CATS Ultrasonic Testing Services

The City of Charlotte (CATS) is seeking qualified firms to provide annual ultrasonic rail flaw detection services for its Light Rail system. The contractor must supply all labor, equipment, technology, supervision, and technical expertise to locate internal and surface rail defects in compliance with APTA, AREMA, and industry best practices. Proposals are to be submitted electronically via the Bonfire e‑Procurement portal by October 23, 2026. A non‑mandatory virtual pre‑proposal conference will be held on October 7, 2026. The award will be a contract for ongoing annual testing, with the initial term expected to be one year and potentially renewable. The City emphasizes equal‑opportunity procurement and requires compliance with various federal, state, and local regulations, including trade‑secret handling, subcontractor approvals, and U.S.‑flag shipping requirements for any related equipment shipments. • Scope: ultrasonic inspection of rail infrastructure (internal & surface defect detection) • Deliverables: inspection reports, defect logs, recommendations for remediation • Required resources: specialized ultrasonic testing equipment, certified technicians, data analysis tools • Evaluation criteria: qualifications/experience, technical approach, cost‑effectiveness, acceptance of contract terms • Submission format: cover letter, proposed solution, required forms, pricing worksheet, references, and any contract exceptions.