RFP 112-26 Centralized Train Control System

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is requesting proposals for a replacement Centralized Train Control (CTC) system under RFP 112-26, with responses due September 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. via COMMBUYS, and a pre-bid conference scheduled for August 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. The MBTA encourages participation from small businesses, Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Women Business Enterprises (WBEs), Veterans Business Enterprises (VBEs), Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (SDVOBEs), Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs), and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs), with supplier diversity accounting for 25% of overall technical scoring.

The scope is a commercial, largely off-the-shelf replacement for the MBTA's current CTC system, in service over 25 years, that manages dispatching for the Red Line, Orange Line, Blue Line heavy rail lines, and Green Line light rail. The solution must integrate with existing signal systems across approximately 136 miles of revenue track and 43 miles of non-revenue track, support current lines, and accommodate future device additions and topologies. The successful bidder must operate and maintain the system for at least fifteen years following implementation.

Evaluation will be conducted on a best-value basis combining technical merit and pricing. Technical criteria weight bidder experience and qualifications at 15%, technical design and system capabilities at 20%, implementation plan and resources at 25%, information security and reliability at 10%, and software accessibility at 5%. Pass/fail criteria require demonstration of legal compliance and financial stability. The MBTA intends to select a solution and begin implementation no later than October 2026, with contract execution anticipated by September 30, 2026 and service start date estimated for October 12, 2026. In-person or virtual presentations are estimated for the week of September 21, 2026. Bidders must submit questions by August 28, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., with official answers published by August 31, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The acceptance period for bids is 180 calendar days from the response due date.