M2M_Civil_Works_Draft_RFQ_1.pdf

Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to

Madera Civil Works Project

RFQ No. HSR26-16

DRAFT SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND

AUTHORITY BOARD APPROVAL

June 24, 2026

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California High-Speed Rail Authority June 24, 2026

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

Table of Contents Page i of iii

Table of Contents Part A. Background and Instructions

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Definitions and Acronyms

2.1 Definitions

2.2 Acronyms

3.0 Project Overview

3.1 General Description of the Project

3.2 Environmental Status

3.3 The California Environmental Quality Act

3.4 Project Funding

3.5 Federal Requirements

3.6 Small Business/Disadvantaged Business Enterprises

3.7 Community Benefits Agreement

3.8 Federal On-the-Job Training Participation Goal

3.9 U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program 10

3.10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Nondiscrimination

3.11 Liability, Insurance, and Security

3.12 Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions

3.13 Generative Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Notification Requirements

4.0 RFQ Phase of Procurement Process

4.1 General Description of the Procurement Approach

4.2 Procurement Schedule

4.3 Authority’s Designated Point-of-Contact

4.4 Addenda and Cal eProcure

4.5 Questions and Requests for Clarification

4.6 Pre-SOQ Submittals and Meetings

4.6.1 Notice of Intent to Respond

4.6.2 One-on-One Meetings

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

Table of Contents Page ii of iii

4.7 Changes in Offeror Organization

4.8 Payment for Work Product

4.9 Non-Exclusiveness of Subcontractors

5.0 Communications, Public Information and Organizational Conflicts of Interest 16

5.1 Improper Communications and Contacts

5.2 Organizational Conflicts of Interest

5.2.1 Organizational Conflicts of Interest for Future Contracts

5.3 Confidentiality

6.0 Protest Procedures

6.1 Applicability

6.2 Required Early Communication for Certain Protests

6.3 Deadlines for Protests

6.4 Content of Protest

6.5 Filing of Protest

6.6 Comments from other Offerors

6.7 Written Response

6.8 Burden of Proof

6.9 Decision on Protest

6.10 Limitation on the Authority’s Liability

6.11 Rights and Obligations of Offerors

7.0 Authority Reserved Rights

8.0 SOQ Content and Submittal Requirements

8.1 General

8.2 Contents and Organization

8.3 Format

8.4 SOQ Submittal Requirements

9.0 Evaluation Process

9.1 General Responsiveness

9.2 Pass/Fail Review

9.2.1 Financial Capacity

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

Table of Contents Page iii of iii

9.3 Technical Scoring

9.4 Criteria for Evaluation of Interviews and Final Score Worksheet

9.5 SOQ Evaluation Procedure

10.0 Pre-Proposal Collaboration Agreement Execution

Part B. Qualifications Statement SOQ Organization _________________________________________________________ 1 Volume 1 General Criteria ________________________________________________ 2 Volume 2 Financial Statements, Material Changes and Off-Balance Sheet

Liabilities ______________________________________________________ 6 Volume 3 Executive Summary and Technical Response ___________________ 10

Part C. Exhibits Exhibit A: Description of the Project and Work______________________________ 2

Overview of Work

Project Limits Exhibit B: Firms Subject to Offeror Ex Parte Communications Prohibition during Solicitation ______________________________________________ 8 Exhibit C: Forms _________________________________________________________ 9

List of Figures Figure 1: Merced to Madera Civil Works Map

List of Tables Table 1: Key RFQ Dates Table 2: Technical Evaluation Criteria and Weighting

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Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

Part A. Background and Instructions

1.0 Introduction

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) is responsible for the planning, design, construction and operation of the first high-speed rail system in the nation.

California high-speed rail system will connect the mega-regions of the State, contribute to economic development and a cleaner environment, create jobs, and preserve agricultural and protected lands.

The high-speed rail system’s initial construction is located in California’s Central Valley and serves as the spine of the statewide system. The Authority previously awarded civil contracts for design and construction of Construction Packages (CP) CP 1, CP 2-3, and CP 4 in the Central Valley, extending over 119 miles from Avenue 19 in Madera to Poplar Road near the city of Shafter. The Authority is currently planning additional civil works that would extend the 119 miles south to Bakersfield and north to Merced for a total of 171 miles. The Merced to Madera Civil Works Project includes approximately 30.3 miles of new high-speed rail guideway extending from just south of Mission Avenue in the City of Merced to the southern project interface at Construction Package 1 in Madera County.

The Authority is separately preparing to build facilities, track, and systems on the civil works to provide a rail infrastructure system suitable for high-speed rail operation, which will become the initial passenger carrying, revenue generating section.

