Rail Infrastructure Work Program

RTD plans to seek a contractor with demonstrated expertise from contractors , manufacturers , and vendors with demonstrated products, skills and expertise to conduct full-depth reconstruction, interim repairs (when necessary) and prepare for future modernization while keeping the existing system operational to the greatest extent possible . This RFI is NOT seeking to engage with design professionals . This RFI is being used to collect industry feedback regarding the general project approach and how the project schedule can be accelerated.

The Regional Transportation District (“RTD” or the “District”) is in the early stages of planning defined cycles of light rail renewal, modernization, support for high-volume events work, and investments undertaken in cooperation with other entities.

By this Request for Information (RFI) RTD is seeking information from contractors, manufacturers, and vendors with demonstrated products, skills and expertise to conduct full-depth reconstruction, interim repairs (when necessary) and prepare for future modernization while keeping the existing system operational to the greatest extent possible. This RFI is NOT seeking to engage with design professionals.

RTD has launched a new Strategic Initiative called Building a Better RTD which includes elements of Advancing Infrastructure work. Planning for full-depth rail reconstruction involves building reasonable alternatives for customers and delivering the maximum amount of reconstruction within the scheduled shutdowns. The intent is to implement full-depth rail reconstruction work in an impacted segment all at one time, so that the lifespan of the rail assets can be reset, and the segment does not see a disruption for reconstruction for another 30 years. Interim corrective actions may also be required on the system, but the main priority for RTD is to identify the most efficient manner to conduct full-depth rail reconstruction at key locations. If any system improvements are needed and feasible, those should also be undertaken at the same time.

Interested contractors, manufacturers, and vendors are requested to review the outline scope for the first focus area and complete the Respondent Questionnaire. Following the RFI Submittal due date, RTD may hold individual 1-on-1 meetings with Respondents if a Respondent requests. During the 1-on-1 meetings, Respondents may ask additional questions about the project and provide additional information regarding the Respondent’s RFI Submittal. One (1) hour will be allotted for each 1-on-1 meeting and the meetings will be held remotely. Scheduling of 1-on-1 meetings will be based on mutual availability.

Responding to this RFI will provide contractors, manufacturers, and vendors the opportunity to engage with RTD staff prior to solicitations being issued, so RTD can incorporate their suggestions and feedback. Responding to this RFI is NOT a prequalification. Not responding will not affect any firm’s capability to apply for any subsequent solicitation.

RTD plans to use information obtained from this RFI to develop scopes of work and associated contract provisions to contract with one or more vendors. The ensuing contracts may be on-call work order type, or other contractual mechanisms.

The Rail Infrastructure Work Program will encompass all elements of rail Systems, including the vehicle interface. The term “Systems” as used in this RFI pertains to Traction Power Electrification, Signaling, Systemwide Electrical, Communications, and the Vehicle interface.

It is intended for the geographic extent of the work to be all of the RTD rail system, except the A, B, and G lines which are maintained through a long-term concessionaire agreement. The initial focus will be on the Light Rail System.

The services RTD may contract for are:

• Performing full-depth reconstruction of rail lines
• Interim corrective repairs as needed
• Performing system modifications

Three potential future scopes of work identified for reconstruction are described within in an outline form in the Scope of Work Section, exhibits, and with some additional details. RTD will fund the scope through the Agency’s Asset Management Program run capital project planning process.

EXISTING SYSTEM INFORMATION

RTD is a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, United States of America responsible for developing, maintaining, and operating a mass transit system for the benefit of its service area. The RTD service area encompasses portions of the eight-county region including the City and County of Broomfield, the City and County of Denver, the Counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Douglas, Jefferson, and Weld. The service area is 2,345 square miles.

The RTD opened its first electrified rail line in 1994. Since then, 114 miles of rail have been constructed at various points in time. RTD runs both Light Rail and Commuter Rail. System characteristics are below.

All highway rail grade crossings on Commuter Rail are also under the purview of Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

The initial reconstruction work is expected to be on the Light Rail system. See Exhibit A of Attachment E - Supplemental for 926DR013 RFI Rail Infrastructure Work, for a Light Rail System map . Based on age considerations, segments of Lines D, E, H, and W have been identified for planning reconstruction work.

RAIL RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM GOALS

1. Prioritize implementation of full-depth rail reconstruction and systems work so that the lifespan of rail assets can be reset, and the segment does not see a disruption for reconstruction for another 30 years.

2. Keep rail and systems elements in a condition ready to deliver service, operating at a full level of performance, minimizing impact on service delivery.

3. Explore modernization needs and not preclude them. Work towards modernization as feasible.

4. Provide customers with advance notice of planned disruptions and provide alternative service.

5. Once a rail segment is shut down, update all infrastructure and related systems to the extent possible.

6. Optimize the work that needs to be done with shutdowns required.

7. Program Standards

a. For trackwork, full depth reconstruction is the goal, to reset expected useful life, and to align with Agency capital project funding expectations. Interim fixes may be implemented if conditions warrant.

b. For systems work, the program standards are in development. RTD is currently undertaking a RFQual 126DR008: Light Rail Systems Asset Management Gap Assessment and Implementation Plan study. The systems gap assessment is intended to define the system, identify current condition and performance, document dependencies, and establish the plan to achieve compliance and readiness.

c. RTD will also incorporate lessons learned from the Downtown Denver Rail Reconstruction Project, currently underway.