Railroad Switch Parts

Metra is seeking competitively priced railroad switch parts through a three-year purchase agreement under solicitation IFB No. 209662, with bids due by July 15, 2026. The solicitation targets the replacement of obsolete, worn, or deteriorated track components across Will, Cook, and Lake Counties in Illinois to ensure safe and reliable commuter rail operations. Covered items include switch points, stock rails, guard rails, frogs (including RBM frogs), insulated gage plates, and other specialized trackwork components, all of which must conform to stringent technical specifications outlined in AREMA standards, ANSI and ASTM codes, and detailed Metra reference drawings. All materials require full-length ultrasonic testing at the vendor’s expense and radiographic testing for frogs per AREMA Plan No. 1012-03, with shop drawings and a QA/QC policy submitted for Metra’s approval prior to manufacturing. The contract is subject to FTA Circular 4220.1G, Buy America requirements under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, and the Fly America Act for international air transport, with compliance mandatory and certified through Exhibit 1-K. Bidders must not alter any solicitations documents, must bid on all items to be deemed responsive, and cannot propose modified pricing or terms without risking non-responsiveness. The procurement mandates full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including labeling requirements for all goods, Material Data Sheets for hazardous materials, and adherence to the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Pricing must include all costs for packaging, crating, transportation, insurance, and duties under F.O.B. Destination terms, with the total contract value not to exceed $6.2 million. Payment will be processed based on itemized invoices submitted to Metra’s Accounts Payable Department, calculated from the later of invoice receipt or final acceptance of goods, and may include progress payments at Metra’s discretion. The contractor must permit federal and state audit rights by the Secretary of Transportation, the Comptroller General, Metra, RTA, IDOT, and other entities and must flow down all FTA requirements into subcontracts. All bidders must submit signed and notarized certifications including the Corrupt Practices Act Affidavit, Debarment and Suspension certifications for both prime and subcontractors (for subcontracts over $25,000), Buy America compliance, Title VI Assurance, and a Lobbying Restriction Certification if the bid exceeds $