ABOUT THE TENDER: Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is seeking tenders from competent contractors to provide specialised ballast cleaning track machinery to undertake full ballast replacement on sections of the Main South line. SCOPE: ARTC requires contracting services with specialised ballast cleaning track machinery to undertake full ballast replacement on the Main South line of section between Bargo and Exeter NSW within the ARTC advertised Configuration 14 and Super Track Possessions as listed in Attachment 2 for Financial Year 2027 – with the first possession commencing in September 2026. Detailed scope of works requirements: 1. Preparation of all required project documentation, including but not limited to management plans and safety, environmental, and quality compliance documentation in accordance with ARTC deliverable timeframe. All submissions to be issued to ARTC in line with scope deliverable calendar provided in Attachment 3. 2. Delivery of Mechanised ballast cleaning works on the Main South Up Main 87.856KM – 161.902KM. including but not limited to, ballast removal, installation of ballast, resurfacing, survey support, signal support, safe working, and commissioning certification as required. Scope details provided in Table 1 below. Geographical location of each scope has been provided in Attachment 4. 3. Where adjustments to the start and end kilometrages are required for constructability purposes, a contractor is to allow for Excavator Undercutting to ensure completion of scope kilometrage listed in Table 1 above. 4. The Contractor to undertake full ballast renewal across the full width of the single track, excavating to as close as practicable to the capping layer without causing damage to it. The Contractor to implement appropriate controls to manage any track geometry disturbances to adjacent tracks where the ballast cleaning works extend within the affected track’s structural influence zone. 5. Contractor to nominate a track machine stabling location and ARTC to organise the booking of siding to stable the track machines for pre, and post possession works (Note this is only applicable to ARTC managed sidings). 6. In line with ARTC scope deliverable calendar provided in Attachment 3, the contractor to issue to ARTC the Chronological Train Movement (CTM) outlining all their track machine movements within the LPA. Furthermore, the contractor to issue to ARTC their track machine timetable for entering and exiting the LPA. 7. Contractor to arrange the transfer of track bound machines to nominated stabling location(s). 8. All spoil generated from the works is to be re-used within the rail corridor and/or stockpiled within the corridor in accordance with ARTC nominated locations and directions. Relocation location will be within the scope limits. Where spoil is re-used for access road construction, the Contractor must ensure all loose material is trimmed, shaped and compacted using, at a minimum, a 5-tonne smooth drum roller. For any access road works, the Contractor is to undertake survey of the affected area to verify that surface water drains away from the track and is directed into natural drainage paths or collection points. Furthermore, any increase in access roads elevation must not be elevated above the existing capping layer (access road to be more than 0.9m from closest Top of Rail - excluding where access roads are above track in cuttings). 9. In relation to track alignment installation, Track to be reinstated back to its initial alignment with corrections to geometry defects as required or as directed by ARTC. 10. Undertaking VERSE testing pre- and post-works within each cut-in location. At a minimum a test should be undertaken within each curve segment. All verse testing works to be completed by a competent staff (Rail Course VERSE Rail Testing (Stress free temperature - Non des) (100102)) and in accordance with verse unit operating manual. 11. Ballast cleaning worksite to be regulated and tamped by mechanised tamper and regulator and dynamically stabilised where possible. 12. Provision of survey services, including validation of track alignment prior to works, survey support during possessions, and submission of Works-as-Executed (WAE) survey reports following completion. Survey reports to be provided to ARTC in MGA2020 format. Excel report, PDF, and AutoCAD format of WAE to be issued to ARTC. 13. Supply of Signal Support to allow contractor to deliver Ballast Cleaning works, inclusive of all pre and post work documentation requirements in accordance with ARTC signalling standards and procedures. 14. Contractor to provide Track and Signal Certification as per ARTC requirements. 15. Management of the post-closedown temporary speed restriction (TSR) including any follow up resurfacing as required. 16. Contractor to provide resources as required for the management of ARTC supplied ballast deliveries and stockpiling. This includes but not limited to traffic control, mobile plant, dust suppression, supervision, and railway safeworking. 17. Contractor to provide a site office for each track possession weekend to house the coordinating protection officer and maintain documentation over the weekend. Moreover, contractor to provide the amenities as per NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011. 18. The Contractor must carry out an underground services assessment (Before You Dig Australia assessment) and search across the worksite at least 8-weeks prior to the possession delivery date. Any issues or impacts arising from identified services within the worksite must be raised with the ARTC Project Manager at least 8-weeks before the delivery date to allow for review and determination of appropriate actions. 19. All proposed work must not impact the planned services and operations of the railway line. 20. The Contractor shall provide ARTC with a Microsoft Project program for their Works in accordance with the nominated T-minus deliverable requirements. During delivery of the main works within possessions, the Contractor shall provide the ARTC site delivery team with an updated Actual vs Baseline program every 12 hours or shift change, with the first submission issued 12 hours or at first shift change. Where the Contractor falls more than two (2) hours behind the baseline program, ARTC shall be notified immediately. 21. The Contractor shall provide assurance that all personnel mobilised to site have been reviewed by ARTC and are compliant with all ARTC requirements. ARTC shall be notified of any changes to the approved T-minus submitted personnel list. The Contractor shall provide evidence that any replacement or additional personnel are compliant with ARTC requirements prior to mobilisation to site. 22. If required, the contractor to allow to perform as a combined worksite coordinator (CWS) for the duration of the possession, with the provision of a qualified PO4. 23. With reference to the latest Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Report provided in External Attachment 5, the Contractor shall review the report in full and incorporate appropriate management measures for all identified foreign objects within their proposed construction methodology. LOCATION: Moss Vale Glenfield Loop Goulburn Glenlee Junee Joppa REGISTRATION: Tender documents must be obtained after registration ENQUIRIES: Tender enquiries should be directed via the online forum (see option below). Please note the Tender Forum will close three days (3) from the actual Tender Close date. SUBMISSIONS: Completed responses must be submitted via the electronic tender box This RFT uses one (1) tender box.