Rail Grinding (Federal Funding)

The Detroit Transportation Corporation (DTC) is requesting proposals for rail grinding services to restore the Detroit People Mover rail system to a State of Good Repair, with proposals due September 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time via Bidnet Direct. This is a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funded project requiring all FTA-mandated documents and compliance certifications with proposals; DBE participation guidelines apply under FTA Circular C 4220.1G.

The scope encompasses preventive maintenance on approximately 2.94 miles of elevated guideway rail to optimize rail profile, reduce noise and vibration, address rail surface conditions, and extend infrastructure service life. The contractor must supply a specialized L-Series, 8-stone rail grinder with approximately 30 HP grinding motors and provide all labor, supplies, materials, and tools. DTC will provide the crane and conduct pre- and post-grind rail inspections. Work is performed at the Detroit People Mover Maintenance Facility, 360 State Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226, and the contractor must coordinate all site access, equipment mobilization, scheduling, and work activities with DTC while complying with site-access, security, safety, and operational requirements.

Evaluation criteria are pricing (35 percent), experience and qualifications (30 percent), past performance and references (20 percent), and approach to work, timeline, and schedule (15 percent). The contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance including worker's compensation, commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and excess/umbrella coverage of $5,000,000. Performance bonds are not required. Liquidated damages are assessed at $150 per calendar day for delays beyond the delivery schedule. All subcontractors must be fully disclosed and approved by DTC prior to engagement. Proposals remain valid for 180 days after the due date. Written questions are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on August 25, 2026. An optional walk-through is available upon request.