Signal Cable and Wire - Rebid

Metra is seeking bids for signal cable and wire under solicitation number IFB No. 202216B, with a bid opening scheduled for August 27, 2026, and a contract performance period beginning upon order receipt. The procurement is for insulated railroad signal cable and case wire meeting stringent technical standards including UL 1277 Type TC for direct burial and sunlight resistance, IEEE-383-1974, ASTM D-2863, and ICEA T-22-294, requiring cables to withstand extreme environmental conditions such as cold bends at -25°C, moisture absorption limits of 20 mg/in² after 168 hours at 82°C, ozone resistance without cracking, and flame propagation compliance through vertical tray tests. All cables must be wound on substantial, non-returnable reels with a minimum drum diameter 14 times the cable diameter, and arbor holes sized for a 2.5-inch spindle; standard lengths are 1,000 feet for most cables and 500 feet for heavier gauges, with both ends sealed and labeled with manufacturer, Metra project and purchase order numbers, conductor details, and rolling direction. The contract value is capped at $4,000,000.00, with award based strictly on the lowest responsive and responsible bid under a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology, where technical compliance is evaluated only for acceptability and not for preference over lower price. Deliveries are F.O.B. destination to Metra’s Signal Wire Shop in Mokena, Illinois, with the contractor bearing all transportation costs and risks. Compliance with federal requirements mandated by FTA and U.S. DOT is mandatory, including Buy America provisions requiring domestic content for iron, steel, and manufactured products, with exceptions subject to formal justification under 49 CFR 661.7; Davis-Bacon and Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act wage requirements; and prohibitions under the Anti-Kickback, False Claims, and Civil Rights laws including Title VI and ADA accessibility standards. Contractors must certify they are not debarred or suspended, comply with substance abuse testing regulations for safety-sensitive employees under 49 CFR Part 653 and 654, adhere to energy conservation standards, and prohibit child labor in manufacturing. All required certifications, including the Non-Rolling Stock Certification, Buy America Affidavit, and Lobby