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

The Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued a Request for Information seeking laboratory capabilities to test Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) portable tanks under specialized pool fire conditions. The agency requires testing services that mirror United Nations Model Regulations requirements but with a critical modification - tests must continue until complete tank failure occurs rather than the standard 30-minute duration. Contractors must demonstrate capabilities for comprehensive testing including vibration testing, non-destructive evaluation technique development, and pool fire testing of tanks filled to 80% water capacity and equipped with all standard operating components including valves, piping, and pressure relief devices. PHMSA seeks vendors capable of collecting detailed pressure and temperature data throughout the testing process and completing both benchtop feasibility testing and full-scale validation testing. Responses are due to Stephen Jones and Tremayne Terry by 5:00 PM EST on August 11, 2025, and must be 7-10 pages long in double-spaced, 12-point font format. Respondents should include company information, capability descriptions, previous experience with similar services, potential teaming arrangements, and hourly rates.

This opportunity does not include any set-aside designations and no incumbent contractors or current service providers are identified in the documentation. The RFI does not specify award values, budget ranges, or contract quantities as this is purely an information-gathering exercise rather than a formal solicitation. The testing program appears to focus on developing better understanding of FRP portable tank performance characteristics through destructive testing methodologies. PHMSA intends to use the responses to guide future research initiatives and potential contract development activities. The specialized nature of the testing requirements suggests this work will likely involve a limited number of highly specialized testing facilities with advanced fire testing capabilities and expertise in hazardous materials container evaluation. The timeline for any resulting contracts or the number of tanks to be tested has not been specified in this preliminary market research phase.