Health Monitoring of Roller Bearings Using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy(RUS)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) intends to award a sole-source contract to BlueHalo Labs LLC to advance a Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS)–based roller bearing inspection system. This project serves as a follow-on requirement to work previously performed by BlueHalo under contract number 693JJ624C000042. During the initial phase, the contractor established the Roller Bearing Damage Detector (RBDD) concept and validated the technical feasibility of using RUS combined with machine-learning-based anomaly detection to identify internal bearing defects before catastrophic failure. The upcoming phase continues these efforts to address safety and operational risks within the U.S. rail network by utilizing resonant-vibration spectral peak identification and unsupervised anomaly detection models.

The procurement is classified under NAICS 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) and PSC AS11 for Transportation R&D Services; Surface Transportation, Public Transit, and Rail; Basic Research. This action is conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, as only one responsible source is identified to continue the effort without duplication of cost or loss of program continuity. The anticipated period of performance runs from May 4, 2026, through November 3, 2027, with primary activities located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Identified as solicitation number FR26RDI2000000003, this special notice requires capability statements from interested parties to be submitted by May 3, 2026. Submissions must demonstrate the ability to perform the RUS continuation effort without disrupting the established research timeline. Akwasi Kankam serves as the point of contact for this notice, which currently includes no associated attachments.