SUBJECT:
title
Approval of a resolution authorizing the President & CEO, or her designee, to finalize and execute a contract with ABB Inc. for the upgrade of the propulsion control units on the Stadler Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), in a total amount not to exceed $3,140,192, which includes 10% contingency.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this action is available in the FY2026 and proposed FY2027 Capital Budget.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Strategic Goal Alignment:
☒ 1. Customer ☐ 2. Community
☐ 3. Workforce ☒ 4. Organizational Effectiveness
EXPLANATION OF STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT: This project supports CapMetro’s strategic priorities by strengthening reliability, safety, and overall customer experience. Replacing obsolete propulsion control equipment with modern technology reduces the risk of service disruptions and improves fleet availability, helping ensure the delivery of reliable and safe transit service. The upgrade also advances the organization’s culture of safety by incorporating updated components, improved diagnostics, and enhanced system performance. By minimizing unplanned downtime and improving operational consistency, the project contributes to a better customer experience while supporting long-term operational stability and asset management goals.
BUSINESS CASE: CapMetro’s Stadler DMU fleet relies on obsolete propulsion controllers that are no longer supported, creating increasing risks to reliability and fleet availability. Limited replacement parts and aging equipment raise the likelihood of extended downtime, service disruptions, and higher maintenance costs. Without proactive replacement, these risks will continue to grow and impact safe, reliable operations.
To address this, CapMetro will upgrade the affected DMUs with next-generation propulsion control modules. This modernization will restore long-term supportability, reduce operational risk, improve reliability, and extend the fleet’s service life to meet its intended lifecycle.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: This item will be presented to the full board on May 18, 2026.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: CapMetro’s Stadler DMU vehicles are currently operating with aging propulsion control technology that has surpassed its supported lifecycle. As component availability declines and technical support becomes limited, the potential for service interruptions and reduced fleet performance increases. To proactively address these challenges, CapMetro will replace the existing propulsion control units with modern, next-generation equipment. This initiative will enhance system performance, improve maintainability, and support long-term operational stability. Implementing these upgrades will help ensure continued dependable service and maximize the useful life of the DMU fleet.
This project represents a proactive investment in fleet reliability, operational continuity, and long-term cost savings.
Approval of this project is recommended to mitigate risks associated with obsolete propulsion control systems and to ensure continued reliable rail service.
SBE PARTICIPATION: A 0% SBE goal was assigned to this procurement, which did not include subcontract opportunities.
PROCUREMENT: A Sole Source Procurement was conducted with ABB Inc., for the replacement of six (6) obsolete DMU propulsion control units and components. The procurement followed all Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) guidelines and CapMetro policies and procedures for Sole Source Purchases. A proposal was received from ABB Inc. on January 28, 2026. The proposal was reviewed in all aspects of pricing and technical approach and was deemed fair and reasonable. The contract is a fixed price contract with a term of two (2) years from the contract notice to proceed.
RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT: Capital Construction, Engineering & Design (CCED)
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RESOLUTION
OF THE
CAPITAL METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF TRAVIS
AI-2026-1813
WHEREAS, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors and CapMetro Management recognize that CapMetro’s Stadler DMU fleet currently relies on obsolete propulsion control units that are no longer supported by manufacturers, creating increased risk to fleet reliability, vehicle availability, and the delivery of safe and dependable transit service; and
WHEREAS, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors and CapMetro Management recognize the need to modernize the propulsion control systems by upgrading to next-generation technology in order to reduce operational risk, improve reliability, support a strong culture of safety, and enhance the overall customer experience while extending the useful life of the DMU fleet.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors that the President & CEO, or her designee, is authorized to finalize and execute a contract with ABB Inc. for the upgrade of the propulsion control units on the Stadler Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), in a total amount not to exceed $3,140,192, which includes 10% contingency.
____________________ Date: ____________________
Secretary of the Board
Becki Ross