FRA procurement forecast: Federal Railroad Administration
Contracts the Federal Railroad Administration plans to buy, from its published acquisition forecast. Forecasts come out months before a solicitation is posted on SAM.gov, so this is the time to introduce your business and ask how FRA plans to buy the work.
- Planned buys listed
- 28
- Award expected within 6 months
- 18
- Set aside for small business
- 3
- Updated
- Oct 10, 2026
Upcoming FRA contracts, soonest award first
28 listed
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Email me new forecastsLab Testing Oversight Services
- Award expected
- Work starts Nov 2026
- Estimated value
- $2M to $4.9M
- Set-aside
- Small business
- NAICS
- 541690 Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Description
The objective of the effort is to provide the technical oversight services necessary for the FRA Office of Railroad Safety, Drug and Alcohol Division in all technical and scientific areas which relate to the detection and deterrence of drug and alcohol use in the railroad industry.
Toxicology Testing
- Award expected
- Work starts Nov 2026
- Estimated value
- $2M to $4.9M
- Set-aside
- Small business
- NAICS
- 541380 Testing Laboratories and Services
Description
The purpose of this contract is to provide scientifically sound and legally defensible toxicological analyses of urine, blood samples, and tissue samples, obtained from railroad employees in post-accident testing. The Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) Post Accident Toxicological Testing Program (Program).
Railroad Safety Information Management Support
- Award expected
- Work starts Nov 2026
- Estimated value
- $5M to $9.9M
- Set-aside
- Small business
- NAICS
- 541512 Computer Systems Design Services
Description
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Railroad Safety (RRS) has a need for data and knowledge management support services that will enable sound data management practices and consistently high quality collection and delivery of data related to the safety and operations of railroads, hereafter referred to as safety data, and information assets to FRA and its stakeholders. The contractor will provide services to manage the collection,…
PB-10/PB-17 Maintenance / Office Service Building
- Award expected
- Work starts Nov 2026
- Estimated value
- $2M to $4.9M
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541330 Engineering Services
Description
The purpose of this requirement is to obtain services for the repair and reconfiguration of PB-10/PB-17 Maintenance / Office Service Building.
Financial Internal Control and Risk Assessment
- Award expected
- Work starts Dec 2026
- Estimated value
- $2M to $4.9M
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541519 Other Computer Related Services
Description
Internal controls assessment in accordance with OMB A-123 to support FRA's FMFIA assurance statement, improper payment contract services, and risk assessment on the Amtrak grant program and all FRA programs.
Well Pump System Consolidation
- Award expected
- Work starts Dec 2026
- Estimated value
- $2M to $4.9M
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 811210 Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
Description
Well Pump System Consolidation project for TTC facility.
Enhancing Project Delivery and Cost Efficacy via Investigation of International Peer Practices
- Award expected
- Work starts Jan 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541330 Engineering Services
Description
This is a study of project planning and delivery practices that will build on work done in the academic sphere to understand how FRA can improve project delivery and efficacy from studies of our global peers in Europe and Asia.
TTC Facilities Repair and Rehabilitation 2027
- Award expected
- Work starts Jan 2027
- Estimated value
- $2M to $4.9M
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 236210 Industrial Building Construction
Description
Complete Building System, Electrical Network, External Structure, and Fire/Life/Safety projects to maintain TTC in a state of good repair.
TTC Equipment Purchase; Passenger-Rail Service Building Wheel-Turing Machine
- Award expected
- Work starts Jan 2027
- Estimated value
- $2M to $4.9M
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 333248 All Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
Description
The objective of this PR is to purchase a Wheel-Truing Machine for the repairs, operations and maintenance to all railroad equipment at TTC. All this equipment has been identified as critical for operations and maintenance that supports R&D activities at TTC.
Cooling Tower System Upgrade Project
- Award expected
- Work starts Jan 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541330 Engineering Services
Description
The purpose of this requirement is to obtain services for the upgrade of Transportation Technology Center (TTC) cooling tower system and equipment.