Pursuant to section 185036 of the California Public Utilities Code, the Authority hereby requests Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from firms and teams capable of providing design-build services (Offerors) for the development of the Project. The Authority will evaluate the SOQs it receives in response to this Request for Qualifications No. HSR26- 16, as modified by any addenda (RFQ) according to criteria set forth herein, and intends to establish a Shortlist of the two most highly qualified Offerors. Offerors included on the Shortlist in response to this RFQ will be issued a Request for Proposals to provide design-build services for the Project and invited to enter into a Pre-Proposal Collaboration Agreement with the Authority for an approximately 9-month Pre-Proposal Period concluding with the submission of detailed proposals (Proposals). The Authority anticipates selecting a Proposer whose Proposal offers the best value to the Authority and the State for award of a design-build contract.

By submitting an SOQ, Offerors agree to be bound by and meet all the requirements specified in this RFQ. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the SOQ and elimination of the Offeror from this Procurement.

2.0 Definitions and Acronyms

2.1 Definitions

The following terms used in this RFQ shall have the meanings set forth below:

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Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

Authority – California High-Speed Rail Authority, which may include the Authority’s authorized representatives.

Authority Board – California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors.

Commercially Useful Function (CUF) – The Authority will uniformly apply best practices standards in collective consideration of Commercially Useful Function (CUF) standards set forth by 49 C.F.R. Part 26.55 (c)-(d), Government Code section 14837, California Code of Regulations title 2 section 1896.4(h), and Military and Veterans Code section 999(b)(5). A Small Business (SB), Small Business for the Purpose of Public Works (SB- PW), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), or Microbusiness (MB) is deemed to perform a CUF if the business meets applicable CUF standards as required by law and the State of California (see the California Department of General Services (DGS) Commercially Useful Function for Certified Firms webpage for more information). A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is deemed to perform a CUF if the business meets the CUF standards at 49 C.F.R. Part 26.55 (c)-(d).

Construction Package 1: The portion of the System’s first construction segment currently bounded by Avenue 19 in the County of Madera to the north, and by East American Avenue in the County of Fresno to the south.

Collaborative Design-Build Contract – Collectively, the design-build contract documents which establish the respective rights and obligations of the Authority and the Contractor with respect to the Project, including the performance of the Work, the furnishing of labor and materials, and the basis of payment.

Contractor – The Person, if any, awarded a design-build contract by the Authority for the Project after the Procurement process is completed.

Day or day - Calendar day, unless otherwise noted.

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) - A for-profit business concern that meets the certification requirements set forth in California Military and Veterans Code section 999(b)(7), including, but not limited to, at least 51 percent ownership by a veteran of the United States Military who has at least a 10 percent service-connected disability.

To be counted towards meeting the goals of the SB Program, a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise must: (1) Be certified by DGS’ Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services, and (2) Perform a CUF, as defined herein, in providing services or goods that contribute to the fulfillment of the contract requirements for this procurement.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) - A for-profit business concern that meets the requirements of Title 49, Part 26.61 through 26.73 inclusive of the Code of Federal Regulations, including, but not limited to, at least 51 percent owned by individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. To be counted towards meeting the goals of the SB Program, a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise must be certified by the California Unified Certification Program.

Equity Member - A member of the Offeror Team that is:

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B oa rd A pp ro va https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Resources/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Resources-List-Folder/Commercially-Useful-Function-for-Certified-Firms

Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

1. If the Offeror is a joint venture or partnership, any joint venture member or general partner thereof,

2. If the Offeror is or will be a newly formed limited liability entity, an equity owner of the Offeror, or

3. If the Offeror is a corporation or other entity that is not newly formed, the Offeror.

Early Operating Segment (EOS): The fully electrified, dedicated section of the System upon which the Authority will conduct initial passenger revenue operations. It is approximately 171 miles in length beginning on the north side of Merced Station just south of Mission Avenue in Merced and extending to the south side of the Bakersfield Station at Chester Avenue in Bakersfield.

Grant/Cooperative Agreements - Any federal agreements between the Authority, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), and/or any other federal agency providing terms for expenditure of federal funds, including but not necessarily limited to, FRA Grant Cooperative Agreement numbers FR-HSR-0118-12, as amended (FY 10 Grant), and FR-HSR-0009‐10‐01‐07, as amended (ARRA Grant).

Guarantor - Any Person that is the obligor under any guarantee in favor of the Authority required as part of the Procurement process or the Design-Build Contract.

