Signal Upgrades for Milwaukee District West Elgin Subdivision

The contract solicitation RFP 191763 for Signal Upgrades on the Milwaukee District West Elgin Subdivision is a Firm Fixed Price acquisition issued by Metra, the Illinois Regional Transportation Authority, with a posted date of May 4, 2026, and a response deadline of June 12, 2026. The work involves supplying and installing modern rail signaling and remote monitoring equipment that meets stringent industry standards including AREMA, NEMA 3SX, IEEE, NEC, UL, and ASTM, with all systems required to operate reliably in harsh environmental conditions such as ice-laden climates and to fully integrate with existing ATCS/IP infrastructure, wayside devices, and video systems. The scope includes delivery and installation at multiple locations across the six-county Metra service area, with equipment needing to be marked with manufacturer details, contract/task numbers, and precise mile post information. Each unit must be assembled as a complete, functional kit with secure packaging and labeling to ensure safe transport and traceability. Performance under this contract spans a three-year period beginning at the issuance of the Notice to Proceed, with inspections conducted both at the manufacturer’s facility and upon final installation at the project site, where acceptance is contingent upon successful operation, completion of punch list items, submission of As-Built drawings, and demonstration of in-service history across three Class I railroads. The proposal evaluation emphasizes technical merit over price, assessing key personnel qualifications, methodology, staffing, scheduling, project management, and quality assurance, with award determined through a best-value trade-off process rather than lowest price technically acceptable. Special requirements include Buy America compliance with domestic content certifications, a minimum 50% cargo preference for U.S.-flag vessels, prohibition of equipment from listed Chinese telecom providers under Public Law 115-232, mandatory compliance with Veterans Preference and Illinois Human Rights Act provisions, and full adherence to Metra’s Third Party Contracts Quality Management Plan. Contractors must also complete an annual $30 orientation course, ensure non-collusion through notarized certifications, and submit all proposals electronically via the Bonfire portal by the deadline, with invoices handled manually to Metra’s Accounts Payable Department at 547 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661.