RFP - Light Rail Wheel Measuring Devices

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the procurement of maintenance measuring devices for light rail wheels. The RFP seeks devices that can accurately measure and monitor all wheel-to-rail related parameters for the MBTA's three different fleets of Green Line vehicles (Type 7 Kinki Sharyo, Type 8 Ansaldo-Breda, and Type 9 CAF). The required minimum measuring capabilities include wheel profile, rim thickness, wheel diameter, and back-to-back distance. Additional optional measurement capabilities such as rail profile, switch, wheel defects, radial/axial run-out, rail/track geometry, and brake disc measurements are also requested. The RFP outlines specific technical, usability, software, data handling, and training requirements for the devices. Proposals are due by May 20, 2020, and the MBTA anticipates awarding the contract by May 29, 2020 with a service start date of June 15, 2020.

The MBTA is promoting participation of certified small, minority, women, and other disadvantaged businesses. The contract will be structured using the MBTA's standard contract and terms and conditions, and the MBTA reserves the right to modify or cancel the procurement at its discretion. No specific incumbent vendors or budget ranges are provided in the information, but the RFP indicates the MBTA may award the contract to one or multiple bidders on a best value basis, with technical factors being more important than price.