RFEI # 553768 - Replacement or Upgrade to Existing RS 485 Based Passenger Communication System

MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is seeking experienced firms capable of providing the service / products noted in this RFEI. Prior to issuing a formal solicitation, LIRR seeks written expressions of interest from qualified vendors with demonstrated railcar communication design and retrofit experience. The intent is to gather industry feedback regarding the feasibility, integration impacts, and cost/schedule considerations associated with replacing or upgrading the existing RS‑485‑based passenger communication system on LIRR’s passenger service diesel locomotives and diesel hauled coaches. The LIRR will evaluate respondents’ proposals on feasibility, ease of installation, minimizing new in car cable routing. Respondents should also identify any assumptions, risks, or information required from LIRR to further refine engineering and cost estimates. The Ideal proposal would interface with the existing communication system, allowing LIRR to maintain interoperability across its fleet and eliminate the need to segregate existing fleet communication systems during retrofit replacement with new style communication system. The DE/DM-30 AC and C-3 Locomotives were delivered in 1998 with a communication system, developed by Telephonics. This system was retrofitted in 2016 by Telephonics. The retrofit replaced the ASI system Rail Based Transponders to GPS based location for ASI. LIRR does not intend to award a purchase on the basis of this RFEI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. Responses to this advertisement will be treated as information only and shall not be used as proposals. LIRR, in its sole discretion, reserves the right, without liability, to modify and/or withdraw this RFEI at any time without explanation, and/or to modify or waive any requirements contained in the RFEI. If you are interested in participating in this solicitation, please send a brief letter of introduction, including a list of previous or current projects, via e-mail to LIRR’s Procurement Officer, Nicole Costa [email protected] by July 16th, 2026.