Refurbished and Used Boxcar RFI_10.7.26 (SAM).docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

· Subject: Refurbished and Used 50-Foot Railway Boxcars

· Issuing Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

· RFI Reference No.: RFI-DOT-VOLPE-2026-001

· Date of Issuance: October 7, 2026

· Response Due Date: October 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time

1. Purpose and Objective The U.S. Department of Transportation, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), Cambridge, MA, 02142, is conducting market research to determine the availability of refurbished and used boxcars. These boxcars are needed to safely transport ammunition and explosives in compliance with strict military safety regulations. This RFI notice does not constitute a solicitation and is not to be construed as a commitment by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government will not pay for any effort expended in responding to this notice.

2. Equipment Description: 50-Foot Boxcars Option 1 – Refurbished Boxcars: Multiple general purpose refurbished 50-foot standard railway boxcars with wood floors and wood lined steel walls with a minimum load capacity of 70-tons. The gross load on rail shall not exceed 263,000 pounds or 65,750 pounds per axle. Cars shall be built to Association of American Railroads (AAR) standards, mechanical designation XM and car type B314 or equal. The cars should have a minimum remaining life of 30-years according to AAR.

Option 2 – Used Boxcars: Multiple general purpose used 50-foot standard railway boxcars with wood floors and wood lined steel walls with a minimum load capacity of 70-tons. The gross load on rail shall not exceed 263,000 pounds or 65,750 pounds per axle. Cars shall have all major systems functional including doors that are operable without the aid of mechanical assistance, brakes, couplers, etc. and be able to meet Association of American Railroads (AAR) standards for mechanical designation XM and car type B314 or equal.

3. Documents of Reference and Compliance The railroad boxcars must satisfy all the following documents in effect at the time of this procurement:

1. Association of American Railroads (AAR) Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices

2. AAR Interchange Rules

3. The Official Railway Equipment Register

4. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49, Transportation

5. AAR Rules Governing Closed Car/Trailer/Container Freight Loading Methods Part 1, Minimum Loading Standards for Freight in General Purpose Boxcars.

6. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A53

7. American Welding Society (AWS) D15.1

8. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Boiler and Pressure Code Section IX, Welding Qualifications.

9. American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Standards

Order of Precedence: In the event of a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the text of this document takes precedence. Nothing in this document, however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless specific exemption has been obtained.

4. RFI Submittal Instructions

Interested parties should submit a written Statement of Capabilities of sufficient detail demonstrating their experience and ability to provide said services as outlined in Table 1: Information Requested. Information provided shall be detailed and shall show technical capabilities, knowledge, and expertise so the U.S. DOT can assess the ability to provide the described services in Sections 6 and 7.

Responses must be submitted electronically via email to Patricia Barnett (patricia.barnett@dot.gov), Cc: Matthew Phelps (matthew.phelps@dot.gov) no later than October 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

5. Technical Requirements for Option 1 – Refurbished Boxcars

5.1. Dimensions and Characteristics

· Gross Rail Load 263,000 pounds (65,750 pounds per axle)

· Wheel gauge, standard 56 ½ inch

· 70-ton capacity minimum

· Sliding doors: 10-ft. 2-in.wide, center located, both sides

· Conforms to AAR Plate-C dimensions

· Refurbished cars need at least 30 years remaining life according to AAR

· The interior walls shall be smooth wood lined with recessed lading strap anchors

· Inside length no less than 50-ft.

· Inside height no less than 10-ft. 4-in.

· Inside width no less than 9-ft. 4-in.

· Wood floor, strength 50,000 pounds

· Height of floor from top of rail 46-in.

· Roller bearing axles

· AAR interchange compatible

5.2. Design/Engineering/Fabrication

· The boxcars shall be manufactured from materials conforming to AAR and ASTM specifications.

· All boxcars must satisfy all AAR Interchange requirements at time of delivery.

· The boxcars shall be commercial standard 56-½ inch rail wheel gauge and shall meet or exceed AAR design specifications.

· Each boxcar shall be mounted on two new or refurbished 4-wheeled trucks.

· All boxcars offered shall be similar to each other by size, type, deck height, and tie-downs for closed car loads.

· Prior to any work/re-work, the Government reserves the right to inspect and accept or reject boxcars planned for this procurement.

· All work/re-work shall be performed in an AAR qualified rail shop.

· The shop performing the fabrication and reconditioning shall provide a Quality Assurance Plan which identifies the process used to assure product quality as it relates to this effort.