Human Factors Risks in Conventional Switching and Shoving
- Award expected
- Work starts Jan 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541720 Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Description
This project will research human factors risks in conventional switching and shove movements and aim to develop countermeasures and/or best practices for risk mitigation.
Chicago Service Optimization Study
- Award expected
- FY2027
- Estimated value
- $10M to $19M
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541330 Engineering Services
Description
The Chicago Service Optimization Study will identify infrastructure improvements that maximize service and operational improvements while minimizing costs and impacts. The study will identify a unified service vision for the various services accessing Chicago while accounting for terminal, mainline infrastructure, and maintenance facility needs. The study will focus on the long-term routing and service needs of expanded passenger services into and out Chicago Union Station and the associated in…
Development of a Fire Test Facility Phase 2 at TTC
- Award expected
- Work starts Feb 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Description
SA will work with ENSCO and others to develop a test facility, considering both short-term and long-term needs including large full scale testing support.. As part of the Phase II effort, the first series of tests will be conducted.
Advancing Innovative Locomotive Technologies to Improve Engine Efficiency
- Award expected
- Work starts Feb 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Description
This project investigates locomotive engine technologies that advances internal combustion engines for improving efficiency of freight locomotives. Partners with DOE Transportation Technologies Office.
TTC Power System Repair and Reconfiguration
- Award expected
- Work starts Mar 2027
- Estimated value
- $5M to $9.9M
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541330 Engineering Services
Description
The purpose of this requirement is to obtain services for the repair and reconfiguration of Transportation Technology Center (TTC) CORE substation systems and equipment.
TTC Equipment Purchase; GE ES44C4
- Award expected
- Work starts Mar 2027
- Estimated value
- $2M to $4.9M
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 423110 Automobile and Other Motor Vehicle Merchant Wholesalers
Description
The objective of this PR is to purchase a GE ES44C4, Tier 3 Locomotive to replace an existing EMD, GP-9 locomotive rebuilt in 1980 for TTC. This locomotive replacement has been identified as critical for testing, training and operations supports R&D activities at TTC.
LiDAR Grade Crossings Scans: Verification and Calibration
- Award expected
- Work starts Apr 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Description
Sample comparison of FRA LiDAR scans against external data sets, develop a coordinate mapping algorithm, extract the roadway surface from the scans, and provide technical recommendations for future scanning operations.
Dispatch Communication Task Analysis
- Award expected
- Work starts Apr 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Description
This project will complete a full cognitive task analysis for the dispatch role and aim to detail identify communication and process risks. Outcome of project will be proposed countermeasures and risk mitigations.
TTC Equipment Purchase; Utility Cab Tractor & Flex Wing Rotary Cutter
- Award expected
- Work starts Jun 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 333120 Construction Machinery Manufacturing
Description
Purchase a Cab Tractor and Flex Wing Rotary Cutter for operations and maintenance for TTC using GSA. All this equipment has been identified as critical for operations and maintenance that supports R&D activities at TTC.
Upgrade FRA's Vertical Rail Deflection Measurement System
- Award expected
- Work starts Jun 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541330 Engineering Services
Description
Upgrading FRA’s DOTX218 Mail Vertical Rail Deflection Measurement System (VRDMS) to Perform Real-time Analysis and Flag Locations for Detailed Study.
Human Factors Risk Analysis of Shove Movements
- Award expected
- Work starts Jul 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541720 Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Description
This project will complete a full detailed analysis of the increasing risk of shove movements and assess risk factors. This project will analyze SOFA working group data in depth to identify trends and accident areas using qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Coupler Knuckle Fatigue and VLT
- Award expected
- Work starts Jul 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Description
VLT studies have indicated higher than expected in-train forces which could decrease the fatigue life of coupler knuckles, this study will shed light on the change in fatigue life of coupler knuckles due to use in VLTs.
Wayside Detector Technology Best Practices Phase 4
- Award expected
- Work starts Jul 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Description
Continue research to capture best practices with pilot demonstrations on participating railroads of wayside technology systems to detect defects and precursors to safety critical defects in railroad rolling stock.
