1-RFI Locomotive and Cab Wipers.pdf

Revision Date: September 2020 1

Utah Transit Authority (UTA)

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

RFI#

(Locomotive/Bombardier Bi-Level Cabs Electric Washer/Wiper System)

RFI Coordinator

All communication regarding this RFI must be made through the RFI Coordinator identified below.

Name: Timothy Da Silva Title: Sr. Strategic Sourcing Specialist Contact Information: tdasilva@rideuta.com

Informational Meeting (optional)

Date: August 19th-August 27th, 2026 Time: By Appointment only Location: Warm Springs Service Center 900 N 500 W, Salt Lake City

Submitted Questions Due

All questions must be submitted via the Bonfire portal by:

Date: September 10th,2026, no later than 3:00 p.m., local time

Response Submission

Submission Deadline: September 24th,2026, no later than 4:00 p.m., local time Submit to:

https://solutions.Bonfire.com/apps/Router/SupplierLogin?CustOrg=StateOfUtah

PART I INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose and Background

This Request for Information (RFI) is an information-gathering and market research tool, not a formal solicitation of a specific requirement (such as in a “Request for Proposals” document). UTA is seeking information regarding Locomotive/Bombardier Bi-Level Cabs Electric Washer/Wiper System from interested parties as defined in this RFI document. This is an opportunity for interested parties to assist UTA in better understanding the marketplace and/or specific subject matter.

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) to obtain information from qualified rail vehicle system integrators, wiper system manufacturers, overhaul providers, and engineering firms regarding the overhaul and modernization of the Electric Washer/Wiper System installed on UTA's Locomotive and Bombardier Bi-Level Cabs commuter rail fleet.

UTA operates eighteen (18) MP36PH-3C locomotives and twenty-two (22) Bombardier Bi-Level Cabs commuter rail vehicles consisting of MP36PH-3C, 233-Series and 246-Series Cabs. The existing fleet are equipped with a pneumatic windshield wiper system and no washer system.

UTA is evaluating modernization solutions for replacement or modernization of the existing washer/wiper system. While UTA is particularly interested in electric washer/wiper system, respondents are encouraged to identify alternative architectures, including modern pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, hybrid, or other https://solutions.sciquest.com/apps/Router/SupplierLogin?CustOrg=StateOfUtah

Revision Date: September 2020 commercially proven technologies, that may provide equal or greater benefits in reliability, maintainability, diagnostics capability, lifecycle supportability, operator safety, and operational performance.

UTA seeks industry feedback regarding available technologies, modernization approaches, overhaul methodologies, lifecycle support strategies, and lessons learned from similar electric washer/wiper system modernization programs. Respondents are encouraged to recommend solutions they believe represent the best long-term value and reliability for the fleet.

Information received may be used in development of a future Request for Proposal (RFP).

B. Current Conditions

UTA currently operates a fleet consisting of:

Fleet Series Vehicle Quantity 233 Series 12 246 Series 10

MP36PH-3C 18

Total 40

The electric washer/wiper system is expected to be a more reliable motor, and the washer system gives the ability for the UTA operators to clean the windshields while in service.

The pneumatic windshield wiper system and no washer system. Several components are approaching end-of-life status, have limited manufacturer support, or require significant maintenance effort to maintain operational reliability.

C. General Provisions

1. All contact with UTA regarding this RFI must be made through the designated RFI Coordinator. No other person is authorized to make binding statements regarding this RFI.

2. This is a non-binding Request for Information. Therefore, no award shall be made as a result of the RFI process.

3. Issuance of this RFI does not commit UTA to pay any expenses incurred by a Respondent in preparing their response to this RFI. This includes attendance at personal interviews or other meetings and software or system demonstrations, where applicable.

4. Issuance of this RFI in no way constitutes a commitment by UTA to issue a Request for Proposal

(RFP).

5. All responses should adhere to the instructions and format requests outlined in this RFI and all written supplements and amendments, such as the Summary of Questions and Answers, issued by UTA.

6. All submissions in response to this RFI will be considered public records available for public inspection pursuant to the State of Utah Records Access Management Act.

