Meeting_Body
OPERATIONS, SAFETY, AND CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 20, 2020
Subject
SUBJECT: OVERHEAD CATENARY SYSTEM INSPECTION TOOL
Action
ACTION: APPROVE CONTRACT MODIFICATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
AUTHORIZE the Chief Executive Officer to execute Contract Modification No. 1 to Contract No. PS53079000, with TransTech of South Carolina, Inc. (TransTech), for a turnkey Overhead Catenary System Inspection Tool for the measurement, recording, and reporting of various parameters associated with the Overhead Catenary System (OCS) contact wire, for an amount of $275,700 increasing the total contract amount from $391,974.23 to $667,674.23 and extend the period of performance from June 30, 2020 to June 30, 2023.
Issue
ISSUE
The OCS is a main component for providing traction power to light rail vehicles. Several times over the past year, the rail vehicle pantograph(s) have become entangled in the OCS contact wire. Because the interaction between the OCS contact wire and the pantograph is so interrelated, it is very difficult to determine if a damaged pantograph became entangled with a good OCS wire or if a damaged OCS wire caused a good pantograph to become entangled.
TransTech is the proprietary designer and manufacturer of the OCS Inspection Tool that requires an upgrade feature to measure the contact wire wear to help prevent entanglement incidents.
Background
BACKGROUND
In June 2018, Metro awarded a single-source, firm fixed-price Contract No. PS53079000 to TransTech to provide an OCS Inspection Tool in the amount of $391,974.23. This contract modification provides for a modular upgrade to the existing OCS Inspection Tool which allows for the measurement the OCS contact wire, ensuring wire thickness is within the operating tolerances and ultimately prevents failures before they occur.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Metro currently operates four light rail systems with over 98 miles of track. Due to the difficulties with inspecting the OCS system using traditional methods, the OCS does not get inspected as frequently. Therefore, Metro implemented an automated OCS Inspection Tool as a pilot project in order to study the effectiveness of the tool that could be deployed for OCS preventive maintenance work. A prototype was mounted onboard a revenue P3010 light rail vehicle to provide inspection results at least once per day.
The pantograph, which extends from the top of the rail vehicle, travels along the bottom of the OCS contact wire and transfers electricity from the wayside traction power system to the rail vehicle. The OCS Inspection Tool uses image processing technology to provide real-time information about the voltage and current draw, arc sensing, wire height and stagger. A modular upgrade would be added to the prototype to enable monitoring of the wear condition on the contact wire.
When anomalies are detected, the detailed images and data are transmitted wirelessly to alert Wayside Traction Power Maintenance personnel to review and determine if an on-site response and inspection is needed. The study results of the OCS Inspection Tool have been positive and have exceeded performance expectations. This technology provides a resourceful and proactive use of OCS preventive maintenance work.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
Approval of the recommendations will have a positive impact on the safety of the light rail system by helping to ensure compliance with the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) recommended replacement cycle. Maintaining the light rail system in a State of Good Repair will reduce the mean time between failures, reduce the mean time to repair after failure, and promote safe and reliable train operations.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding for this contract modification will come from capital project 205119 - OCS Inspection System. The Board approved a Life-of- Project (LOP) budget of $1,259,000. For FY 20, the contract modification amount of $275,700 will be funded by the LOP budget of project 205119, cost center 3960, account 53102 - acquisition of equipment. See Attachment C for the project expenditure plan.
Impact to Budget
The source of funds for this action will come from Proposition A 35% Rail Capital as well as future Federal, State and local funding sources that are eligible for Rail Capital Projects. Using these funding sources maximizes the project funding allocations allowed by approved provisions and guidelines.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Approval of this recommendation supports the following Metro Strategic Plan Goals:
1. Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling.
2. Deliver outstanding trip experiences for all users of the transportation system.
This contract modification will help maintain safety, service and reliability standards in an effort to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances quality of life for all who live, work, and play within Los Angeles County.
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board may choose not to approve Modification No. 1 to Contract No. PS53079000, but this is not recommended by staff because without proceeding with the modular upgrade for the OCS Inspection Tool, any failure(s) may result in light rail service delays as train movements will need to stop until repairs are completed. Not performing or postponing these repairs is not recommended as the light rail system infrastructure components are safety sensitive and if not properly maintained, will impact service reliability, passenger safety and comfort. Additionally, unscheduled maintenance repair costs on a per incident basis will result in higher operating costs and longer repair time versus reduced costs when performing work as scheduled.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Upon Board approval, staff will execute Modification No. 1 to Contract No. PS53079000 with TransTech to provide the modular upgrade for the OCS Inspection Tool.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Procurement Summary
Attachment B - Contract Modification/Change Order
Attachment C - Expenditure Plan
Attachment D - DEOD Summary
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Errol Taylor, Senior Executive Officer, Maintenance and Engineering, (213) 922-3227
Marshall Epler, DEO, Systems Engineering, (213) 617-6232
Geyner Paz, Senior Administrative Analyst, (213) 617-6251
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: James T. Gallagher, Chief Operations Officer, (213) 418-3108
Debra Avila, Chief Vendor/Contract Management Officer, (213) 418-3051
