Ultrasonic Rail Testing Service

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in Boston, Massachusetts is seeking a contractor to provide ultrasonic rail testing services. The agency needs to inspect approximately 140 miles of transit mainline track divided into the Green, Orange, Red, Blue, and Mattapan/PCC Lines. This testing will solve the problem of identifying internal rail defects to ensure the safety and reliability of the transit system. The scope of work requires semi-annual inspections beginning approximately August 2026 for a period of three years, with two optional one-year extensions at the agency's discretion. The agency reserves the right to increase or decrease the frequency of these inspections during the agreement term. The contractor must furnish, operate, maintain, and power a self-propelled, diesel-powered hi-rail vehicle capable of setting on and off track at standard level crossings. The requested vehicle must comply with all local, state, and federal regulations and fit within the agency's clearance envelopes to clear all obstructions, including third rails, platforms, tunnels, and signals. The vehicle must negotiate curved track geometry as tight as a 100-foot radius in restrained conditions and possess traction power and braking control for grades of six percent. Additionally, the vehicle must provide seating with a seatbelt for at least one agency employee and undergo clearance measurement and certification by agency Maintenance of Way Track Engineers before testing begins. Eligibility rules require that all work be performed onsite within the United States. The agency is looking for proposals to determine the budget, though the description notes a contract period of one year. Key dates include the projected start of the semi-annual inspections in August 2026.