Armand Consulting Inc. | Data Transmission

Project Management

Central Mesa Extension

Agency: Valley Metro

Client: Stantec

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Year: 2012

Valley Metro serves Phoenix and a number of surrounding cities with approximately 19 miles of double track light rail transit system. Mesa Extension added an additional 3.1 miles of LRT system from Downtown Tempe through downtown Mesa.

As Systems Engineering Design Lead Consultant, ACI led the Systems Engineering design efforts for this extension project responsible for a complete system design. ACI also led the systems integration design overseeing the development of a comprehensive list of functional areas, Interface Data Sheets (IDS), and monitoring the resolution of issues by engineers and contractors.

Central Mesa Extension

DART Public Address and Visual Messaging System

Agency: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Client: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Locations: Dallas, TX

Year: 2012

DART choose to upgrade thirty-three (33) of the existing stations and equip them with advanced integrated electronic visual messaging and audio system. The new PA/VMS allowed DART to provide passengers with real time train arrival information, schedules, events, emergency alerts, potential delays, and travel information.

As part of the Project Management team, ACI was responsible for overseeing multiple design packages including upgrade and modification of the operations and equipment room facilities, software modification, software development, system and equipment upgrades, communications network upgrade, upgrade of the train control center, and integration of the entire control system including the voice and data.

Public Address and Visual Messaging System

Owner's Representative - Electrification Support Services

Agency: Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (PCJPB)

Client: Gannett Fleming

Locations: San Mateo, CA

Year: 2012

This Electrification Support Services project is part of the Caltrain Modernization Program (CalMod). The modernized Caltrain service will be designed to support high speed rail in what is known as the “blended system”. CalMod is a major investment program by the JPB in the 150-year-old Caltrain corridor, Peninsula Rail Corridor.

ACI is part of the On-Call Owner’s Representative team responsible to provide management and oversight involving design review, construction, installation, integrated testing, and commissioning related to communications and SCADA As a recognized expert in Electrification practices, ACI supports the critical areas of the project related to Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Communications, and System Safety.

Owner's Representative - Electrification Support Services (CalMod)

Transit Systems Support- DART Buildout II

Agency: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Client: AECOM

Locations: Dallas, TX

Year: 2010-2012

DART serves Dallas and 12 surrounding cities with approximately 93 miles of double track light rail transit. The DART LRT includes a 20-mile Phase II expansion of its Orange and Blue light rail lines. The Orange Line extended from Belt Line Road to DFW airport. The Blue Line was extended to its current northern terminus in downtown Rowlett.

As part of the AECOM System Integration Consultant team, ACI provided a full range of services including project management, engineering, design, construction, and testing support for DART’s LRT System. Projects included communications facilities, fiber optic backbone, SCADA, communications transmission system, fare collection communications, traction power substations communication, integrated testing, signals, resolution to startup issues, and LRT systems support on various projects. ACI support services included coordination of various contracts to ensure seamless startup, construction management and procurement support of projects such as Midtown Blvd / LRT Crossing, Lake Highland station, Fare Collection System Upgrade, CCTV installation, PA / VMB system Upgrade, Communication Central Control Modification, as well as other Buildout II extension projects

Transit Systems Support- DART Buildout II

Engineering Design

Owner's Representative - Electrification Support Services

Agency: Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (PCJPB)

Client: Gannett Fleming

Locations: San Mateo, CA

Year: 2012

Caltrain Modernization Project

Central Mesa Extension

Agency: Valley Metro

Client: Stantec

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Year: 2012

Central Mesa Extension

Crenshaw / LAX Transit Corridor - Design Support

Agency: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (LACMTA)
Client: Mott McDonald
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Year: 2014-2015

Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor serves the cities of Los Angeles, Inglewood, Hawthorne, and El Segundo as well as parts of unincorporated Los Angeles County. Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX line is 8.5 mile light-rail extension from Exposition Boulevard to a connection with the Metro Green Line at the Aviation/LAX Station including double tracked right-of-way, sections of at-grade n-street guideway, at-grade within railroad right-of-way, aerial, and below-grade guideway sections, six stations, park and ride, facilities at three locations, utilities, landscaping, roadway improvements, and a maintenance & storage facility.