PART II INFORMATION SOUGHT

UTA seeks information regarding complete electric washer/wiper System, modernization, replacement, and lifecycle support solutions for Locomotive/Bombardier Bi-Level Cabs commuter rail vehicles and welcomes responses to this RFI, including creative suggestions and feedback to enhance and expedite all future processes while providing efficient, reliable, and high-quality outcomes. Respondents are not required to submit responses to every question, but UTA encourages interested parties to respond to any or all relevant aspects of the RFI. Respondents are encouraged to provide recommendations, alternatives, lessons learned, and innovative approaches beyond the specific areas identified below.

The UTA seeks detailed yet succinct responses that demonstrate the Respondent’s experience and/or familiarity with the subject matter. As this is not a competitive RFP process, Respondents should not provide any detailed and specific cost or customized pricing documentation in their response. General cost estimates, ballpark estimates, or standard pricing history are permitted. If you submit detailed pricing information regarding your preferred product, method, or approach, you will disqualify UTA technical evaluators and potentially contaminate any future procurement that were to be conducted.

A. General Information

Provide a brief overview of yourself and your organization, if applicable.

1. Please identify yourself and any organization you represent in this RFI.

a. Name of respondent

b. Organization and affiliation

c. Address (organizational, if responding on behalf of an entity)

d. Contact information (phone number(s) and email address)

2. Please identify your experience in providing washer/wiper System overhaul, modernization, replacement, refurbishment, and lifecycle support services for commuter rail, intercity rail, transit, or similar passenger rail vehicles.

B. Feedback Requested

UTA seeks industry feedback regarding the overhaul, modernization, replacement, support, installation, testing, and lifecycle management of washer/wiper System for Locomotive/Bombardier Bi-Level Cabs commuter rail vehicles.

Respondents are encouraged to provide recommendations, lessons learned, alternative approaches, and information regarding similar projects. UTA welcomes responses beyond the specific questions listed below.

1. Company Qualifications and Relevant Experience

1. Describe your organization's experience with washer/wiper System modernization, overhaul, refurbishment, and replacement programs.

2. Identify comparable projects completed within the last ten (10) years, including:

o Commuter rail vehicles o MP36PH-3C locomotives o Bi-level passenger vehicles o Push-pull passenger equipment o Bombardier fleets o washer/wiper System involving pneumatic, electric, electro-pneumatic, or hybrid systems

3. Describe your role on each project.

4. Provide examples of projects involving:

o New washer/wiper systems o Major washer/wiper system component overhauls o Washer/wiper upgrades o Fleet standardization programs

5. Describe lessons learned and best practices from previous projects.

2. Modernization Strategy and Technical Approach

1. Describe your recommended overall modernization approach for this fleet.

2. What washer/wiper architecture do you recommend?

3. Describe your preferred approach for modernizing legacy pneumatic wiper systems.

Please identify whether you recommend:

o Electric actuation o Pneumatic actuation o Electro-pneumatic actuation o Hybrid actuation o Other architectures and explain the advantages, disadvantages, lifecycle impacts, reliability impacts, maintenance impacts, and operational considerations associated with your recommended solution.

4. Describe technologies you recommend for:

o Wiper actuators o Washer/ pump systems o Washer/wiper controllers o Diagnostics systems

5. What modifications to existing vehicles would typically be required?

6. What opportunities exist to minimize vehicle modifications?

7. Are there alternative technical approaches UTA should consider?

8. For a fleet of this age and configuration, what advantages and disadvantages do you see between electric, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, and hybrid washer/wiper architectures?

9. Which architecture would you recommend and why?

10. If UTA were to prioritize reliability, maintainability, lifecycle cost, parts availability, and long-term supportability, how would you rank electric, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, and hybrid architectures?

3. washer/wiper Overhaul Scope In addition to door system modernization, what components should be included in a comprehensive washer/wiper overhaul program?

Please provide recommendations regarding inspection, refurbishment, or replacement of:

• Bearings

• Pumps

• Tanks

• Wiper arms

• Threshold components

• Weather seals

• Rubber components

• Wiring harnesses

• Electrical connectors

• Warning lights

• Mounting hardware

• Structural attachment points

Please identify any additional components that should be included in a complete modernization and overhaul effort.

4. Fleet Standardization

1. What opportunities exist to standardize washer/wiper, software, diagnostics, and maintenance procedures across multiple fleet series?

