Request For Information-DODX Flat Railcars
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- DODXW912CH-26-S-C002
- Agency
-
Department of the Army
Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 336510 Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing
- PSC
- 2220 Rail Cars
- Place of performance
- Warren, Michigan 48092, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS), in conjunction with Army Contracting Command-Detroit Arsenal, is requesting information on heavy-duty railroad flatcar design and production services to replace aging Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet assets facing mandatory retirement starting in 2031, with responses due by June 26, 2026.
ARTRANS seeks industry feedback on four distinct design concepts: a modernized DODX 40000-Series 6-axle flatcar capable of carrying two 72-ton M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks on a single deck with minimum 150-ton capacity and 65,750 pounds per axle gross rail load; a DODX 41000-Series 4-axle flatcar for single tank capacity with 90-ton minimum and 71,500 pounds per axle; a drawbar-connected two-deck configuration carrying one tank per deck; and an open design concept for innovative solutions hauling two 72-ton tanks. All designs must utilize Association of American Railroads (AAR)-approved components, meet AAR Equipment Engineering Committee and Open Top Loading Rules requirements, comply with MIL-STD-810 rail impact testing, support "circus style" loading with 4–5 foot gaps between decks at maximum 48–51 inches above rail, include minimum four steel anchoring channels, accommodate three twenty-foot equivalent containers, and achieve rapid AAR interchange approval with minimal testing.
This is a non-binding Request for Information with no contractual obligation; responses are at no cost to the government and do not constitute a prerequisite for future competition. ARTRANS intends to pursue acquisition through a competitive Commercial Solutions Opening process with anticipated contract award in 2028 and 1–6 year performance period. Total production volumes are anticipated at approximately 500 to 1,200 railcars depending on design, with minimum annual production of 100–200 railcars. Responses must include title page with AAR M-1003 Certification for Activity Code A20, executive summary with 2028 production capabilities, design concept drawings with dimensions, and Rough Order of Magnitude pricing across four annual volume tiers (1–50, 51–100, 101–200, and 200+ railcars per year) including tiedown chain costs. Submissions in Windows 10-compatible format must be submitted electronically by 1700 Eastern Time to Justin D. Fischer or Tyler D. Kenny at the Transportation Systems Branch.
Notice text
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
This initiative is focused on replacing the Army's existing Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet (DFRIF) heavy-duty flatcars which are facing mandatory age-driven retirement starting in 2031. These heavy-duty flatcars, known as the “DODX 40000-Series”, currently can carry two 72-ton M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and other similar Heavy Tracked Vehicles (HTVs) on a single deck. The U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS) is seeking commercial railroad flatcar design and production services to procure replacement heavy duty flatcars capable of carrying up to two nominally 72-ton M1 tanks or equivalent HTVs. This railcar design should also be capable of carrying all other applicable military equipment and containers with maximized carrying capacity (allowed by design) to accommodate potential vehicle weight growth. ARTRANS in conjuction with Army Contracting Command- Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA) is requesting information to engage relevant railcar builders on the availability and feasibility of requested design concepts which ARTRANS has identified as low risk and potentially capable of meeting necessary requirements. Additionally, ARTRANS seeks feedback from industry on other applicable design concepts that may meet the stated requirements but have not been previously considered. ARTRANS is seeking information to foster a robust and competitive future Commercial Solution Opening.
ARTRANS is seeking information on different general railcar design concepts which have significant design and/or capability differences. These concepts were assessed as feasible and at a low risk for rapid production and implementation into interchange service. These concepts include:
- Modernized DODX 40000-series design concept to carry two heavy tracked vehicles on a single deck.
- Modernized DODX 41000-series design concept to carry one heavy tracked vehicle on a single deck.
- Two flatcar bodies permanently connected by a draw bar capable of carrying one heavy tracked vehicle per deck.
- An “Open Design” for previously unconsidered design concepts which can carry two 72-ton M1 tanks and meet all other ARTRANS requirements.
This Request for Information (RFI) formally opens on 06 May 2026. All responses must be submitted no later than 17:00 EST on 26 June 2026. Information received after this closing date and time may not be reviewed or considered for subsequent phases of this initiative.
For more information regarding the Commercial Solutions Opening process please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://www.waru.edu/acquipedia-article/commercial-solutions-opening-cso
***Amended the reponse date from 5 June 2026 to 26 June 2026.***
Update #1 ·
This initiative is focused on replacing the Army's existing Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet (DFRIF) heavy-duty flatcars which are facing mandatory age-driven retirement starting in 2031. These heavy-duty flatcars, known as the “DODX 40000-Series”, currently can carry two 72-ton M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and other similar Heavy Tracked Vehicles (HTVs) on a single deck. The U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS) is seeking commercial railroad flatcar design and production services to procure replacement heavy duty flatcars capable of carrying up to two nominally 72-ton M1 tanks or equivalent HTVs. This railcar design should also be capable of carrying all other applicable military equipment and containers with maximized carrying capacity (allowed by design) to accommodate potential vehicle weight growth. ARTRANS in conjuction with Army Contracting Command- Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA) is requesting information to engage relevant railcar builders on the availability and feasibility of requested design concepts which ARTRANS has identified as low risk and potentially capable of meeting necessary requirements. Additionally, ARTRANS seeks feedback from industry on other applicable design concepts that may meet the stated requirements but have not been previously considered. ARTRANS is seeking information to foster a robust and competitive future Commercial Solution Opening.
ARTRANS is seeking information on different general railcar design concepts which have significant design and/or capability differences. These concepts were assessed as feasible and at a low risk for rapid production and implementation into interchange service. These concepts include:
- Modernized DODX 40000-series design concept to carry two heavy tracked vehicles on a single deck.
- Modernized DODX 41000-series design concept to carry one heavy tracked vehicle on a single deck.
- Two flatcar bodies permanently connected by a draw bar capable of carrying one heavy tracked vehicle per deck.
- An “Open Design” for previously unconsidered design concepts which can carry two 72-ton M1 tanks and meet all other ARTRANS requirements.
This Request for Information (RFI) formally opens on 06 May 2026. All responses must be submitted no later than 17:00 EST on 05 June 2026. Information received after this closing date and time may not be reviewed or considered for subsequent phases of this initiative.
For more information regarding the Commercial Solutions Opening process please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://www.waru.edu/acquipedia-article/commercial-solutions-opening-cso
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