IFB 134-25 Pre-bid Questions with Response.docx

IFB 134-25 Optical Teasing Questions

1. Can you provide a file format specification that will produce 100% compatibility with the latest version of TrackView if followed?

-All files from previous inspections currently held within the MBTA for optical measurements are in Microsoft Database format, only viewable in TrackView. This file format is 100% compatible with TrackView.

2. Is there a requirement that rail wear is measured in embedded track?

-Yes, we are required to measure embedded track, by hand measuring or vehicle tested. This would only be required on Green Line in certain locations.

3. Is there a clearance envelope representing the space that our equipment may occupy, or is that the same as the static clearance envelope?

-The static clearance envelope is satisfactory for the equipment used, but all equipment will need to pass a clearance inspection by MOW engineers prior to receiving access to the Right Of Way. This includes wheel profile, height, third rail, and platform clearance dimensions.

4. Would we ever encounter a brake trip in the up position during the inspection?

-Yes, brake trips in the up position may be encountered during inspection and will be lowered by an MBTA employee.

5. In section 2.0 of the Specification for Optical Rail Measurement it is stated that “the contractor shall provide MBTA with four (4) full version, licensed copies of the most recent version of the TrackView software.” We would like to bring to your attention that this is a product of a competitor and although a request has been made the competitor may not issue a viable, credible offer for the resale of the license. To ensure that we will provide MBTA with a competitive bid, may we propose an alternative software application which in our opinion will provide MBTA with all the necessary features and functionality needed?

-Per an email sent 8/19 by Bill Cegelis, the supplier has offered to provide a quote for the Trackview software. The MBTA engineers are requesting to be provided the “Track Analyst Rangecam” version, which allows viewing collected information and creating reports. Our current and past files are viewable with this software and we require the ability to continue using these files.

6. Is MBTA flexible with the November 2025 first start date?

-We can extend the start date into December 2025, but testing must conclude by the end of this year.

7. Are there specific specifications or requirements for how the measurements are calculated?

-There are no specific specifications or requirements for how the measurements are calculated as long as the data is verifiable and accurate as possible.

8. Would MBTA be open to removing the requirement to provide the license for TrackView software from the Scope of Supply and procure the licenses directly from the supplier for this project? This would give MBTA the advantage of predictable costs as well as control the provision of the software.

-In an effort to ensure uniform data management of our optical inspections, the MBTA prefers the bidders provide a version of TrackView that will allow us to be able to view our previous inspections against any future data collections.

9. We would like to respectfully ask for an extension of two weeks to prepare the offer with the assumption that we may receive finally an offer from the supplier of the TrackView software.

-There are no issues with the extension as long as the MBTA buyer can ensure that this process can be completed by November for a possible December data collection.