Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 20, 2018
Subject
SUBJECT: RAIL EMERGENCY RESPONSE UNIT CONTRACT
Action
ACTION: CONTRACT AWARD
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to award a firm fixed price Contract No. OP51822000 with Brandt Group, Road Rail Division, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, for one (1) Rail Emergency Response Unit in the amount of $1,429,680 inclusive of sales tax, subject to resolution of protest(s), if any.
Issue
ISSUE
This procurement is for the replacement of a Metro owned and operated Heavy Duty Rail Recovery Truck (Rail Emergency Response Unit). This equipment is required to support the Rail Fleet Services (RFS) maintenance function of the Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) fleet throughout the Metro system.
Background
BACKGROUND
A rail emergency response unit is used for three main purposes: 1) Pulling stranded LRVs from rail lines due to traction power, overhead catenary system (OCS), or LRV failures, 2) Re-railing LRVs that have derailed on the track, and 3) Commissioning of Mainline and yard to test track and LRVs before start-up of new rail lines or yards.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Metro owns and operates three rail emergency response units that are currently deployed at strategic locations supporting service on the Metro Blue, Gold, Green, and Expo, and the rapidly approaching Crenshaw light rail lines. Of these three units, one has been in operation since 1998 and is scheduled for replacement.
The new machine has tandem drive units that provide the ability to negotiate tight curves, specialized couplers to match the LRV’s power supply and braking capabilities, contains on-chassis cabinets for re-railing tools and equipment. In addition, the vehicle will have specialized lighting to augment work at night or any dimly lit conditions such as tunnels.
This purchase of a new rail emergency response unit will provide Metro RFS with the equipment for the consistent, timely and effective recovery, testing, yard movement and maintenance of the Metro LRV fleet for the next 20 years.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The purchase of a new rail emergency response vehicle will provide Metro with an advanced rail recovery vehicle that will ensure that Metro RFS has the equipment needed to quickly and effectively respond to rail system derailments and other emergencies. Response time is a critical factor to ensure the safety of our train operators, patrons, and the general public.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The recommendation for award is $1,429,680. The funding is included in the LOP of capital project 208601 - Non Rev High Rail Replacement in Cost Center 3790 Maintenance Administration; Account 53106, Acquisition of Service Vehicle. The delivery of the equipment is scheduled up to 12 months after the date of award.
Since this is a multi-year procurement, the cost center manager and project manager will ensure that expenditures are budgeted in future Fiscal Years.
Impact to Budget
The current funding for this acquisition is TDA Article 4. This funding source maximizes allowable fund use given approved funding provisions and guidelines.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Approval of this recommendation supports the following Metro Strategic Plan Goal: Provide high quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time travelling. This project will improve safety, service, specifically response times during emergencies, in an effort to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
Staff considered leasing additional equipment and/or contracting out emergency rail recovery services, but it was found to be cost prohibitive and not recommended. Further, rail recovery is an in-house task currently performed by ATU contract personnel. Contracting out this service would conflict with the Metro/ATU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The alternative of retaining the existing rail emergency response unit for active continuous service is not recommended. Diminished reliability, high maintenance costs, scarcity of spare parts and frequent repairs over the past several years has rendered the use of the existing unit a poor alternative for continued primary operation, however, the back-up function is a cost effective solution while primary units get needed repairs or maintenance.
Not purchasing the recommended rail emergency response unit will significantly reduce the ability of Metro RFS to effectively respond to Metro light rail emergencies and support LRV commissioning. Further, the expansion of the Metro rail system requires the purchase of new, reliable and advanced equipment to ensure effective and timely response to LRV emergencies on Metro system for the next 20 years. A do not purchase option is not recommended.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Following the authorization and execution of the contract, the vendor will begin the manufacturing process and provide Metro with a production schedule to identify milestones consistent with the scheduled delivery of the equipment 12 months after the award of the contract.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - DEOD Summary
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Michael Ornelas, Sr. Director Rail Vehicle Maintenance, (213) 922-3223
Daniel Ramirez, Division Maintenance Superintendent, (213) 922-5797
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Debra Avila, Chief, Vendor/Contract Management, (213) 922-6383 James T. Gallagher, Chief Operations Officer, (213) 418-3108
