FY 26 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) - Federal Railroad Administration

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued Special Notice 693JJ626R000001 to solicit applied research projects under the Fiscal Year 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). This initiative supports Department of Transportation and FRA strategic objectives within three primary research areas: Track, Rolling Stock and Equipment, and Train Control and Communications. The procurement is classified under NAICS 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), and carries no set-aside, designated as NONE. Performance of these research activities will occur within the USA.

The BAA process requires the submission of concept papers addressing specific research topics for FRA review. Concept papers approved for meeting FRA objectives allow contractors to submit subsequent proposals for potential contract awards. The FRA utilizes full and open competition for this 15-month performance period, with a final response deadline of September 30, 2027. While concept papers are accepted throughout this window, the announcement is subject to periodic amendments that remove specific research topics once they are no longer available.

Administrative oversight is managed by the Federal Railroad Administration through the General BAA E-Mail Inbox. The solicitation includes 11 attachments containing reporting and assessment templates, such as the FY26 BAA Quad Templates, Quarterly and Monthly Report Templates, and the FRA Research Results Report Template. Other supporting documents include a Title of Report Template and a Contractor Performance Self Assessment Worksheet.