California High-Speed Rail Hosts Industry Forum
By: Dave Jones, VP Field Services
2012-08-14
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) hosted its fourth Industry Forum on August 14, 2012 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno. Over 500 attendees heard from guest speakers Mayor Ashley Swearengin and Supervisor Henry Perea on the major economic stimulus the High-Speed Rail will bring to the Central Valley. CHSRA CEO Jeff Morales noted the five companies that have been qualified to submit a Design-Build proposal for Package 1. These companies included: California Backbone Builders, California High-Speed Rail Partners, California High-Speed Ventures, Dragados/Samsung/Pulice a Joint Venture & Tutor Perini/Zachry/Parsons. Requests for proposals (RFP) are scheduled to be released this October with the award coming after the first of the year in 2013. Construction could begin as early as Spring of 2013.
The CHSRA expects to ask prime contractors for their qualifications next month on Packages 2,3, & 4. They will undergo the same bid process as Package 1. Alignment for Packages 2,3 & 4 is currently still under review and will be finalized by the Fall of 2013. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) should be completed in the Spring of 2013.
Following the general session, Small businesses, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises were encouraged to meet with potential prime contractors. The agency has a 30% goal that builders include these businesses as subcontractors in their bid proposals.
For updated event details,
click here.