Amtrak published two Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) that will help deliver new and upgraded maintenance facilities in Boston, New York City, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Amtrak’s facilities upgrade program will prepare more than 20 sites around the country for new trainsets scheduled to enter service in the coming years.

“Amtrak is delivering a new era of passenger rail, which includes replacing a large portion of our fleet with state-of-the-art passenger trainsets and locomotives across the country,” said Amtrak Executive VP, Capital Delivery, Laura Mason. “These new facilities and modifications at existing rail yards will help modernize our maintenance practices and ensure a seamless transition from Amtrak’s aging fleet to modern, state-of-the-art equipment.”

Future Facilities

Future facility upgrades will help improve service reliability, enable more efficient maintenance practices, and support projected ridership growth. With new Acela trainsets coming soon, Amtrak Airo trainsets being built, and the process to replace decades-old long-distance railcars now underway, these improvements will benefit Amtrak’s existing and future fleet as the company delivers a new era of rail.

Six major maintenance facilities will receive significant upgrades to support preventive maintenance, routine inspections, equipment repairs, and minor service and cleaning needs. Several layover sites where trains are often cleaned, serviced, or stored will also be renovated. Amtrak’s existing heavy maintenance facilities, including sites in Delaware and Indiana, will also continue to play a significant role providing equipment maintenance and overhaul capabilities.

Amtrak’s RFQs, RFPs

Two RFQs are currently active — one for Seattle and another for the three Northeast Corridor sites (Southampton Yard in Boston, Sunnyside Yard in New York and Ivy City Yard in Washington, DC). A separate Request for Proposals (RFP) recently welcomed bids for a Philadelphia site and procurement information for the sixth location — Rensselaer, N.Y. — will be announced at a future date.

Earlier this year, Amtrak initially announced these upcoming procurements to help alert potential proposers. Interested contractors should continue to monitor Amtrak’s Procurement Portal for further solicitation information and submittal requirements.