SLED Opportunity · ARIZONA · VALLEY METRO
AI Summary
Valley Metro seeks proposals for cleaning services to maintain rail operations, vehicles, stations, and facilities for up to five years starting July 1, 2026. The contract includes a three-year base with two one-year options. Evaluation criteria include firm qualifications, personnel experience, approach to work, and price.
Regional Public Transportation Authority and Valley Metro Rail, Inc., jointly and severally ("Valley Metro"), invites sealed offers for cleaning services to maintain rail operations and maintenance center, vehicles, park and rides, operator facilities, security offices, passenger stations, and construction offices as assigned for an up to five year period with a three-year base term and two one-year options to extend commencing on or about July 1, 2026. This procurement supports the Agency's strategic plan by establishing a comprehensive maintenance and operations program that delivers effective transit service.
Valley Metro is seeking qualified contractor(s) to provide a full range of cleaning services necessary to maintain the Rail Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC), Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs), streetcars, park-and-rides, operator facilities, security offices, passenger stations, Mesa Bus Operations and Maintenance (MBOM) facility, and construction offices as assigned.
This amendment adds the Webex link for the Pre-Proposal Conference.
Join from the meeting link |
https://valley-metro.webex.com/valley-metro/j.php?MTID=m9317c0c5802ce79c24ac5f6ee113e59b Join by meeting number Meeting number (access code): 2499 333 6718 Meeting password: whPzW5t7UQ2 |
Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum.
This Amendment is to add the Pre-Proposal Conference Sign-In Sheet.
This Amendment removes and replaces the Price Schedule.
This Amendment adds the pre-proposal conference presentation and sign-in sheet.
This Amendment adds the location and information for the upcoming site visit.
Pre-Proposal Site Visit
Date: March 31, 2026
Time: 9 am - 11 am, Arizona time
Location: OMC
605 S. 48th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
This Amendment adds plans in response to Question 17 - Vehicle Cleaning.
This amendment is issued to provide the square footage of park-and-ride stalls and LRT stations/stops, revise minimum staffing requirements, and clarify pricing and pressure-washing requirements.
This amendment adds the site visit sign-in sheet.
Please upload the proposal document. The proposal document should be a detailed document describing the firm or individual's qualifications and experience responsive to the requirements of the solicitation and evaluation criteria.
The written offer should be:
Please do not submit pricing in this section.
Please do not submit links to Google Docs, Dropbox, or similar services. The offer may be deemed non-responsive if it is supplied using those types of services.
Download the Price Schedule below, complete it, and upload it. Refer to the scope of work, cleaning frequency, and floor plans for required details.
Download the document below, complete, sign, and upload with the response.
Download the document below, complete it, and upload it.
Download the below document, complete, sign, and upload with response.
Download the below document, complete it, and upload it.
Download the document below, complete it, and upload it.
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.
Select solicitation type.
Enter the nature or purpose of the contract in all lowercase because it will be inserted into sentences. For example: fixed-route bus services for the East valley
Enter the desired effective date for the contract, for example: January 1, 2024
Enter the maximum term the contract could be in place if all extensions are exercised. Be sure that the term matches the term in Special Terms and Conditions. The term should be entered in all lowercase for use in the middle of sentence and it is described as an "up to" period.
For example: five years
Q (Current contract value): What is the current contract value for this service annually?
A: The final year value is $4,602,000.
Q (Restrooms): How many restrooms are included, and what is their total square footage?
A: 45 for a total of 13000 square feet. These are a combination of restrooms and locker rooms.
Q (Total Square Footage): What is the total square footage of all buildings covered under this contract?
A: Below is the square footage by type: Building - 382,568 Passenger Stations/Streetcar Stops - 475,665 Park and Ride Area - 2,909,526
Q (Locations): Could you please confirm the total number of locations/sites included in this contract?
A: There are Apprx 162 sites.
Q (Pre-Proposal Conference): I see the amendment adds the Webex link for the Pre-Proposal Conference. When is it?
