SUBJECT:
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Approval of a resolution authorizing the President & CEO, or her designee, to finalize and execute a contract with Modern Rail Systems to purchase, install, test and commission defect detectors on the Central Subdivision installing two new locations for a base term of one (1) year in an amount not to exceed $900,507.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this action is available in the FY2025 Capital Budget.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Strategic Goal Alignment:
☒ 1. Customer ☐ 2. Community
☐ 3. Workforce ☐ 4. Organizational Effectiveness
Strategic Objectives:
☒ 1.1 Safe & Reliable Service ☐1.2 High Quality Customer Experience ☐ 1.3 Accessible System
☐ 2.1 Support Sustainable Regional Growth ☐ 2.2 Become a Carbon Neutral Agency
☒ 2.3 Responsive to Community and Customer Needs ☐ 2.4 Regional Leader in Transit Planning
☐ 3.1 Diversity of Staff ☐ 3.2 Employer of Choice ☐ 3.3 Expand Highly Skilled Workforce
☐ 4.1 Fiscally Responsible and Transparent ☒ 4.2 Culture of Safety ☐ 4.3 State of Good Repair
EXPLANATION OF STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT: The overall goal of the project is to establish defect detector sites that will detect and transmit information regarding train-related issues that may encroach on the integrity of CapMetro’s alignment and the safety of rail operations. These systems aim to identify small problems before they escalate into major, costly, and potentially dangerous situations.
BUSINESS CASE: Investing in standardized, modern railroad Defect Detector sites along CapMetro’s alignment will significantly enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, and reduce long-term costs.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: The item was presented and recommended for approval by the Operations, Planning and Safety Committee on April 14, 2025.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This resolution is to contract a vendor to purchase and install two new Defect Detectors on the CapMetro Rail Central Subdivision. This will improve operational efficiency, enhance safety and reduce accidents and derailment risks by providing real-time early detection of equipment issues.
Certain types of defect detectors identify different types of risks a train might encounter in the right-of-way, such as clearance/height issues, dragging equipment that has fallen from the train, overheating bearing issues, and more.
The planned install aligns with industry best practices and regulatory recommendations, positioning CapMetro as a leader in rail safety and operational excellence.
DBE/SBE PARTICIPATION: An 8% SBE goal was assigned to this procurement. The contractor has committed to 27.96% during the term of the contract and will be monitored.
PROCUREMENT:
On December 23, 2024, an Invitation for Bids was issued and formally advertised for Rail Defect Detectors. By the closing date of January 27, 2025, two (2) bids were received. In accordance with the instructions in the solicitation, award will be made to the lowest responsive responsible bidder for the work. Based on the evaluations and cost analysis conducted, the proposal from Modern Railway Systems (“MRS”) in the total amount of $900,507.00 is determined to be the responsive responsible bid/bidder for the Rail Defect Detectors. The contract term is one (1) year from the Notice to Proceed.
RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT: Rail Department
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RESOLUTION
OF THE
CAPITAL METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF TRAVIS
AI-2025-1376
WHEREAS, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors and CapMetro Management recognize the need to enhance safety along the Rail Central Subdivision and mitigate the risks of accidents and derailments; and damage to existing CapMetro wayside infrastructure.
WHEREAS, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors and CapMetro Management recognize the need to provide a safe, efficient and reliable rail service to our customers and freight tenants.
WHEREAS, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors and CapMetro Management recognize the need to finalize and execute the purchase and commissioning of Defect Detectors via a contract secured through competitive bidding.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors that the President & CEO, of her designee, is authorized to finalize and execute a contract with Modern Rail Systems to purchase, install, test and commission defect detectors on the Central Subdivision installing two new locations for a base term of one (1) in a total amount not to exceed $900,507.
____________________ Date: ____________________
Secretary of the Board
Becki Ross