RFP 026-007 Cost Estimating and Cost Validation Services for L'Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project

VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
(RFP) No. 026-007
COST ESTIMATING
AND
COST VALIDATION SERVICES
FOR
L'ENFANT STATION AND FOURTH TRACK
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
RFP Issued: July 30, 2026
Contact: Trinette Broussard, Contracts Administrator
Virginia Railway Express, 1500 King Street, Suite 202, Alexandria, VA 22314
Main Office: (703) 684-1001 Direct/Fax: (703) 838-5419 Email: tbroussard@vre.org
Contact: Kristin Nutter, Director of Purchasing and Contract Administration
Virginia Railway Express, 1500 King Street, Suite 202, Alexandria, VA 22314
Main Office: (703) 684-1001 Direct/Fax: (703) 838-5441 Email: knutter@vre.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION TO RFP .................................................................................................... 3
II. PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE ............................................................................................. 6
III. INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFERRORS ................................................................................... 7
IV. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................... 17
V. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL ........................................................................................... 22
VI. EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA ...................................................................... 24
VII. CONTRACT AWARD/EXECUTION ................................................................................. 36
VIII. SPECIAL PROVISIONS ...................................................................................................... 38
IX. GENERAL PROVISIONS .................................................................................................... 39
X. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................ 74
XI. SWaM BUSINESS UTILIZATION ..................................................................................... 78
XII. ATTACHMENTS ................................................................................................................. 79
Attachment A- Scope of Work
Attachment B- Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of
Bidders/Offerors
Attachment C- VRE Safety and Security Guidelines
Attachment D- Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Third Party Contract
Provisions
RFP No. 026-007 2
RFP Title: Cost Estimating and Cost Validation Services
for L'Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project
Virginia Railway Express

I. INTRODUCTION TO RFP
_____________________________________________________________
01. PURPOSE
A. The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to establish a Contract with one
(1) qualified and experienced firm to provide Cost Estimating and Cost Validation
Services (CVS) in support of the Construction Manager/General Contractor
(CM/GC) delivery of the L'Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project
(LEF Project). For purposes of this solicitation, including all attachments hereto,
the selected firm is referred to as the "Contractor", the "Consultant" or the "Cost
Validation Services Consultant (CVS Consultant)." The Construction
Manager/General Contractor is referred to as the "CMGC" and will be awarded
separate contracts for preconstruction services and construction of the LEF Project.
02. VRE BACKGROUND
A. The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is a commuter rail service linking the District
of Columbia and Northern Virginia. The Northern Virginia Transportation
Commission (NVTC) and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation
Commission (PRTC) are transportation districts established under Virginia law and
jointly own this service. An Operations Board consisting of members from each of
the jurisdictions within the VRE service area governs the development and
operation of VRE and serves as an advisory board to the NVTC and PRTC
governing boards. Use of the term VRE in this RFP refers to NVTC and PRTC.
B. VRE began operations in 1992 on two (2) lines, Fredericksburg and Manassas. In
June 2025, VRE's Operations Board recommended adoption of System Plan 2050
providing both a long-range vision for 2050 service as well as a near-term
implementable 2030 service plan, based largely on the expected infrastructure and
rolling stock constraints in the 2030 decade, but also on the opportunities to
increase service as a result of programmed VRE and Transforming Rail in Virginia
(TRV) infrastructure projects expected to be complete by that time.
C. The primary mission of VRE is to provide commuter-oriented passenger rail service
between the outlying suburbs and the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria urban
core. Some tourists and "day-trippers" also ride the trains. The service is heavily
oriented towards that core area in the morning peak and in the opposite direction in
the evening peak.
03. PROJECT BACKGROUND
The LEF Project includes reconstruction of the existing VRE L'Enfant Station and
construction of a continuous fourth mainline track between the Virginia (VA) and
L'Enfant (LE) Interlockings in Washington, DC, between roughly 10th Street SW
and 2nd Street SW. The LEF project is located along Virginia Avenue SW between
6th Street SW and 7th Street SW within a shared-use rail corridor utilized by
commuter rail (VRE), intercity passenger rail (Amtrak), and freight rail (CSX
Transportation). See Figure1-1, below for a map of the LEF Project Location.
RFP No. 026-007 3
RFP Title: Cost Estimating and Cost Validation Services
for L'Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project
Virginia Railway Express

