This is an RFI/market-research request from the U.S. DOT Volpe Center for information on Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) for railroad tank cars to support FRA fire-performance research, not a solicitation or commitment. Vendors must show ability to supply fully assembled test specimens or sufficient materials to fabricate them without specialized facilities, with at least two pool-fire and two torch-fire specimens per TPS. Pool-fire specimens are applied to 1 ft by 1 ft steel plates of nominal 0.625-inch thickness, and torch-fire specimens to 4 ft by 4 ft plates of nominal 0.625-inch thickness, for simulated fire exposures extending beyond the 100-minute pool and 30-minute torch durations in Appendix B to 49 CFR 179. The RFI seeks details on TPS construction/brand/item numbers, surface preparation and fabrication steps, current tank-car use and PHMSA-list status (preferred but not required), willingness to sell and share existing fire-test data/proprietary protections, estimated lead time/risks, estimated prices, small-business classification, and other industry concerns. Information gathered will inform possible future procurement or acquisition planning.