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 term of up to three years with a maximum value of $4,000,000. The procurement is structured as a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) process, where the award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder whose proposal meets all mandatory technical and compliance requirements without trade-off analysis. All offers must comply with federal regulations and FTA-specific provisions, including Buy America requirements, which necessitate a signed certification indicating either full compliance or a justified exception under 49 U.S.C. 5323(j)(2) and 49 C.F.R. § 661.7. The cable must meet stringent technical standards, including UL 1277 and UL 1581 for construction and jacketing, ASTM D-2863 for oxygen index, and IEEE 383-1974 and IEEE 1202-1991 for performance testing, and must demonstrate a proven 25-year in-service history on Class I railroads with a 20-year material warranty. All deliveries are subject to F.O.B. Destination terms, requiring bidders to include all transportation and delivery costs in their unit pricing, with shipments made in 1,000-foot lengths on robust reels that meet specific dimensional criteria, including a minimum diameter of 14 times the cable size and a 2.5-inch arbor hole. Reels must be clearly marked with the manufacturer’s name, Metra’s purchase order and project numbers, conductor gauge and quantity, shipping address, and directional “ROLL THIS WAY” labels. Cable ends must be sealed to prevent moisture ingress, and packaging must protect against environmental and mechanical damage. Bidders are required to submit multiple certified documents including a Non-Collusion Affidavit, Debarment Certification, Buy America Certificate, DBE compliance forms, and a Price Certification. Invoices must be submitted via mail or email to Metra’s Accounts Payable Department in Chicago, and all contract administration responsibilities fall under Metra’s internal procedures without reference to federal invoicing systems. Failure to comply with any mandatory requirement, including submission of correct exhibits or adherence to packaging, marking, and testing standards, will render a bid non-responsive.