Figure 1-1: LEF Project Location
D. The existing VRE L'Enfant Station includes a 550-foot-long by 12.5-foot-wide side
platform which is shorter than the longest VRE train in operation, thus creating a
condition where all cars on the train are not accessible for boarding or alighting. As
a result, passengers are required to move between cars, contributing to increased
dwell times. The LEF Project will replace the existing platform with a new center
platform designed to accommodate simultaneous boarding and alighting from two
full-length eight (8)-car trains, providing full platform access to all passenger cars
and improving passenger circulation capacity.
E. The Project includes construction of new station access points at the north and south
ends of the platform, consisting of stairs, elevators, and associated equipment
rooms. These improvements will enhance passenger access, provide operational
redundancy, and achieve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 (ADA).
F. Railroad infrastructure improvements include, but are not limited to:
1. Installation of approximately one (1) mile of new fourth mainline track;
2. Demolition of the existing platform and station access points at 6th Street SW
and 7th Street SW;
3. Interlocking modifications and signal system upgrades, including
construction of a signal house and associated equipment foundations;
4. Drainage improvements and utility relocations, including installation of
railroad duct banks;
5. Construction of retaining walls and load transfer platforms;
6. Removal and replacement of existing catenary structures;
7. Replacement of the railroad bridge over 6th Street SW; and
8. Widening and modification of the railroad bridge and abutments over 7th
Street SW.
G. Construction will be performed in phases to maintain continuous freight,
commuter, and passenger rail operations, as well as local pedestrian, bicycle, and
vehicular traffic throughout the duration of the LEF Project.
H. Implementation of the LEF Project requires coordination with multiple agencies,
stakeholders, and related infrastructure initiatives, including adjacent property
owners; the Long Bridge Capacity Improvement Project; the Transforming Rail in
RFP No. 026-007 4
RFP Title: Cost Estimating and Cost Validation Services
for L'Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project
Virginia Railway Express

Virginia Program; the Amtrak First Street Tunnel Project; CSX Transportation;
Amtrak; Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA); Virginia
Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA); and the District Department of Transportation
(DDOT).
I. The Scope of Work under this Contract includes the provision of independent,
objective, and fully auditable construction cost estimating and cost validation
services to assist VRE in evaluating and validating construction costs developed by
the CM/GC during design development, preconstruction services, and Guaranteed
Maximum Price (GMP) negotiations. These services will provide VRE with a
quantified, documented basis for assessing cost reasonableness, risk allocation, and
commercial terms at each major LEF Project milestone.
04. FUNDING
The LEF Project is funded in whole or in part by Federal and State grants and is
subject to certain provisions required by the respective Federal and State agencies.
The Consultant shall not perform any act, fail to perform any act, or refuse to
comply with any VRE requests which would cause VRE to be in violation of
Federal and State agency terms and conditions.
RFP No. 026-007 5
RFP Title: Cost Estimating and Cost Validation Services
for L'Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project
Virginia Railway Express

II. PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE
_____________________________________________________________
RFP Issued July 30, 2026
Confirm Attendance for Virtual August 10, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. EST
Pre-Proposal Meeting
Pre-Proposal Meeting August 12, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. EST
Submission of Written Questions August 14, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. EST
Responses to Written Questions August 17, 2026
Proposals Due (Closing Date and Time) September 1, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. EST
Interviews (Optional) To Be Determined
Virginia Railway Express (VRE) reserves the right to make changes to the
above-mentioned schedule. All such changes shall be made by an
addendum to the solicitation. Offerors must frequently monitor VRE's
website at www.vre.org for information concerning this solicitation,
including any addenda or notices.
RFP No. 026-007 6
RFP Title: Cost Estimating and Cost Validation Services
for L'Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project
Virginia Railway Express

III. INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFERORS
_____________________________________________________________
01. COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
This solicitation is a competitive negotiation for professional services, as defined
in the PRTC and VRE Public Procurement Policy and Procedures Manual. The
content of the Proposals and the identity of the Offerors are not public record until
a Notice of Intent to Award has been issued. The opening of Proposals is therefore
not public.
02. PROPOSAL AND CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS
A. Federal funds may be used for the subsequent Contract. Federal requirements are
subject to change. The Offeror is responsible for complying with the most current
regulations. The Offeror agrees that the most recent of such Federal and State
requirements will govern the administration of the Contract at any particular time
during performance of the Contract, unless VRE issues a written determination
otherwise.
B. Additionally, VRE follows Virginia procurement laws. Accordingly, all applicable
requirements will apply. Offerors are expected to become familiar with these
requirements and shall not submit Proposals if unable to execute a Contract
containing such provisions.
C. VRE will provide a Contract containing these provisions for execution by the
prospective Contractor that is selected. Offerors shall not use their own standard
contracts for this engagement.
03. OBLIGATION OF CONTRACTOR
A. Before submitting a Proposal, the Offeror shall be responsible for reading and
examining the solicitation documents including these Instructions for Offerors.
Submission of a Proposal shall be deemed verification of such reading and
examination by the Offeror.
B. By submitting a Proposal, the Offeror agrees that it has satisfied itself from a
personal investigation of the conditions to be met, that the obligations herein are
fully understood, and no claim may be made nor will there be any right to
cancellation or relief from the Contract because of any misunderstanding or lack of
information.
04. COMPETITION INTENDED
It is VRE's intent that this solicitation promotes competition. It shall be the
Offeror's responsibility to advise VRE if any language or requirements included in
this RFP restrict or limit the purchase to a single source. Such notification must be
received by the VRE Director of Purchasing and Contract Administration, in
writing, not later than fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the date and time set for
receipt of Proposals. A review of such notifications will be made, and the Offeror
notified of the results of the review.
RFP No. 026-007 7
RFP Title: Cost Estimating and Cost Validation Services
for L'Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project
Virginia Railway Express

05. INTEREST IN MORE THAN ONE PROPOSAL AND COLLUSION
Reasonable grounds for believing that an Offeror is interested in more than one
Proposal for a solicitation, including both as an Offeror and as a Subcontractor for
another Offeror, or that collusion exists between two or more Offerors, will result
in rejection of all affected Proposals. However, an individual or entity acting only
as a Subcontractor may be included as a Subcontractor on two or more different
Offerors' Proposals. Offerors rejected under this provision will also be disqualified
if they respond to a re-solicitation for the same work.
06. POINT OF CONTACT
A. All inquiries or correspondence shall be directed to the VRE Contract
Administrator and the Director of Purchasing and Contract Administration whose
names and contact information appear on the face of this solicitation.
B. Communications relating to this RFP, other than to the Contract Administrator and
the Director of Purchasing and Contract Administration, are prohibited during the
RFP response period. Do not contact VRE consultants, or VRE personnel other
than the Contract Administrator and Director of Purchasing and Contract
Administration regarding this solicitation.
07. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
A. VRE will assume no responsibility for any understanding or representations
concerning conditions made by any of its officers or agents prior to the execution
of the Contract, unless included in this RFP or related documents or addenda
thereto.
B. Oral explanations or instructions given before award of the Contract will not be
binding.
08. CLARIFICATION OF TERMS
If an Offeror has questions about the solicitation documents, the Offeror shall
contact the VRE Contract Administrator and Director of Purchasing and Contract
Administration whose names appear on the face of the solicitation. Any revisions
to the solicitation will be made only by addendum issued by VRE.
09. AVAILABILITY OF SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS
The electronic versions of the solicitation documents are intended to provide
convenience to prospective Offerors. Be advised that it is the responsibility of
prospective Offerors to monitor VRE's website for any addenda, notices or
postings. Failure to submit signed addenda may be grounds to declare a Proposal
non-responsive.
10. PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING
A. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting to discuss the requirements of this
solicitation will be held virtually for prospective Offerors via Microsoft Teams
video conference on the date and time specified in PART II. - PROCUREMENT
SCHEDULE of this RFP.
RFP No. 026-007 8
RFP Title: Cost Estimating and Cost Validation Services
for L'Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project
Virginia Railway Express

