Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is soliciting Statements of Qualifications for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project, a collaborative design-build effort to construct approximately 30.3 miles of high-speed rail guideway. The project is divided into North, Wye, and South segments, with the South Segment specifically consisting of 14.6 miles of double-track. The scope of work includes extensive embankment construction, drainage improvements, animal crossings, irrigation facilities, and major bridge structures over waterways and roadways, including crossings over SR 99 and UPRR. The contractor is responsible for technical and programmatic integration with interfacing contractors, though the scope excludes trackwork, stations, geotechnical investigations, utility relocations, right-of-way acquisition, and systems work. This phased procurement process begins with an RFQ to shortlist the two most qualified offerors for a subsequent Request for Proposals phase. Evaluation is based on a pass/fail financial capacity gate, followed by weighted factors including team experience, delivery approach, past performance, and a series of interviews and problem-solving scenarios. Qualified offerors must demonstrate experience on at least one project valued over 250 million dollars and provide evidence of bonding capability for a 100 percent payment bond and a 50 percent performance bond. The project is located in the City of Atwater, California, and requires strict adherence to small business participation goals and organizational conflict of interest disclosures.