U.S. DOT FY 2024.1 Phase I Pre-Solicitation Q&A

* * * 2/6/24 Update: The Pre-solicitation is now closed. Topic questions are no longer being accepted. * * *

This U.S. DOT Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Pre-solicitation Q&A Forum provides small businesses an opportunity to submit clarifying questions on the topics published in the U.S. DOT Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.1 Phase I Pre-Solicitation. Questions will be answered by the Technical Experts/Topic Authors at the U.S.DOT Operating Administrations during this period. Questions shall be limited to improving the understanding of a particular topic's requirements and should not share proposal ideas nor proprietary information.

The U.S. DOT’s FY 2024.1 Pre-Solicitation period is January 4,2024, through February 6, 2024, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time (ET). Only questions posted within this period will be responded to.

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The Pre-solicitation is now closed.

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Can separate and different co-located hazardous materials placards be proposed for redundancy?

The overall solution should identify or propose a readily available tool, technology, or material to improve the survivability of placards on rail tank cars or other motor vehicles that were involved in a hazardous material incident or withstand environmental damage without compromising or degrading safety. For the survivability of pertinent information it seems redundant hazardous materials placards on the bulk package would be helpful. The primary placard might be engulfed in flames but a secondary one may be accessible to first responders arriving on the scene.

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3 comments · 24-PH2: Survivability of Hazardous Materials Placards · Delete… · Admin →
placard

The topic description says in general "Placards are often subjected to harsh conditions during transportation, including exposure to weather elements, chemical exposure, and physical damage". But then, in the specific description of the desired solution, only one environmental factor is mentioned: "The overall solution . . . must be able to survive high excessive heat". Is excess heat the most important factor in evaluating a solution, and is there a quantitative criteria anticipated for the final solicitation? (e.g. temperature and time of exposure)

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2 comments · 24-PH2: Survivability of Hazardous Materials Placards · Delete… · Admin →
24-PH2 survivability of hazardous material placards

I previously asked "he topic description says in general "Placards are often subjected to harsh conditions during transportation, including exposure to weather elements, chemical exposure, and physical damage". But then, in the specific description of the desired solution, only one environmental factor is mentioned: "The overall solution . . . must be able to survive high excessive heat". Is excess heat the most important factor in evaluating a solution, and is there a quantitative criteria anticipated for the final solicitation? (e.g. temperature and time of exposure)" and a Mr Andrew Leyder replied "Excess heat is a factor in evaluating the solution, as the placards are placed on tank cars and cargo tank motor vehicles carrying highly flammable commodities. There are no quantitative criteria for temperature, as for the exposure time, the solution should withstand excess heat for 30 minutes more."

Is there any minimum weather exposure lifespan required? Is there a maximum lifespan? Are there any suggested weather environmental qualification tests such as ASTM, or NFRC?

The topic mentions exposure to harsh chemicals, Is there any particular class of chemical we should focus on, such as acids or alkaline? Is there any particular proof test we should be designing for?

The Topic mentions in Phase I, that we should potentially look at a prototype, would DOT want that as a deliverable to Volpe, or merely part of the report?

Also, the topic does talk towards survability in high temperature, does DOT aim for the placards to be read during a fire event or for post fire Cleanup assessment? It's a little different trying to design something so people can read the markers during smoke and flame, vs afterwards when they are assessing cleanup and personnel protection. Also if the placard is meant to be read during a fire, will we be able to count on the first responders having either binoculars or IR imagers to read the placards?

I previously asked "he topic description says in general "Placards are often subjected to harsh conditions during transportation, including exposure to weather elements, chemical exposure, and physical damage". But then, in the specific description of the desired solution, only one environmental factor is mentioned: "The overall solution . . . must be able to survive high excessive heat". Is excess heat the most important factor in evaluating a solution, and is there a quantitative criteria anticipated for the final solicitation? (e.g. temperature and time of exposure)" and a Mr Andrew Leyder replied "Excess heat is a factor in evaluating the…

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1 comment · 24-PH2: Survivability of Hazardous Materials Placards · Delete… · Admin →
Are metallic placards of interest?

we could fabricate metallic placards, but we worry about the costs.
Is there a cost target?

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1 comment · 24-PH2: Survivability of Hazardous Materials Placards · Delete… · Admin →

U.S. DOT FY 2024.1 Phase I Pre-Solicitation Q&A

The Pre-solicitation is now closed.

Can separate and different co-located hazardous materials placards be proposed for redundancy?

placard

24-PH2 survivability of hazardous material placards

Are metallic placards of interest?

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