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Volume 44 - Issue 4 - January 23, 2025

(Published in the Kansas Register January 23, 2025.)

South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad

Request for Proposals

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

Scope of Work

Project is in Longton, Kansas on proposed track expansion coming off an existing main track between crossings at Harvest Road and 66 Road. This proposal requests contractor provides all necessary labor, equipment, and logistical services for installation of all track and subgrade including crossing panels, to complete all track, subgrade and subballast installation, and construction work inclusive of ties, ballast, subballast, turnouts, 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.
  • Clearing and grubbing of 4.79 acres established by grading limits for the track subgrade preparation and drainage limits.
  • Excavation of 8,862 CY, Embankment (Track) 4,928 CY, and Embankment (Overburden) 1,889 CY measured with 30% shrinkage factor applied. Overburden to be placed as embankment in fill areas within right of way as directed by SKOL.
  • Culvert extensions 50 LF of 36” CMP as shown in plans and 102 LF of 30” CMP of culvert replacement to be properly disposed of off-site. Culverts to be bedded per plan and connections to meet plan specifications. Drainage to be maintained during installation or modification to drainage conditions.
  • Supply and install 9462 NT of subballast meeting gradation specifications and placement according to KDOT and AREMA Standards.
  • SWPPP to be the responsibility of the contractor on a lump sum basis including plan finalization, submittal, and implementation/maintenance. Preliminary plan quantities to be updated with SWPPP approved plan – 4,095 LF of silt fence, 12 ditch checks, four (4) riprap aprons, and two (2) construction entrances to be monitored throughout construction. All temporary erosion measures are based on KDOT Standards.
  • Assemble and install pricing for approximately 6,260 track feet bolted track on siding and 232 CWR track on main, 132# relay rail on new 7x9x8.6’ wood crossties. Owner will supply track materials.
  • Install pricing for eight (8) each transition rails with 7x9x8.6’ wood crossties as indicated in plans past crossing and turnouts. Owner will supply track materials.
  • Assemble and install pricing for two (2) each AREMA industrial No. 10 Turnouts including 232 TF removal at installation. Built using 136# CWR, Sampson Points, RBM Bolted Frog, wood ties, and OTM – plates, spikes, anchors, bolt/washer/nut assemblies. Owner will supply track materials.
  • Road crossing panel replacement at two (2) each crossings on either side of the siding limits, railroad will supply panels and 10’ ties. Road crossing, barriers, and signage meeting local protection, at all times to maintain public safety required by state, local, and federal regulations. All track to be continuously welded through crossings. Closure for crossings to be coordinated with the roadway authority and to have minimum impact to traffic.
  • Supply and install pricing for 5,755 tons of ballast, including lump sum basis for 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.
  • Sign relocation one (1) each of sign to be relocated outside new track limits as shown in plans.
  • Crossbuck replacement four (4) each will be replaced by others at existing crossbuck locations at each crossing. Road crossing, barriers, and signage meeting local protection, at all times to maintain public safety required by state, local, and federal regulations.
  • 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 state, local, and federal regulations. Any salvageable material shall be provided to railroad at location designated by railroad at no additional expense.
  • 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/SKOL Railroad. Contractor can anticipate a minimum work window of 8 hours with no more than two (2) 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.

Other Responsibilities

  • Permits – Contractor is responsible for all federal, state, and local permits required for the work.
  • SWPPP – To be supplied, installed, and maintained per KDOT Standards. A copy of the SWPPP shall always be available on-site and maintained for accuracy.
  • Utilities – Contractor is responsible to locate and protect site utilities as well as coordinate with utility companies for modifications.
  • Site Clean-up and Disposal – 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 SKOL Railroad, to be stockpiled as directed by a representative.

Non-Project Areas

Watco has secured access to the project through both crossing locations. 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-Bid Meeting

Watco shall hold a pre-bid meeting at the project site as indicated by the project manager. The meeting shall be held at or near site in Longton, Kansas at 10:00 a.m. January 30, 20250. Contractors are required to be present at this meeting to submit a proposal or their proposal can be rejected.

Project Completion

In-service date for this project is tentatively expected to be May 31, 2025, subject to change after submittal of schedule with bid proposal. 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 February 14, 2025, two weeks after the pre-bid meeting. All submitted proposals shall be reviewed by Watco Purchasing Department. Please ensure your proposal includes all required information. All late or incomplete proposals shall be rejected. Contractors who wish to submit a proposal are required to attend the pre-bid meeting at 10:00 a.m. January 30, 2025. 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.
  • Clearing and Grubbing – 4.79 acres.
  • Excavation (Track) – 8,862 CY.
  • Embankment (Track and Overburden) – 6,817 CY.
  • Culvert 36” CMP – 50 LF.
  • Culvert Replacement 30” CMP – 102 LF.
  • Track Removal – 232 TF.
  • Contractor Surveying – Lump sum.
  • SWPPP – Lump sum.
  • Subballast Supply – 9,340 NT.
  • Subballast Install (Track) – 9,340 NT.
  • Track Supply (By Others) – 6,492 TF.
  • Siding Track Assemble and Install – 6,260 TF.
  • Main Track Assemble and Install – 232 TF.
  • Transition Rail Supply (By Others) – 8 each.
  • Transition Rail Install – 8 each.
  • Ballast Supply – 5,755 NT.
  • Ballast Distribute – 5,755 NT.
  • Tamp and Regulate – Lump sum.
  • Turnout Supply (By Others) – 2 each.
  • Turnout Assemble and Install – 2 each.
  • Site Cleanup – Lump sum.
  • Crossing Removal and Installation – 2 each.
  • Sign Relocation – 1 each.
  • Crossbuck Replacement (By Others) – 4 each.

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.

Work Reporting

Contractors will be required to complete Right of Entry Forms and be Railroad Certified Contractors prior to commencing work. Coordination with SKOL Railroad for track protection before commencing work daily. Daily work reports must be filled out and submitted to Paul Leonards, Watco VP Construction and 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.

Drew White
Director of Engineering
Watco

Doc. No. 052807

Secretary of State Seal