Next Generation Rail Supply Chain

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What is Next Generation Rail Supply Chain?

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Commerce (DOC) formed a partnership to encourage the creation of domestic manufacturing jobs and opportunities for U.S. Suppliers through transportation investments. Learn More...

Next Generation Rail Supply Chain - Updates

Diesel Locomotive Request for Information (RFI)
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Next Generation Equipment Committe (NGEC) has posted the Diesel Locomotive Request for Information and the Standardization Table as well as the Buy America Components List. The NGEC represents Amtrak, Federal Railroad Association, and participating states. Responses to this RFI are due no later than 5:00pm July 20, 2012 to Steve Hewitt, AASHTO NGEC Liaison | shewitt109@aol.com. To view the Diesel Locomotive RFI, click here.

Open Bidding for Made-in-America Bi-Level Passenger Rail Cars.
Update - The Federal Railroad Administration has elected to delay any supplier scouting activities associated with any potential Buy America waiver requests until after the month of July. We will keep you posted with any additional information as we receive it.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood just announced that rail car manufacturers across the country will have an opportunity to submit bids to produce the first American-made, Bi-Level Passenger Rail Cars. The $551 million Request for Proposal (RFP) calls for 130 new rail cars including 88 cars for the Midwest coalition states, and 42 cars for California, including Coaches, Cab/Baggage cars, Cafe/Lounge cars, and Cafe/Business Class cars. The funding is being provided by the Federal Railroad Administration’s High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Program.

Obtaining Proposal Documents
Up to date Proposal Documents may be obtained electronically at http://www.bidsync.com/

For more information, contact your local MEP Center and speak with the Buy American Supplier Scouting Point of Contact.

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Next Generation Rail Supply Chain Forums

In 2012 MEP has hosted four Next Generation Supply Chain Connectivity Forums. The forums are and objective to bring large carbuilders and OEMs together with smaller, capable and interested U.S. manufacturers to facilitate reaching the goal of 100% domestic content in railcars that will be funded by state and federal dollars.

These one day forums include representatives from federal and state agencies, local economic development agencies, rail car builders and associated original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and U.S manufacturers who could potentially be their suppliers.

To view information on past forums Click here.

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Opportunities for Small Manufacturers in Next Generation Rail Supply Chain

More than 30 locomotive and rail car manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, have committed to establish or expand their base of operations in the United States if they are chosen by states or groups of states to build America’s next generation high-speed rail lines.

The Next Generation Rail Supply Chain Connectivity efforts will help connect small manufacturers with those committed locomotive and rail car manufacturers and will give them the opportunity to see how they could be part of the domestic supply chain for next generation rail.

Ready for the Next step?

Contact your local MEP Center and speak with the Buy American Supplier Scouting Point of Contact. In addition please contact each Locomotive and Rail car manufacturer to find out what the requirements are for small manufacturers to become a supplier with them. Click here to see the list of Original Equipment Manufacturers.

Next Generation Rail Updates

Please continue to check this website regularly for updates relating to the upcoming rail car and locomotive procurements, along with other useful info about connectivity into Next Generation Rail Equipment Supply Chains.

Click here to subscribe to Next Generation Rail e-mail updates.

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"Not only are we improving how we move people and goods, but we are strengthening our economy by providing opportunities for American companies and their employees to build our transportation system here at home." Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood