IFB 138F-24 Composite Railroad Ties

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the procurement of approximately 7,380 engineered composite or FFU railroad ties to support upcoming track improvement projects in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. The IFB, designated as IFB 138F-24, outlines detailed material specifications, including requirements for the composite ties to meet specific design, dimensional, and performance criteria to withstand the dynamic loads of rail transit operations. The composite ties must have an expected service life of 50 years and comply with various safety-related properties. Bids are due by October 17, 2024, and the MBTA anticipates awarding a contract by October 30, 2024. The contract will be awarded to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder.

The IFB includes a 1% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal, and bidders must comply with Buy America requirements. No pre-bid conference will be held, and the MBTA has the right to cancel or modify the IFB at its discretion. Based on the initial bid opening summary, five bidders submitted proposals, with New Path Group submitting the lowest bid of $478,672. However, the lowest bid may not result in the award, as the bids are still pending evaluation for responsiveness. The MBTA reserves the right to purchase more than the estimated quantities within 60 days of the award, but the contract duration and any renewal options are not specified.