Health Monitoring of Roller Bearings Using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy(RUS)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) intends to award a sole-source contract to BlueHalo Labs LLC to advance a Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS)–based roller bearing inspection system. This effort serves as a follow-on requirement to continue research previously performed by the contractor during a base performance period. The project aims to mitigate safety and operational risks to the U.S. rail network by utilizing RUS combined with machine-learning-based anomaly detection to identify internal roller bearing defects before catastrophic failure occurs. Previous activities established the Roller Bearing Damage Detector (RBDD) concept and validated laboratory performance using resonant-vibration spectral peak identification and unsupervised anomaly detection models.

This special notice, identified by solicitation number FR26RDI2000000003, is conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, as BlueHalo Labs LLC is considered the only responsible source capable of providing these services without disruption or duplication of cost. The performance period is scheduled from May 4, 2026, to November 3, 2027, with work occurring in Albuquerque, NM. The primary point of contact for this requirement is Akwasi Kankam. Capability statements from interested parties must be received by May 3, 2026, and must demonstrate the ability to perform the continuation effort without loss of program continuity.

The opportunity is classified under NAICS 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) and PSC AS11 for Transportation R&D Services; Surface Transportation, Public Transit, and Rail; Basic Research. No solicitation document exists for this requirement, and there are currently zero attachments associated with the notice. The FRA is not obligated to award a contract or pay for any information provided in response to this announcement.