As part of the Project Management team, ACI supported the Communications Systems Engineering efforts for the project. ACI was responsible for timely review and comment of the Design-Build Contractor’s submittals for compliance with the project requirements and technical specifications.

Crenshaw / LAX Transit Corridor- Communications

Regional Connector Transit Corridor Design Build

Agency: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (LACMTA)

Client: Mott McDonald

Location: Los Angeles

Year: 2014-2017

This Design Build project provided final design and construction of 1.86 miles of light rail for the Regional Connector Transit Corridor Project with three new underground stations. The project created an underground trunk line linking the existing terminus of the LACMTA Blue and Expo Lines to the Gold Line in a new underground alignment in Downtown Los Angeles. The project involved professional services and materials to perform final design, construction, testing, and commissioning to turn over the Project to Metro complete and ready for revenue operations.

As part of the Design Team, ACI led the Communications Engineering Design efforts for this project to provide a complete design package for Public Address, Visual Message Signs, Closed Circuit Television, Gas Detection, Seismic Detection, Station Intrusion and Portal Intrusion System. ACI worked closely with the Project Systems Design Manager and coordinated to interface with other sub-systems and the entire communications team, architects, MEP designers and all other systems leads.

The design package entails providing plans and specifications, system cost estimation, CAD drawings, calculations and design basis reports, quality assurance and control, and cutover strategy.

Regional Connector Transit Corridor Design Build

South Oak Cliff Line Section 3 (SOC-3)

Agency: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Client: Blue Alliance Partners, JV (BAP)

Location: Dallas, TX

Year: 2013-2016

The SOC-3 LRT project extended the Blue Line from Ledbetter Station to the University of Texas southern campus. This 2.7-mile double track extension of the DART LRT system included two new stations with parking, modification to an existing station, and two new interlockings.

Teaming with BAP, ACI lead the Systems Engineering Design efforts for the South Oak Cliff Line Section 3 CM/GC project. ACI was responsible for a complete system design including Traction Power, Signaling, OCS, Communications/SCADA, Corrosion Control, System Elements, and Systems Integration/Interface management for the build-out of the SOC-3 extension. In addition to Systems Design Management, ACI led the specification and plan development from conceptual through final PS&E. ACI supported the procurement and bid process as well as engineering and field systems oversight services during the construction phase.

South Oak Cliff Line Section 3 (SOC-3)

SCADA and TVM Network Separation

Agency: Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)

Client: Urban Engineers

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Year: 2017

To ensure security requirements, VTA implemented plans to separate payment data (TVM) communications transmitted through the SCADA network to an independent Clipper network.

As part of the Engineering Design team, ACI worked collaboratively to provide engineering services to assist with the separation of data from the SCADA network and TVM data information. ACI assessed the current communication cabinet, performed site investigation, and prepared as-built drawings to aid in the design process. ACI developed the Site Survey Plan and documents including survey plan, survey schedule, site survey procedures, draft field report format, analysis of the interconnected devices, and other system modifications to assist in the conceptual design for separation of data from the SCADA network and TVM.

SCADA and TVM Network Separation

On-Call Services

Metro Operations General Engineering Consultant (GEC) Bench

Agency: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (LACMTA)

Client: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority (LACMTA)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Year: 2013-2018

This on-call engineering support project includes various Communications engineering and technical services to assist Metro Operations’ engineering departments. Projects under the GEC bench included small-projects and supplemental work to support and complement large-scale projects.

ACI was awarded a 5-year contract to provide technical and engineering support for upcoming projects including project management and communications design services. Services covered under the on-call project included support and engineering of transit systems and subsystems projects.

LA Metro Operations GEC Bench

Caltrain On Call Communications

Agency: Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB)

Client: Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (JPB)

Location: San Mateo, CA

Year: 2016-Current

The purpose of the on-call project was to provide JPB with Communications Engineering services to support the maintenance of all aspects of the Caltrain communication systems such as voice radio, data radio, microwave, SCADA, station visual messaging systems, public address systems, and rail supervisory control system. The Engineering services encompass design review, communication systems state-of-good repair and design services, and communication submittal review during construction.

