1-DART RFI Hazard Detection and Monitoring Systems11.12.2025.pdf

November 12, 2025

Subject: Request for Information (RFI) – Hazard Detection and Monitoring System

Introduction

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is seeking information from qualified vendors regarding advanced technology solutions that enhance safety across its rail network.

DART is particularly interested in systems that can detect, classify, and alert operators, dispatchers, supervisors, police, and maintenance employees of hazardous situations in real time at rail grade crossings, station platforms, bridges, tunnels, and other high-risk areas of the railroad right-of-way.

The objective of this RFI is to identify proven, scalable systems that can integrate with existing railroad operations and improve safety and security for passengers, crews, and the public.

Hazardous situations of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Trespassers or unauthorized persons on the right-of-way

• Authorized work crews in the right-of-way

• Stalled or disabled vehicles

• Fallen trees, power lines, or other debris

• Obstructions that may interfere with safe rail operations or maintenance activities

• Pedestrians, mobility devices, or objects present on track areas

• Infrastructure damage creating potential safety risks

• Floods, fire, or environmental hazards affecting the right of way-

Background

Railroads face ongoing risks associated with trespassing, vehicle encroachment, stalled vehicles, and other obstructions that can disrupt safe operations. Traditional active and passive warning devices alone may not provide sufficient protection in high-traffic or low-visibility environments.

DART seeks innovative, technology-driven solutions that combine advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and operational integration to proactively detect hazards, deliver early warnings, and enhance overall system safety performance.

Requested Capabilities

1. Detection and Monitoring - Systems should be capable of:

• Employing multi-sensor configurations (e.g., LiDAR, radar, video, thermal imaging) for short-, mid-, and long-range detection.

• Using AI and computer vision to detect, classify, and track objects (e.g., pedestrians, vehicles, debris).

• Providing real-time analysis of object behavior, including identification of trespassing, stalled vehicles, or other abnormal conditions.

• Supporting configurable detection zones adaptable to site-specific conditions.

• Provide primary and/or redundant protection for work crews in the right-of-way.

2. Alerts and Integration - Systems should be capable of:

• Generating automated, real-time alerts without requiring manual input.

• Prioritizing alerts based on severity.

• Delivering alerts to central operations systems, dispatchers, workers, and train crews.

• Providing information on compatibility with legacy infrastructure, including the ability to send safety-critical messages directly to affected trains and directly to maintenance crews.

• Producing leading indicator data to identify potential areas of concern and support proactive safety analysis.

• Integrating with physical deterrent or warning devices such as strobes, signage, or audible alarms.

3. Operations and Deployment - Solutions should demonstrate:

• Utilization of existing railroad infrastructure (e.g., signal bungalows, masts, communication towers), where feasible, to reduce installation costs.

• Support for multiple network communication options, including wired, cellular, or satellite connectivity.

• A centralized monitoring platform capable of aggregating and visualizing data across multiple sites.

• Administrative tools for reviewing alerts, calibrating sensors, and evaluating system performance.

• Data logging and reporting functions to support trend analysis and identification of high-risk “hot spots.”

• Process for calibrating the system and how often calibration is required.

4. Cybersecurity and Reliability - Systems should include:

• Secure architecture with modern firewall protections, encrypted communications, and user access controls.

• Network segmentation to prevent cross-site vulnerabilities.

• Ruggedized, rail-grade hardware capable of reliable operation in harsh environmental conditions.

• Fail-safe and redundancy feature to ensure continuous operation in the event of a component failure.

5. Scalability - Systems should include:

• Architecture capable of supporting multiple locations without degradation in performance or reliability.

• Centralized management tools that allow monitoring and configuration from one platform.

• Defined bandwidth, storage, and compute requirements for adding new detection zones.

• Modular system architecture allows the addition of new sensors, data sources, or software features over time.

• Built-in load balancing and data optimization to maintain low latency and stable performance.

6. Alert Management and Governance - Systems should include:

• Configurable alert prioritization and escalation settings to ensure appropriate response levels by user role.

• Audit logging of alert acknowledgements, dismissals, and response actions.

• Flexible controls that allow users to adjust alert settings and response levels internally, without relying on the vendor.

Information Requested from Vendors

Vendors are requested to provide the following information in their response:

a. Overview of System Capabilities and Accuracy - Summary of key features and functional capabilities as outlined under Requested Capabilities. If the product does not directly align with the requested capabilities outlined above, please provide alternative solutions or considerations that meets the intent. Include Aa summary of supporting test results of system accuracy, latency and false alarm data.

b. Regulatory Compliance - Describe compliance with applicable FRA, FTA, and/or other industry safety standards.

c. Prior Deployments - Provide examples of installations in rail or comparable safety-critical environments, including procurement methods and operational results.

d. Integration Details - Information on system interfaces and compatibility with existing railroad systems or communication networks.

e. Implementation Approach - Outline of typical approach to project delivery, including site assessment, installation, testing, commissioning, and training.

f. Cybersecurity and Data Protection - Description of security architecture, data privacy measures, and compliance with applicable standards.

g. Future Interoperability and Roadmap - Description of product technology roadmap over the next 2 to 3 years, including planned advancements in AI analytics, or system integrations.

h. Pricing Structure and Cost Considerations - Overview of the solution’s pricing model, including implementation, licensing, and ongoing maintenance cost considerations. No pricing provided will be considered as a bid. Any price considerations are for budgeting purposes.

Responses should:

• Be limited to no more than 25 pages (excluding appendices or product brochures).

• Follow the structure of Section 4 (Information Requested from Vendors).

• Clearly indicate how the proposed solution addresses the capabilities outlined in Section 3.

• Clearly mark any confidential or proprietary information.

DART will review all responses and may contact vendors for clarification or additional information.

This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment by DART. Responses will assist in planning future procurements.

Key Dates

• Release of the RFI: November 12, 2025

• RFI Responses Due: December 12, 2025

Contract Information

If you have any questions regarding this Request for Information, please contact Dr. Alma D. Salinas, Sr.

Manager Procurement at asalinas@dart.org .

Regards, Dr. Alma D. Salinas, Contracting Officer c: Dee Leggett, Executive Vice President/Chief Development Officer Chad Doucet, Vice President Business Services David Brown, AVP System Safety Vonda Thomas, AVP Professional Service and Construction Contract Dr. Alma D. Salinas, Sr. Manager Procurement mailto:asalinas@dart.org