September 2024 update: Metro’s Fixed Assets State of Good Repair Program
Fixed Assets State of Good Repair (SGR) Program overview
Metro is embarking on the next phases of a multi-year program to renew and replace vital infrastructure to maintain a high level of reliability, service and safety to its ridership and community. The program includes multiple transit maintenance bases and route facility improvements located across various Metro sites in King County. Funding is likely to include a mix of programmed King County local and grant funds.
Most of the program is currently envisioned to be delivered as bundles and packages of similar projects. Metro has recently updated project schedules based on changing services requirements and facility conditions. Preliminary project lists and schedules (subject to refinement) are described below.
Bundle 1 – General Infrastructure Improvements
Work will consist of packages of infrastructure improvements including site infrastructure, systems, facilities upgrades and equipment work primarily at operational maintenance bases. Initial project estimates for the projects are up to $160 million, subject to validation as planning and design advances.
Projects include underground storage tanks, underground utilities, routine and major equipment replacement, bus lifts, paving, building systems, fire systems, and in-route facilities such as comfort stations. Work will be coordinated with and support upcoming electrification work at several of the bases.
Bundle 1 Current Schedules
Bundle 1 Contracting opportunities
Metro anticipates hiring a design team for projects not yet in design and plans to begin selection this fall.
Metro plans to utilize Alternative Project Delivery methods to improve the speed and cost effectiveness of project delivery. Earlier this year, Metro obtained approval from the State of Washington Capital Projects Advisory Review Board’s Project Review Committee for Bundle 1 projects using General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) delivery. Under GC/CM delivery, the contractor team is hired during design to help with estimating, scheduling, constructability review and subcontracting. Construction is contracted in a second phase near the end of design through a combination of negotiated and competitive contract packages and subcontracts designed to optimize construction, supporting participation by a variety of small and disadvantaged contractors and suppliers.
Metro also plans to procure bus lifts for installation by the GC/CM team at multiple locations.
All three contracts are expected to begin selection later this year.
Bundle 1 Anticipated Procurements
Metro expects that much of the construction to be provided by the GC/CM will be procured under a variety of subcontracts. Metro expects to work collaboratively with the selected GC/CM team to identify subcontracting opportunities which would provide for greater opportunity for small and disadvantaged subcontractors and suppliers. Under the State PRC approval, the selected GC/CM (with Metro’s concurrence) will be allowed to select and negotiate subcontracts for Electrical, Mechanical, Civil Utilities, Underground Tank and Vehicle Lift work.
All three selections are expected to start this year.
Metro conducted open houses in November 2023 to introduce the projects, and plans to conduct additional open houses as the procurements draw near. Additional information and materials provided during past Open House events can be found below, including the industry responses to the Request for Information:
- Event sign-in sheets (PDF updated Nov. 30)
- Open House presentation (PDF)
- Nov. 17 event video recording
- Response to industry Request For Information (PDF)
Metro expects to hold an additional open house later this year to explain its updated plans.
Bundle 2 – SGR Electrical & Trolley InfrastructureÂ
Bundle 2 consists of eight projects focused on electrical infrastructure refurbishment, primarily focused on sustaining and improving Metro’s trolley bus system. It is expected to include switchgear, medium voltage switches, and substation replacements. Initial project estimates for the eight projects are $58.6 million, subject to validation as planning and design advances.
This work is currently planned to be delivered through a Progressive Design-Build contract subject to approval by the State of Washington’s Capital Projects Advisory Review Board Project Review Committee. Under this method, a single design and construction team is hired early in the projects based primarily on qualifications to develop plans and costs meeting the owner’s requirements. This approach will allow Metro to work collaboratively with the selected team to identify significant consulting, supply and construction subcontracting opportunities which would be selected later.
Preliminary Bundle 2 schedules (subject to refinement) are presented below:
Bundle 2 – Potential Progressive Design-Build ProjectsÂ
Bundle 2 Upcoming Contracts
Metro envisions holding one or more additional open house event(s) prior to submitting its PRC application and plans to begin selecting a team during 2025. Metro anticipates selecting a team consisting of the prime contractor(s) and designer(s) in the initial selection and collaboratively selecting a large portion of remaining team members later to maximize opportunities for participation by a diverse array of firms.
Equity and Social Justice Goals
ESJ goals will be set in the near future as part of the Procurement Process. King County’s Master Community Workforce Agreement will apply to this project.
King County’s E-Procurement Supplier PortalÂ
Please be advised this blogpost is a notification of the upcoming open houses and may not include the most current project information over time. The official advertisement for this project will be published through King County’s E-Procurement system. To receive future notifications, please be sure your firm is registered in King County’s E-Procurement Supplier Portal.
Questions?Â
Should you wish to obtain additional information about these contracting opportunities before they are formally advertised on King County’s E-Procurement system please contact Brian Berard, the Fixed Assets State of Good Repair Project Manager at bberard@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-4160.