Working collaboratively with JPB and project managers, ACI led the communication engineering services covering all aspects of telecommunications including voice, video, and data communications. Work included developing fiber optic cable test plans for four JPB capital projects, review of fiber optic testing results, and markup design to reflect as-built testing information. ACI provided communications for CCTV cameras, messaging – interfacing with Variable Message Signs (VMS), data communications for ITS detection devices, SCADA systems, PA/VMS Systems, and other integrated systems used for passenger and operational information – with no disruption to train traffic.

Caltrain On Call Communications

Systems Integration and Safety Certification

University Link Safety Certification

Agency: Sound Transit

Client: David Evans and Associates, Inc (DEA)

Location: Seattle, WA

Year: 2014 - 2015

Sound Transit 2 is a 15-year program to add 36 miles of new light link rail services to the greater Seattle area. Sound Transit requires support for Safety Certification on projects throughout the agency including University Link, a 3.15 mile light rail segment including twin tunnels and two underground stations and South 200^th Link, a 1.6 mile extension from Sea-Tack Airport to South 200^th Street on an elevated guideway.

As part of the Safety Support team, ACI worked collaboratively with Sound Transit’s SQA Director and staff in support of safety certification for Link Projects providing an initial assessment, conducting Preliminary Hazard Analysis, design verifications, construction verifications, and providing recommendations for improvements for Sound Transit’s safety certification process. ACI conducted assessments of the Safety Certification process of Sound Transit Link Projects for University Link, S.200th Link, Lynnwood Link, East Link, and Northgate Link.

Sound Transit Safety Certification

TEXRail Commuter Rail

Agency: Trinity Metro formerly, Fort Worth Transit Authority “The T”

Client: CH2M

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Year: 2013 - 2016

TexRail, is a 27-mile-long commuter rail line developed by the Fort Worth Transit Authority. This project was part of the new rail line in a Southwest-to-Northeast Rail Corridor across Tarrant County and would run mostly on existing infrastructure. The project linked three of the region’s major activity centers including downtown Fort Worth, City of Grapevine, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

As a sub-consultant to the Program Management Consultant (PMC) of TEX Rail, ACI lead the Systems Integration and Startup process. As such, ACI was responsible for managing and coordinating all activities associated with System Certification and Start-Up including outline of the SSCP. ACI prepared procedures and provided input to the PMP for safety and security, and reviewed existing documents and initiated documentation including SSMP, SSCP, SIT, RFMP, PHA, O&M and SSC.

TEXRail Commuter Rail

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

MARTA Tunnel Ventilation System Rehabilitation and Renewal

Agency: MARTA

Client: Archer Western

Location: Atlanta, GA

Year: 2016 - Current (2022)

Designed over thirty years ago, MARTA tunnel ventilation system (TVS) covers about nine miles of subway tunnel and underground rail stations. This major improvement project for the renovation and renewal of its aging system further advances the agency’s ongoing commitment to safe and efficient transit operations. The project will replace and rehabilitate the existing ventilation system that is designed to provide air circulation and remove smoke efficiently and safely from tunnels in the event of fire. This involves restoring the existing tunnel ventilation system in 16 tunnel segments to a state of good repair through a combination of repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of tunnel ventilation equipment. The tunnel segments will be tested and placed in revenue service separately, requiring independent safety certification for each segment.

ACI is responsible for providing safety certification, systems integration, and quality management services. As the Quality Control Officer, ACI provided quality, interface, and systems integration support including audit functions, verification and validation, witness testing, technical reviews, hazard assessments and submittal review. As the Safety and Security Certification program manager, ACI is responsible for all design and construction safety aspects of the project, including the development and execution of the System Safety Certification Plan, Safety Compliance Assessments, Safety & Security Design Criteria, CEL, PHA, SHA, SSA, FTA, FMEA, SSHA, Hazard Log, Design Criteria Checklist, Installation Checklist and Training Checklist.

MARTA Tunnel Ventilation System Rehabilitation and Renewal

Modification and Upgrade of Communications and Central Control Project for DART Build-out, Phase II A and B

Agency: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Client: AECOM

Location: Dallas, TX

Year: 2012

The Communications Central Control Project modified DART’s legacy communications system to accommodate operations and control of 44 miles of double track LRT under the Build-out Phase IIA and B extensions. This Project included upgrade and modification of the operations and equipment room facilities, software modification, software development, system and equipment upgrades, communications network upgrade, upgrade of the train control center, and integration of the entire control system including voice and data. The project interfaced with all wayside facilities, sub-systems, and instrumentation in the field.

