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Publications iconKansas Register

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Volume 43 - Issue 9 - February 29, 2024

(Published in the Kansas Register February 29, 2024.)

South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad

Request for Proposals

Interested parties are invited to submit a proposal to complete the below scope of repairs for the South Kansas & Oklahoma (SKOL) Railroad.

Scope of Work

CWR Relay consisting of 7,920 track feet (MP 214.5 – 216.0) between Grenola, Kansas and Cambridge, Kansas. Provide all necessary labor, equipment, and logistical services to supply all installation/changeout services called for to complete this project.

Project includes:

  • Unload and install 15,840 linear feet of 132# Rail (All sticks will be 39’ sticks drilled: blank x 6” x 6”).
  • Surface 7,920 feet of track:
    • All rail replaced during this project, shall be discussed in depth at the pre-proposal meeting.
  • Provide and install all welds needed for job completion. The use of a flashbutt truck is required.
  • OTM and ballast to be provided by Watco but unloaded with the assistance of the contractor – transition rails, straight bars, bolt assemblies, spikes, spike plugs, anchors, and any replacement plates.
  • All OTM that is removed shall be stacked in an organized manner in Grenola, Kansas, unless otherwise instructed by the railroad representative. Any material deemed non-salvageable shall be disposed of according to all local and state laws and regulations.
  • New rail installation will need to be adjusted/heated to obtain the proper rail neutral temperature of or at the minimum of 105°F in compliance with SKOL Rail CWR Policy where not otherwise stated, the minimum AREMA Standards. Refer to Watco’s CWR Policy and Procedures for any additional information.
  • Additional details concerning the scope of work needing to be done with each portion of 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 starting work. Prior to submitting a proposal.
  • Contractors shall always comply with all parts of 49 CFR Part 214 and 219 regarding FRA Roadway Worker Safety. Workers 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 sub-contracted work will need to be approved by the SKOL Railroad prior to any work starting.
  • 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. A RWIC qualified roadway worker must be on site at all times. This qualification can be obtained through the WATCO contractor website.

Work Windows

Impact to current railroad 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 maximum work window of 10 hours between the hours of 9:00 and 19:00. Work windows may be arranged seven days a week, if desired. The SKOL will not be operating trains over the weekend in this area. This topic will be further discussed during the pre-proposal meeting, as operations may change.

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. All rails shall be replaced at standard gauge of 56-1/2”.

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. Additional permit information will be covered at the pre-proposal meeting.
  • 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, trash, containers, etc., must be disposed of 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 feet 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 will be disposed of accordingly by the contractor unless otherwise arranged with the SKOL Railroad.

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/she 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 (Watco) shall hold a pre-proposal meeting at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time) Tuesday, March 12, 2024, to address any questions or clarify any portions of the project tasks. Please reach out to Mike Mulnix for specific meeting details.

Project Completion

It is expected the contractor must start construction no later than 60 days after being awarded the bid (dependent upon material deliveries) and complete the project within an agreed upon timeline. Prior to the completion of the project, there will be a 3rd party final inspection. If there are any issues with the quality of work, the contractor will be responsible for fixing any issues found at cost to them. A NTP is in effect on this project – planned construction timeline is slated for completion in May 2024.

Submission of a Proposal

All proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. (Central Time) Thursday April 12, 2024. All submitted proposals shall be reviewed by the SKOL Railroad. Please ensure your proposal includes all required information. All incomplete proposals shall be rejected. 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 of all line items on the proposal.
  • Mobilization and Demobilization – Lump sum.
  • Labor (Install) for each line item; include all applicable taxes.
  • RRPL Insurance – Lump sum.

For further information or questions regarding the Request for Proposals or submittal of a proposal, please contact:

Work Reporting

Daily work reports must be filled out and submitted to Mike Mulnix – SKOL Roadmaster, Jerod Gofourth – SKOL Assistant Roadmaster, and Cody McGee – Division Engineer. Those reports should include updates to project schedules, any delays and/or changes in the scope of work. A detailed summary report must be submitted upon the completion of the project.

Cameron Ginther
Director of Rail Infrastructure – Division 1 and 2
Watco Companies

Doc. No. 051894

Secretary of State Seal