IFB On-Call, As Needed Railroad Flagging Services, Statewide

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB #52A0176) for On-Call, As Needed Railroad Flagging Services statewide. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide comprehensive railroad flagging services within Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) right of way, with primary responsibilities including ensuring crew safety near railroad tracks, signaling train operators, and utilizing proper safety equipment and signals. Bidders must be current and approved UPRR vendors with valid Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) registration. Key procurement dates include written questions due by December 13, 2024, with final bid submissions due on January 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, and bid opening at 2:30 p.m. the same day. The contract will cover a two-year period from February 3, 2025, through February 2, 2027, with an estimated award date of February 6, 2025. Pricing will be structured with rates for various shift types including 8-hour and 4-hour regular flagging services, night hours, holiday hours, overtime, weekend hours, and observer fees. Prevailing wage requirements will apply if the total bid amount exceeds $15,000.

The solicitation includes a 25% Small Business (SB) participation goal, with no mandatory Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement, though a 5% incentive is available for DVBE participation. Bidders must demonstrate the capability to provide railroad flagging services statewide, with the contract allowing for reimbursement at actual cost for various permits, insurance, and railroad-related fees without additional markup. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the on-call nature of the contract suggests flexibility in service utilization. The contract will reimburse for actual labor, equipment, tools, parts, materials, supplies, and travel necessary to perform railroad flagging services as needed by Caltrans. Contractors will be expected to maintain comprehensive safety protocols and comply with all relevant railroad and transportation safety regulations. The solicitation emphasizes the critical nature of the services in maintaining safety during transportation infrastructure work, with a focus on precise and professional flagging services across California's railroad networks.