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Core Research Program Technology Transfer & Commercialization Advancement

TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF.PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION.693JK3 ACQUISITION SERVICES DIV · Response deadline: Mon, 16 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is seeking contractor support for its Core Research Program Technology Transfer & Commercialization Advancement. This work involves engineering and related technical services tied to PHMSA's pipeline safety research mission, specifically helping translate research findings into practical applications and commercial products that advance pipeline safety and hazardous materials transportation.

This falls under NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), a broad category covering firms that apply physical laws and principles of engineering in the design, development, and utilization of machines, materials, instruments, structures, processes, and systems. For PHMSA, this typically includes technical analysis, feasibility studies, prototype development support, and strategies to move federally funded research into marketplace adoption.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is open to all qualified firms regardless of size or socioeconomic status—there is no small-business set-aside. Large businesses, small businesses, and firms in socioeconomic programs (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB) may all compete on equal footing. However, given PHMSA's research-oriented mission, the agency likely values demonstrated expertise in: technology transfer mechanisms (e.g., CRADAs, licensing, cooperative agreements), pipeline or hazardous materials domain knowledge, and proven track records commercializing federally funded R&D. Firms with past performance supporting DOT, DOE, or other research-heavy agencies may have competitive advantages. Small businesses should realistically assess whether they can compete against larger engineering firms on technical merit, staffing, and past performance for this type of specialized R&D support work.

How to put together a competitive bid

See the solicitation for exact technical requirements and evaluation criteria. Generally, strong proposals for PHMSA technology transfer work should emphasize:

• Technical approach: Detail your methodology for advancing research from lab to market, including stakeholder engagement strategies, industry partnership development, and commercialization pathway analysis specific to pipeline safety technologies.
• Personnel qualifications: Identify staff with direct experience in technology transfer, intellectual property management, and the energy/transportation sector. Résumés should show relevant federal research commercialization experience.
• Past performance: Cite comparable contracts—ideally with DOT, DOE, NSF, or other agencies with robust research portfolios. Quantify outcomes: technologies licensed, startups formed, industry partnerships established, or research adoption rates achieved.
• Understanding of PHMSA's Core Research Program: Demonstrate familiarity with the program's focus areas (pipeline integrity, hazardous materials safety, underground storage) and how this commercialization effort integrates with ongoing research at PHMSA's Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee and other advisory bodies.
• Small-business considerations: Without set-aside protection, emphasize agility, specialized niche expertise, or innovative commercialization models that larger firms may lack.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 693JK326RA002 to obtain the statement of work, evaluation factors, and submission instructions.
2. Note the deadline: Proposals are due November 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
3. Verify SAM registration and any required certifications are current before preparing your response.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →