Description
The California High‑Speed Rail Authority is seeking qualified firms to provide collaborative design‑build services for the 30.3‑mile Merced‑to‑Madera civil‑works segment of the state’s high‑speed rail system. The contract will involve full civil‑engineering design, construction, and project‑management responsibilities for embankments, bridges, roadway interfaces, drainage, animal crossings, and related infrastructure, with an estimated total project ceiling of $2.4 billion. A pre‑proposal collaboration agreement (PPCA) worth $17 million will be awarded to two shortlisted firms for a nine‑month design‑build development phase before the final construction contract is issued.
• Core scope: embankment construction, major bridge structures, roadway reconstruction, drainage, animal‑crossing and irrigation facilities, plus coordination with interfacing contractors.
• Exclusions: track installation, stations, utility relocations, right‑of‑way acquisition, sound walls, and systems work (electrical, signaling, etc.).
• Mandatory qualifications: senior key personnel (Principal, Design Manager, Construction Manager, Quality Manager, Scheduler, Safety Manager) with ≥10‑15 years experience; PE‑Civil preferred; proven $2 B+ project experience; financial‑capacity score ≥30 points; adherence to SB/DVBE goals (25 % SB, 3 % MB, 3 % DVBE).
• Procurement timeline: RFQ issued 9 July 2026, pre‑bid conference 16 July 2026, questions due 16 Oct 2026, SOQ deadline 29 Oct 2026, shortlisting expected Nov 2026, PPCA execution Dec 2026, followed by a ~9‑month pre‑proposal period and final contract award anticipated late 2026‑2027.
• Bonds/insurance: $500 k PPCA bond; performance bond 50 % of contract price; payment bond 100 % of contract price; extensive insurance requirements (CGL ≥ $2 M/occurrence, professional liability ≥ $10 M, etc.).