Charlotte Area Transit System Ultrasonic Testing Services

The City of Charlotte, on behalf of the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), is requesting proposals for annual ultrasonic rail flaw detection services for the CATS Light Rail system, with proposals due October 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST via the Bonfire Procurement Portal. Questions are due October 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST, and a non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for October 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM via Microsoft Teams.

The scope encompasses ultrasonic testing of approximately 40 miles of double-track mainline, yard tracks, storage tracks, siding tracks, grade crossings, interlockings, and special trackwork to detect internal and surface rail defects. Testing will occur annually over four consecutive nights of non-revenue service hours between 12:30 AM and 4:00 AM. The contractor must provide all labor, equipment, road-to-rail capable ultrasonic inspection vehicles, hand-held verification equipment, supervision, and technical expertise to perform stop/start testing protocols. CATS will provide a qualified pilot for track access and movement authorization. All work must comply with APTA, AREMA, and transit industry standards, as well as Federal Transit Administration and OSHA requirements. Deliverables include nightly summary reports with specified color-coded defect markings (white paint for joint bars and welds, yellow paint for other defects) and a comprehensive final report in electronic and PDF formats. The contractor is responsible for personnel qualifications, safety compliance, and background checks for all assigned personnel.

The contract term is three years with CATS holding an option to renew for up to two additional consecutive one-year terms. Proposals must include pricing based on mobilization costs, daily rates, and delay charges per hour. Evaluation criteria are qualifications and experience, proposed solution and technical approach, cost effectiveness and value, and acceptance of contract terms. The City reserves the right to award to one or more qualified firms, modify requirements, cancel the RFP, negotiate terms, or re-solicit. Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence each are required, with the City named as additional insured.