RFEI_A-E_IDIQ_11.18.25_V2.pdf

Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for

Architectural & Engineering (A&E) Services

Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Pool Contract

RFEI No.: RFEI25-02 11/13/2025

RFEI No.: RFEI25-02 California High-Speed Rail Authority

Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Pool Contract

1.0 Introduction and General Information

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 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 Authority is issuing this Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to request Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified firms/entities (Responders) interested and able to provide multi-disciplinary professional architectural and engineering (A&E) services on a task order basis. The Authority seeks responses from qualified Large Business, Small Business (SB), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), Small Business for the Purpose of Public Works (SB-PW), and Micro Business (MB) entities.

Issuing this RFEI does not commence a procurement process or obligate the Authority to commence a procurement or award a contract. EOIs received from Responders will not be scored but will be used to identify potential firms able to deliver the work identified in Section 2.0, below. Entities are not required to respond to this RFEI to participate in future procurements, but information provided through EOIs received may impact the Authority’s future procurement project planning.

2.0 Project Scope and Requirements

The multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) is a pool type contracting methodology made pursuant to California Public Utilities Code section 185036 that allows the Authority to award agreements to multiple firms. By implementing the IDIQ as the contracting vehicle for A&E services, multiple qualified firms will be able to compete for work qualified under a single A&E RFQ, and the services will be specified in task orders that would include the work and costs/fees.

Instead of conducting a new procurement for each project, the Authority will award specific task orders to consultants/firms who are already qualified for the A&E services and under contract with the Authority, resulting in significantly streamlined project delivery and increased flexibility, while simultaneously reducing delays and advancing the Authority’s mission objectives.

The Authority intends to award a contract to one pool of large business consultants for major works, which includes all A&E professional services expected for the environmental, planning, design, procurement, construction support and commissioning for a high-speed railway system, and one pool of small business contractors for utility relocations, surveying, right-of-way acquisition support, geotechnical investigation, construction contract administration, construction inspections, roadway engineering, specialty consultancy, and advisory services limited to $10 million contract value. The Authority may also award a contract to one pool of intermediate business consultants.

The works to be performed by any intermediate pool may encompass any and all of the above-referenced services.

2.1 Types of Work and Projects

The Authority is seeking EOIs from Responders capable of providing multi-disciplinary architectural and engineering and associated professional services to include, but not limited to:

1. Architectural design

2. Construction design support services

3. Project and construction management services

4. Building systems design

5. Interior and exterior renovation designs

6. New building and industrial facility design

7. Equipment installation planning and design

8. Landscape architectural design

9. Space programming

10. Mechanical engineering

11. Electrical engineering

12. Civil and transportation engineering

13. Geotechnical engineering and investigation

14. Surveying and right-of-way

15. Hazardous materials assessment and management

16. Environmental planning

17. Regulatory permitting

18. Rail systems engineering

19. Structural engineering

20. Tunnel engineering

21. Transit engineering

22. Other professional services and A&E related work.

Offerors awarded A&E IDIQ contracts will be qualified to perform all architectural and engineering services defined in Government Code section 4525, et seq.

To be responsive to this RFEI, Responders should identify which of these types of services they are able to deliver.

A full sample statement of work is attached to this RFEI for reference.

2.2 Licensing

Responders must be licensed or capable of obtaining licenses, to the extent applicable and in accordance with California Business and Professions Codes and applicable legal requirements, to perform the work identified in response to Section 2.1 above.

Responders must meet the licensing minimum requirements and must indicate such licenses, numbers and status in their EOIs.

2.3 Large Business Requirements

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.

The IDIQ is anticipated 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.

These goals will be applied to all task orders issued to large business contractors on the IDIQ. Large business contractors will be required to confirm their commitment to meet or exceed these HSR SB Program Plan goals on all task orders issued under the IDIQ.

Large business contractors may also be required to establish and implement an SB Performance Plan to address how the contractor will meet these goals throughout the performance of their work on the IDIQ.

