Laboratory Capabilities to Test Fiber Reinforced Plastic Materials (FRP) and Portable Tanks made with FRP Materials

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)/Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issues this Request for Information (RFI) for a contractor to assist in PHMSA's better understanding of the performance of FRP portable tanks constructed according to the United Nations Model Regulations (UNMR) under pool fire conditions.

The pool fire test requirements will mirror the requirements of the UNMR, except instead of a duration of 30 minutes the test shall continue until such a time as the tank experiences a complete failure. The tests will also include collecting pressure and temperature data from in and around the tank during the test. The portable tanks are to be filled with water (80% of capacity) and fully equipped with all operating equipment, including typical valves, piping, and PRDs.

The Department of Transportation/Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) seeks information from interested parties concerning the attached Statement of Purpose. DOT/PHMSA would like to identify capable vendors that have the ability to complete the requested tasks and deliverables. Please refer to the table listed under the "Scope" section of the Statement of Purpose, as well as the eleven (11) items of interest and provide your responses.