The California High-Speed Rail Authority issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from prospective design-build firms interested in building the largest construction package for the Central Valley.

Initial construction in the Central Valley will begin next fall, upon completion of the environmental process. With an estimated value of $1.5 billion to $2 billion, this large design-build construction contract will be placed before the end of 2012. Smaller construction packages, focused in and around Fresno, will be released for bid in the coming months and awarded in mid-2012.

The segment begins north of the San Joaquin River near Madera and continues south to approximately East American Avenue through Fresno. This particular sub-segment, for which qualified bidders are being sought, will extend from 21 miles to 29 miles in length, depending on the final alignment selected through the environmental process, and will include 12 grade separations, two viaducts, one tunnel and a major river crossing over the San Joaquin River.

The 60-day RFQ process will establish a shortlist of the most highly qualified firms to provide design-build services for the project. These shortlisted firms will then be eligible to submit proposals in response to a request for proposals that the authority anticipates releasing in spring 2012. At the end of this procurement process, the selected design-build firm will be responsible for all work required to design and construct the first portion of the initial construction segment in the Central Valley.

As part of the project's economic benefits for the region and state, the procurement is expected to attract a number of major national and international construction and design firms. It is likely firms will form teams to deliver work on this scale that will include a large number of sub-consultants.

To view the RFQ, click here.