Third-party administrator services for the o-line rail corridor

The City of Charlotte and Norfolk Southern Railway Company are seeking a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) for the O-Line Rail Corridor through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ #269-2025-1819). The primary objective is to secure a qualified firm to manage claims arising under the Comprehensive Rail Agreement (CRA) governing shared use of the rail corridor from uptown Charlotte to the northern Mecklenburg County border. The selected TPA will be responsible for evaluating and determining the validity of claims filed by Norfolk Southern, with the authority to release funds from a $10 million Self-Insurance Fund. Key deliverables include managing the escrow account, replenishing the fund when it falls below $5 million, and acting as an impartial administrator similar to an arbitrator. Evaluation criteria will focus on the firm's qualifications, experience in the railroad or transportation industry, and cost-effectiveness. A non-mandatory virtual information conference is scheduled for the week of January 15, 2025, with final submissions due on January 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EST. The anticipated service commencement date is March 3, 2025, with an indefinite agreement term lasting until all O-Line improvements are insured or the City obtains acceptable commercial general liability insurance.

The RFQ does not explicitly mention any set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. There are no details provided about incumbent vendors or existing contractors that might be currently managing similar services. The contract involves a $10 million Self-Insurance Fund, with the City responsible for all associated establishment and administration costs. The procurement is specifically for professional services within the transportation infrastructure sector, likely requiring significant expertise in claims management, rail corridor operations, and municipal-railway collaborative agreements. Potential respondents should have demonstrated experience in complex administrative roles, particularly in transportation or insurance-related fields. While no specific budget range beyond the Self-Insurance Fund is mentioned, the comprehensive nature of the role suggests a significant professional services contract. Interested firms should contact Todd Holcomb at Todd.Holcomb@charlottenc.gov for additional information or clarification about the RFQ.