Continuing the forward momentum in constructing the nation’s first high-speed rail system, on 21 November the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design-build services for Construction Package 4 (CP 4), representing the next 30-mile phase of construction through the counties of Tulare and Kern and the cities of Wasco and Shafter.
“The Authority continues to deliver on its voter-mandated mission to build high-speed rail in California that will connect the major regions of the state through the ever-growing population centers in the Central Valley,” said Jeff Morales, CEO of the Authority. “As we have already seen with the ongoing construction work in the Central Valley, high-speed rail is creating jobs, small business opportunities and benefitting the local economies.”
Firms will have until January 30, 2015 to submit their statement of qualifications. The Authority will then review these applications and establish a shortlist of the most highly qualified firms to provide design-build services for the project. Firms will be selected based on experience, technical competency, ability to perform and other factors. The qualified firms will then be eligible to submit formal design-build proposals in 2015.
Work on CP 4 will extend approximately 30-miles through the Central Valley beginning one mile north of the Tulare/Kern County to Galpin Street north of Bakersfield. The estimated $700 to $900 million design-build contract will bring jobs to the Central Valley, an area with one of the highest unemployment rates in California and the nation. The route will also provide environmental benefits, relieve roadway congestion and spur economic development.
A design-build contract means the chosen contractor must develop innovative means and methods to design the project and then construct it. This approach can lead to faster construction as the contractor is accountable for timing of design and construction work. The selected design-build firm will be responsible for all work required to design and construct the CP 4 segment in the Central Valley. The work will include construction of at-grade and aerial sections of the alignment and the relocation of 4.6 miles of existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) tracks. This phase of construction received state and federal environmental clearances earlier this year.
The Authority is committed to small businesses playing a role in delivering the high-speed rail program. The design-build contract will include the Authority’s adopted 30 percent goal for small business participation in the work. The Authority is hosting an Industry Forum on December 5, 2014, at Bakersfield College, Forum West/101, 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305 from 9:00-12:00 p.m. This event allows interested firms to network and learn about the details and requirements of the contract, how to bid and the importance of small business participation.
(Source: CHSRA)
