Supplemental Work
Supplemental Work & Other Projects
In addition to performing the core scope of services to operate and maintain the MBTA’s commuter rail network, KCS also provides an additional scope of services in support of MBTA Capital Programs, MBTA Railroad Operations, and MassDOT projects known as Supplemental Work (previously known as Force Account under prior contracts). In this business plan cycle, Supplemental Work will implement improvements in project management and controls, deploy invoicing and reporting improvements, build a robust pipeline of work, and progress the business maturity (Fit for the Future) of the Supplemental Work organization.
-
The Supplemental Work team will work to develop and implement a new project management system, which will be implemented mid-2025. The new project management system will improve project planning, enhance scheduling processes, and streamline time entry and approval processes. KCS will continue leveraging its new project governance to provide our Supplemental Work teams with appropriate direction and set clear accountabilities that optimize project success. We will also develop a robust suite of reporting tools to increase visibility in our project lifecycle tracking and provide new insights on project management performance.
To support our staffing and scheduling, KCS will develop a strategic resource planning cycle that provides a long-term view of resource needs. KCS will develop a program with third party contractors and consultants to ensure timely and appropriate staffing for new supplemental work projects. We will also enhance resource management planning tools to increase visibility internally and for our staffing partners.
In collaboration with Procurement, Supplemental Work will build strategic partnerships with key suppliers, developing a vendor of choice in all key disciplines. These partnerships will drive faster lead times and favorable terms for materials and equipment, facilitating the timely delivery of capital projects.
-
Leveraging our ERP system, we will streamline processes and integrate automated controls for more efficient invoice processing and delivery to our client. The timecard process automation will feature enhanced controls to ensure time tracking quality and allow for more value-add activities. Additionally, robust reporting tools will increase the visibility of the financial performance of each project. These tools will also provide our partners will more transparency on project costs, invoices, and the delivered final product.
-
To align with the future of the commuter rail, KCS will engage our partners to enhance asset investment strategies. A multi-year project pipeline will be developed, including a mix of State of Good Repair and transformational ideas to deliver to our stakeholders.
KCS will also collaborate with the MBTA on completing the ATC implementation in 2024. This includes delivering all outstanding commissioning and rework activities, along with finalizing all project documentation. As we complete the ATC implementation, we will study its operational impacts and seek opportunities to address any performance or resiliency issues.
-
The growth of our Supplemental Work organization and portfolio of projects delivered have been a major success for KCS. Combining the proper expertise and resources allows our team to effectively develop and deliver creative solutions in response to the MBTA’s needs. During this business cycle, we will explore, assess, and potentially implement news ways to continue supporting the MBTA’s investment pipeline to enable the commuter rail network to meet the challenges, needs and transformation of the future.