B. The video conference will use the camera, speakers, and microphone of each
attendee's computer, tablet, or smartphone. However, there is also an ability to
participate by phone as an audio-only option.
C. Individuals interested in participating in the pre-proposal meeting can join as
follows:
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 289 591 233 329 261
Passcode: yw7CY2mh
OR
Dial in by phone
+1 540-566-5614,,135028446# United States, Roanoke
Phone conference ID: 135 028 446#
11. CONFIRM ATTENDANCE AT THE PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING
Offerors must confirm their attendance at the non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting
by contacting the Contract Administrator and Director of Purchasing and Contract
Administration, whose names and contact information appear on the face of this
solicitation, prior to the date and time specified in PART II. - PROCUREMENT
SCHEDULE of this RFP. It is recommended that prospective Offerors monitor
VRE's website for an addendum which may change the format of the pre-proposal
meeting.
12. [RESERVED]
13. [RESERVED]
14. SUBMISSION OF WRITTEN QUESTIONS
A. Deadline: All questions and requests for clarification regarding the meaning or
interpretation of this RFP and other solicitation documents, or any ambiguities,
discrepancies, inconsistencies, or conflicts in or between any of the technical,
pricing, or contractual provisions, must be submitted no later than the date and time
specified in PART II. - PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE of this RFP. Questions
and clarifications requested after such time will not be answered unless VRE elects,
at its sole discretion, to do so.
B. Format for Questions: Questions must be submitted in Microsoft Word format
and include the related Section number and title.
RFP No. 026-007 9
RFP Title: Cost Estimating and Cost Validation Services
for L'Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project
Virginia Railway Express

C. VRE Point of Contact: Questions must be submitted to the VRE Contract
Administrator and Director of Purchasing and Contract Administration in writing
via electronic mail as listed on Page 1 of this RFP. No questions or requests for
additional information, clarification or any other communication should be directed
to any other individual.
D. No oral communication will be accepted. VRE will not be bound by any oral
communications, or written interpretations or clarifications that are not set forth in
an addendum.
E. Questions and responses will be posted on VRE's website at www.vre.org.
F. Any interpretation of a question made by VRE will be responded to and distributed
in the form of an addendum to the RFP and will be available to all interested
Offerors through VRE's website.
15. ADDENDA
VRE may issue addenda to the RFP. Addenda, if any, will be issued at least five
(5) calendar days prior to the Proposal closing date. Any addendum issued less than
five (5) calendar days prior to the closing date will, if necessary, contain a provision
modifying the Proposal closing date to a date that will provide Offerors with
adequate time to respond to the addendum.
16. MODIFICATION OF PROPOSAL CLOSING DATE
VRE reserves the right to modify the Proposal closing date and/or time. If Offerors
have already submitted their Proposals to VRE when the Proposal closing date
and/or time are modified, VRE will afford those Offerors the opportunity to revise
or withdraw their Proposals.
17. VRE INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
In the event of inclement weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall, icy streets
and sidewalks, flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters, which
result in the cancellation of VRE service, the Proposal due date will be extended to
the next business day VRE service resumes. Notifications of service operation
interruptions and the resumption of service are generally posted on VRE's website.
An official addendum to the solicitation will be posted on VRE's website at the
earliest opportunity once VRE service resumes operation.
18. CANCELLATION/WITHDRAWAL OF RFP
VRE reserves the right to cancel or withdraw in whole or in part this RFP at its sole
discretion. Offerors will be notified in the event the RFP is cancelled via VRE's
website.
19. WAIVER OF INFORMALITIES
VRE reserves the right to waive informalities and minor irregularities in Proposals.
20. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE
RFP No. 026-007 10
RFP Title: Cost Estimating and Cost Validation Services
for L'Enfant Station and Fourth Track Improvements Project
Virginia Railway Express