ACI provided Construction Management and Engineering Support including identification of potential schedule impact on every startup of all the line section contracts, potential revenue and operational impact during the central control and communications system modifications and upgrades over the entire development process, coordination with other contracts and access to the field equipment installed by others, and coordination with others to perform troubleshooting and end-to-end testing.

DART Modification/Upgrade of Communications and Central Control

Systems Engineering

Independent Cost Estimate – University Corridor FEIS

Agency: Houston Metro

Client: Booz Allen Hamilton

Location: Houston, TX

Year: 2010

Houston Metro’s 7.5-mile Main Street line runs from south of Reliant Park to the University of Houston-Downtown, with 16 total stops along the way. The University Corridor build-out was an extension of the existing system consisting of 11 miles of double track light rail system with 20 stations and one new maintenance facility. The project’s objective was to update the original FEIS document and provide an independent cost estimate for this extension.

ACI lead the systems engineering cost estimating efforts for this project providing oversight and reviews. Key system elements included central control modification upgrade, addition of a new central control room, CCTV, PA/VMS, fiber optics and data communications system, signaling system, OCS, traction power substation, fare collection system, radio/wireless system, and interface with private utility.

Independent Cost Estimate – University Corridor FEIS (Houston METRO)

University of Missouri St Louis (UMSL), South Interlocking

Agency: MetroLink

Client: Stantec

Location: St Louis, Mo

Year: 2009 – 2011

The project provided for a new universal mainline light rail crossover near UMLS. The design of the new signalized crossover interlocking on the double main track of the St Louis MetroLink light rail system included Railway System Technical Specifications and Drawings via modification, additions to the existing MetroLink As-Built Plans including overhead catenary system, track, signaling & train control, telecommunications, civil elements such as drainage and slope restoration, cost estimates, required materials listing, and utility coordination with UMSL; as well as phased construction scheduling which met existing MetroLink headways.

As part of the Design Team, ACI provided Project Management services and led the Systems Engineering Design efforts for this project. As Project Manager and Systems Engineering design lead, ACI was responsible for a complete system design including the modification and addition of the Signaling, Communications system, and OCS for the new Interlocking at UMSL South.

ACI is a professional consulting firm committed to delivering high quality engineering services

Project Management

Central Mesa Extension

Central Mesa Extension

DART Public Address and Visual Messaging System

Public Address and Visual Messaging System

Owner's Representative - Electrification Support Services

Owner's Representative - Electrification Support Services (CalMod)

Transit Systems Support- DART Buildout II

Transit Systems Support- DART Buildout II

Engineering Design

Owner's Representative - Electrification Support Services

Caltrain Modernization Project

Central Mesa Extension

Central Mesa Extension

Crenshaw / LAX Transit Corridor - Design Support

Crenshaw / LAX Transit Corridor- Communications

Regional Connector Transit Corridor Design Build

Regional Connector Transit Corridor Design Build

South Oak Cliff Line Section 3 (SOC-3)

South Oak Cliff Line Section 3 (SOC-3)

SCADA and TVM Network Separation

SCADA and TVM Network Separation

On-Call Services

Metro Operations General Engineering Consultant (GEC) Bench

LA Metro Operations GEC Bench

Caltrain On Call Communications

Caltrain On Call Communications

Systems Integration and Safety Certification

University Link Safety Certification

Sound Transit Safety Certification

TEXRail Commuter Rail

TEXRail Commuter Rail

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

MARTA Tunnel Ventilation System Rehabilitation and Renewal

MARTA Tunnel Ventilation System Rehabilitation and Renewal

Modification and Upgrade of Communications and Central Control Project for DART Build-out, Phase II A and B

DART Modification/Upgrade of Communications and Central Control

Systems Engineering

Independent Cost Estimate – University Corridor FEIS

Independent Cost Estimate – University Corridor FEIS (Houston METRO)

University of Missouri St Louis (UMSL), South Interlocking

University of Missouri St Louis (UMSL), South Interlocking