A: The Pre-Proposal Conference is Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. Arizona time.
Q (Project Documents Download): How long does it take to receive the downloads by email?
A: The documents can be downloaded from the system. Please sign in to OpenGov to view and download documents associated with this solicitation. The floor plan documents are larger and could potentially be causing a delay. It is recommended to download these documents separately.
Q (Downloads): Hello, I am having trouble receiving the email with the downloaded files. How long does this take?
A: The documents can be downloaded from the system. Please sign in to OpenGov to view and download documents associated with this solicitation. The floor plan documents are larger and could potentially be causing a delay. It is recommended to download these documents separately.
Q (Protected Cells_Price Schedule Clarification): We are currently completing the provided Price Schedule and have encountered protected cells within the workbook that are preventing entry and/or calculation of required pricing fields (specifically within the “Amt. Year” columns for certain years). As these fields appear to be formula-driven but are not populating after entering the corresponding Monthly Unit Prices, we want to ensure our submission is fully responsive and compliant. Can you please confirm: Whether an updated or corrected pricing workbook will be issued, or Whether proposers should proceed by entering Monthly Unit Prices only and allow Valley Metro to calculate totals internally. We appreciate your guidance to ensure full compliance with the solicitation requirements.
A: See Amendment #3
Q (Sign In Sheet): Who do we need to submit our sign in sheet to from the pre-bid meeting?
A: Please send the completed pre-offer sign-in sheet via email to kawilliams@valleymetro.org.
Q (Current Vendor): Who is the current vendor?
A: For inquiries regarding the current vendor, please visit the following: https://www.valleymetro.org/contact/public-records-requests
Q (Walkthrough / Site visit): Will Valley Metro offer a pre-bid walkthrough of OMC/MBOM and a sample set of stations/park-and-rides? If yes, what dates/times, and how do we RSVP? What access requirements apply (ID, PPE, background/safety)?
A: Yes. We will schedule a non-mandatory site visit for OMC only. See upcoming amendment.
Q (Consumables (paper/soap/liners) responsibility + benchmarks): Can you confirm whether the contractor is responsible to supply and stock consumables—paper towels, toilet paper, soap, and trash liners—or is Valley Metro supplying these and the contractor only restocks?
A: The contractor is responsible for all consumables.
Q (Once per shift + expected shift structure for stations/alignment): How does Valley Metro define ‘once per shift’ for stations—per station, per route segment, or per cleaner route—and how many shifts per day do you expect bidders to staff to cover the revenue window?
A: Each station shall be visited/cleaned once per shift. The current schedule is two 10 hr. shifts per day.
Q (Route cleaner vehicle requirement): Are route cleaners required to have separate vehicles (one cleaner per vehicle) at all times, and are there any minimum vehicle specs (lights/decals/equipment)?
A: Yes. each route cleaner shall have their own vehicle. There are times when there will be two per vehicle - i.e.. training. Vehicles are your choice. However, maneuverability and ease of parking should be considered Vehicles will need to be decaled with VM branding (standard will be provided) Vehicles will need to have front and rear flashers.
Q (Biohazard/sharps response time + disposal responsibility): Is there a required response time for biohazard/sharps cleanup, is it expected 24/7, and who is responsible for sharps/bio disposal—contractor or Valley Metro?
A: The requirement is "Immediate response". If an issue is discovered by a cleaner, it should be cleaned on the spot. If an issue is reported, it should be addressed within 1 hour of receiving the report. The requirement is not 24hrs as there will not be cleaners for a period of time during non-revenue hours. It should be addressed as soon as possible the next morning.
Q (Trash Collection): Can you confirm where the trash collection points are on the system, will we be transporting trash from stations and stops to designate bins located on the system?
A: The trash is collected at each individual site (stations, park and rides, security buildings...etc.) and transported back to the Operations and Maintenance Center where it is transferred to a 40 yard roll off.