Key Personnel – Those individuals identified in the Offeror’s SOQ to fill the positions specified in Section D of Part B, Volume 1.

Lead Contractor – The member of the Offeror Team, whether a single entity or joint venture, that is primarily responsible for the construction of the Project.

Lead Designer – The member of the Offeror Team, whether a single entity or a joint venture, that is primarily responsible for the design and engineering of the Project.

Microbusiness (MB) – A for-profit small business concern that meets the certification requirements set forth in California Government Code section 14837(d) and California Code of Regulations, title 2 sections 1896.4 (Definitions) and 1896.12 (Eligibility), including but not limited to, its principal office is located in California, its owners reside in California, it is not dominant in its field, and it has an average gross revenue of $6 million or less over the previous three tax years. To be counted towards meeting the goals of the SB Program, a Microbusiness must be certified by DGS.

Offeror – A Person who submits a Statement of Qualifications in response to this Request for Qualifications.

Offeror Team – Collectively, the Offeror and its Equity Members, Lead Designer, Lead Contractor, Guarantors, Subcontractors, and their respective employees, agents and officers.

Open Government Laws – Collectively, the California Public Records Act (Government Code sections 7920.000, et seq.), the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Gov. Code section 11120 et seq.), and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. section 552, -0 6-

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Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions as amended by Public Law No. 104-231, 110 Stat. 3048), and other applicable State and federal open records laws.

Person – Any individual or entity, including corporation, limited liability company, sole proprietorship, joint venture, partnership, trust, voluntary association, unincorporated organization, or governmental agency including the Authority.

Pre-Proposal Collaboration Contract – The contract that accompanies the RFP to be entered into by the Shortlisted Design-Build Teams for the Pre-Proposal Period.

Pre-Proposal Period – The approximately 9-month period commencing upon issuance of the RFP to the Shortlisted Design-Build Teams and concluding with the submission of Proposals in response to the RFP.

Procurement – The Authority’s process for selecting the Contractor for the Project.

Procurement Documents – Includes all documents issued by the Authority during the Procurement in connection with the Procurement or Project.

Professional Engineer – An engineer that is licensed in the State of California pursuant to the Professional Engineers Act (Business and Professions Code Section 6700 et seq.).

Project – The portion of the Early Operating Segment currently bounded by the project interface with Construction Package 1 at Avenue 19 in Madera County to just south of Mission Avenue in the City of Merced, as further described in Section 3.1.

Proposer - An Offeror who is included on the Shortlist by the Authority following evaluation of the SOQ submitted in response to this RFQ. Also referred to as a Shortlisted Design-Build Team.

Public Records Act - The California Public Records Act, Government Code section 7920.000, et seq.

Rail Infrastructure System - The integrated infrastructure that results from the construction of the facilities, track, systems, and stations onto the civil works provided by other Authority contractors.

Request for Proposals - The Authority’s RFP for Design-Build Services for Merced to Madera Civil Works, which will be issued, if at all, to the Shortlisted Design-Build Teams.

SB Program – The Authority’s High-Speed Rail Business Program Plan (Revised November 2023). A program that sets forth the Authority's requirements for Small Business Participation, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, and Disadvantaged Business Entities. See Policy & Program Plan - California High Speed Rail.

Shortlist - The list of Offerors eligible to receive the RFP, enter into the PPCA, and submit a Proposal.

Shortlisted Design-Build Teams – The Offerors on the Shortlist. Also referred to as the Proposers.

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B oa rd A pp ro va l https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SB-ProgramPlan-2023-FINAL-A11Y.pdf https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SB-ProgramPlan-2023-FINAL-A11Y.pdf https://hsr.ca.gov/work-with-us/small-business-program/policy-program-plan/

Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

Small Business (SB) - A for-profit business concern that meets the certification requirements set forth in the California Small Business Procurement and Contract Act in California Government Code section 14837(d) and Title 2 California Code of Regulations sections 1896.4 (Definitions) and 1896.12 (Eligibility), including, but not limited to, that its principal office is located in California, its owners reside in California, it is not dominant in its field, and it has average gross annual revenue of $19 million or less over the previous three tax years. To be counted towards meeting the goals of the SB Program, a SB must be certified by DGS.

Small Business for the Purpose of Public Works (SB-PW) - A for-profit small business that is independently owned and operated, with its principal office located in California, and with owners, officers, members/managers, partners living in California, has an average of $46 million or less in gross annual receipts over the previous three (3) tax years, is not dominant in its field of operations and has 200 or fewer employees. This certification is issued by the California Department of General Services.

State – The State of California.

