Request For Information-DODX Flat Railcars

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information on innovative, production-ready, and interchange-ready flatcar designs to replace the U.S. Army's current heavy-duty flatcar fleet, which faces mandatory retirement beginning in 2031. The goal is to identify solutions that meet current and future strategic mobility needs, accommodate potential vehicle weight growth, and maximize cargo flexibility. The information gathered will aid in developing final requirements and determining the optimal acquisition strategy, potentially leading to a competitive Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process.

The RFI outlines four distinct design concepts for which industry input is sought:

• DODX 40000-Series 6-Axle Heavy-Duty Flatcar: Capable of carrying two M1 Abrams tanks or other heavy tracked vehicles (HTVs) on a single deck. Requires replication of current dimensional measurements, functionality, and hauling capacity, with modern materials and design improvements.
• DODX 41000-Series 4-Axle Heavy/Wide Flatcar: Capable of carrying one M1 Abrams tank or other HTVs. Seeks modernization of the existing design with modern materials and processes.
• Draw-Bar Heavy/Wide Flatcar: A double-unit design (two permanently connected decks) capable of hauling two M1 Abrams tanks, one per deck. Must use standard commercial components and be production-ready.
• Open Design Concept: For hauling two 72-ton M1 Abrams tanks, potentially via single-unit or multi-unit designs. Open to leveraging modern materials and processes.

Common requirements across concepts include:

• Minimum carrying capacity of 90-150 tons (depending on design).

• "Circus style" loading/unloading capability.

• Compliance with AAR clearance standards (Plate B or C).

• Minimum of four flush-mounted steel anchoring channels.

• Collapsible ISO pedestal mounts for TEUs.

• AAR-approved end-of-car hydraulic cushioning.

• Initial contract award anticipated in 2028.

• Period of performance: 1 to 6 years.

• Estimated production volumes vary by design concept (ranging from 500 to 1,200 railcars).

• Minimum required production capability: 100-200 railcars per year.

• Responses are voluntary and at no cost to the Government.

• Submissions are for informational and planning purposes only; they do not constitute contractual offers.

• Responses are due by 1700 Eastern Time Zone on June 26, 2026.

• Submissions should be electronic, in Microsoft Windows 10 compatible software.

• Responses should be specific, data-driven, and adhere to content/format requirements (max 5 pages or 15 slides per concept).

• Include a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) unit price for various volume tiers.

• Offerors are encouraged to submit proposals for multiple design concepts.

Not specified in this document.

• Proprietary data must be clearly marked.
• No classified data should be submitted.
• The Government is not responsible for public disclosure of unmarked data.
• Respondents should provide feedback on any requirements viewed as overly restrictive or inhibiting competition.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS) in partnership with the Army Contracting Command-Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA) to gather market research on innovative solutions for recapitalizing the Army's heavy-duty flatcar fleet. The goal is to identify potential acquisition strategies and develop final requirements for a future solicitation. The Army faces a capability gap due to the mandatory retirement of current flatcars beginning in 2031.

ARTRANS is seeking modern, cost-effective, production-ready, and interchange-ready flatcar designs. Specific design concepts include:

• DODX 40000-Series 6-Axle Heavy-Duty Flatcar: To carry two M1 Abrams tanks or other Heavy Tracked Vehicles (HTVs) on a single deck. Key requirements include a nominal capacity of at least 150 tons, compliance with AAR Plate B clearance standards, and specific load tie-down features.
• DODX 41000-Series 4-Axle Heavy/Wide Flatcar: To carry one M1 Abrams tank or other HTVs. Key requirements include a nominal capacity of at least 90 tons, compliance with AAR Plate C clearance standards, and specific load tie-down features.
• Draw-Bar Heavy/Wide Flatcar: A double-unit design (two permanently connected decks) to carry two 72-ton M1 Abrams tanks (one per deck). Key requirements include a minimum deck width of 10-ft 5-in, and compliance with AAR Plate B or C clearance standards.
• Open Design Concept: For hauling two 72-ton M1 Abrams tanks, potentially as single-unit or multi-unit designs. Focus on leveraging modern materials and manufacturing processes.

All proposed designs must utilize AAR-approved components, meet or exceed AAR Equipment Engineering Committee (EEC) and Open Top Loading Rules (OTLR), and comply with MIL-STD-810 rail impact test requirements.

Initial contract award is anticipated in 2028, with a period of performance ranging from 1 to 6 years. Production volumes are estimated to range from approximately 500 to 1,200 railcars, with a minimum required production capability of 100-200 railcars per year, depending on the design concept.

• Response Deadline: 05 June 2026, 1700 Eastern Time Zone.
• Submission Method: Electronically via Microsoft Windows 10 compatible software, preferably to specified email addresses or via DoD SAFE.
• Content: Responses should be specific, data-driven, and include a title page, executive summary, design concept description, and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing. Responses are limited to five single-sided pages or fifteen slides per design concept.
• Evaluation: The Government will evaluate submissions to aid in acquisition planning and requirement development. This RFI does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.

Not specified in this document.

• Participation is voluntary and at no cost to the USG. Responses are for informational purposes only and not considered contractual offers.
• Proprietary information must be clearly marked according to the guidelines provided.
• Respondents are encouraged to provide feedback on any requirements that may be overly restrictive or inhibit competition.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a technical drawing detailing the general arrangement of a 68 ft, 100-ton flat car for U.S. Military application. It provides detailed dimensions, material specifications, and references to other related drawings.

• Overall Dimensions: Includes length over end sills (68'-0"), over side sills (68'-0"), and between pulling faces of couplers.
• Container Capacity: Shows configurations for 20' and 40' containers, including route boards.
• Material Specifications: Lists various steel types required, including ASTM A-572 GR.50, ASTM A-36, and ASTM A-576, with notes on copper content and Charpy notch requirements.
• Component Details: Illustrates sections of the car, including the center sill, side sills, end sills, and the center plate.
• Reference Drawings: Lists related drawings for underframe, center sill, stencilling, brake, truck, end arrangements, and container pedestal.

This drawing is crucial for bidders to understand the physical specifications and material requirements for the flat car. It serves as a technical baseline for manufacturing, modification, or repair opportunities related to this equipment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a technical drawing titled "GENERAL ARRANGEMENT 68'-0 140 TON FLAT CAR". It provides detailed engineering specifications and dimensions for a flat car.

• Diagrams: Includes multiple views of the flat car, such as end views, side views, and cross-sections.
• Dimensions: Specifies various measurements including overall length, width, height, truck centers, wheel base, and dimensions for components like bolsters, decking, and crossbearers.
• Materials: Indicates specific materials and structural components used, such as "14x22 PLT", "MC 6 x 15.3 lb. CHANNEL", and "3x3x6 STRUCTURAL TUBING".
• Legend: Provides a key for symbols and notations used in the drawing.
• Contract Information: References "CONTRACT NO. DBA-JO9-80-5393" and "CONTRACTOR".
• Limited Rights Data: Includes a "LEGEND" and "EXPLANATION OF LIMITED RIGHTS DATA" indicating restrictions on the use of this information.

This drawing is crucial for any bidder involved in the manufacturing, modification, or maintenance of the 140-ton flat car. It provides the precise specifications required for production or assessment, ensuring compliance with design standards. Bidders must review these technical details to understand the exact requirements for the opportunity.