TEDS Enhancement, Maintenance, and User Support
- Award expected
- Work starts Jul 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541330 Engineering Services
Description
TEDS Enhancement, Maintenance, and User Support for continued improvement and support of FRA and the industry.
TTC Equipment Purchase; Telehandler
- Award expected
- Work starts Jul 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 333120 Construction Machinery Manufacturing
Description
The objective of this PR is to purchase a Telehandler for operations and maitence for TTC using GSA. All this equipment has been identified as critical for operations and maintenance that supports R&D activities at TTC.
Detect Soil Drainage Using Electrical Resistivity Imaging Technique
- Award expected
- Work starts Jul 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Description
Use Electrical Resistivity Imaging to provide accurate readings of track substructure drainage behaviors.
Support for TTC Power System Repair and Reconfiguration
- Award expected
- Work starts Jul 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 541330 Engineering Services
Description
The scope of this contract includes all activities associated with TTC CORE power system repair and reconfiguration, as assigned. Support is anticipated for 1) system evaluation, 2) general design and arrangement reviews, 3) cost estimating, 4) contractor oversight at TTC, 5) alternatives analyses, 6) system test and commissioning oversight, and 7) documentation review.
Battery Safety Standards
- Award expected
- Work starts Jul 2027
- Estimated value
- $500K to $999K
- Set-aside
- Not decided yet
- NAICS
- 519290 Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services
Description
Purchase of relevant domestic and international safety standards for Li-ion batteries used as propulsion systems for trains.
What FRA plans to buy
NAICS codes on FRA's upcoming forecast entries:
| Code | Industry | Planned |
|---|---|---|
| 541330 | Engineering Services | 8 |
| 541715 | Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) | 7 |
| 333120 | Construction Machinery Manufacturing | 2 |
| 541720 | Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities | 2 |
| 236210 | Industrial Building Construction | 1 |
| 333248 | All Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing | 1 |
| 423110 | Automobile and Other Motor Vehicle Merchant Wholesalers | 1 |
| 519290 | Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services | 1 |
| 541380 | Testing Laboratories and Services | 1 |
| 541512 | Computer Systems Design Services | 1 |
| 541519 | Other Computer Related Services | 1 |
| 541690 | Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What is an agency procurement forecast?
A procurement (or acquisition) forecast is an agency's list of contracts it plans to buy in the coming months, published before the solicitation is posted on SAM.gov. Agencies publish them so small businesses can prepare. Each entry usually gives the work, the NAICS code, an estimated value range, the expected solicitation or award quarter and whether it may be set aside.
How should a small business use a forecast?
Pick the planned buys in your NAICS codes, then introduce your business to the agency's small business specialist or program office with a short email and your capability statement. Ask how they plan to buy it: set-aside, contract vehicle and timing. Then watch SAM.gov for a sources sought notice or draft solicitation, which often comes first. Contacting FRA early, while the requirement is still being planned, is when you can still influence a set-aside decision.
How accurate are forecast dates and values?
They are estimates. Dates shown as a quarter or fiscal year are the agency's own (the federal fiscal year starts October 1, so Q1 FY2027 is October to December 2026). Values are ranges. Buys slip, change set-aside or are dropped, and some are never posted. Treat a forecast as an early signal, not a promise.
Where does this forecast data come from?
From the agencies' own public forecast sites: GSA's Acquisition Gateway forecast tool (which carries the forecasts of many departments), the Department of Homeland Security's Acquisition Planning Forecast System, and the Department of Energy and NASA acquisition forecasts. FedReady checks them every day. Agencies that aren't listed publish their forecasts elsewhere; Acquisition.gov links to each one.
Keep going
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Forecast data from GSA Acquisition Gateway forecast tool, public U.S. government information, as of Oct 10, 2026. Forecasts are plans, not promises: dates, values and set-asides change. FedReady is an independent company, not affiliated with the Federal Railroad Administration, SAM.gov or any government agency.