Subcontractor – Defined as follows:

1. Prior to award of the Design-Build Contract, any Person with whom the Offeror proposes to enter into a subcontract for any part of the Work, at any tier; or

2. After award of the Design-Build Contract, any Person with whom the Contractor has entered into a subcontract for any part of the Work, at all tiers.

System – The entire high-speed rail system as described in California Proposition 1A (2008), including Phase 1, which shall run from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Los Angeles basin, and Phase 2, which shall run from Sacramento to San Diego.

Work – All of the scope elements required under the Design-Build Contract, including all administration, design, engineering, permitting, coordination, manufacturing, supply, installation, construction, supervision, management, testing, verification, labor, materials, equipment, documentation, and other duties and services to be furnished and provided by the Contractor. The Contractor shall interface with other Authority contractors for those portions of the Work that require integration.

Working Day – For purposes of this RFQ, Monday through Friday, except for federal or State holidays, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time. Lists of federal and State holidays can be found on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and California Department of Human Resources websites, respectively.

2.2 Acronyms

ADECO-RS Analysis of the Controlled Deformation in Rock and Soil CalSTA California State Transportation Agency Caltrans California Department of Transportation

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B oa rd A pp ro va l http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/federal-holidays/#url=Overview http://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/pages/state-holidays.aspx

Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

CBA Community Benefits Agreement

CEQA California Environmental Quality Act of 1970

CIL Certified Items List CP Construction Package CUF Commercially Useful Function DBE Disadvantaged Business Enterprise DGS California Department of General Services DVBE Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise EIR Environmental Impact Report EIS Environmental Impact Statement EMR Experience Modification Rate EO Executive Order ESG Environmental, Social, and Governance FOIA Freedom of Information Act FRA Federal Railroad Administration GAAP Generally Accepted Accounting Principles GAR Gross Annual Receipts ICD Interface Control Document IFRS International Financial Reporting Standards MB Microbusiness NOD Notice of Determination NTP Notice to Proceed PE Professional Engineer PEPD Preliminary Engineering for Project Definition PHA Preliminary Hazard Analysis PRA Public Records Act QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control RAMS Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety RFQ Request for Qualifications RFP Request for Proposals RM Requirements Management ROD Record of Decision RVTM Requirements Verification Traceability Matrix SB Small Business SB-PW Small Business for the Purpose of Public Works SDLC Systems Development Life Cycle SEC Securities and Exchange Commission

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Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

SEIR Supplemental Environmental Impact Report SEIS Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement SOQ Statement of Qualifications TVA Threat and Vulnerability Assessments U.S.C. United States Code USDOT United States Department of Transportation U.S. GAAP United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles V&V Verification and Validation VVP Verification and Validation Management Plan

3.0 Project Overview

3.1 General Description of the Project

The following is a general description of the Project:

1. The Project consists of approximately 30.3 miles of new high-speed rail guideway extending from just south of Mission Avenue in the City of Merced to the southern project interface at Construction Package 1 in Madera County. The corridor traverses primarily flat agricultural terrain within Merced and Madera Counties.

2. The Project alignment is subdivided into North, Wye, and South design segments and further organized into constructible geographic segments to support phased delivery. The project includes extensive embankment construction, major bridge structures, roadway reconstructions, drainage improvements, floodways and natural water courses, animal crossings, and irrigation facilities.

3. The Work includes responsibility for the Contractor to proactively engage with Interfacing Contractors and the Authority to ensure the successful and consistent identification and integration of all technical and non-technical interfaces across the Interfacing Contracts. The Contractor shall be responsible for technical and programmatic integration of the Work.

4. The Collaborative Design-Build Contract is also expected to include option work that may be exercised at the Authority’s sole discretion. The anticipated option work includes construction of the State Route 152 (SR-152) roadwork located near the northwestern end of the South Segment and extension of the Project into downtown Merced.

5. The Contract will allow a novation by the Authority to a private developer that would develop one or more public-private partnership project(s) to deliver portions of the California High-Speed Rail System, should the Authority establish such an arrangement.

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Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

A more detailed description of the anticipated scope of work for the Project and additional Project information are provided in Part C, Exhibit A, Section 1. Additional information is available for review on the Merced to Madera Civil Works procurement page on the Authority’s website.

3.2 Environmental Status

The Work included in the Project scope is addressed in the Authority’s environmental documents. These include:

- The Merced to Fresno California High-Speed Train Project Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS).

The Authority Board certified the Final EIR/EIS on May 3, 2012. FRA issued its Record of Decision (ROD) on September 18, 2012.

- The Merced to Fresno Central Valley Wye Final Supplemental EIR/EIS.

