1-RFI Rail Maintenance of Way Services 12.15.2025.pdf

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December 15, 2025

Subject: Request for Information (RFI) – Rail Maintenance of Way Services

1. Introduction

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from qualified firms with experience in providing comprehensive or hybrid light rail Maintenance of Way (MOW) services for light rail transit (LRT) systems. MOW services include track, signal systems, traction power, overhead catenary systems (OCS), communications, and related right-of-way assets. The intent is to assess market capabilities, best practices, and innovative approaches to inform a potential future procurement of contracted services covering all infrastructure elements within the DART right-of-way. This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation.

2. Background

DART operates a light rail transit system spanning 93 miles of bidirectional double-track and 65 stations, with four lines serving Dallas and the surrounding service area. The LRT system is the backbone of DART’s service provision network. Vehicles on the existing system operate in several types of right-of-way (ROW), including exclusive, fully grade-separated, partially separated at-grade guideway with roadway crossings at-grade, mixed pedestrian mall, and tunnel/station operations. The existing system consists of an alignment equipped with crossovers, pocket tracks, and junctions strategically located to ensure optimal operating flexibility and enhanced system recovery during/after abnormal conditions.

The DART LRT system consists of four lines, with all lines providing service to downtown

Dallas:

• Blue Line (opened in 1996)

• Red Line (opened in 1996)

• Green Line (opened in 2009)

• Orange Line (opened in 2012)

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MOW services include maintenance of the following systems elements:

Description Quantity Traction Power Substations (TPSS) 78 Central Instrument House (CIH) – Signals 75 Catenary 207.56 miles Interlockings 56 Single Crossovers 11 Signals 228 ABS and 301 Interlocking; 17 Block Indicators Grade Crossings 136 at-grade crossings Junctions 6 Tunnel 3.2-mile twin bore

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3. General Scope of Services

Respondents are requested to provide information and recommendations regarding the requested services below. All maintenance activities performed for DART MOW are expected to adhere to industry best practices, applicable federal and state regulations, and DART’s internal safety and operational standards. A rapid response to power outages, faults, or other service disruptions is essential to maintain service reliability.

3.1. Track Maintenance

Track maintenance includes inspection, repairing, and replacing all track components, including rail, ties, ballast, fasteners, and switches. This includes routine geometry testing to ensure track alignment and profile meet safety standards, as well as ultrasonic rail flaw detection to identify internal defects. Vegetation control and drainage maintenance within the right-of-way are also required to preserve track integrity and prevent environmental hazards.

3.2. Signal Systems

Maintenance of the signal systems will include both preventive and corrective tasks for interlockings, grade crossing protection systems, and train control equipment, as well as testing and calibration of signal components to ensure operational accuracy. Additionally, software and firmware updates for signal controllers must be managed in coordination with DART’s operations and safety protocols.

3.3. Traction Power Systems

The scope includes comprehensive maintenance of traction power infrastructure such as substations, transformers, rectifiers, and switchgear. Maintenance activities include conducting scheduled inspections and testing of power distribution equipment to ensure reliability and safety.

3.4. Overhead Catenary System (OCS)

Maintenance of OCS includes inspection and maintenance of all elements of the overhead catenary system, including poles, cantilevers, contact wire, messenger wire, and tensioning devices. This includes wire replacement and alignment adjustments. Maintenance activities must ensure consistent power delivery to light rail vehicles.

3.5. Communication Systems

Maintenance of communications infrastructure will include fiber optic networks, radio systems, public address systems, and closed-circuit television (CCTV). This includes performing diagnostics, repairs, and upgrades as needed to maintain system integrity. Integration with train control and operations centers is critical to ensure seamless communication across the network.

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3.6. Right-of-Way Service

Maintenance of all non-track elements within the right-of-way includes the upkeep of fences and barriers, removal of trash and debris, and management of stormwater systems to prevent erosion and flooding. These activities support the safety, security, and environmental compliance of the transit corridor.

3.7. Emergency Response

All maintenance activities must include provisions for rapid and effective response to emergency situations to ensure safety, minimize service disruptions, and restore normal operations promptly.

Examples of situations requiring emergency response include, but are not limited to:

• Destructive interfaces

• Debris on OCS

• Power outages or traction power faults

• Signal system failures

• Track obstructions or structural hazards.

4. Contracting Model Considerations

DART is evaluating multiple contracting models to determine the most effective approach for outsourced maintenance-of-way services. One option under consideration is a bundled services model, in which a single contractor is responsible for all disciplines including track, signals, traction power, communications, and right-of-way maintenance. Alternatively, DART may pursue modular contracts that separate responsibilities by discipline, allowing specialized firms to focus on specific areas of expertise, while DART may choose to self-perform or separately contract other responsibilities. DART is also interested in performance-based maintenance contracts that include key performance indicators (KPIs) and incentive structures to promote high-quality service delivery and consistent maintenance practices. These KPIs may include metrics such as system uptime, response times, safety compliance, and customer satisfaction. In addition, hybrid pricing structures—such as a combination of lump-sum, unit-price, and cost-plus arrangements—are being considered to balance cost control with flexibility.

5. Innovation and Best Practices

DART encourages respondents to share innovative approaches and best practices that could enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of maintenance operations. This may include the use of emerging technologies such as drones for inspections, artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance, and digital twin platforms for asset management. Sustainability practices, such as environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient equipment, and waste

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6. Information Requested From Vendors

6.1 Company Interest:

a. Is your company interested in providing comprehensive or hybrid MOW Services for

DART based on the information provided in the Request for Information? If not, what additional information would your company need to be interested in providing these services to DART?

b. If your company is not interested in performing all of the MOW Services for DART, is your company interested in providing a portion of the MOW Services? If yes, please indicate which portions below:

i. Executive/Management Oversight

ii. Track Maintenance

iii. Signal Systems

iv. Traction Power Systems

v. Overhead Catenary System

vi. Communication Systems

vii. Right-of-Way Services

c. What additional information would your company need to know in order to submit a competitive proposal?

6.2. Considerations and Recommendations

Please provide feedback, considerations, and recommendations to DART regarding:

a. Scope of Services

b. Transition of services from self-performed to contracted services

c. Potential cost savings, performance improvements, and operational efficiencies that could be realized through privatizing MOW services. Include any examples or benchmarks from similar projects.

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d. Potential benefits and/or challenges of a hybrid model (i.e., contracted

Executive/Management Oversight with agency staffed field personnel), as compared to a comprehensive contracted approach.

e. Contracting methods

f. Labor and Workforce Management

g. Facility and Equipment Requirements (owner-provided or contractor-provided)

h. Contracts of similar scope and size

i. Terms and conditions

j. Innovations and best practices

k. Any other considerations with this potential opportunity.

6.3. Firm Experience

Please provide your firm’s experience with this type of work and how many years of experience your company has performing similar work identified in the General Scope of Services.

7. Submission Instructions

Responses should:

• Be limited to no more than 40 pages (excluding appendices)

• Follow the structure of Section 6 (Information Requested from Vendors)

• Clearly indicate how the proposed solution addresses the scope of work 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 RFI Action Dates

• Release of the RFI: December 15, 2025

• RFI Responses Due: January 23, 2026

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Contact Information

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

Salinas, Contracting Officer 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

Vonda Thomas, Assistant Vice President Procurement

Dr. Alma D. Salinas, Sr. Manager Procurement mailto:asalinas@dart.org