California commuter rail service, Caltrain released a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for the contract for the electrification portion of its service between San Francisco and San Jose that will be begin operation in 2019.

Key components of the project include an electric power infrastructure and replacing diesel trains with high-performance electric trains.

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The RFQ is focused on the design and construction of the electric power infrastructure and is an opportunity for design-build teams to go through a qualification process before the Request for Proposals (RFP) are issued.

The RFP for the electrification portion of the project is expected to be issued early next year, after the project has received environmental clearance. Only prequalified teams will be able to submit a proposal. The contract is expected to be the largest contract ever awarded by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board.

The Caltrain Modernization Program will achieve the next generation of the railroad by transforming the existing diesel service into an electrified system that provides cleaner, quieter, improved service to more riders.

Over the past decade, Caltrain has made important service improvements that have led to extraordinary ridership gains, according to system officials. Today, the system serves a record-breaking 54,000 riders on an average weekday. With commute-hour trains operating at capacity, Caltrain must modernize to sustain continued ridership growth and to meet the growing financial, social and environmental needs of the communities it serves.  

A video overview of the project:

Interested design-build teams can view the RFQ on the agency’s procurement website.