Q (Vehicle Cleaning ): Can you share the floor plans for the vehicles (interior) and confirm whether we will be cleaning the vehicles in the VCIF or out in the yard each night? Also, for the vehicle cleaning at the terminus stations can you provide if the team is to be present for all in-revenue hours and is one cleaner acceptable at each cleaning point?
A: As a standard, the vehicles will be cleaned at the cleaning platforms at the OMC. Occasionally/Infrequently - mostly due to special events, vehicles will need to be cleaned while they are in the OMC storage yard or staged out on the alignment. Floor plans will be submitted soon.
Q (Construction offices “as assigned” frequency): Historically, how often are ‘construction offices as assigned’ added, and what’s the typical size/scope when they are assigned?
A: Very rarely. At this point we do not have any plans for construction offices. In the event a project requiring temporary construction offices they will need to be serviced. Note - we do have two permanent office trailers at the OMC.
Q (Scope exclusions + “external services only” meaning): Can you confirm key excluded areas at OMC/MBOM (and any windows-only exceptions) and clarify what ‘external services only’ means for substations/signal buildings—graffiti only, or also sweeping/trash/debris around the structure?
A: Excluded areas are: Mechanical areas (high bay and window cleaning is required) OMC basement area Inside substations and signal buildings Within 10' of the tracks in the OMC yard Any part of the tracks/guideway. OMC Shops - These areas are cleaned by the LRV cleaners at night during down time. All windows throughout all facilities are required. Cleaning required at external areas of Substation/Signal Buildings: Graffiti, biohazards, drug paraphernalia, trash/debris pick up and walkway/parking area cleaning.
Q (Penalties/deductions schedule): Can you point bidders to the deduction/penalty schedule for missed staffing minimums, missed tasks, or quality failures—or confirm whether it will be issued by addendum?
A: After the contractor has submitted the staffing levels for services, they will be tracked and the total contract value of all missed positions/shifts will be deducted from the monthly contract invoice. Missed tasks/services: VM may call in a third-party vendor to perform any missed services or quality deficient services. The cost of these services will be deducted from the monthly contract invoice.
Q (Site Walk and Questions): Since the site walk is the same day as the questions deadline, will you extend the questions deadline?
A: Yes. The new questions deadline date is 4/2/2026 at 3:00 pm Arizona time.
Q (No subject): Can you share the following: Square footage of each station Number of LRT and Street Cars in Service for cleaning daily Number of parking stalls for each park and ride.
A: Station/Stop square footage will be provided under an upcoming amendment. LRT: 60 (Up to 65 for special events) SC: 4-5 (Up to 6 for special events) Parking stall count will be provided under an upcoming amendment.
Q (No subject): Does the current vendor have a current route for the passenger stations/bus stops?
A: The "Route" technically is the system map. It is up to each vendor on how they will develop section routes for the mobile cleaners for the LRT system and SC system. Bus stops are not included in the scope.
Q (No subject): What inconsistencies or issues (problem areas) has there been in prior years with this contract?
A: When offerors submit their bids, they should ensure they set themselves up to be successful in all areas of the scope with a focus on: Staffing: - Ensure the appropriate number of personnel are staffed to execute the scope requirements to a high level. - Ensure dependable, self-motivated, quality-driven personnel are staffed. Services: - Ensure all periodic maintenance is performed on schedule, with quality results. Communication: - Active, timely, and constructive communication from all positions.
Q (Background Checks): Do Operations Center (Phoenix/Mesa compound office areas) require additional background checks beyond the standard screening?
A: All employees for all locations will require the same background check as identified in RFP 2025-RFP-069.
Q (Consumables): Do you have a specific list of consumables required? o Paper towels (type) o Toilet paper (type) o Paper towel dispensers o Toilet paper dispensers o Soap dispensers o Soap type o Feminine products o Seat covers o Urinal screens o Air fresheners
A: No specific list. The vendor will be responsible to identify and supply the appropriate materials to satisfy the scope of work.
