IFB # 89-26 Ultrasonic Rail Testing

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is soliciting bids on ultrasonic rail testing services under IFB #89-26, with bids due June 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST/EDT. No pre-bid conference is scheduled.

The scope is non-destructive ultrasonic testing of railroad rails to detect internal defects, surface irregularities, and structural integrity issues. Testing must comply with American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association standards and Federal Railroad Administration regulations. The contractor must deploy portable ultrasonic equipment capable of identifying transverse fissures, corrugation, and wear patterns; maintain equipment meeting or exceeding American Society for Testing and Materials standards; employ qualified personnel with demonstrated railroad rail inspection experience and certification documentation; and deliver results in digital format compatible with the Commonwealth's rail management information system, including defect location mapping, severity classification, and remediation recommendations. Contractor personnel performing work near MBTA rail transit lines must obtain and maintain Right-of-Way safety training and certification at no cost to the contractor. Equipment must undergo calibration verification and continuous calibration checks throughout operations.

The contract term is three years with two one-year renewal options. Award will be made to the lowest priced responsive bid from a responsible bidder. Bidders must submit firm fixed pricing inclusive of all freight, packaging, handling, taxes, and duties under F.O.B. destination for domestic deliveries and D.D.P. (Incoterms 2010) for cross-border deliveries. The MBTA is exempt from federal excise tax, Massachusetts state sales tax, and will not pay separate customs duties. The standard prompt payment discount is 1% for payments within 20 days with net 45 days payment terms.

The contract will be open for use by all MassDOT divisions. Contractors must carry minimum insurance including $1,000,000 general liability per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, name the MBTA as an additional insured, and provide proof of insurance within three business days of conditional notice of award. All insurance must be issued by carriers rated A- VII or better by A.M. Best. The MBTA Standard Terms and Conditions must be accepted without negotiation except for provisions deemed absolutely unacceptable. Bid responses must be submitted electronically through COMMBUYS.