5.3. Trucks

· The trucks and truck components shall be suitable for a gross rail load (GRL) of 263,000 pounds on four axles per car. Trucks shall have manganese steel vertical liners. Refurbished trucks are acceptable.

· Wheels shall be new or refurbished, 36-inch diameter, heat-treated, curved plate, cast or wrought steel and appropriate for the truck capacity.

· Axles shall be 6 ½ inch x 9-inch, Grade “F” and meet all AAR requirements for the capacity of the car.

· Spring travel shall be in accordance with truck capacity and deck height desired.

· Each car shall be equipped with AAR approved constant contact or constant contact/roller combination side-bearings adjusted to AAR specifications.

· Truck center bowl horizontal surface shall be lubricated with an AAR approved non‑metallic liner. Center bowl diameter to be sized for 263,000-pound gross rail load per AAR.

5.4. Brakes

· The control valve shall be ABDX or newer design approved for use by AAR and shall incorporate a four-port receiver for an automated single-car test. High friction composition brake shoes shall be used in accordance with latest AAR requirements at time of this solicitation. The car brake piping system shall consist of 1‑1/4" extra heavy pipe conforming to ASTM A‑53 schedule 80 or latest revision and shall meet the requirements of AAR. Cars shall pass testing as specified in AAR Standard S‑486 Single Car Testing Device ‑ Code of Tests for Freight Car equipment.

· Net air brake and hand brake force, as determined by a static brake test, shall conform to AAR standard S‑401.

· The hand brake shall be side‑mounted below deck level. It shall be designed and installed on an angle to follow the contour of the side sill, with the top of the handle a minimum of 1-inch below the nominal deck surface. It shall be operable from both the side sill step and the ground and meet applicable AAR and FRA mounting standards.

· Brake beams shall be of the unit type and brake head to reject cast iron shoes.

· Brake air reservoirs shall conform to AAR requirements.

· Car brake cylinders having 12” total travel shall have travel of 7 1/2” +/-1/4” travel at acceptance. Automatic double acting slack adjusters shall be used.

· Chains used in the braking system shall be confined only to the handbrake linkage.

· Cars shall be equipped with AAR approved air brake hoses long enough to safely negotiate curves and coupler travel. The air hose and end arrangement shall be in accordance with AAR standards.

5.5. Payload Securement System

· The securement system for all boxcars shall follow the rules in the AAR Closed Car/Trailer/Container Freight Loading Methods, Part 1 and its subparts.

· The securement system shall be comprised of lading strap holes 4-inches by 4-inches square and capable of containing the maximum allowable payload while undergoing impact tests in accordance with the AAR Rules Governing the Closed Car/Trailer/Container Freight Loading Methods without failure, damage or permanent deformation.

5.6. Draft Gears and Couplers

· Couplers shall be AAR approved Type-E or F bottom shelf design.

· Cars shall have manganese steel coupler carrier wear plates (no nonmetallic wear plates allowed). The uncoupling arrangement shall be such that an AAR-approved replacement coupling rod can be applied without modification to the car body or uncoupling device support brackets.

· Cars shall be equipped with end‑of‑car hydraulic valve cushioning devices as approved by AAR Specification M‑921 B, Cushioning Devices for Freight Cars. The cushioning device shall have at least 15-inch travel.

· Knuckles shall be of reduced slack design. Articulated connectors shall be of cast steel incorporating parts to take up slack; the design shall provide for the compensation of wear on mating parts in order to maintain a slack-free condition.

5.7. Grab Irons and Safety Appliances

· Grab Irons shall be constructed from ¾ inch rod with forged ends.

· Sill steps shall be manufactured from flat steel bar material 4-inches wide and ½ inch thick and have anti-skid coating applied to footing surfaces.

· All safety appliances shall conform to FRA and AAR requirements.

5.8. Painting and Stenciling

· Paint Specifications for boxcars, shall conform to AAR Standard M-1001 Section C, Part II, Section 5.2

· Paint classification shall be Urethane or equal and follow the Federal Color Standard: 595B

· White # 17925

· Black # 17038

· Yellow # 13538

· Red # 11105

· Primer shall be urethane compatible

· Substrate: Primed Steel

· Pre-treatment: Sandblasted

· Compliance Status: 3.5 lb./gal volatile organic compound (VOC) mixed (maximum)

· Application to Boxcars

· Carbody : Yellow

· Doors: Red

· Underframe and Trucks: Black (fog coat only)

· Stenciling: Red (United States Army)

· Contractor shall follow AAR Requirements for surfaces that are not to be painted.

