FY 26 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) - Federal Railroad Administration
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued its FY 2026-2027 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Solicitation Number 693JJ626R000001, seeking innovative applied research projects. This BAA aims to support Department of Transportation and FRA strategic objectives by improving the safety and efficiency of freight and passenger rail operations in the U.S. The opportunity is open to any responsible source, including universities, non-profits, and corporations, with no specific set-aside. Small businesses, HBCUs, and MSIs are encouraged to participate.
Scope of Work
The FRA is soliciting research in three primary areas: Track, Rolling Stock and Equipment, and Train Control and Communications. Projects should address specific topics outlined in Appendix C and must be at least at the proof-of-concept testing stage (Technology Readiness Level 3) or higher. The overarching goal is to develop technologies that reduce operational risks, human/technology failures, and capital costs, while improving reliability and domestic manufacturing of rail equipment.
Contract Details
Awards will primarily be Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, though other structures may be justified. Individual awards are anticipated to range between $50,000 and $500,000, but can be of any dollar value. This is a contracted effort, not a grant. Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov.
Submission & Evaluation
The BAA employs a two-step process:
- Concept Papers: Submitted electronically to FRABAA@dot.gov. These are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout FY26 and FY27, with the final submission deadline being September 30, 2027. Research topics may be removed once sufficient Concept Papers are received.
- Project Proposals: Only invited offerors with approved Concept Papers will submit full proposals. These will be evaluated based on technical factors, cost/pricing, and past performance.
Bidders must complete the FAR 52.204-24 representation regarding covered telecommunications equipment or services (Appendix D).
Deliverables & Reporting
Contractors will be required to submit annual Research Results reports or Technical Reports (using templates in Appendix H and I), as well as monthly or quarterly progress reports (using templates in Appendix J and K). All deliverables and progress reports must be submitted electronically. Contractors will also use DD Form 882 for reporting inventions and subcontracts (Appendix F) and the CPARS Contractor Performance Self-Assessment Worksheet (Appendix G) for performance evaluation. Final deliverables may need to be compatible with Google Docs.
Key Dates
- Published Date: May 21, 2026
- Concept Paper Submission End Date: September 30, 2027 (rolling basis)