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Publications iconKansas Register

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Volume 40 - Issue 52 - December 30, 2021

(Published in the Kansas Register December 30, 2021.)

South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad

Request for Proposals

Interested parties are invited to submit a proposal to remove and install new ties and rehabilitate a crossing for the proposed South Kansas and Oklahoma (SKOL) Railroad project.

Scope of Work

Tie Replacement (MP 353.00 – 355.20 Cornell Car Shop Lead), and crossing rehabilitation between Pittsburg, Kansas and Cornell Mechanical Shop. Provide all necessary labor, equipment, and logistical services to supply/install all materials called for to complete this project.

  • Remove and install 1,211 new, 7x9x8.6” (Grade 80/20) ties
  • Remove and install all needed OTM – plates, spikes, and anchors
  • Remove and install new crossing material for 33’ crossing per Watco specifications
  • Road closure is required prior to work beginning
  • All OTM/materials removed from this portion of this project shall be disposed of in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations
  • In accordance with AREMA standards, ballast shoulders are to be dressed at the end of each workday to prevent thermal deviation in track due to disturbed roadbed
  • Additional details concerning the scope of work associated with the project will be addressed in the pre-proposal meeting

Minimum Requirements

MSA and Roadway Worker Protection

Contractors must complete, and have on file, a current Master Services Agreement with SKOL Railroad prior to any work being completed. Prior to submitting a proposal:

  • Contractors shall comply with all parts of 49 CFR Part 214 and 219 regarding FRA Roadway Worker Safety at all times. Men and equipment shall remain clear of the track unless they have gained Roadway Worker Protection from a qualified person.
  • Contractor, contractor employees, agents and/or subcontractors must be enrolled and comply with the FRA 219 approved drug testing program.
  • Any subcontracted work will need to be approved by the SKOL Railroad prior to any work starting.
  • As of January 1, 2021, all contractors will be required to complete WATCO Contractor Orientation at https://watcocontractor.com/. Any contractor who was previously enrolled in e-SHORTLINE with Watco in the past, will be required to complete the WATCO Contractor Orientation.

Work Windows

Impact to current railroad/mechanical shop operations must be kept to a minimum. When work must take place that causes an active track to be taken out of service for the purposes of performing work that pertains to the project, the contractor must pre-arrange a defined work window with the railroad. Contractor can anticipate a minimum work window of ten hours with no more than one schedule of interruption in that time frame between the hours of 07:00 and 17:00. For work windows extending more than ten hours, a minimum of 72 hours of notification is required to the railroad to arrange this window. Work windows may be arranged seven days a week, if desired. Current plant operations consist of at least one train per week through the work area. This train operates in the evening hours; however, this schedule is subject to change at any time. This topic will be further discussed during the pre-proposal meeting.

Standards

All standards referenced by the project plans and specifications, as well as all applicable AREMA standards must be upheld during all phases of the project work, unless certain standards are excluded from the project with written approval by the SKOL Railroad.

Submittals

The following documents shall be submitted by the contractor as part of the project, at the times listed:

  • Schedule of Work – Submitted with proposal
  • Certificate of Insurance – Submitted prior to construction
  • Safety Plan – Submitted prior to construction
  • Proof of Roadway Worker Training – Submitted prior to construction

Other Responsibilities

  • Permits – Contractor is responsible for all federal, state, and local permits required for the work
  • Utilities – Contractor is responsible to locate and protect site utilities
  • Site Clean-up – Contractor is responsible for proper site restoration and proper disposal of materials removed in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws

Insurance

Contractor shall purchase required coverage and submit for verification a Certificate of Insurance.

Materials

All materials shall meet the requirements found in the project plans and/or specifications as well as applicable AREMA requirements. Material storage is granted on railroad right of way to the contractor. However, no materials shall be stored closer than 15’ from the centerline of any active track, at any time. Material and equipment laydown areas and reclaimed materials stockpiling locations shall be discussed and further clarified at the pre-proposal meeting. All removed materials remain property of the SKOL Railroad, to be stockpiled as directed by a railroad representative.

Non-Project Areas

The SKOL Railroad has secured access to the project through the railroad right of way. Other access may be obtained by the contractor if he so chooses. All areas (public, private, and railroad right of way) that are used for access to the project, including parts of the railroad right of way which have no proposed work, shall be maintained and/or remediated, incidental to the project, by the contractor to the satisfaction of the property owner if any damage to these areas occurs.

Pre-Proposal Meeting

The SKOL Railroad shall hold a pre-proposal meeting at 10:00 a.m. (CST) Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the Watco Mechanical Shop (Cornell) five miles NE of Pittsburg, Kansas. Please contact Cameron Ginther for additional details.

Project Completion

It is expected the contractor must start work no later than 30 days after being awarded the bid and complete the project within 90 days of being awarded the bid. Prior to the completion of the project, there will be a final inspection. If there are any issues with the quality of work, the contractor will be responsible for fixing any issues found.

Submission of a Proposal

All proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. (CST) Thursday, January 27, 2022, to Cameron Ginther at cameron.ginther@watco.com. All submitted proposals shall be reviewed by the SKOL Railroad. Please ensure your proposal includes all required information. All late or incomplete proposals shall be rejected. Further information or questions regarding the request for proposals can be directed to Cameron Ginter at 785-513-6049 or cameron.ginther@watco.com. The structure of your proposal must be able to be clearly understood, all proposals shall provide the following line items and provide costs as required below:

  • Provide a total sum for Tie Installation and the Crossing Rehab proposal
  • Mobilization and demobilization – lump sum
  • Taxes (all applicable)

Work Reporting

Daily work reports must be filled out and submitted to Cameron Ginther – Project Manager, email cameron.ginther@watco.com; and James Herman – Plant Manager, email james.herman@watco.com. Weekly reports should include updates to project schedules or any delays. A detailed summary report must be submitted upon the completion of the project.

Doc. No. 049657

Secretary of State Seal