Q (Clarification Request Regarding Janitorial Carts and Rolling Waste Containers): Please clarify whether the janitorial carts and rolling trash containers currently stored in the janitorial closets belong to Valley Metro and will remain in place, or whether they belong to the current contractor and will be removed upon transition.
A: They belong to the current contractor. The awarded vendor will need to supply their own equipment.
Q (Pressure Washing): Is pressure washing included in the janitorial contract? Clarification needed: - It was stated pressure washing is performed in-house by Valley Metro - It was also referenced under LRV responsibilities - Appears Valley Metro may own pressure washing equipment
A: See amendment #7.
Q (Current Contract & Performance Insights): Can Valley Metro provide a high-level breakdown of the current contract value by major service categories (OMC, MBOM, alignment/stations, and vehicle cleaning)?
A: See response to question 1.
Q (Current Contract & Performance Insights): What key performance challenges or service gaps has Valley Metro experienced under the current contract?
A: See response to question 24.
Q (Staffing & Service Expectations): Can Valley Metro confirm whether staffing levels must be fixed by location, or if a dynamic, route-based staffing model is acceptable provided service levels are maintained?
A: Fixed personnel are required at the following locations Terminus End Staffing Requirements Metro Parkway (North End): 1 cleaner Cross Over (elevators, escalators, park-and-ride, etc.): 1 cleaner Gilbert/Main (East End): 1 cleaner Central/Baseline (South End): 1 cleaner The rest of the alignment - It is up to the contractor to determine the best approach regarding staffing and routes.
Q (Staffing & Service Expectations): Are there minimum staffing expectations per shift for alignment cleaning beyond those outlined in the RFP?
A: No. The Offeror is expected to propose staffing levels as needed to complete the required services.
Q (Staffing & Service Expectations): Are the current or anticipated FTE positions under this contract unionized?
A: No.
Q (Alignment & Stations Scope): Are all passenger stations expected to receive the same level of service, or are there tiered service expectations based on ridership or location?
A: As a standard - All stations shall receive the same level of service. There are times - special events, tours, dignitary visits, excessive uncleanliness.... etc. where additional focus will be placed on needed areas.
Q (Alignment & Stations Scope): Can Valley Metro provide any historical data regarding average monthly volumes of graffiti incidents and biohazard events?
A: No
Q (Consumables & Materials): Can Valley Metro confirm that all consumables (e.g., paper products, liners, cleaning chemicals) are to be included in the base pricing?
A: The vendor is responsible for all consumables.
Q (Consumables & Materials): Is historical annual spend data for consumables available to assist with accurate pricing?
A: See response to question 12.
Q (Equipment & Infrastructure): Will Valley Metro provide access to water, power, or storage areas at stations and facilities, or is the contractor expected to supply all required resources?
A: See amendment #7.
Q (Equipment & Infrastructure): Would Valley Metro permit the installation of EV charging stations to support contractor service vehicles, if proposed?
A: The contractor may provide a proposal, which will be reviewed to determine the viability of installing the charging stations.
Q (Transition & Implementation): What transition period is anticipated prior to contract commencement, and will incumbent staff be available for potential retention?
A: Contracts should answer the transition period based off of award timeline. VM does not prohibit retaining incumbent staff.
Q (Future Growth & Scope Changes): Are there any planned system expansions (e.g., new stations or facilities) anticipated during the contract term that proposers should consider in their pricing approach?
A: None planned at this time. If we assume control of another facility, a change order will be executed to include any new areas of responsibility.
Q (Equipment & Infrastructure): Are there specific requirements, frequencies, or performance standards for pressure washing services included within the contract scope?
A: See the answer to question 28. Each Streetcar stop is to be pressure washed once per week.
Q (No subject): Are the vehicles being used now property of valley metro or the current vendor? How many?
A: They are the property of the current vendor. The proposing vendor will have to establish vehicle needs.
Q (Vehicle Cleaning Operations): Is there an expected production standard or target time per vehicle for cleaning?
A: There are approximately 4/5 cleaners on 1 LRV at a time, and it takes approximately 10 minutes to clean.
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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