2. For a fleet of this size and expected service life, what percentage of total project value is typically allocated toward initial spare-parts procurement?

3. What components should be considered mandatory spare parts versus recommended spare parts?

4. What level of commonality is typically achievable?

5. Which components are commonly standardized?

6. What challenges are typically encountered when standardizing multiple vehicle fleets?

7. What methods are used to reduce:

o Inventory requirements o Maintenance complexity o Training requirements o Lifecycle costs

5. Reliability, Availability, and Service Life UTA is evaluating long-term lifecycle requirements for the modernized system.

Please provide recommendations regarding:

1. Appropriate service-life expectations for a modern washer/wiper system.

2. Recommended reliability targets.

3. Recommended Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) requirements.

4. Recommended availability requirements.

5. Typical reliability performance achieved on similar fleets.

6. Recommended warranty periods.

7. Reliability demonstration testing methods.

8. Fleet reliability monitoring practices.

9. Common failure modes and mitigation strategies.

10. Recommended Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for post-delivery monitoring.

11. What contractual or technical mechanisms do you recommend to manage component obsolescence over a 20-year service-life period?

12. What minimum component support period should UTA require from the Contractor?

13. What reliability metrics are most commonly specified in passenger washer/wiper system modernization procurements?

Examples:

• MTBF

• Availability

• Mean Cycles Between Failure

• Fleet Reliability Metrics

6. Vehicle Integration and Interface Management

1. Describe your process for evaluating:

o Mechanical interfaces o Electrical interfaces

2. Describe field-verification activities typically required.

3. What information should UTA make available to support design activities?

4. What vehicle surveys are normally required?

5. What risks are associated with legacy documentation inaccuracies and how are they mitigated?

7. Installation Strategies UTA is evaluating multiple installation approaches.

Please describe advantages, disadvantages, risks, costs, and recommendations associated with:

• Contractor installation

• UTA installation

• Joint installation teams

• Pilot vehicle installations

• Production installations

Please also describe:

1. Expected installation duration per vehicle.

2. Required staffing levels.

3. Required tooling.

4. Required fixtures.

5. Vehicle downtime requirements.

6. Commissioning activities.

7. Suggested pilot vehicle quantities.

8. Recommended acceptance processes.

9. Considering a fleet of forty (40) vehicles and approximately two hundred forty (240) washer/wipers, what installation strategy would you recommend and why?

11. Testing and Validation Please describe your recommended testing program including:

• Design verification testing

• Qualification testing

• Environmental testing

• Functional testing

• First Article Inspection (FAI)

• Pilot vehicle testing

• Production acceptance testing

Please provide recommendations regarding:

1. Acceptance-testing criteria.

2. Reliability demonstration testing.

3. Validation periods prior to fleet release.

4. Recommended performance benchmarks.

5. Typical passenger-door safety validation requirements.

12. Training and Technical Documentation Describe technical documentation normally provided for projects of this type.

Please include information regarding:

• Work instructions

• Maintenance manuals

• Troubleshooting guides

• Schematics

• Drawings

• Illustrated parts catalogs

• Training materials

Please describe training recommendations for:

• Maintenance personnel

• Technicians

• Engineers

• Supervisors

• Instructors/train-the-trainer personnel

13. Spare Parts and Lifecycle Support UTA is evaluating multiple spare-parts acquisition strategies.

Please provide recommendations regarding:

1. Initial spare-parts provisioning.

2. Spare-parts quantity methodology.

3. Percentage-based spare-parts budgets.

4. Fixed-quantity spare-parts programs.

5. Recommended critical spares.

6. Recommended spare actuator quantities.

7. Recommended spare controller quantities.

8. Recommended repairable component pools.

9. Long-lead components.

10. Obsolescence risk management.

11. Long-term parts availability commitments.

1. End-of-life component management practices.

2. Exchange, repair, or component rebuild programs.

3. Recommended lifecycle-support period (10, 15, 20+ years).

14. Warranty and Fleet Defect Management

1. Describe your standard warranty coverage.

2. Describe available extended warranty programs.

3. Describe your process for handling recurring fleet issues.

4. What fleet-defect threshold is typically used?

5. What corrective-action process is employed?

6. Describe warranty response timelines.

7. Describe support available during warranty investigations.

15. Schedule and Project Execution Please provide recommendations regarding:

1. Typical project schedules for fleets of approximately forty (40) vehicles.

2. Typical durations for:

o Engineering o Design reviews o Procurement o Manufacturing o Qualification testing o First Article Inspection o Pilot vehicle installation o Production rollout

