TR Circular E-C058_9th LRT Conference_2003.pdf - Florida ...

574 Transportation Research Circular E-C058: Ninth National Light Rail Transit Conference
Critical Factors for Success
Design and component compatibility with existing TriMet light rail systems should be ensured.
Evaluation of Options
Quality control of light rail systems design, components, installation, and testing is important to
ensure safe and proper functioning in revenue service. Contractor expertise in each systems
discipline is critical. TriMet’s experience is that in-house expertise must be utilized to ensure that
TriMet’s criteria are met. Accordingly, TriMet desires direct control over design and installation.
TriMet successfully completed light rail systems on the Westside–Hillsboro extension
using a two-step, low bid process for separate traction electrification, signals, and
communications contracts (see Table 5). TriMet developed preliminary engineering and final
design documents to a level that ensured that fundamental light rail operating and systems
criteria were met. TriMet developed these criteria after years of safe operating experience on the
Banfield line. The criteria have been updated for Interstate MAX.
Except for fare collection, a similar two-step process is preferred for Interstate MAX. It
allows TriMet to retain direct control over design and installation, and to evaluate contractor
technical qualifications in step one. Following industry survey, TriMet decided on two separate
contracts to maximize competition: traction electrification, and signals and communications.
The new fare collection equipment, ticket vending machines (TVMs), must be
compatible with the existing system. TriMet market survey identified no feasible options other
than to utilize the existing manufacturer’s equipment. Consequently, a sole source procurement
of the TVMs is recommended.
The preferred contracting method is two-step low bid for traction power, two-step low
bid for signals and communications, and sole source for fare collection equipment procurement.
CONTRACTING PLAN SUMMARY
Identification of objectives and analysis of the major project elements provide a rationale for a
contracting plan. In addition, there may be agency resource, political, or financial considerations
that weigh in favor of one large contract rather than multiple contracts. TriMet was not
constrained by these considerations on the $350 million Interstate MAX project. In fact, TriMet
valued involvement of multiple contractors. TriMet also has retained experienced technical and
project management personnel from the recently completed $960 million Westside–Hillsboro
light rail extension project and relied heavily on its agency ability to manage the design and
construction work.
Oregon law permits a variety of alternate construction contracting approaches. Other
states may not provide similar flexibility. DB and CM/GC are popular options in Oregon.
TriMet’s approach to the formulation of the Interstate MAX contracting plan is built
upon lessons learned on previous projects, particularly the Westside–Hillsboro light rail
extension. Currently, Interstate MAX is 75% complete overall. It is four months ahead of
schedule and under budget. While multiple factors affect whether a project is successful, TriMet
believes that the contracting plan for design and construction has been a key factor in the
successful implementation of Interstate MAX.