RFI 153-23 Track Geometry Measurement.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Track Geometry Measurement and Related Services RFI #153-23 / COMMBUYS Bid # xx

MASSACHUSETTS BAY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

Track Geometry Measurement and Related Services

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION 153-23

Commbuys Bid # BD-23-1206-40000-40000-91720

Contact Person:

Ray Wise Sr. Director Procurement Operations Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority 10 Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116 rwise@mbta.com

Please Note: This is a single document associated with a Request for Information (RFI) that can be found on www.COMMBUYS.com. Interested parties are responsible for reviewing and adhering to all information, forms and requirements for the RFI. Bidders may also contact the COMMBUYS Helpdesk at COMMBUYS@state.ma.us or the COMMBUYS Helpline at 1-888-MA-STATE. The Helpline is staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday Eastern Standard or Daylight time, as applicable, except on federal, state and Suffolk county holidays.

ISSUE DATE: 8/9/2023

1. Description or Purpose of RFI:

The purpose of this RFI is to gather information about:

· Track geometry measurement recording systems

· Overhead Contact System (OCS) measurement and imaging systems

· 360o Lidar scanning systems including features, capabilities, pricing, and any additional related services or solutions available.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) intends to use the information gained through this RFI to understand different options available to the international market to achieve its objectives specific to Track Geometry measurement and other related data collection.

After evaluation, the MBTA expects to issue one or more Requests for Proposal (RFP) to determine the best commercial arrangement(s) to achieve its objectives.

2. About the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

2.1 MBTA System

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) track is described below.

Restrained curves <1000’ R / double restrained curves < 125’ R

GGR 118, NP4a

ASCE 85

RE 115

Catenary Catenary

Direct Fixation

Asphalt, Rubber & Concrete Grade Crossing

Asphalt Grade Crossing

2.2 Current MBTA Measurement protocols

2.2.1 Track Geometry

MBTA currently measures the following parameters:

Distance along track Curvature Super-elevation (long wavelengths) Cross-level (short wavelengths) Gauge Gauge variation Left and Right Surface Left and Right Rail Alignment Twist Warp

Locations of known track features such as switches, road crossings, passenger platforms, tunnels, bridges, lubricators, and curve beginnings/end points are collected and included in all data.

Testing speeds vary from one (1) to twenty (20) miles per hour and the test equipment must have the ability to come to a complete stop and resume collecting data with no data loss or drop out.

The MBTA’s Green Line is tested quarterly using a portable Contractor measurement and test equipment installed on MBTA GL revenue vehicle truck ” in order to perform a weighted test.

The other MBTA lines are tested semi-annually with a contractor-provided self-propelled track geometry testing high rail vehicle.

2.2.2 OCS and Clearance Testing

From time to time, MBTA collects additional data on the Green Line intended to identify status and location of the OCS system as well as signal and wayside clearance. The data collected include:

OCS Contact Wire Height/Stagger Carbody Dynamic Clearance Pantograph Dynamic Clearance Undercar Dynamic Clearance Truck Dynamic Clearance Tunnel envelopes Platform relationship to track (e.g. height and set back) Distance from centerline to various signals, signs, power cabinets, etc.

2.2.3 Possible future requirements

The MBTA is considering potential advantages of the following measurements for OCS:

Contact wire thickness and wear Contact wire height & stagger Contact force Longitudinal acceleration Thermography scanning Pantograph impacts Electrical Arcs Tunnel profile OCS poles position & distance Pantograph voltage & current

2.2.4 Other information

The MBTA operates with restricted clearances. See Attachment 1 for information regarding the clearance envelope.

3. Requested Information (RFI Response):

Please formulate a response of not more than 40 pages. Material such as a title page, table of contents, and supplemental material or appendices are not included in that limit.

Response should be submitted in COMMBUYS and should address the following topics:

Product Overview – Track Geometry Please describe the equipment you would use to address the MBTA’s Track Geometry requirements described in section 2.21. At minimum, please

1. Provide a detailed description of your track geometry measurement recording system, including its key features and functionalities. Detail how the system functions on different geometries and handles varying rail profiles.

2. Provide details of the track geometry measurement equipment included in your solution. This might include devices for measuring parameters such as track gauge, alignment, cross-level, twist, and vertical profile.

a. Is your equipment hi-rail or rail-borne?

b. Can your equipment be mounted to a revenue vehicle?

c. Is your equipment capable of performing measurements under dynamic loading?

3. Describe your system’s ability to apply

a. Multiple gauge thresholds for varying degrees of curvature

b. Algorithms applicable to to high spiral rates and short body curves inherent in the MBTA transit system

c. Twist/warp calculations to appropriate curve segments only

d. Alignment defects to line rail only

4. What are the technical specifications of the equipment, including measurement accuracy, resolution, and range?

5. Does the solution include automation of event markers and automated measurement capabilities? If so, please elaborate on the automation features and data collection methods and any limitations on event marking.

6. Describe the compatibility of your system with different types of railway tracks (e.g., direct fixation, ballasted track, asphalt, rubber and concrete grade crossings).

7. Does the solution include video capture? If so, how does the solution correlate video capture with location? If so, how does the solution correlate thermal imaging capture with location?

8. Does the solution include thermal imaging? If so, how does the solution correlate thermal imaging capture with location?

9. Does the solution include capture of rail wear profiles, flangeway gap and/or third rail clearances? If so, how does the solution correlate these captures with location?

Product Overview – OCS and Clearance Testing

10. Please describe the equipment you utilize to perform the data collection listed in Section 2.2.2. If the equipment is the same as that described in questions 1 – 9, please only point out differences.

Product Overview – MBTA possible future requirements

11. Please describe the equipment you utilize to perform the data collection listed in Section 2.2.3. If the equipment is the same as that described in questions 1 – 9, please only point out differences.

Data Collection/Acquisition and Processing Please answer the questions below. If your responses vary based on the specific data type or MBTA requirement, indicate that in your response.

12. Describe the data acquisition process, including the methods used to capture track geometry measurements. Include details of the proposed sensors, equipment, and instruments used.

13. Explain the process of data collection. What is the precision of data collected?

14. Does the solution offer real-time data processing and analysis capabilities, enabling instant identification of track geometry issues or deviations? How are immediate action defects notified?

15. What is your process for calculating uniform profiles and alignments when identifying profile and alignment defect types?

16. How is the collected data stored and organized? Is it possible to integrate the captured data with MBTA existing asset management systems or databases?

17. Provide information on the accuracy, resolution, and precision of the collected data. How do you maintain accurate track stationing and to what accuracy can it be collected? Do you use RFID tags or other technologies to assist in maintaining accurate track stationing? Describe how the solution would provide accurate positioning in areas of unreliable GPS coverage, e.g. underground.

18. Describe how your system ensures data integrity and minimizes errors during the recording process.

19. What is the minimum speed you need to run at to collect accurate geometry data?

Data Recording, Management, Reporting, and Visualization Please answer the questions below. If your responses vary based on the specific data type or MBTA requirement, indicate that in your response.

20. Explain the reporting functionalities of your solution. Can it generate comprehensive reports highlighting track geometry measurements, anomalies, and trends? Can the solution provide reliable identification of repeat defects?

21. Are you able to perform a comparative analysis between consecutive inspections on the same track segment to identify changes in track geometry? Can this be performed in real time during an inspection?

22. What is your process for calculating uniform profiles and alignments when identifying profile and alignment defect types?

23. What are the biggest challenges you have faced with repeatability between inspections and how have you been able to mitigate them?

24. How do you manage “ghost” defects (i.e. those defects which are recorded by the track geometry measurement system but which cannot be field validated by the owner)?

25. Is there an option to customize reports and visualizations based on specific requirements?

26. Describe the data recording capabilities of your system, including storage capacity and data formats supported. In what format can your raw data be shared?

27. Does the system provide visual representations, such as graphical plots or maps, to aid in understanding and analyzing the collected data? Is any specialist software required to visualize the recorded data?

28. Explain how your system manages and organizes recorded data for efficient retrieval and analysis.

29. Detail any additional data visualization or reporting features available within your system.

30. Describe the minimum IT requirements for viewing recorded data (raw and post processed data). Is data hosted on a Cloud based platform?

Railway Maintenance System Integration and Compatibility Please answer the questions below. If your responses vary based on the specific data type or MBTA requirement, indicate that in your response.

31. Does your solution offer integration capabilities with other railway maintenance systems, such as maintenance management or condition monitoring systems, i.e. TRAPEZE?

32. Does the solution interface with existing track inspection vehicles or equipment, allowing seamless data transfer and synchronization?

33. Describe how the solutions operation is shielded from other railway infrastructure, e.g. signalling, third-rail, OCS.

Support Services and Training

34. What training and support services do you provide to ensure proper implementation and utilization of the solution?

35. Describe the customer support services offered.

36. Include technical assistance, troubleshooting and floor-walking. Is user training included?

37. If so, what is the scope and duration of the training program?

38. What technical support options are available, and what is the typical response time for resolving any issues or inquiries?

Implementation, Scheduling, and Deployment

39. How do you typically operate your solution on track? For example, in combination with customer-supplied hi rail vehicles, with your own hi rail vehicle, or some other means?

40. What options do you have for the MBTA to use your solution for a loaded test of our light rail system?

41. The MBTA typically conducts tests during non-service hours of 1:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. How does this align with your scheduling model?

42. When working with customers, how do you address other issues which prevent complete testing runs or cause schedule delays – e.g. track availability, weather, staffing shortages?

43. What is your typical crew size?

44. What resources and support do you require of your customers in order to conduct testing?

45. What is your availability and lead time for new and existing customers? How do you handle scheduling of your equipment and resources?

46. What is necessary to begin working with a new customer?

Experience and References

47. Share any relevant case studies or success stories showcasing your system’s performance and benefits.

48. Do you have experience with performing the above measurement for freight and/or transit agencies? Are there differences in how data is post-processed for these different operating conditions?

49. If possible, provide references from railway organizations or customers similar to the MBTA.

Information Security

50. Briefly describe your information security controls and processes.

51. What types of Information Security certifications/attestations does your platform support/provide?

Software Accessibility

52. Is your software solution and included documentation complaint with the following: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, levels A and AA? If not, in what areas is the solution noncompliant?

53. Does your software solution have a completed Accessibility Compliance Report (ACR) from the latest version of the VPAT 2.1 (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) or equivalent? If so, does the ACR include reporting for WCAG 2.1 levels A and AA (AAA optional) and Functional Performance Criteria (Section 508 requirements)?

Other Related Services

54. If you offer any related services for rail, please describe them. Marketing materials and/or hyperlinks are acceptable.

Financial Considerations

55. Explain your typical pricing model. Clarify what measurements you are able to make and the typical methodology for pricing (whether by distance, time worked, or both). Clarify any additional charges – including but not limited to mobilization, software, off site processing, one-time implementation, equipment, training, or support.

56. If software licensing is part of your offering, please describe your license model including types of licenses.

4. Next Steps Upon receipt of responses, the MBTA may request additional information through email or virtual meeting.

Responses to this RFI will be used to understand current capabilities and determine the merits of moving forward with one or more Requests for Proposal (RFP). If the decision is to move forward, the MBTA will develop and refine business requirements during September 2023. Any RFP will be posted on COMMBUYS, and the MBTA will endeavor to notify all companies that respond to this RFI.

5. RFI Calendar

Bidders are required to monitor COMMBUYS for changes to the procurement calendar for this Bid.

6. Online Questions (Bid Q&A) Written Questions must be entered by pressing the “Bid Q&A” tab for the Bid in COMMBUYS no later than the Questions Due date and time indicated in the Procurement Calendar (above). The MBTA reserves the right not to respond to questions submitted after this date. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to verify questions were successfully posted on COMMBUYS.

Written Responses to Questions will be posted on the Bid Q&A Tab in COMMBUYS on or about the “Response to Questions Posted Online” date indicated in the Procurement Calendar (above).

7. RFI Attachments Static Clearance Envelope Track Standard Third Rail and Brake Trip Details Undercar clearance to Third Rail Maximum end overhang and center overhang – total vehicle Green Line Standard A.R.E.A. / AAR Wheel Modification