Carbon strips

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) is soliciting sealed bids on carbon strip inserts for Light Rail Vehicles under IFB No. MA141253, with bids due August 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. This is an exclusive Small Business Enterprise (SBE) set-aside contract funded in whole or in part with U.S. Department of Transportation federal funds, open only to certified SBE firms as prime contractors.

The scope covers strip-insert carbon components with a light reflectance value of 42 inches procured on an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity basis with a 24-month contract term and no optional renewal periods. Estimated consumption is approximately 50 units per 48-hour period with 10-calendar-day delivery requirement to LACMTA receiving docks. Three qualified manufacturers are identified: Mersen USA BN Corp. (Part No. PAN 24), Schunk Carbon Technology LLC (Part No. SK1147), and Trans-Tech, Inc. (Part No. 86443301). Bidders may request approved equal substitutions by July 22, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Contractors must maintain adequate stock to meet the 10-calendar-day delivery obligation and accept emergency deliveries on weekends and holidays when required. Deliveries are restricted to six LACMTA divisions during business hours 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PST with twenty-four hours advance telephonic notice.

SBE participants must perform a commercially useful function by performing at least 30 percent of the total cost of contract work with their own workforce. Bid pricing is firm fixed unit rate on a Schedule of Quantities and Prices with all prices subject to California sales tax at 9.75 percent. LACMTA's minimum obligation is 50 units. Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with LACMTA reserving the right to award on an item-by-item basis, by aggregate, or by total bid as in LACMTA's best interest.

Comments and questions are due July 29, 2026; pre-qualification applications and requests for approved equals are also due July 29, 2026 and August 17, 2026 respectively. Bids must be submitted electronically to bids@metro.net with delivery and read receipts recommended. Pre-qualification is required for bids exceeding $500,000. No pre-bid conference or site visit is required. Bidders must submit noncollusion affidavits, debarment certifications, federal lobbying compliance certifications, general certifications, ethics declarations, alcohol and drug-free workplace certifications, Buy America certificates for steel and manufactured products, and noncollusion affidavits. Bid security of at least 10 percent of total bid price is required in the form of certified check, cashier's check, or bid bond.