FY 26 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) - Federal Railroad Administration
FRA seeks applied research concept papers and proposals for contract-funded railroad research in track, rolling stock/equipment, and train control/communications.
⚑ Federal contract BAA; concept papers required before proposal submission · Topics may be removed/amended during the 18-month open period · No set-aside indicated; full and open competition stated
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 90 strong | technical depth: central; funds applied research |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 45 partial | funds applied research; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
| IPPRA | 40 partial | outside portfolio topics; social/behavioral work is none; funds applied research |
Description
The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) FY 2026 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicits a variety of applied research projects that will support Department of Transportation and FRA strategic objectives. The research needs are in the three FRA research areas: Track, Rolling Stock and Equipment, and Train Control and Communications. The BAA consists of several research topics for potential contractors to submit concept papers for FRA’s review. We recommend full and open competition for the FY 2026 BAA. Concept papers are approved if they meet the objectives of FRA research topics in the BAA. Contractors with approved concept papers will have the opportunity to submit a proposal for possible contract award. This effort extends for a period of 18 months, therefore the response date is anytime within the 18 month period. However, this announcement is subject to periodic Amendments updating the status of available research topics. Once a research topic becomes unavailable, the research topic will be removed from the announcement allowing the available research topics to gain more visibility. The FRA is committed to excellence and welcomes top innovators, creators, professors, rail enthusiasts, and rail subject matter experts to take on this BAA opportunity.
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: No Set aside used. Notice type: Special Notice. Organization: TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF / FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION / FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION.
Apply
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Federal (generic) conventions SEE A FEDERAL EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Federal (generic)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.