Interactive Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Training Platform Development

Request for Information (RFI) & Sources Sought
(pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulations- Part 5)

Interactive Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Training Platform Development

Issued By: Department of Transportation | Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Date of Issue: September 9, 2026

Response Deadline: September 28, 2026

SIC/Product Service Code: 7373 Computer Integrated Systems
NAICS Code: 541511 Custom Computer Programming Services

1. Introduction

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking information from interested parties and potential vendors regarding the development of an Interactive LNG Training Platform. The interactive, virtual LNG plant training platform should allow users to perform virtual plant walkdowns, review piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and visualize process flows through the internal components of critical machinery (e.g., valves, vessels, pumps, compressors).

This RFI is intended for market research purposes only and supports ongoing agency acquisition planning aligned with modern federal procurement principles.

2. Project Background and Goals

PHMSA is committed to enhancing the safety and oversight of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities. The objective of this project is to create a digital, high-fidelity, and interactive training environment that allows inspectors to simulate complex operational scenarios and safety inspections.

Key goals include:

• Improving technical competency in LNG facility oversight.
• Utilizing 3D immersive technologies and digital twin capabilities to bridge the gap between classroom and field.
• Creating a scalable, modular curriculum that evolves with regulatory standards.
• Maximizing the leverage of commercial solutions and modern cloud infrastructure.

3. Key Information Requested

PHMSA requests that interested respondents provide detailed information on the following categories:

3.1 Company Profile & Administrative Information

Please complete the following table to assist PHMSA in market research and business size determination:

Company Name

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

CAGE Code

Socioeconomic Business Size (e.g., SDVOSB, 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, Small, Large)

Point of Contact Information (Name, Email, Phone)

[Vendor Name]

[12-character UEI]

[5-charac ter CAGE]

t[Socioeconomic Status]

[Name, Email, Phone]

• Small Business Capacity: If identified as a small business, please state whether your firm possesses the internal capacity and capability to perform as the prime contractor for a project of this scope or if teaming/subcontracting arrangements would be necessary.

3.2 Technical Capabilities & Innovation

• Describe your firm’s experience in developing high-fidelity 3D simulations or "Digital Twins" for industrial facilities.
• What hardware and software requirements do you typically recommend for a platform of this scale?
• Explain your approach to ensuring interactivity and user engagement within a training module.
• Commerciality & COTS Analysis: To what extent can your proposed solution leverage existing Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software components, modular training engines, or commercial 3D/VR frameworks versus requiring custom government-unique software development?

3.3 Content and Curriculum Design

• How do you approach mapping technical regulatory requirements (e.g., 49 CFR Part 193) into interactive learning objectives?
• Describe your capability to develop branching scenarios where trainee decisions lead to different safety outcomes.

3.4 Cybersecurity, Hosting & Data Rights

• Deployment & Cloud Posture: Describe your solution's typical deployment model (e.g., SaaS, FedRAMP-authorized Cloud, On-Premise, Hybrid) and compatibility with federal cybersecurity frameworks (FAR Part 40 / CUI handling).
• Intellectual Property & Licensing: Describe your standard licensing structure and approach to data rights for custom-developed 3D models, code, and scenario content (e.g., proprietary licensing vs. Government Purpose Rights / Unlimited Rights).

3.5 Past Performance

Please provide details on up to three (3) recent projects of similar scope and complexity:

Project Title

Client Type (Gov/Private)

Core Technology Used

Year Completed

[Project 1]

[Gov/Private]

[Tech Stack / Engines]

[Year]

[Project 2]

[Gov/Private]

[Tech Stack / Engines]

[Year]

[Project 3]

[Gov/Private]

[Tech Stack / Engines]

[Year]

3.6 Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) and Timeline

• Provide a non-binding estimate of the typical timeline for developing a comprehensive training platform with 5–10 high-complexity modules.
• Outline standard pricing models (e.g., fixed-price development, recurring licensing fees, maintenance, and ongoing support).

4. Submission Instructions & Industry Engagement

Responses should be submitted in electronic format to the point of contact listed below. Please limit technical responses to 20 pages, excluding company brochures or supplemental past performance data.

• Industry Engagement / Vendor Demos: PHMSA may, at its discretion, invite select respondents to participate in virtual demonstrations or technical exchange sessions to further inform agency acquisition planning.

USDOT Point of Contact:

Loni Chinn  Email: loni.chinn@dot.gov

5. Disclaimer:  This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. PHMSA will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI.