FRA

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

Manages railroad safety and development. Buyer of transportation engineering and safety systems.

FY2026 Budget

$3B+

rail safety, infrastructure, modernization

OSDBU Contact

Office of Small Business Programs - rail.osbp@dot.gov

2026 Trend

High-speed rail expansion, safety system upgrades, rail modernization, grade crossing improvements

How to Win Contracts from Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

As a major federal contracting entity, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (FRA) commands a FY2026 budget of $3B+. The agency consistently utilizes SAM.gov to distribute its competitive and set-aside awards.With a strategic focus on rail transportation expertise and safety systems, this agency presents targeted opportunities for contractors operating within critical NAICS codes like 541320 and 237310.

For emerging contractors, the most effective entry strategy is to identify recompete opportunities — contracts currently held by incumbents that are expiring within the next 12 to 18 months.FRA recompetes often have predictable scopes and defined evaluation criteria, making them significantly easier to bid intelligently than entirely new requirements.

FRA offers rail infrastructure opportunities in expanding high-speed rail market. Engineering expertise valued. Compliance high due to safety focus.

Procurement Focus & Requirements

  • Rail transportation expertise
  • Safety systems
  • Infrastructure engineering
  • Multi-year projects

Top NAICS Codes — FRA

These NAICS codes appear most frequently in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) solicitations. Include these in your SAM.gov registration to appear in agency searches and qualify for relevant set-asides.

Common Recompete Categories at FRA

Recompetes — contracts currently held by an incumbent that are coming up for renewal — are the highest-probability opportunity for new entrants. These categories see recurring recompetes at Federal Railroad Administration (FRA):

1

Rail safety systems

2

High-speed rail infrastructure

3

Safety equipment

4

Modernization projects

Track live recompete opportunities in WinBidIQ

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Contracting: FAQs

How much does Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) spend on contracts annually?+
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) (FRA) has a FY2026 budget of $3B+ (rail safety, infrastructure, modernization). Contract spending goes toward 5 primary NAICS code categories, with high-speed rail expansion, safety system upgrades, rail modernization, grade crossing improvements. Small businesses compete for set-aside contracts across all major spending categories.
What NAICS codes does FRA use for small business contracts?+
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) most frequently awards contracts under NAICS codes 541320, 237310, 541611, 334512, 238210. These cover Rail transportation expertise, Safety systems, Infrastructure engineering. Register in SAM.gov with these codes and ensure your size is within SBA size standards for each code to qualify for set-asides.
How do I contact FRA's small business office?+
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)'s small business contact is: Office of Small Business Programs - rail.osbp@dot.gov. This office — typically called the OSDBU or OSBP — runs small business outreach events, matchmaking sessions, and subcontracting fairs. Attending these events is one of the most effective ways to get pre-RFP visibility with contracting officers.
What types of contracts does FRA award to small businesses?+
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awards set-aside contracts under multiple socioeconomic programs including small business, 8(a) Business Development, WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business), SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned), and HUBZone. Common contract vehicles include Rail safety systems and High-speed rail infrastructure. Most contracts over $25K are posted on SAM.gov.
What is the best strategy to win a first FRA contract?+
Start by identifying recompete opportunities — contracts expiring within 12 months where the incumbent may be vulnerable. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recompete categories include: Rail safety systems; High-speed rail infrastructure; Safety equipment. Build past performance through subcontracting first, then bid on small set-asides. Attend OSDBU outreach events to meet program managers before RFPs drop.
What is FRA's procurement trend for 2026?+
High-speed rail expansion, safety system upgrades, rail modernization, grade crossing improvements. FRA offers rail infrastructure opportunities in expanding high-speed rail market. Engineering expertise valued. Compliance high due to safety focus. Monitor SAM.gov and USASpending.gov for emerging solicitations and forecast notices — ideally 6-12 months before RFP release.

Find FRA Contracts Matched to Your Company

WinBidIQ monitors SAM.gov daily and scores every Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) solicitation by fit to your company profile — NAICS codes, certifications, size, and past performance.