The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s board took another step toward bringing the nation’s first 220 mph electrified high-speed rail system into operational service by releasing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design services of track and overhead contact systems (OCS) for the initial 171-mile passenger service connecting Merced to Bakersfield.

“Today’s approval allows us to move forward and get this transformative project into operations as soon as possible,” said Board Chair Tom Richards. “This is a critical step in our new procurement strategy and yet another important milestone for us to deliver high-speed rail service in the Central Valley and statewide.”

The Authority’s RFQ

The RFQ is available here, with Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) due Jan. 22, 2024, and potential board approval and contract execution and issuance in April 2024.

With a total contract value of up to $131.2 million and potential extension options, this procurement process will allow the authority to:

• Produce high-level designs for track and systems for the 171 miles connecting Merced to Bakersfield, including detailed designs for the 119-mile stretch currently under active construction within that Central Valley stretch.

• Design the track system, including the track structure, OCS, along-track cable containment, across-track ducts, access walkways, fencing, and drainage.

• Manage technical and non-technical interfaces with contractors/consultants.

High-Speed Continuing to Move Ahead

The authority’s action comes on the heels of moving its trainsets procurement forward in August.

In October 2022, the authority opted to let a previous RFQ for procurement of a track and systems contractor expire due to the economic climate, supply-chain challenges, and 40-year high inflation.

The authority has since developed a new procurement strategy, considering extensive industry feedback and adjusting to program needs. The track and OCS design services contract is an important step in the new procurement strategy.

The authority has begun work to extend the 119 miles under construction to 171 miles of double track electrified high-speed rail from Merced to Bakersfield. There are more than 25 active construction sites in California’s Central Valley, with the authority having environmentally cleared 422 miles of the high-speed rail program from the Bay Area to the Los Angeles Basin.