3. Major schedule risks.

4. Critical-path activities.

5. Strategies to reduce vehicle downtime.

6. Recommended project execution models.

16. Commercial and Procurement Considerations UTA is not requesting formal pricing.

However, respondents may provide:

1. Typical program cost ranges.

2. Typical overhaul versus replacement cost comparisons.

3. Typical spare-parts budgets.

4. Recommended contract structures.

5. Recommended milestone structures.

6. Recommended payment structures.

7. Methods that minimize change orders.

8. Commercial approaches that improve schedule certainty and lifecycle value.

17. Future Technology and Strategic Recommendations Please provide recommendations regarding:

• Open architecture systems

• Future technology migration

• Remote diagnostics

• Predictive maintenance

• Digital asset management

• Reliability growth programs

• Energy reduction opportunities

• Passenger safety enhancements

• Human factors improvements

• Future interoperability considerations

• Obsolescence management

Additionally, identify any risks, concerns, lessons learned, or opportunities that UTA should consider before developing a formal Request for Proposal (RFP).

UTA is interested in understanding whether a complete washer/wiper system replacement, a washer/wiper system modernization, or a washer/wiper system overhaul provides the greatest long-term value for a fleet of this age and size. Please provide recommendations and supporting rationale.

PART III KEY RFI EVENTS AND PROCESSES

A. Informational Meeting (optional)

UTA may sponsor an Informational Meeting concerning this RFI on the date, time and location shown on the RFI cover page. The purpose of the Informational Meeting is to provide interested parties with additional information related to this RFI, field questions, and clarify any questions as to this RFI request.

B. Questions

1. General Instructions

a. It is the responsibility of each interested party to examine the entire RFI and to seek clarification in writing if they do not understand any information or instructions.

b. Interested parties should submit questions via the Bonfire Q&A page

c. Questions must be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than the date and time specified on the RFI cover page.

d. UTA assumes no liability for ensuring the accurate/complete/on time submission of questions.

2. Question & Answer Summary

Questions must be submitted via the Bonfire Q&A page before the end of the Question and Answer period listed on the cover page. UTA’s answers to timely submitted questions will be posted on the Bonfire Q&A page. It is the responsibility of all interested parties visit this website to obtain a copy of the Question & Answer Summary.

C. Submitting the Response

1. Responses Due Responses must be received no later than the date and time listed on the cover page.

2. Delivery Instructions

Responses must be uploaded to Bonfire by the “Bid ends” date and time listed on Bonfire.

To submit your Response, log onto Bonfire at:

https://utah.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities ; If you have already registered, log in and search by Utah Transit Authority or the RFI number.

If you need to create an account, please select “Create Account,” and then you can search UTA or the RFI number listed on the Cover Page. If you need assistance, please email the Utah Supplier Portal Support at https://vendorsupport.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us

3. Response Format Responses to this RFI may be developed in a manner that suits the respondent. A list of key questions is included within the RFI, and all submissions, regardless of format, will be reviewed. Respondents are asked to be brief and respond to as many questions as possible within the RFI. Number each response to correspond to the relevant question or instruction in the RFI to allow for comparison and clarity.

PART IV REVIEW OF RESPONSES RECEIVED

General Information

1. UTA will review responses received for the purpose of gathering information and conducting market research only. UTA will not score, or rate responses received.

2. UTA reserves the right to communicate and/or schedule interviews/presentations with Respondents, if needed, to obtain clarification of information contained in the responses received and/or additional information to enhance marketing research efforts.

https://utah.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities https://vendorsupport.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us

APPENDIX A

UTAH TRANSIT AUTHORITY

RESPONSE COVER PAGE

RFI#

(Locomotive/Bombardier Bi-Level Cabs Electric Washer/Wiper System)

Lead Point of Contact - Name/Title:

Organization Name (if applicable):

Tel: Cell:

E-Mail: Website:

Street Address: City/State/Zip: