Light Rail Systems Engineering and Asset Management

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather information from qualified firms regarding Asset Condition Assessment and Asset Management Solutions for all related Infrastructure. This RFI is intended to collect information on services, technologies, methodologies, and industry best practices for managing and maintaining all related infrastructure assets. Responses will be used for informational and planning purposes only.

Background

Valley Metro Rail, Inc. ("Valley Metro" or the "Agency") operates and maintains a light rail transit system that includes critical wayside infrastructure assets such as Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS), Traction Power Systems, Rail Communications Systems, Signal Systems, and Systemwide Electrical Infrastructure. In addition to its rail infrastructure, Valley Metro manages assets across Rail Infrastructure Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, the Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC), and Mesa Bus Operations and Maintenance (MBOM). Valley Metro is seeking information on asset condition assessment services, asset management solutions, and industry’s best practices that support condition monitoring, maintenance planning, lifecycle management, and capital investment decision-making across its rail infrastructure, facilities, and maintenance operations.

Project Details

• Reference ID: 2026-RFI-093
• Department: Maintenance
• Department Head: Darren Curry (Chief Maintenance Officer)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-07-08T22:00:00.000Z
• Answers Posted By: 2026-07-13T22:00:00.000Z

Evaluation Criteria

• Important Instructions for Electronic Submittal —

  Valley Metro is accepting electronic submissions. Vendors shall create a FREE account with OpenGov Procurement by signing up at https://procurement.opengov.com/signup. Once you have completed account registration, browse back to this page, click on "Submit Response", and follow the instructions to submit the electronic bid.

• Purpose of the Request for Information —

  This Request for Information ("RFI") is issued by Valley Metro solely for informational and planning purposes. The purpose of this RFI is to obtain information from qualified firms regarding asset condition assessment services, asset management solutions, systems engineering support, implementation approaches, and industry best practices applicable to light rail infrastructure and maintenance operations.

  Valley Metro is seeking information on methodologies, technologies, services, and market capabilities that support condition assessments, asset lifecycle management, maintenance planning, predictive maintenance, reporting and analytics, capital investment planning, and overall asset management program effectiveness. Information received through this RFI will assist Valley Metro in evaluating available solutions, conducting market research, and identifying potential strategies for enhancing its existing asset management processes.

  Valley Metro does not intend to replace its existing asset management software as a result of this RFI. Rather, the Agency is seeking information regarding condition assessment services, integration capabilities, implementation methodologies, data management strategies, analytics, reporting tools, and complementary technologies that can enhance, optimize, and support its current asset management systems, business processes, and decision-making capabilities.

  This RFI is not a solicitation, Invitation for Bid ("IFB"), Request for Proposals ("RFP"), Request for Qualifications ("RFQ"), or other competitive procurement document. This RFI does not commit Valley Metro to procure any goods or services, enter into any agreement, or issue a future solicitation.

• Scope of Work or Project Details —

  Vendors shall provide detailed information on available services, technologies, methodologies, and implementation approaches that support comprehensive condition assessments, gap analyses, asset lifecycle management, maintenance management, predictive maintenance, reporting, analytics, dashboard visualization, and capital investment planning. Information provided should demonstrate how these capabilities can improve asset management processes, support condition-based maintenance, enhance decision-making, and optimize the management of Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS), Traction Power Systems, Rail Communications Systems, Signal Systems, Systemwide Electrical Infrastructure, and assets managed across Rail Infrastructure Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, the Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC), and Mesa Bus Operations and Maintenance (MBOM).

  Solutions and methodologies should support a unified and data-driven approach to asset management across these operational areas, improving asset visibility, condition monitoring, maintenance planning, lifecycle management, risk management, and capital investment decision-making while leveraging and enhancing existing asset management systems and business processes.

• Gap Assessment —

  Vendors shall provide detailed information regarding:

  1. 1. Gap assessment methodology for the existing asset management software and processes.
• Asset Tracking and Management —

  Vendor shall provide detailed information regarding:

  1. 1. Asset inventory and lifecycle management
     2. Asset condition assessments
     3. Obsolescence monitoring
     4. Capital replacement and rehabilitation planning 
• Maintenance Management —

  Vendor shall provide detailed information regarding:

  1. 1. Condition-based maintenance
     2. Automated scheduling
     3. Preventive maintenance planning
     4. Work order management
• Data Management, Analytics, and Reporting —

  Vendor shall provide detailed information regarding:

  1. 1. Data integration and governance
     2. Import/export capabilities
     3. Predictive maintenance modeling
     4. Reporting and business intellignece
• User Interface and Visualization —

  Vendor shall provide detailed information regarding:

  1. 1. Real-time dashboards
     2. Asset health monitoring
     3. GIS and mobile integration
• Condition Assessment Methodologies —

  Vendor shall provide detailed information regarding:

  1. 1. Transit industry best practices
     2. Inspection technologies
     3. Sensor-based monitoring
     4. Risk-based assessment methodologies 
• Vendor Information —

  Vendors shall provide detailed information regarding:

  A. Company Overview and Experience

  1. Company overview, including years in business and organizational structure.
  2. Experience providing light rail systems engineering, asset condition assessment, asset management, and related consulting services.
  3. Experience supporting transit agencies, rail operators, or other transportation organizations.

