REQUEST FOR INFORMATION-DODX FLAT RAILCARS

This initiative is focused on replacing the Army's existing Defense Freight Railway Interchange Fleet (DFRIF) heavy-duty flatcars which are facing mandatory age-driven retirement starting in 2031. These heavy-duty flatcars, known as the “DODX 40000-Series”, currently can carry two 72-ton M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and other similar Heavy Tracked Vehicles (HTVs) on a single deck. The U.S. Army Transportation Command (ARTRANS) is seeking commercial railroad flatcar design and production services to procure replacement heavy duty flatcars capable of carrying up to two nominally 72-ton M1 tanks or equivalent HTVs. This railcar design should also be capable of carrying all other applicable military equipment and containers with maximized carrying capacity (allowed by design) to accommodate potential vehicle weight growth. ARTRANS in conjuction with Army Contracting Command- Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA) is requesting information to engage relevant railcar builders on the availability and feasibility of requested design concepts which ARTRANS has identified as low risk and potentially capable of meeting necessary requirements. Additionally, ARTRANS seeks feedback from industry on other applicable design concepts that may meet the stated requirements but have not been previously considered. ARTRANS is seeking information to foster a robust and competitive future Commercial Solution Opening.

ARTRANS is seeking information on different general railcar design concepts which have significant design and/or capability differences. These concepts were assessed as feasible and at a low risk for rapid production and implementation into interchange service. These concepts include:

• Modernized DODX 40000-series design concept to carry two heavy tracked vehicles on a single deck.
• Modernized DODX 41000-series design concept to carry one heavy tracked vehicle on a single deck.
• Two flatcar bodies permanently connected by a draw bar capable of carrying one heavy tracked vehicle per deck.
• An “Open Design” for previously unconsidered design concepts which can carry two 72-ton M1 tanks and meet all other ARTRANS requirements.

This Request for Information (RFI) formally opens on 06 May 2026. All responses must be submitted no later than 17:00 EST on 05 June 2026. Information received after this closing date and time may not be reviewed or considered for subsequent phases of this initiative.

For more information regarding the Commercial Solutions Opening process please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://www.waru.edu/acquipedia-article/commercial-solutions-opening-cso