Wheel Press Machine at CROF

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Authority is conducting a sealed bid procurement for a 600-ton Double-Ended (Dual-Cylinder) Mounting/Demounting Wheel Press Machine to be installed at the Central Repair and Operations Facility (CROF) located at 3021 Oak Lane, Dallas, Texas 75266. The solicitation, numbered B-2094260, requires potential contractors to provide a specialized wheel press with comprehensive specifications including a dual-end combination design, powered wheel set cart, wheel set measurement system, overhead positioning system, high-pressure oil injection system, and a 3-hook gantry crane. Contractor qualifications are stringent, mandating firms have at least ten years of experience in designing, manufacturing, installing, and supporting specialized equipment, with a proven track record of at least five wheel presses currently in use, including one double-ended press of 400-ton capacity or greater. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for January 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM, and sealed offers must be electronically submitted via https://dart.bonfirehub.com by January 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Offers will remain valid for 180 calendar days, with the contract initially structured for an 18-month term and potential extension up to 24 months.

The procurement includes a 5 percent Small Business Enterprise (SBC) participation goal, requiring offerors to either meet or demonstrate good faith efforts toward this objective in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26.39. The vendor list compiled for this opportunity includes 432 businesses across various North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, with specific focus on minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs) and women-owned business enterprises (WBEs) in categories such as Light Rail Cars and Equipment Manufacturing, Fasteners, and Hydraulic/Pneumatic Pumps and Parts. Four MBE-certified and two WBE-certified firms are listed specifically in the Light Rail Cars and Equipment Manufacturing category. The bid schedule indicates twelve line items to be priced on a lump-sum basis, covering the wheel press machine, associated equipment, installation, training, spare parts, and bonding. While a specific award value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the procurement suggests a significant investment in specialized industrial equipment. Contractors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including Commercial Automobile Liability, Commercial General Liability, Workers' Compensation, and Professional Liability insurance, with DART named as an additional insured.