Addressing Construction Needs for Ultra-High Performance (UHPC) Structural Elements

Closed Solicitation Posted

Solicitation number
693JJ3-24-BAA-0003-003
Agency
Responses due
Set-aside
No set-aside

Opportunity facts

NAICS code
541330 Engineering Services
Place of performance
Washington, District of Columbia 20590, United States

Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .

About this opportunity

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is soliciting research proposals to address construction needs for Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) structural elements in highway infrastructure through Broad Agency Announcement 693JJ3-24-BAA-0003, Call 003. The primary objective is to develop standardized construction guidelines and best practices for UHPC that will facilitate broader adoption, overcome industry implementation challenges, ensure design integrity through quality control, and standardize construction guidance for contract documents. Proposals must focus on bridge superstructure and/or substructure components and comply with the AASHTO Guide Specification for Structural Design with UHPC. The evaluation process follows a two-phase approach, with white papers first screened for merit and categorized as either encouraged to submit full proposals or not recommended, followed by full proposal evaluation based on technical merit, importance to agency programs, and funding availability. Critical deadlines include questions due by December 17, 2025, white papers due February 5, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET, and full proposals due May 6, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET, with anticipated award notifications in May 2026.

This solicitation carries no set-aside designations and is unrestricted, allowing submissions from universities, corporations, non-profits, and other organizations. Two to three awards are anticipated under this topic with an aggregate ceiling of $900,000 total and a maximum performance period of 30 months per award. Proposals must include comprehensive fresh property and material qualification testing plans following specific FHWA protocols outlined in FHWA-HRT-23-077, with flexural testing of at least 30 specimens using symmetric four-point bending procedures. Application-driven research that establishes partnerships with the precast industry, UHPC suppliers, infrastructure owners, and designers receives priority consideration. The place of performance is listed as Washington, DC 20590, and all offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and comply with Section 889 telecommunications requirements.

Notice text

4 versions

Update #4 · Latest ·

Amendment 00002 provides a Proposal due date and time.

Amendment 00001 includes the Government’s responses to all questions received by the question submission due date, as well as a revised Call No. 003.

The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that is associated with this BAA Call is 693JJ3-24-BAA-0003_A0001 and is provided in the Attachments section, and also linked. Please refer to the BAA for detailed information and instructions on how to participate in this effort.

With the publication of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide Specification for Structural Design with Ultra-High Performance Concrete, nationwide interest in UHPC structural applications for infrastructure has surged. This next-generation concrete technology offers significant advantages over conventional concrete materials, providing a range of structural and durability benefits that enhance resilience and support the modernization of existing infrastructure. To maximize the potential of UHPC in highway construction, establishing clear guidance on best construction practices will help streamline adoption and ensure successful implementation.

UHPC’s optimized mixture composition allows for superior mechanical and structural performance compared to conventional concrete. Its unique rheology and fiber reinforcement require specialized construction techniques tailored to UHPC to ensure that the as-cast component achieves the mechanical properties assumed during the design phase. Factors such as workability, flowability, placement location, flow direction, steam application, heat of hydration, and ambient temperature can affect the performance of the fabricated component and thus require consideration and control. Through refined practices, UHPC can be effectively integrated into infrastructure projects, promoting safety, efficiency, and long-term resilience.

FHWA aims to accelerate adoption of UHPC in highway structural elements by addressing key construction challenges and promoting effective practices through collaboration with the precast industry, UHPC suppliers, infrastructure owners, and designers. This initiative seeks proposals that focus on overcoming obstacles, improving integration, and ensuring high-quality production through research focused on the development of standardized construction guidelines.

Update #3 ·

Amendment 0001 includes the Government’s responses to all questions received by the question submission due date, as well as a revised Call No. 003.

The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that is associated with this BAA Call is 693JJ3-24-BAA-0003_A0001 and is provided in the Attachments section, and also linked. Please refer to the BAA for detailed information and instructions on how to participate in this effort.

With the publication of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide Specification for Structural Design with Ultra-High Performance Concrete, nationwide interest in UHPC structural applications for infrastructure has surged. This next-generation concrete technology offers significant advantages over conventional concrete materials, providing a range of structural and durability benefits that enhance resilience and support the modernization of existing infrastructure. To maximize the potential of UHPC in highway construction, establishing clear guidance on best construction practices will help streamline adoption and ensure successful implementation.

