B. Scope of Services_Ultrasonic Rail Flaw Detection Services - 2026.pdf

Ultrasonic Rail Flaw Detection Services

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)

1. Introduction

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide annual ultrasonic rail flaw detection services for the CATS Light Rail system. This program is a critical component of CATS’ infrastructure asset management and system safety strategy, supporting the continued safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the transit network.

The CATS rail system includes approximately 40 miles of double-track mainline, as well as yard, storage, siding, and special trackwork infrastructure. Through this procurement, CATS intends to partner with an experienced contractor capable of delivering industry-leading ultrasonic rail inspection services that align with applicable American Public Transportation

Association (APTA), American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

(AREMA), and transit industry best practices.

The selected contractor will provide all labor, equipment, technology, supervision, and technical expertise necessary to identify internal and surface rail defects before they develop into conditions that could compromise operational safety or infrastructure integrity.

2. Objective

The objective of this procurement is to secure professional ultrasonic rail flaw detection services to:

• Identify internal and surface rail defects before they develop into rail failures, fractures, or derailment hazards.

• Maintain compliance with applicable APTA and AREMA track safety standards.

• Support CATS’ State of Good Repair (SGR) program objectives.

• Provide accurate and timely inspection data to support maintenance planning and capital asset management.

3. Scope of Services

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, materials, transportation, software, and technical expertise necessary to perform ultrasonic rail flaw detection services throughout the CATS Blue Line system.

Services shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

3.1 Track Mileage and Facilities

The inspection area includes:

• Approximately 40 miles of double-track mainline.

• Yard tracks.

• Storage tracks.

• Siding tracks.

• Grade crossings.

• Interlockings and special trackwork.

The Contractor shall inspect both rails along all designated track segments.

3.2 Equipment Requirements

The Contractor shall provide:

• A road-to-rail capable ultrasonic inspection vehicle suitable for operation on CATS infrastructure.

• Equipment capable of real-time ultrasonic data acquisition and analysis.

• Equipment capable of stop/start testing operations, repeat scans, and field verification of suspect indications.

• Hand-held ultrasonic testing equipment for field confirmation of identified defects when required.

All equipment shall be maintained in safe operating condition and calibrated in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and applicable industry standards.

3.3 Personnel Qualifications

The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel assigned to the project are properly trained and qualified to perform ultrasonic rail flaw detection services.

Requirements include:

• Personnel qualified in ultrasonic rail flaw detection and hand-testing procedures.

• Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations.

• Successful completion of CATS Rail Work Protection Program (RWPP) training prior to accessing the right-of-way.

CATS will provide RWPP training and certification prior to commencement of work.

4. Testing Schedule

Testing shall be conducted annually during non-revenue service hours over four (4) consecutive nights.

4.1 Work Window

• Testing Days: Sunday through Saturday, as scheduled by CATS.

• Testing Hours: 12:30 AM – 4:00 AM daily.

CATS reserves the right to modify the testing schedule based on operational requirements, emergencies, or maintenance activities.

CATS will provide a qualified pilot for track access and movement authorization during all testing activities.

5. Testing Methodology

All ultrasonic inspections shall be conducted using a stop/start testing protocol to ensure accurate verification of suspect rail indications.

5.1 Indication Review and Verification

When a potential rail defect is identified, the Contractor shall:

1. Stop the inspection vehicle.

2. Re-test the affected rail segment to validate the indication.

3. Perform hand-held ultrasonic verification when necessary to confirm the defect.

5.2 Defect Marking

Confirmed defects shall be physically marked on the rail using the following color code:

• White Paint: Joint bars, bolt hole indications, and defective welds.

• Yellow Paint: All other confirmed defects.

Markings shall be clear, durable, and visible to CATS maintenance personnel.

5.3 Immediate Defect Notification

The Contractor shall immediately notify the CATS Operations Control Center (OCC) of any confirmed defect requiring remedial action if a remedial action is required.

Notifications shall include:

• Track number.

• Rail designation.

• Approximate location.

• Defect classification.

• Severity assessment.

6. Data Collection and Deliverables

The Contractor shall perform real-time data monitoring and verification during all testing operations.

6.1 Nightly Deliverables

At the conclusion of each testing shift, the Contractor shall provide:

• A summary of all track segments tested.

• Documentation of all identified defects.

• Defect classification and severity.

• Rail designation and track number.

• Location information including milepost and rail side.

• Any recommended immediate maintenance actions.

6.2 Final Report

Within a timeframe specified by CATS following completion of testing, the Contractor shall submit a comprehensive final report containing:

• Complete inspection logs.

• Electronic data files.

• Summary of all inspected track segments.

• Catalog of all identified defects by location and classification.

• Field verification documentation.

• Defect marking records.

• Executive summary of findings and recommendations.

All deliverables shall be submitted in both electronic and PDF formats unless otherwise directed by CATS.

7. CATS Responsibilities

CATS will:

• Provide Rail Work Protection Program (RWPP) training and certification.

• Provide a qualified pilot for track access.

• Coordinate track access during non-revenue hours.

• Communicate operational restrictions or conflicts that may affect testing activities.

• Provide available track charts or system maps as necessary for testing coordination.

8. Performance Requirements

The Contractor shall:

• Perform all work in accordance with AREMA, APTA, and applicable industry safety standards.

• Complete all field verification and defect marking during the assigned testing window.

• Maintain accurate, complete, and traceable inspection records.

• Ensure all work is performed safely and efficiently without disruption to CATS operations.

• Immediately report any condition determined to present an imminent safety concern.

9. Contract Term and Annual Testing Strategy

This ultrasonic rail testing program is intended to occur annually.

CATS reserves the right to renew or re-engage the selected Contractor for future inspection cycles based on:

• Contractor performance.

• Quality and accuracy of inspection data.

• Compliance with safety and operational requirements.

• Timeliness of reporting and deliverables.

10. Acceptance of Work

Work shall be considered complete upon satisfaction of the following conditions:

• All required track mileage and facilities have been inspected.

• All identified defects have been verified, marked, and reported.

• All nightly reports and final deliverables have been submitted.

• CATS has reviewed and accepted the Contractor’s final report and supporting documentation.

11. Proposal Requirements

Proposals shall include, at a minimum:

• Company qualifications and experience performing ultrasonic rail flaw detection for transit or railroad systems.

• Description of proposed inspection equipment and technology.

• Personnel qualifications and certifications.

• Proposed project schedule.

• Sample inspection reports.

• Safety program documentation.

• References from similar projects completed within the last five (5) years.

• Pricing proposal.

12. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals may be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Relevant experience and qualifications.

• Technical approach and methodology.

• Equipment capabilities.

• Personnel experience and certifications.

• Safety record and compliance history.

• Quality of reporting and deliverables.

• Cost proposal.

• References and past performance.

13. Compliance Requirements

The selected Contractor shall comply with all applicable:

• Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requirements.

• OSHA regulations.

• AREMA standards.

• APTA standards.

• CATS safety policies and procedures.

• Local, state, and federal laws and regulations.