Aging and Fire Testing of Materials

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY.

This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and is a market research tool to determine the availability and adequacy of sources prior to determining the method of acquisition and possible issuance of a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This RFI does not constitute a solicitation for bids, quotations, and proposals, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for or award a competitive contract. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government.

1.0 Description

The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), Cambridge, MA, is conducting the RFI as part of its market research to identify companies and laboratories that perform standard material aging processes and fire testing of materials. This Request for Information does not constitute a solicitation and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government will not pay for any effort expended in responding to this notice.

2.0 Background

The John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) provides technical support to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) railroad systems safety research. The FRA considered the results of the ongoing Volpe fire safety research program when it issued fire safety regulations in 49 CFR, Part 238.103, and Appendix B in 1999, which were modified in 2002. Following the rulemaking, FRA and Volpe staff identified several technical issues relating to the fire performance of certain component materials during the initial rulemaking development, during the on-going FRA research program, or as a result of industry questions and other technical input.

1. Scope

This Request for Information seeks to identify industry partners and fire testing laboratories and to determine capabilities to perform artificial aging processes on materials and material fire tests in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and other standards identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 130, Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems. Capabilities to perform the aging processes identified in Table 1 (See attachment) and material fire tests identified in Table 2 (See attachment) are desired.

Data gathered from each of the tests include but are not limited to the following types of information as specified in the referenced standards:

• Surface flammability


• Smoke emission


• Flame time


• Burn length


• Flame spread


• Radiant panel index


• Specific Optical density of smoke

Fire tests and aging processes are expected to be applied to seat cushions, seat padding, mattresses, armrests, and entire seat assemblies.

4.0 Submission Instructions

Interested Contractors shall provide:

1. A written Statement of Capabilities of sufficient detail demonstrating their understanding, technical capabilities, knowledge and expertise of the Section 3.0 description of requirements.


2. Specific capability (yes/no) to perform each Aging Process identified in Table 1


3. Specific capability (yes/no) to perform each Fire Test identified in Table 2


4. Laboratory capabilities and limitations, including target fire, heat release rate, test article size limitations, measurement limitations, and other applicable limitations


5. Laboratory availability and required lead time to perform each aging process and material fire test


6. Rough order of magnitude cost for each of the aging processes and described tests


7. Suggested NAICS Code that this work should be conducted under.


8. The business size of your business, would be considered under the suggested NAICS code.