The Authority Board certified the Final Supplemental EIR/EIS on September 10, 2020. The Authority issued its Supplemental ROD on September 16, 2020.

The Contractor’s actions under the Contract to deliver the Work must be consistent with the descriptions and assumptions in these environmental documents. The Authority is also evaluating relocation of the approved at grade station in the City of Merced to a site just south of Mission Avenue. The environmental status will be updated in the RFP.

3.3 The California Environmental Quality Act

By issuing this RFQ, and by entering into any resulting contract that mentions or refers to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and State environmental permitting laws/agencies and initially authorizes related work, the Authority does not: (a) waive the Authority’s rights regarding the application of the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995 (ICCTA), including the defense that ICCTA preempts CEQA’s application to the High-Speed Rail project; or (b) create an implied agreement that CEQA and/or such environmental permitting requirements apply to the High-Speed Rail project.

3.4 Project Funding

The Authority intends to fund the Project with State funds. The Authority may also fund the Project with federal funds, including funds provided by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

3.5 Federal Requirements

The Procurement Documents and any design-build contract awarded by the Authority may conform to the requirements of applicable federal law, federal regulations, and conditions in the Grant/Cooperative Agreements.

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B oa rd A pp ro va l https://hsr.ca.gov/work-with-us/procurements/architectural-engineering-and-capital-contracts/merced-to-madera-civil-construction-rfp/ https://hsr.ca.gov/program-areas/environmental-planning/environmental-documents/project-section-environmental-documents-tier-2/merced-to-fresno-final-environmental-impact-report-statement-eir-s/ https://hsr.ca.gov/program-areas/environmental-planning/environmental-documents/project-section-environmental-documents-tier-2/merced-to-fresno-final-environmental-impact-report-statement-eir-s/ https://hsr.ca.gov/program-areas/environmental-planning/environmental-documents/project-section-environmental-documents-tier-2/merced-to-fresno-central-valley-wye/ http://www.hsr.ca.gov/about/capital_costs_funding/funding_agreements.aspx

Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

The Authority reserves the right to modify this Procurement to address any concerns, conditions, or requirements of the funding agencies, including FRA.

Offerors are advised to assume that Buy America requirements will apply to the Project, as set forth in 49 U.S.C. 22905(a). The FRA's High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program is intended, in part, to bolster American passenger rail expertise and resources and the Buy America requirements reinforce this goal, aiding in encouraging a domestic market in the rail sector.

3.6 Small Business/Disadvantaged Business Enterprises

The Authority’s HSR Small Business Program Plan, November 2, 2023 (HSR SB Program Plan) is in compliance with the Best Practices of 49 C.F.R. Part 26, Government Code §§ 4532-4535, 11148.5, 12098.4, and 14835-14846, California Executive Orders S-02-06 and D-43-01, Military and Veterans Code 999, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and related statutes. For purposes of this provision, the Collaborative Design-Build Contract is assumed to be funded with blended state and federal funds. For contracts with blended funds, the HSR SB Program Plan establishes a 25 percent Small Business (SB) goal on the state portion of the contract, which includes a 3 percent Microbusiness (MB) goal; a separate 10 percent Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal, which will be applied across the total contract value; and a separate 3 percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) goal, which will be applied across the total contract value.

On October 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) making changes to its DBE program (49 CFR Part 26), effective immediately. Pursuant to 49 CFR 26.55(i) and 49 CFR 26.52(h), the Authority will not count DBE participation towards the above-referenced 10 percent DBE goal and will not apply the 10 percent DBE goal until the applicable Uniform Certification Program(s) have completed the 49 CFR 26.111 reevaluation process for a business. During the pendency of the 49 CFR 26.111 reevaluation period, the Authority will not enforce contractual DBE goals. Remaining portions of the USDOT DBE program and the HSR SB Program Plan remain in effect, including but not limited to the 25 percent SB goal, inclusive of the 3 percent MB goal, and the 3 percent DVBE goal. Once the 23 CFR 26.111 reevaluation process for a business is completed by an applicable UCP, the Authority will resume counting DBE participation towards the 10 percent DBE goal in the Contract. The Authority and its consultants will comply with all applicable USDOT and appropriate USDOT modal agency modifications to the federal DBE program. Accordingly, to the extent necessary for compliance purposes, the DBE contract requirements in the Contract are subject to revision.

The Authority is not a certifying agency for Small and Disadvantaged Businesses. The qualifying certifications can be obtained through California Department of General Services (DGS) (SB, MB, SB-PW, DVBE) and California Unified Certification Program

(DBE).

