The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) has released a request for proposals (RFP) for a flatcar training platform buildout, part of its Safety Train project. Submissions are due April 15, 2026.
The Safety Train project, announced last spring, is slated to help bolster the SLSI’s hazardous materials (hazmat) emergency response training, which is offered to short line and regional railroad employees and first responders.
The train will comprise a classroom railcar, tank car(s), and a flatcar with tank car valve and fitting configurations, allowing users to see the size and scale of and interact directly with the equipment they would encounter on the job or in an emergency, according to SLSI. It will be used to provide comprehensive hazmat training with both hands-on and classroom components.
The SLSI’s RFP No. 2026-001 is for the modification of an existing flatcar into a training platform “with multiple exhibits (props) affixed to the railcar deck, and in displays within 20-foot shipping containers,” according to the RFP (download below; see general layout design, top). “The completed project will provide an open, safe learning environment with safety railings, a non-slip painted deck surface, and stair access on both sides of the car. It will also include pre-wired electrical for lighting, fans, etc., powered by shore line supply provided by an adjacent boxcar classroom, or an on-board portable power generator. A removable lightweight, durable, all-weather sunshade on a guidewire system anchored between the two containers.”
Props or training aids will include:
- “Complete DOT105 ‘next gen’ housing commonly used in chlorine transportation. Includes two liquid valves, one vapor valve, and combination pressure relief device. Housing dome cover/lid with lift assist.
- “Complete DOT112 housing commonly used in LPG/Anhydrous Ammonia service. Includes two liquid valves, one vapor valve, pressure relief device, magnetic gauging device, sample line valve, and thermometer well. This housing will also show a representative view of the eduction tubes, sample line, thermometer well, and magnetic gauging device below the pressure plate … Magnetic gauging device trimmed to fit and functional. Ends of tubes to be sealed to prevent insect infestation. One liquid eduction tube to be tapped with common pneumatic fitting and drain valve for liquid or vapor leak simulation. Housing dome cover/lid with lift assist.
- “DOT 113 cryogenic fittings compartment … SLSI will provide the fittings compartment assembly to construction site. Bidder will need to finish the exterior enclosure with sheet metal and fabricate a mounting base. Paint to match project.
- “Compete DOT 117 housing commonly used in petroleum crude oil service. Includes liquid valve, vapor valve, pressure relief device, and vacuum relief valve. Housing dome cover/lid with lift assist.
- “Common acid/HCL assembly to include fittings plate, fill hole, liquid valve, air valve, and rupture disc assembly.
- “Legacy 111 display commonly used for diesel fuel service. Three main components to be placed in relationship to each other as seen on units in service.”
The RFP also includes a list of components that will be on display in the finished instructional areas of each of the containers. One container will house components relating to high pressure tank cars, and the other container will house components relating to general service tank cars. These components will be affixed to display tables that are free-standing lengthwise with the container.
SLSI Executive Director Tom Murta is the project lead. RFP questions are due April 5, 2026, and RFP submissions are due April 15, 2026. Bid selection is scheduled for April 30, 2026, and the project start date is May 15, 2026.
