RFP Process for "Madam Queen" on Track

Published 08/08 2016 03:43PM


City of Amarillo

(PRESS RELEASE)

Earlier this year, the City of Amarillo’s Purchasing department issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) after various groups or individuals expressed interest in the “Madam Queen,” a 1930s Santa Fe 5000 steam locomotive that was gifted to the City in April 1957. One bid was received and it was determined non-responsive, meaning not enough information was provided to fulfill the RFP requirements. An RFP was issued once again and two proposals were submitted by the RFP opening deadline, which was Thursday, Aug. 4. Those two proposals are currently going through the evaluation process. There is no statutory requirement for a public hearing in this process.

In the past, there have been agreements between the City and other groups for preservation and maintenance of this asset, but none remain in effect, and none restricted the City's authority to sell it.

Recent news coverage of the RFP has attracted nationwide attention, as well as questions. For instance, while the locomotive is on the National Registry, it is only a list of railroad equipment and that designation follows it regardless of location and ownership. The Texas Historical Commission has given the locomotive an educational marker and no other status.

“In fact, the locomotive has been moved before, including to its current location, which was and is a temporary location for it,” says City Attorney Mick McKamie. “Plus, it’s important to note that the land on which the locomotive currently sits is not now, nor has it ever been, a park or historic site.”

McKamie adds that the City has full, unrestricted ownership of the locomotive and that Texas laws related to the disposition of City-owned personalty are being followed in this RFP.

The scope of the RFP included, but was not limited to:

Use of the train to preserve its history.
Demonstrate how you are able to financially maintain and preserve the “Madame Queen.”
Demonstrate how you are going to move the train from its current static display to a new home and a timeline for moving the train.
Demonstrate how you plan to educate the public on the history of the “Madame Queen.”
Include any additional information about your team and or group.
Description of plans to keep the “Madame Queen” safe and maintain in as good or better condition as its current state of cosmetic repair and general appearance.
Description of plans to repair and restore the “Madame Queen.”
Purchase price of the train to be paid to the City.
The “Madam Queen” is a 2-10-4 steam locomotive and went into service in December 1930 and one of the first engineers to steer it over the rails affectionately called it “Madame Queen.” The locomotive ran for more than 1,750,000 miles before being retired from service in November 1953. When given to the City, the “Madam Queen” was placed on outdoor static display at the Santa Fe Depot before it was relocated to its current static display in August 2005.

(PRESS RELEASE)