MTA'S 18-LRV FOLLOW-ON PROCUREMENT

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates the light rail system in Baltimore, Maryland. The system initially opened for revenue service in 1992. During 1995, the MTA initiated a procurement program for 18 light rail vehicles (LRV) as a "follow-on" to the original procurement of 35 LRVs. Based on the experience gained from the successful operation of the first fleet of LRVs the follow-on program focused on maximizing value during procurement. The objective of this paper is to provide insights on the commercial issues and technical challenges that may be encountered during follow-on type procurements, and summarizes issues that should be considered during the planning stages of such procurements.