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Publications iconKansas Register

Volume 43 - Issue 45 - November 7, 2024

(Published in the Kansas Register November 7, 2024.)

Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad

Request for Proposals

Interested parties are invited to submit a proposal to complete the below scope of work for the Kansas & Oklahoma (K&O) Railroad track expansion project at Project Sur in Maize, Kansas.

Scope of Work

Project is in Maize, Kansas on proposed track expansion coming off an existing main track just west of existing crossing at N. 119th St W. This proposal requests contractor provides all necessary labor, equipment, and logistical services for installation of all track including crossing panels, to complete all track construction work, ties, ballast, derails, etc. The scope is further described as follows:

  • Contractor to plan for mobilization and demobilization under a lump sum amount. This includes all necessary equipment, trailers, storage, or other site needs for the duration of the project including items as required by local or state construction regulations.
  • Construction surveying to include final as-built survey to be completed within 90 days of Final Project Execution.
  • Supply, assemble, and install pricing for approximately 3037 track feet of 115# min jointed relay rail on new 7x9x8.6’ wood crossties. Owner reserves the right to supply any or all track and aggregate materials without impact to other scope items.
  • Supply, assemble, and install pricing for four each AREMA industrial turn out to be built using 115# rail, Sampson points, solid manganese self-guarded frog, wood ties, and OTM – plates, spikes, anchors, bolt/washer/nut assemblies. Owner reserves the right to supply any or all track and aggregate materials without impact to other scope items.
  • Road crossing and signage meeting local protection to maintain public safety required by state, local, and federal regulations. All track to be continuously welded through crossings.
  • Supply and install pricing for 2920 tons of ballast, tamping, and regulating. Ballast to meet AREMA and DOT requirements for gradation and placement. Owner reserves the right to supply any or all track and aggregate materials without impact to other scope items.
  • Supply and install two double switch point derails as shown in plans to allow for safe operating procedures between site and mainline operations.
  • Site cleanup following completion of work is captured as a lump sum item. Any pre-existing rail, ties, or OTM that is removed when installing switch components, must be removed and disposed of according to all local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Additional details concerning the scope of work needing to be done with each portion of the project, will be addressed at the pre-bid meeting.

Minimum Requirements

Roadway Worker Protection

Contractors must complete, and have on file, a current Master Services Agreement with owner 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. 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 subcontracted work will need to be approved prior to any work starting.

Work Windows

Impact to current railroad and site 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 Watco/K&O Railroad. Contractor can anticipate a minimum work window of 8 hours with no more than two schedule of interruption in that time frame between the hours of 07:00 and 17:00. This topic will be further discussed and clarified 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. All rail 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 to meet all owner provided insurance guidelines.
  • Contractor Job Safety Plan (Safety Checklist and Project Descriptions).
  • Contractor Welding Certification Requirements (Acknowledgement).
  • Proof of Roadway Worker Training – Submitted prior to construction.
  • Rail Testing (If AREMA #1 Relay Rail is Used) – Submitted prior to construction.
  • Rail Weld UT Test Requirements (All Rail Comp Welds) – Submitted with billing.
  • Performance and Payment Bond – Submit prior to construction.

Other Responsibilities

  • Permits – Contractor is responsible for all local, state, and federal permits required for the work.
  • Utilities – Contractor is responsible to locate and protect site utilities as well as coordinate with utility companies for modifications.
  • 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 coverage and submit for verification a Certificate of Insurance to meet all requirements demanded of the site, local, and state regulating agencies.

Materials

All non-owner supplied 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 25’ 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 K&O, to be stockpiled as directed by a Representative.

Non-Project Areas

Watco has secured access to the project through N. 119th St W. 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

Watco shall hold a pre-proposal meeting at the project site near Maize, Kansas at 9:00 a.m. November 22, 2024. Contractors are not required to be present at this meeting to submit a proposal.

Project Completion

In-service date for this project is expected to be May 1, 2025, subject to change after submittal of schedule with bid proposal. Proposed start date for consideration and access to site would be January 6, 2025. Contractor is to build schedule to meet this date and coordinate in service schedule. All work pertaining to this project shall be completed as indicated on the contractor supplied Schedule. Failure to complete work by the scheduled date may result in the contractor’s removal from the property or charges of $1500/day until completed to satisfaction.

Submission of a Proposal

All proposals must be submitted no later than December 10, 2024. All submitted proposals shall be reviewed by Watco Purchasing Department. Please ensure your proposal includes all required information. All incomplete or late proposals shall be rejected. Contractors who wish to submit a proposal are not required to attend the pre-proposal meeting. Proposals will be submitted to Ryan Reyes via email at Ryan.Reyes@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 of all Line Items on the proposal:
    • Mobilization and Demobilization – Lump sum.
    • Passive Crossing Signage – Four each.
    • Wood Panel Crossings – 48 LF.
    • Contractor Surveying – Lump sum.
    • Track Supply – 3037 TF.
    • Track Assemble and Install – 3037 TF.
    • Ballast Supply – 2920 NT.
    • Ballast Distribute – 2920 NT.
    • Tamp and Regulate – Lump sum.
    • Turnout Supply – Four each.
    • Turnout Assemble and Install – Four each.
    • Derail Supply – Two each.
    • Derail Assemble and Install – Two each.
    • Site Cleanup – Lump sum.
    • Performance and Payment Bond.

Work Reporting

Contractors will be required to complete right of entry forms and be railroad certified contractors prior to commencing work.

Daily work reports must be filled out and submitted to:

  • Paul Leonards, Watco VP Construction
  • Bryan Waldon, Senior Project Manager for Watco

Weekly reports should include updates to project schedules, any delays or any change in the scope of work. A detailed summary report must be submitted at the completion of the project. Daily reporting shall consist of daily progress reports in format to be provided at award.

For further information or questions regarding the Request for Proposals or submitting a proposal please send an email request to Paul Leonards, VP Construction, at pleonards@watco.com, phone 601-506-1800.

Drew White
Director of Engineering
Watco

Doc. No. 052626