IFB # 96-26 Ultrasonic Rail Testing

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is requesting bids for ultrasonic rail testing services on approximately 140 miles of transit mainline track across five lines (Green, Orange, Red, Blue, and Mattapan/PCC Lines) under IFB #96-26, with bids due July 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST/EDT.

The scope requires semi-annual ultrasonic inspections to detect rail defects including welds, joint defects, vertical and horizontal split heads, transverse fissures, head and web separation, and fractures. Testing equipment must meet or exceed AREMA Category I performance guidelines. Contractors must furnish and maintain a self-propelled, diesel-powered hi-rail vehicle capable of navigating 100-foot radius curves and certified clearance. Work occurs during non-revenue hours (typically 1:30 AM to 4:30 AM), seven days per week, with a minimum of five shifts per week except during holiday-shortened weeks. Contractors receive approximately three hours per shift with track access coordinated by the MBTA Track Engineer. Compensation is structured as a daily rate (inclusive of all transportation, personnel, equipment, tools, supplies, and power) with one-quarter payment if the MBTA cancels after 11:00 PM; no payment applies if contractor equipment malfunctions prevent testing. All testing personnel must complete right-of-way safety training, wear MBTA-issued badges, and submit detailed defect records within two hours of shift conclusion and comprehensive end-of-test reports within two weeks of each testing cycle.

The base contract term is three years (FY27–FY29) with two optional one-year extensions. The MBTA seeks 64 units of testing services annually in the base term and 64 units per optional year. Bid prices must be firm fixed prices, F.O.B. destination for domestic deliveries and DDP (Incoterms 2010) for cross-border shipments, inclusive of all freight, packaging, handling, taxes, and duties. Award will be made to the lowest-priced responsive bid from a responsible bidder, with evaluation of bidder integrity, compliance with public policy, past performance, and financial and technical resources. Contractors must carry Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence / $1,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limits), and Workers' Compensation Insurance (Massachusetts Chapter 152 requirements) with Best's rating A- or better and the MBTA named as additional insured. The contract will be open for use by all MassDOT divisions upon award.