The Authority requires, as part of the SOQ, each Offeror to submit a Preliminary Small Business Performance Plan as described in Section B, “Technical Response” of this RFQ.

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B oa rd A pp ro va https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SB-ProgramPlan-2023-FINAL-A11Y.pdf

Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

The Preliminary Small Business Performance Plan will be scored and considered in the evaluation of SOQs.

The Authority anticipates that the RFP will require Proposers to present within the Technical Proposal a detailed narrative describing a SB Performance Plan that shall identify firms being utilized to meet the Authority’s 25 percent SB, which includes a 3 percent MB, 10 percent DBE, and 3 percent DVBE goals, including the contract value and scope of work that will be used to meet these goals and how they will continue to meet these goals for the term of the Contract. The narrative shall also include a description of the approach and processes to be utilized to ensure that the Authority’s SB goals continue to be met throughout the entire term of the Contract.

The Contractor shall establish and implement an SB/DVBE/DBE Performance Plan (SB Performance Plan) to address how the Contractor will meet the goals throughout the duration of the Contract. Contractor’s SB Performance Plan shall be subject to concurrence by the Authority. Commitments in the Proposal related to the proposed SB Performance Plan will become part of Contractor’s SB Performance Plan. The SB Performance Plan will include a detailed Communication Plan, describing the approach and frequency with which the Contractor will use to communicate with SB/MB/SB- PW/DBE/DVBE Subcontractors. The SB Program will be incorporated by reference into any contract resulting from this procurement. The Offeror is advised to read and become familiar with the SB Program, which may be found on the Authority’s Small Business Policy and Program website.

3.7 Community Benefits Agreement

The Authority has entered into a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) and established a National Targeted Hiring Initiative (NTHI) Plan applicable to this Project and consistent with the Community Benefits Policy adopted by the Authority’s Board at its December 6, 2012, meeting (Resolution #HSRA 12-30 and POLI-SB-05). The Contractor will be required to comply with the Authority’s CBA including the specified NTHI Plan. The CBA, the Authority’s Community Benefits Policy, and NTHI Plan will be included in the Collaborative Design-Build Contract. The CBA, the Authority’s Community Benefits Policy, and NTHI Plan are available for review on the Community Benefits Agreement page of the Authority’s website.

3.8 Federal On-the-Job Training Participation Goal

The Project is subject to Federal On-the-Job Training participation provisions as set forth in 41 C.F.R. Part 60, sections 1-999 and Presidential EO 11246.

3.9 U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program The Project is subject to U.S. Department of Labor, Contract Compliance Provisions as set forth in 41 C.F.R. Part 60 and EO 11246 and the procedures described in the Federal Contract Compliance Manual and in the Technical Assistance Guide for Federal Construction Contractors.

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B oa rd A pp ro va l https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SB-ProgramPlan-2023-FINAL-A11Y.pdf https://hsr.ca.gov/work-with-us/jobs/#cba https://hsr.ca.gov/work-with-us/jobs/#cba

Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

3.10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Nondiscrimination

The Contractor will be required to follow State and federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and nondiscrimination laws and regulations, including but not limited to the following: Gov. Code section 12900, et seq., Cal. Code Regs., Tit. 2, section 11000, et seq., Gov. Code section 11135-11139.5, 2 CCR section 11105, 42 U.S.C. section 2000d-e, 42 U.S.C. section 6102, 42 U.S.C. section 12132, 49 U.S.C. section 306, 41 C.F.R. 60, et seq., 42 U.S.C. section 2000e note, 29 U.S.C. section 623, 42 U.S.C. section 12112, 29 C.F.R. Part 1603, 29 U.S.C. 794, 49 C.F.R. Part 27, and 42 U.S.C. section 290 dd.

The Contractor shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment, or harass or allow harassment of any employee, because of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status. The Contractor shall ensure that the evaluation and treatment of their employees and applicants for employment are free of such discrimination. Actions covered by these laws and regulations shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer;

2. Recruitment or recruitment advertising;

3. Layoff or termination;

4. Rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and,

5. Selection for training, including apprenticeship.

3.11 Liability, Insurance, and Security

The Authority anticipates that the Contractor will be required to assume liabilities; provide performance and payment bonds and insurance coverage; and indemnify and defend the Authority against third party claims as specified in the Design-Build Contract. In addition, the Contractor may be required to provide one or more performance guarantees. The Authority will have the benefit of tort liability limitations to the extent provided by State law. Neither the State nor the Authority intends to waive their respective sovereign immunity protections under State law. Specific provisions concerning performance and payment bonds, guarantees, insurance, and indemnity will be provided in the RFP.

