The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) issued its Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Construction Package 2-3 (CP2-3) on October 10 and will be hosting an industry forum for the project on October 29, 2013.  The RFQ calls for contractors to submit their qualifications to bid on the second phase of high speed rail construction, consisting of a 60-mile route from Fresno south to the Tulare-Kern County line near Bakersfield.  The construction contract for the first 29 miles, from Madera to Fresno, was signed on August 19 of this year. 

Firms will have until December 6 to submit their statement of qualifications (SOQs) in response to the RFQ.  The Authority will then review the SOQs and shortlist the most highly qualified firms to provide design-build services for the CP2-3 project. Firms will be selected based on experience, technical competency, ability to perform and other factors. The shortlisted firms will then be eligible to submit formal design-build proposals in 2014. 

Work on CP 2-3 will extend approximately 60 miles through the Central Valley beginning at East American Avenue in Fresno and continuing south to approximately one mile north of the Tulare-Kern County line. The $1.5 to $2 billion design-build contract is expected to bring thousands of jobs to the Central Valley, an area with one of the highest unemployment rates in California and the nation. The route is also expected to provide environmental benefits, relieve roadway congestion and spur economic development.  The environmental clearance process for the route is already underway and is anticipated to be final by summer 2014.
 
The CP 2-3 procurement is expected to attract a number of major national and international construction and design firms that will team with sub-consultants and subcontractors to deliver the CP 2-3 phase of the massive high speed rail project.  The Authority is committed to small businesses playing a major role in delivering the State’s high-speed rail program, and has adopted a 30 percent goal for small business participation in the work.

The Authority will be hosting an Industry Forum from 1:00-3:30 pacific time on October 28, 2013, at the Secretary of State Auditorium, 1500 11th Street, Sacramento. CA 95814.  The forum will feature a project overview, small business presentation and networking opportunities.
 
The RFQ is posted on the Authority's website.