UHPC’s optimized mixture composition allows for superior mechanical and structural performance compared to conventional concrete. Its unique rheology and fiber reinforcement require specialized construction techniques tailored to UHPC to ensure that the as-cast component achieves the mechanical properties assumed during the design phase. Factors such as workability, flowability, placement location, flow direction, steam application, heat of hydration, and ambient temperature can affect the performance of the fabricated component and thus require consideration and control. Through refined practices, UHPC can be effectively integrated into infrastructure projects, promoting safety, efficiency, and long-term resilience.

FHWA aims to accelerate adoption of UHPC in highway structural elements by addressing key construction challenges and promoting effective practices through collaboration with the precast industry, UHPC suppliers, infrastructure owners, and designers. This initiative seeks proposals that focus on overcoming obstacles, improving integration, and ensuring high-quality production through research focused on the development of standardized construction guidelines.

Update #2 ·

***Updated on January 5, 2026 to include Open BAA Link in "Attachments/Links" Section.***

The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that is associated with this BAA Call is 693JJ3-24-BAA-0003_A0001 and is provided in the Attachments section, and also linked. Please refer to the BAA for detailed information and instructions on how to participate in this effort.

With the publication of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide Specification for Structural Design with Ultra-High Performance Concrete, nationwide interest in UHPC structural applications for infrastructure has surged. This next-generation concrete technology offers significant advantages over conventional concrete materials, providing a range of structural and durability benefits that enhance resilience and support the modernization of existing infrastructure. To maximize the potential of UHPC in highway construction, establishing clear guidance on best construction practices will help streamline adoption and ensure successful implementation.

UHPC’s optimized mixture composition allows for superior mechanical and structural performance compared to conventional concrete. Its unique rheology and fiber reinforcement require specialized construction techniques tailored to UHPC to ensure that the as-cast component achieves the mechanical properties assumed during the design phase. Factors such as workability, flowability, placement location, flow direction, steam application, heat of hydration, and ambient temperature can affect the performance of the fabricated component and thus require consideration and control. Through refined practices, UHPC can be effectively integrated into infrastructure projects, promoting safety, efficiency, and long-term resilience.

FHWA aims to accelerate adoption of UHPC in highway structural elements by addressing key construction challenges and promoting effective practices through collaboration with the precast industry, UHPC suppliers, infrastructure owners, and designers. This initiative seeks proposals that focus on overcoming obstacles, improving integration, and ensuring high-quality production through research focused on the development of standardized construction guidelines.

Update #1 ·

The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that is associated with this BAA Call is 693JJ3-24-BAA-0003_A0001 and is provided in the Attachments section, and also linked. Please refer to the BAA for detailed information and instructions on how to participate in this effort.

With the publication of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide Specification for Structural Design with Ultra-High Performance Concrete, nationwide interest in UHPC structural applications for infrastructure has surged. This next-generation concrete technology offers significant advantages over conventional concrete materials, providing a range of structural and durability benefits that enhance resilience and support the modernization of existing infrastructure. To maximize the potential of UHPC in highway construction, establishing clear guidance on best construction practices will help streamline adoption and ensure successful implementation.

UHPC’s optimized mixture composition allows for superior mechanical and structural performance compared to conventional concrete. Its unique rheology and fiber reinforcement require specialized construction techniques tailored to UHPC to ensure that the as-cast component achieves the mechanical properties assumed during the design phase. Factors such as workability, flowability, placement location, flow direction, steam application, heat of hydration, and ambient temperature can affect the performance of the fabricated component and thus require consideration and control. Through refined practices, UHPC can be effectively integrated into infrastructure projects, promoting safety, efficiency, and long-term resilience.

FHWA aims to accelerate adoption of UHPC in highway structural elements by addressing key construction challenges and promoting effective practices through collaboration with the precast industry, UHPC suppliers, infrastructure owners, and designers. This initiative seeks proposals that focus on overcoming obstacles, improving integration, and ensuring high-quality production through research focused on the development of standardized construction guidelines.

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