test.

9. Information on your typical post-test laboratory analyses and report formats, and your ability to tailor report/data formats to customer requirements.

10. Any other information or recommendations that could be informative to defining the overall testing study, testing matrix, or ultimately yield technical data beneficial to both the government and the industry are welcome.

11. Disclosure of your current and past involvement in design, development, testing, evaluation, analysis and/or simulation activities with FRP Portable Tank manufacturers and/or their representatives is requested for possible conflict of interest considerations.

PHMSA will use the information obtained in response to this RFI to guide our development of an FRP material and component test matrix and the subsequent market research and contract development. See Sources Sought # regarding FRP specimens from FRP Potable Tank manufacturers.

Responses Interested parties must submit responses to the point(s) of contact identified below:

Stephen Jones at Stephen.Jones@dot.gov with a cc to Tremayne Terry at Tremayne.Terry@dot.gov no later than 5:00 PM EST August 11, 2025. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Any questions related to this RFI are to be directed to the PHMSA Acquisitions Services Division Points of Contact listed above. Any questions on this RFI’s content, issues, or procedures must be submitted via email no later than 5:00 PM EST, July 11, 2025. The RFI number (693JK325RFI02) must be included in the subject line. It is anticipated that all responses to questions submitted on time will be posted publicly on SAM.gov as an amendment to the RFI with the questions and responses document within two (2) business days after the questions deadline, 5:00 PM EST, Friday July 13, 2025. The information will be used by the Government to develop requirements for a potential upcoming research and test project.

Responses to this RFI should be direct, concise, and should be between 7-10 pages single sides. The responses should be typed, double-spaced, using 12-point font and printed on 8.5” by 11” paper with 1” margins on all sides. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED.

At a minimum, responses should include:

· Company Information: (Name, Phone Number, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), Cage Code, POC information, website, etc.)

· Description of you company’s capabilities as they relate to the services described in this notice.

· A description of you company’s previous experience in providing the services described in this notice within the past 5-7 years for no lower than 3 companies and not to exceed 5 companies.

· A description of any teaming/subcontracting your company anticipates utilizing in support of this requirement.

· Any other relevant information that is not listed above which the Government should consider in finalizing its market research and acquisition strategy.

There is no requirement to respond to this Sources Sought in order to be eligible to submit a proposal in response to any formal Request for Proposal (RFP) that may result from this potential project. However, the Government places tremendous value on the information received and may utilize it to finalize its acquisition strategy.

Interested small business companies are strongly encouraged to fully use this opportunity to describe their capabilities.

DISCLAIMER

This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e) responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract/agreement. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Sources Sought. Any information provided in response to this Sources Sought will not be returned.

Respondents will not be notified of the results of the review. NO FORMAL SOLICITATION EXISTS AT THIS TIME.