HSR26-16 M2M Collaborative Design-Build Services

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is preparing to issue Request for Qualifications HSR26-16 for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project, with the RFQ expected to be released in July 2026 following Board approval on June 24, 2026. This procurement follows a two-step best value process, beginning with the submission of Statements of Qualifications due in November 2026, after which the Authority will shortlist two top-ranked teams for a Pre-Proposal Collaboration Period. The final design-build contract award will be determined through a competitive RFP process based on best value to the State, not just low price. The project scope includes at-grade and above-grade rail alignment, embankments, drainage systems, major structures over waterways and roadways, retaining walls, animal crossings, irrigation structures, utility coordination, construction staging, access roads, environmental controls, safety compliance, and risk management, while explicitly excluding track construction, passenger stations, geotechnical investigations, third-party utility relocations, right-of-way acquisition, sound walls, and systems work such as overhead catenary or traction power facilities. The estimated project value is $2.4 billion, with individual PPCA values around $17 million, and requires compliance with Buy America, prevailing wage laws, and strict federal and state equal employment opportunity regulations, including EO 11246, 41 C.F.R. Part 60, and California’s Government Code and Code of Regulations related to nondiscrimination. Offerors must demonstrate robust financial capacity as a pass/fail gate, evaluated through credit ratings, profitability, liquidity, leverage, and performance metrics, and must submit detailed financial statements, credit ratings, guarantor support letters, and organizational disclosures via three separate bound volumes—General, Financial, and Technical—each containing specific forms and certifications including past performance, organizational conflicts of interest, small business program commitments, ESG efforts, and key personnel qualifications. Financial and technical submissions must be in English, metric units, and U.S. dollars, on letter-sized white paper, with seven hard copies per volume marked clearly as Original or Copy 1–6, and each accompanied by a single searchable, password-free PDF submitted via secure cloud storage after coordination with the Authority’s designated point of contact. All proposers must be certified as Small Business, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise by the State of California and commit to specific small business participation goals. The