Direx Solutions was contracted by a potential new entrant to the US Rail Operations and Maintenance Market to perform a detailed, strategic review of the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) rail operations and maintenance (O&M) contract opportunity. VRE is a commuter rail service connecting outlying cities of Northern Virginia to Washington Union Station in Washington, D.C.

The scope of the two-month review included a detailed examination of the previous contract, identifying specific commercial, regulatory, client, and staffing requirements that were required, and that are therefore likely to be faced in the upcoming procurement. We also provided advice on how best to address some of the challenges specific to the US O&M bid market, including those associated with Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE).

A comprehensive report was provided, detailing recommendations and strategies for market entry, US regulatory requirements, options to support US-specific bid requirements, private sector analysis of client competition, procurement steps, and engagement strategies for successful bid submission. 

Direx Solutions’ hands-on approach enabled the client to have a firm understanding of the upcoming bid requirements in advance of the procurement release, including bidding strategy, risk analysis, and clear deliverables for the upcoming procurement release.