  B. Relevant Project Experience

  1. Description of similar projects completed within the last five (5) years.
  2. Scope of services provided and project outcomes achieved.
  3. Experience with asset condition assessments, asset management, maintenance management, and lifecycle planning for Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS), Traction Power Systems, Rail Communications Systems, Signal Systems, Systemwide Electrical Infrastructure, Rail Infrastructure Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, the Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC), Mesa Bus Operations and Maintenance (MBOM), and other transit-related facilities and operational assets.
  4. Demonstrated experience supporting transit agencies or comparable organizations in implementing enterprise asset management strategies that integrate rail infrastructure, facilities, maintenance operations, fleet support functions, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and capital investment planning.
  5. References from transit agencies or comparable organizations with similar asset management, condition assessment, systems engineering, facilities management, or maintenance operations programs.

  C. Solution Overview

  1. Overview of proposed services, methodologies, technologies, and tools.
  2. Approach to condition assessments, asset lifecycle management, maintenance planning, predictive maintenance, and capital investment planning.
  3. Innovative practices, technologies, or methodologies that enhance asset management effectiveness.

  D. Implementation Approach

  1. Recommended approach for conducting assessments and gap analyses.
  2. Project management methodology and implementation strategy.
  3. Training, knowledge transfer, and change management considerations.

  E. Integration Capabilities

  1. Ability to integrate with existing asset management systems and business processes.
  2. Data import/export capabilities and interoperability with other enterprise systems.
  3. Experience integrating asset management, maintenance management, GIS, and reporting platforms.

  F. Reporting and Analytics

  1. Reporting functionality, dashboards, and business intelligence capabilities.
  2. Asset performance monitoring and condition reporting methodologies.
  3. Predictive analytics and decision-support capabilities.

  G. Support Services

  1. Ongoing technical support and maintenance services.
  2. Software updates, system enhancements, and lifecycle support, if applicable.
  3. Training and user support services.

  H. Key Personnel and Partnerships

  1. Key personnel, qualifications, certifications, and technical expertise relevant to the services proposed.
  2. Partnerships, teaming arrangements, subcontractors, or technology providers that will support the delivery of services, if applicable.
  3. Roles and responsibilities of proposed team members and subcontractors.

   

   
   
• Cost Information —

  Vendors may provide the following information, if available:

  1. 1. High-level pricing structure for services and solutions.
     2. Estimated costs associated with asset condition assessments.
     3. Software licensing and subscription costs.
     4. Implementation and integration costs.
     5. Training, support, and maintenance costs.
     6. Optional services and associated pricing.
     7. Any other budgetary information that may assist Valley Metro in planning future initiatives.
• No Contractual Obligation —

  This RFI shall not be construed as creating any contractual or other legal obligation, express or implied, on the part of Valley Metro. Submission of a response does not create any right to a contract, reimbursement, or consideration of any kind. No agreement shall arise unless and until a formal written contract is executed by authorized representatives of Valley Metro and the selected vendor, if any, following a separate procurement process.

• No Obligation to Proceed —

  Valley Metro reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to:

  1. 1. Modify, suspend, or terminate this RFI at any time;
     2. Reject any or all responses;
     3. Request additional information from one or more respondents;
     4. Conduct interviews, demonstrations, presentations, or discussions with respondents;
     5. Issue a subsequent solicitation related to the subject matter of this RFI; or
     6. Elect not to proceed with any future procurement.

  Valley Metro makes no representation that any future procurement opportunity will result from this RFI.

• Costs of Response —

  Respondents are solely responsible for all costs incurred in preparing and submitting responses to this RFI, including any costs associated with interviews, demonstrations, meetings, or supplemental materials. Valley Metro shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred by respondents in connection with this RFI.

• Non-Binding Responses —

  Responses submitted in connection with this RFI are non-binding and are provided solely for the purpose of assisting Valley Metro in evaluating market information and potential procurement strategies. Valley Metro may use information obtained through this RFI in developing specifications, scopes of work, procurement approaches, budgets, schedules, or future solicitations

• Public Records —

  Responses to this RFI may be subject to disclosure under applicable public records laws, including but not limited to state public records statutes. Respondents claiming any portion of their response as confidential, proprietary, or trade secret must clearly identify such portions and provide the legal basis for nondisclosure. Valley Metro shall determine, in its sole discretion and in accordance with applicable law, whether such materials are exempt from disclosure. Valley Metro does not guarantee the confidentiality of any information submitted.