· Reflective surfaces applied to A and B ends and on both sides extending from the ends at least 8-feet towards the center.

· A consolidated stencil with appropriate brake maintenance information shall be attached to the cars.

· Paint thickness: 4-mil minimum dry thickness combined system of primer and top coat.

· Grab irons, uncoupling levers, and sill steps shall be painted yellow. Only component supplier will paint telescoping portions of uncoupling lever.

· Stenciling and markings shall be done with AAR approved contrasting-color materials. White paint stenciling must be of a consistency to cover black background thoroughly and provide a sharp contrast that will remain legible for a minimum period of 96 months. Stenciling on each end of car shall be done with black paint and will include but not be limited to identification of couplers, wheels, end‑of‑car cushioning, springs and snubbers. "JACK HERE" and "LIFT HERE' stencils shall be applied at the appropriate places. Reporting Mark identification information will be provided later. Additional markings including loading and weight dimensions (LT WT and LD LMT) shall be in accordance with AAR Section L– Lettering and Marking of Cars, as applicable. Adhesive backed film markings must be applied at surface temperatures between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

5.9. Quality Control

· Refurbishing of boxcars shall be performed in accordance with AAR Section C, part II, volume 1‑Specifications for Design, Fabrication, and Construction of Freight Cars, M‑1001. The cars shall be refurbished in a substantial and workmanlike manner, according to the true intent of this specification. Structural members shall be free of notch sensitive areas and discontinuities that could result in highly localized stress concentrations.

· Welding shall be in accordance with AWS D15.1 and AAR section C, part II, volume 1 ‑ Specifications for Design, Fabrication, and Construction of Freight Cars, M‑1001. The surface of parts to be welded shall be free from rust, scale, paint, grease, and mill scale or other foreign matter that can be removed by chipping and wire brushing. Spot, tack, or intermittent welds for strength will not be permitted. Weld penetration shall be such as to provide transference of maximum design stress through the base metal juncture. Fillet welds shall be provided to reduce stress concentration.

· Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, the contractor is responsible for the performance of all inspection requirements (examinations and tests) as specified herein. Except as otherwise specified, the contractor may use his own or any other facilities suitable for the performance of the inspection requirements specified herein, unless disapproved by the Government. The Government reserves the right to witness any of the inspections set forth in the specification where such inspections are deemed necessary to ensure supplies and service conform to prescribed requirements.

· The contractor is responsible for ensuring that components and materials used are manufactured, examined and tested in accordance with referenced specifications and standards or for providing evidence that AAR has previously approved the components. Commercial Warranty shall apply.

5.10. Inspection Procedure

Each boxcar shall be examined for, but not limited to, the following characteristics:

· AAR M-1003 Certification for Activity Code A20 (Manufacturer of Freight Cars) and AAR S-2034 Car Builder Certification from Vendor performing the boxcar construction.

· Boxcars shall safely negotiate track curvature as specified.

· All boxcar’s dimensions and paint as specified.

· Materials resistant to corrosion and deterioration or treated to be resistant to corrosion and deterioration in the applicable storage and operating environments.

· Contractor provides required manuals and documentation identifying materials, material finishes or treatment.

· Safety appliances as required per AAR.

· Painting and markings.

· Design and construction in accordance with AAR/FRA requirements.

· Brake equipment as specified.

· Wheels with unacceptable defects. In this situation, the car will not be acceptable until repaired.

5.11.Tests

· Any tests required by AAR shall be in accordance with AAR specifications, and as specified herein. No specific order of testing is required. All tests listed below will be conducted at the contractor’s designated location.

· The entire air brake system shall be tested to ensure correct functioning of all components. The boxcar shall be tested with a single car-testing device in accordance with AAR Standard S 486 Single Car Testing Device Code of Tests for Freight Car Equipment or AAR Standard S-4027 Automated Single-Car Test Equipment. The brake cylinder piston travel shall be as specified in S 400, Specification No.2518 Freight Car Brake Equipment, and Installation Specifications and shall be tested for interference and correct travel. Nonconformance to AAR requirements shall constitute failure of this test. A braking force test in accordance with AAR requirements shall be conducted to determine brake shoe pressure at each wheel.

· The hand brake shall be tested in accordance with AAR requirements to determine the brake shoe pressure at each wheel. Nonconformance shall constitute failure of this test.