3.12 Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions

On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S. government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under State law. By submitting an SOQ, Offeror represents that it is not a target of Economic Sanctions. Should the Authority determine Offeror is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for rejection of the Offeror’s SOQ or Proposal, as applicable, any time prior to contract execution, or, if determined after contract execution, shall be grounds for termination by the Authority.

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Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

3.13 Generative Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Notification Requirements The State of California seeks to realize the potential benefits of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), through the development and deployment of GenAI tools, while balancing the risks of these new technologies.

Each Offeror must notify the Authority in writing if it: (1) intends to provide GenAI as a deliverable to the Authority; or (2), intends to utilize GenAI, including GenAI from third parties, to complete all or a portion of any deliverable that materially impacts: (i) functionality of an Authority system, (ii) risk to the Authority, or (iii) Contract performance.

For avoidance of doubt, the term “materially impacts” shall have the meaning set forth in State Administrative Manual (SAM) § 4986.2 Definitions for GenAI.

Failure to report GenAI to the Authority may result in disqualification of the Offeror. The Authority reserves the right to seek any and all relief to which it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure.

Upon notification by an Offeror of GenAI as required, the Authority reserves the right to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the final contract or reject bids/offers that present an unacceptable level of risk to the Authority.

Government Code 11549.64 defines “Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)” as an artificial intelligence system that can generate derived synthetic content, including text, images, video, and audio that emulates the structure and characteristics of the system’s training data.

4.0 RFQ Phase of Procurement Process

4.1 General Description of the Procurement Approach

The Authority is procuring the Project using a collaborative design-build methodology.

This RFQ is intended to lead to the shortlisting of the two most highly qualified Offerors.

Each such Shortlisted Design-Build Team is qualified to be issued a Request for Proposals and enter into a Pre-Proposal Collaboration Agreement with the Authority for the approximately 9-month Pre-Proposal Period, concluding with the submission of Proposals.

During the Pre-Proposal Period, each Shortlisted Design-Build Team will collaborate with the Authority on a confidential basis as described in the RFP to develop the Shortlisted Design-Build Team's approach for the Project. The Authority anticipates releasing a draft RFP, including drafting Collaborative Design-Build Contract terms, and form of Pre- Proposal Collaboration Agreement during the RFQ phase. Each Offeror will be given the opportunity to comment on these materials. At the conclusion of the Pre-Proposal Period, each Shortlisted Design-Build Team will submit a firm-fixed-price Proposal in response to the RFP.

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Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

The Shortlisted Design-Build Team that is selected at the conclusion of the RFP phase (if any) will enter the Collaborative Design-Build Contract with the Authority, in the final form included as part of the RFP materials, which will govern the remainder of the Project.

4.2 Procurement Schedule

The Authority anticipates carrying out the RFQ phase of the Procurement process in accordance with the following schedule:

Table 1: Key RFQ Dates Date Event

TBD Issue Request for Qualifications

TBD Industry Forum/Conference

TBD Small Business Certification Workshop

TBD Deadline for Offeror questions regarding the RFQ

TBD Authority to post responses to Offeror questions

TBD

SOQ Deadline Delivered to 770 L Street, Suite 620 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time

4.3 Authority’s Designated Point-of-Contact

The Authority’s Designated Point-of-Contact for communications concerning the Procurement shall be as follows:

Emily Morrison California High-Speed Rail Authority

770 L Street, Suite 620 MS 2 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 324-1541

M2M@hsr.ca.gov

Pursuant to the requirements in Part A.5.1, Persons intending to submit SOQs in response to this RFQ shall not contact or discuss any items related to this process with any Board member or Authority staff other than the Point-of-Contact listed above. Failure to comply with this communication prohibition may result in disqualification.

4.4 Addenda and Cal eProcure

The Authority reserves the right to revise this RFQ by issuing addenda to the RFQ at any time prior to the SOQ Deadline. This RFQ and associated addenda will be made available in electronic format on the California State Contracts Register. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to check the California State Contracts Register for all addenda.

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B oa rd A pp ro va mailto:M2M@hsr.ca.gov

Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

Offerors are responsible for monitoring the California State Contracts Register for information concerning this Procurement, and will be required to acknowledge in Form A that they have received and reviewed all materials posted thereon.

In preparing their SOQs, Offerors are advised to carefully review and consider all Project information posted on the Authority’s website.

