R&D Solicitations

New Solicitations

Broad Agency Announcement 2021

In this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) of PHMSA solicits concepts which could eventually lead to contract awards. PHMSA is looking for innovative ideas for leading-edge research and innovative techniques to advance the safe transportation of hazardous materials (HM). This BAA is published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 35.016 and 6.102(d)(2). More Information on Research Topics and Deadlines Can be Found Here.

Solicitation Types Used by OHMS

The Office of Engineering and Research is charged with conducting research in support of improving hazardous materials safety. These activities support the objectives of the US DOT, PHMSA's mission-critical needs, and the public safety as a whole.

• Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs): A BAA announces an agency's research interests including criteria for selecting proposals and soliciting the participation of all offerors capable of satisfying the government's needs.
• Requests for Information (RFIs): An RFI is used when a government agency does not presently intend to award a contract, but wants to obtain price, delivery, other market information or capabilities for planning purposes. Responses to these notices are not offers and cannot be accepted by the government to form a binding contract.
• Requests for Proposals (RFPs): An RFP is used in negotiated acquisitions to communicate government requirements to prospective contractors and to solicit proposals.
• Requests for Quotes (RFQs): An RFQ is a solicitation that provides in exacting detail a list or description of all relevant parameters of the requirement. RFQs are best suited to commercial products and services.

Justification and Approvals (J&As) for awards, as well as sole source requirements, are posted on the SAM website at beta.sam.gov.