· The side bearings shall be tested with the car on level tangent track and the car body level. Side bearing clearances shall be measured at each bearing. Nonconformance to manufacturer's, AAR or CFR Title 49 clearance limits shall constitute failure of this test.

6. Technical Requirements for Option 2 – Used Boxcars

6.1. Dimensions and Characteristics

· Gross Rail Load 263,000 pounds (65,750 pounds per axle)

· Wheel gauge, standard 56 ½ inch

· 70-ton capacity minimum

· Sliding doors: 10’-2”-ft wide, center located, both sides must be able to operate without mechanical assistance and be well fitting

· Conforms to AAR Plate-C dimensions

· The interior walls shall be smooth and wood lined with recessed lading strap anchors

· Inside length no less than 50-ft.

· Inside height no less than 10-ft. 4-in.

· Inside width no less than 9-ft. 4-in.

· Wood floor, strength 50,000 pounds

· Height of floor from top of rail 46-in.

· Roller bearing axles

· AAR interchange compatible

· Weathertight roofing

6.2. Quality Control

· Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, the contractor is responsible for the performance of all inspection requirements (examinations and tests) as specified herein. Except as otherwise specified, the contractor may use his own or any other facilities suitable for the performance of the inspection requirements specified herein, unless disapproved by the Government. The Government reserves the right to witness any of the inspections set forth in the specification where such inspections are deemed necessary to ensure supplies and service conform to prescribed requirements.

6.3. Inspection Procedure

Each boxcar shall be examined for, but not limited to, the following characteristics:

· All boxcar’s dimensions as specified.

· Weathertight roof.

· Functional safety appliances as required per AAR.

· Functional brake equipment.

· Cars with wheels, trucks, and couplers found to have unacceptable defects will not be accepted until repaired.

6.4. Tests

· Any tests required by AAR shall be in accordance with AAR specifications, and as specified herein. No specific order of testing is required. All tests listed below will be conducted at the contractor’s designated location.

· The entire air brake system shall be tested to ensure correct functioning of all components. The brake cylinder piston travel shall be as specified in S 400, Specification No.2518 Freight Car Brake Equipment, and Installation Specifications and shall be tested for interference and correct travel. Nonconformance to AAR requirements shall constitute failure of this test. A braking force test in accordance with AAR requirements shall be conducted to determine brake shoe pressure at each wheel.

· The hand brake shall be tested in accordance with AAR requirements to determine the brake shoe pressure at each wheel. Nonconformance shall constitute failure of this test.

· The side bearings shall be tested with the car on level tangent track and the car body level. Side bearing clearances shall be measured at each bearing. Nonconformance to manufacturer's, AAR or CFR Title 49 clearance limits shall constitute failure of this test.

7. Delivery Requirements All boxcars shall be delivered to a CONUS U.S. Army rail base, location TBD. Delivery of cars to destination shall be by railroad. Each car shall be prepared for delivery in accordance with AAR requirements for Interchange Service. The contracting officer will supply car numbers within 90 days after award. The contractor will be responsible for registering the cars in the AAR UMLER (Universal Machine Language Equipment Register) files.

Acceptance of boxcars will be at the final destination. Acceptance will require inspection for carrier damage at the destination prior to any payment to the contractor.

Table 1: Information Requested *Note - Please specify if answers are for Option 1 – Refurbished Boxcars or Option 2 – Used Boxcars

Company Name and Mailing Address; please include affiliates, former names, manufacturing, headquarters, and Engineering locations

Point of contact Name and title, alternate point of contact, with their office and mobile telephone, fax number, email, and mailing addresses

Company Website address

SAM.gov Unique Entity Identification (UEI) Number

Commercial and Government Entity Code (CAGE)

What is your business size under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 336510 – Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing.

Has the company provided products and/or services to the US Department of Defense (DoD) and in particular the United States Army previously? If so, please provide the contract numbers and contract award dates over the past 3 years.

Is your company able to do business directly with the U.S. Government? If no, will your company be able to do so in the next 6-12 months? If no, how is your product(s) available for purchase by the U.S. Government?

What is the estimated unit cost per boxcar for orders up to 500 boxcars?

Provide a description of the prospective boxcars, including description, age, and photos.

Is your manufacturing shop AAR certified? If yes, please provide the certificate. Please provide a description of required engineering and refurbishing efforts needed to meet the specifications in this requirement. (Option 1 Only)

What is the lead time from the time of contract award to first unit delivery to the Government?

Is there a warranty provided with the boxcars? If so, how long does the warranty period typically cover?