4.5 Questions and Requests for Clarification

All questions and requests for clarification must be submitted in writing to the email address of Authority’s Designated Point of Contact listed in Part A.4.3. All questions submitted by Offerors shall use the subject line: HSR26-16 Merced to Madera Civil Works Procurement Project, and clearly indicate in the body of the message the part, section, and page number about which the question is regarding. If multiple questions are submitted, each question should be clearly numbered and have the relevant part, section, and page number indicated at the start of the question.

Offerors are responsible for ensuring that any written communications clearly indicate that the material is related to the Project. The Authority will provide responses to Offeror questions and clarification requests within a reasonable time following receipt, subject to the cut-off date set forth in Table 1 of Part A.4.2. The Authority will post responses to those questions and requests for clarifications on the California State Contracts Register for the benefit of all participants.

4.6 Pre-SOQ Submittals and Meetings

4.6.1 Notice of Intent to Respond

The Authority intends to conduct one-on-one meetings with interested Offerors that submit a timely Notice of Intent to Respond. Submission of a Notice of Intent to Respond is a prerequisite to participating in meetings with the Authority. The Notice of Intent to Respond should be submitted to the Point of Contact listed in Part A.4.3, in the form of a letter including:

• Offeror Team and/or Firm Name;

• Offeror Point of Contact and contact information, including phone and email; and

• Statement that the Offeror can meet the minimum requirements of this RFQ.

4.6.2 One-on-One Meetings

The Authority will conduct one-on-one meetings with each Offeror that submits a timely Notice of Intent to Offer on dates designated by the Authority in writing to the Offerors, to discuss issues and clarifications regarding the Project and RFQ. The Authority reserves the right to disclose to all Offerors any issues raised during the one-on-one meetings, except to the extent that the Authority determines, in its sole discretion, such disclosure would reveal an Offeror’s confidential business strategies. The meetings are intended to provide Offerors with a better understanding of the Project and RFQ.

The one-on-one meetings are subject to the following:

a. The Authority will not discuss with any Offeror any SOQ other than its own.

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Request for Qualifications for Collaborative Design-Build Services for the Merced to Madera Civil Works Project Part A. Background and Instructions

b. Offerors shall not seek to obtain commitments from the Authority in the meetings or otherwise seek to obtain an unfair competitive advantage over any other Offeror.

c. No aspect of these meetings is intended to provide any Offeror with access to information that is not similarly available to other Offerors, and no part of the evaluation of SOQs will be based on the conduct or discussions that occur during these meetings.

d. Persons attending the one-on-one meetings will be required to sign an acknowledgment of the foregoing rules and to identify all participants from the Offeror Team.

4.7 Changes in Offeror Organization

For an Offeror to remain qualified to submit a Proposal after it has been included on the Shortlist, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Authority, the Offeror’s organization as identified in its SOQ must remain intact for the duration of the Procurement process.

If an Offeror wishes to make changes in the Offeror Team members or Key Personnel identified in its SOQ, including, without limitation, additions, deletions, reorganizations and/or role changes, the Offeror shall submit to the Authority a written request for approval of the change. Any such request shall be addressed to the Authority’s Designated Point-of-Contact as set forth in Part A.4.3, accompanied by the information specified for such entities or individuals in this RFQ, including an Organizational Conflicts of Interest Disclosure Statement (Form F). If a request is made by an Offeror to allow the deletion or role change of any Offeror Team member or Key Personnel identified in its SOQ, the Offeror shall submit such information as may be required by the Authority to demonstrate that the changed team is equal to or exceeds the team originally submitted in response to this RFQ. The Offeror shall submit an original and two copies of each request package.

The Authority is under no obligation to approve such requests and may approve or disapprove in writing a portion of the request or the entire request at its sole discretion.

4.8 Payment for Work Product

The Pre-Proposal Collaboration Agreement will provide payment for work product for each Shortlisted Design-Build Team, which will be payable subject to satisfactory completion of the requirements for participation and submission of deliverables during the Pre-Proposal Period. The Authority will have the right to use the unsuccessful Shortlisted team's work product and to incorporate such work product, including any Alternative Technical Concepts, into the Collaborative Design-Build Contract entered into with the selected Proposer for the construction phase. There will be no offer of payment to Offerors who are not included on the Shortlist.

4.9 Non-Exclusiveness of Subcontractors

Subcontractors are not precluded from being on more than one Offeror Team, subject to the provisions of Section 3.6, Improper Communications and Contacts. There is no prohibition against Subcontractors being exclusive to one Offeror, however, exclusivity is strongly discouraged for SB/DBE/DVBE Subcontractors. The Authority reserves the right to revise or modify this approach in order accommodate confidentiality during the Pre- Proposal Period.

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