RFEI# 05.09.25 - Wheel Impact Load Detector & Hot Box Detector Systems

SCOPE

Prior to a formal solicitation to procure, the LIRR is seeking a Request For Expression of Interest from qualified manufacturers and suppliers in providing information to the LIRR to incorporate the latest railroad wayside defect detection technology and services. Specifically:

- Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD) system to monitor bi-directional traffic and identify track and train damaging wheelsets. The system must be capable of identifying train direction and specific cars /wheelsets with suspected defects. The system shall have minimal dead zone during each run. RFID readers shall operate reliably at any train speed and under all environmental conditions with zero crosstalk when multiple trains are simultaneously present on adjacent tracks with minimal spacing. Data collected would be shared via alerts, emails and analysis software. LIRR seeks an integrated package.

- Hot Box Detector (HBD) system to monitor bi-directional traffic and identify overheated railcar bearings. The system must be capable of identifying train direction and specific cars / wheelsets with suspected defects. Data collected would be shared via alerts, emails and analysis software. LIRR seeks an integrated package.

- WILD and HBD systems may be installed separately or together at various locations.

- Other optional systems such as sliding wheel and dragging equipment detection that may be added to such a system.

- Systems shall have an expandable format suitable for single, dual, triple and quadruple track installations and multiple locations.

- On-track equipment and sensors shall operate at the telecom low voltage limit, such as 48vDC.

- Suitable for use on electrified (750v DC third rail) and non-electrified tracks.

- Tracks shall not be bonded together in a ground buss or through any equipment. Electrical isolation between running rails must be maintained at all times. All systems must be immune from RF known signal sources and not cause any harmful interference with LIRR radio systems or onboard equipment. It is essential that the system be compatible with LIRR’s Positive Train Control (PTC) system RFID 27 MHz transponder scans and 220MHZ & 160MHZ voice radio frequency spectrum(See attached, LIRR frequency list) MIL-STD-461 or equivalent testing for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) emissions to determine if equipment emits or is affected by them shall be a requirement of the future procurement.

Firms who express an interest must address all points above in their proposal and may be invited to participate in meetings to discuss the matters addressed in this RFEI and may be requested to provide additional information.

Information Submittal:

Interested Firms should also submit an Information Letter that includes the following:

Letter of Introduction stating the name of the company and all contact information

Description and brief history of Company (Include whether a small or large business, disadvantaged minority business, partnership, corporation, joint venture, etc.)

Current organization chart; Years in business

Experience in this type of work

Current capacity, number and general scope of projects currently underway, including scheduled and completion dates

Discussions on all key points above

Suggestions and comments

Quality Assurance program information

References

Your response to the RFEI will not be evaluated or ranked but will be used by the LIRR to possibly refine and improve the final specification and design.

Submission Package

Interested Firms should submit their Response with the header RFEI# 05.09.25 – Wheel Impact Load Detector & Hot Box Detector Systems electronically to: Daniel Sherwood via e-mail at Dsherwo@lirr.org, and Marlon Torres at Marlon.Torres@lirr.org or via mail addressed to Long Island Rail Road - Procurement & Logistics Department, JCC Building: 144-41 94th Avenue, 3rd Floor, Jamaica, NY 11435. Attn: Daniel Sherwood – Contract Specialist. Faxed submissions are not acceptable. RFEI DUE DATE: 6/20/25 at 2:30PM.