• No Competitive Advantage —

  Participation in this RFI shall not provide any respondent with a competitive advantage in any future procurement process. Valley Metro reserves the right to use any non-proprietary information obtained through this RFI in preparing future procurement documents or strategies.

   

• Reservation of Rights —

  Valley Metro reserves the right to:

  1. 1. Clarify or request additional information from respondents;
     2. Waive informalities or irregularities in responses;
     3. Independently verify any information submitted;
     4. Use information obtained from any source; and

  Contact references or other entities regarding respondent qualifications or capabilities.

• Accuracy of Information —

  Valley Metro makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of information contained in this RFI. Respondents are responsible for conducting their own investigations and forming their own conclusions regarding the matters addressed herein.

• Respondent Responsibility —

  Respondents are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted is accurate, complete, and current. Valley Metro may rely on the information provided by respondents for planning and evaluation purposes.

• Ownership of Materials —

  All materials submitted in response to this RFI shall become the property of Valley Metro upon receipt and will not be returned.

• No Protest Rights —

  Because this RFI is issued solely for informational purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or contract award process, protest procedures applicable to competitive procurements shall not apply to this RFI.

• Valley Metro Contact —

  All communications regarding this RFI shall be directed solely to the designated Procurement Officer identified in the RFI document. Respondents shall not contact other Valley Metro personnel regarding this RFI except as expressly authorized. Unauthorized communications may result in disqualification from consideration in any future related procurement.

• Disclaimer —

  This RFI is intended solely to gather information to assist Valley Metro in planning and market research activities. Nothing contained in this RFI shall be construed as a commitment by Valley Metro to issue any solicitation, award any contract, or pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a response.

Submission Requirements

• Proposal Requirements (required) —

  Did you read through and confirm that you met all of the proposal requirements including the sections:

  1. General Conditions
  2. Special Provisions and Specifications
• Proposal Documents (required) —

  Please Upload your COMPLETE Proposal here, which includes the following:

  1. Bid Summary
  2. Statement of Experience and Qualifications
  3. Non-Collusion Declaration
• Proposal (without Cost Proposal) (required) —

  Please Upload your COMPLETE Proposal here. Upload fee proposal separately in the next step.

• Bid Bond (required) —

  Each bid shall be accompanied by a certified cashier’s check, or bid bond, in the amount of XXXXXof the total bid price, payable toValley Metro, as a guarantee that the bidder, if its bid is accepted, will promptly execute the Agreement. The bidder shall guarantee the total bid price for a period of 60 days from the date of the bid opening.

  Please scan and upload a copy of your bid bond/cashier's check. Bidder must also MAIL bid guarantee with a postmarked date no later thanThursday, July 23, 2026 addressed to:

  Valley Metro
  Danielle Beasley
  605 S 48th St
  Maricopa County,AZ85034

  Please have the Bidder Name, Contract Title ("Light Rail Systems Engineering and Asset Management"), and Contract Number ("2026-RFI-093") listed clearly on the outside of the envelope.

• Contract Execution, Payment Bond, Performance Bond, and Certificate(s) of Insurance (required) —

  The contract shall be executed by the successful bidder and shall be returned, together with the Payment Bond, Performance Bond and Certificate(s) of Insurance to Valley Metro so that it is received within 14 working daysafter the bidder has received the contract for execution. Failure to do so shall be just cause for forfeiture of the proposal guaranty.

• Which legal entity(ies) will be contracting? (required) —

  Select the correct entity or joint that will be a part of the final contract. This selection also defines the term Agency through the documents.

• Bid Bond (required) —

  Will this solicitation require a bid bond?

• Electronic Pricing Table (required) —

  Would you like to have bidders respond to an electronic pricing table through OpenGov?

  Some examples of of when to say "yes":

  1. This is a quote for goods or commodities
  2. This is a public works bid, with a pricing table that can be uploaded into ProcureNow from an excel spreadsheet
  3. Seeking services for hourly rate schedules
• Separate Fee Proposal Upload (required) —

  If you are NOT using the Electronic Pricing Table option, will you want your bidder to separate a Price Proposal from the rest of their Response? You'll want to do this if you open your bids initially WITHOUT showing price, and then come back in after a technical evaluation to unseal pricing later.

• Evaluation Committee? (required) —

  Will there be an evaluation committee to review the proposals and score them based on weights and multiple criteria?