Offerors should note, however, that 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 this Agreement. 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 this Agreement are subject to revision.

2.4 Intermediate Business Requirements

[Intentionally left blank pending industry feedback]

2.5 Small Business Requirements

Small business Responders should be certified, or capable of becoming certified, as an SB, SB-PW, DBE, or DVBE, to claim such preference.

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. The IDIQ is anticipated 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; and a separate 3 percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) goal, which will be applied across the total contract value. These goals will be applied to all task orders issued to large business contractors on the IDIQ.

Large business contractors will be required to confirm their commitment to meet or exceed these HSR SB Program Plan goals on all task orders issued under the IDIQ.

Large business contractors may also be required to establish and implement an SB Performance Plan to address how the Consultant will meet these goals throughout the performance of their work on the IDIQ.

Commercially Useful Function: 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 SB, SB-PW, DVBE, or 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 DBE is deemed to perform a CUF if the business meets the CUF standards at 49 C.F.R. Part 26.55 (c)-(d).

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise: 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 https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Resources/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Resources-List-Folder/Commercially-Useful-Function-for-Certified-Firms https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/Resources/Page-Content/Procurement-Division-Resources-List-Folder/Commercially-Useful-Function-for-Certified-Firms

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 DVBE 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: 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 DBE must be certified by the California Unified Certification Program.

Microbusiness: 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 MB must be certified by the California Department of General Services

(DGS).

SB Program: The Authority’s High-Speed Rail Business Program Plan (Revised November 2023). A program that sets forth the Authority's requirements for SB participation, DVBE, and DBEs. See Policy & Program Plan - California High Speed Rail.

Small Business: 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 $18 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 $43 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 DGS.

https://hsr.ca.gov/business-opportunities/small-business-program/policy-program-plan/

3.0 General Requirements

All written correspondence, exhibits, photographs, reports, printed material, tapes, electronic disks, and other graphic and visual aids submitted to the Authority during this RFEI process, including as part of a response to this RFEI are, upon receipt by the Authority, the property of the Authority and are subject to the Open Government Laws.

None of the aforementioned materials will be returned to the submitting parties.

Responders should familiarize themselves with the Open Government Laws, including the Public Records Act and FOIA. Do not submit confidential, proprietary, trade secret or other types of sensitive information to the Authority as part of the EOI. In no event shall the State of California, the Authority, or any of their agents, representatives, consultants, directors, officers, or employees be liable to an individual or firm that responds to this RFEI for the disclosure of all or a portion of an EOI submitted in response to this RFEI, or other information provided in connection with this procurement. This RFEI does not commit the Authority to award any contracts or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of an EOI response.

Entities considering submitting an EOI are also encouraged to review the Authority’s Organizational Conflict of Interest Policy.

4.0 RFEI Schedule and Process

4.1 Schedule

Table 1: Key RFEI Dates

Key Dates Activity Description

11/13/2025 RFEI advertised.

11/24/2025 Virtual Industry Forum conference location: TBD. The Industry Forum conference is not mandatory.

12/05/2025 Last day to submit written questions by 12 p.m.

Pacific Time.

12/12/2025 Authority to post responses to all written questions.

12/19/2025 EOIs due at the email address specified in Section

5.0 of this RFEI by 12 p.m. Pacific Time.

4.2 Questions and Responses

All questions regarding this RFEI must be submitted in writing to the email address to ContractAdministration@hsr.ca.gov by the dates and times listed in Section 4.1 of this https://hsr.ca.gov/business-opportunities/general-info/organizational-conflict-of-interest-policy/

RFEI. All such questions should use the subject line: RFEI24-01 RFEI for Large Business and Small Business Firms for Repair and Construction Projects. Written responses will be posted on the California State Contracts Register for the benefit of all participants. Please conduct all communications for this RFEI through to the contact below unless otherwise noted in this RFEI:

Emily A Morrison California High-Speed Rail Authority

770 L Street, Suite 620 MS 2 Email: ContractAdministration@hsr.ca.gov

5.0 EOI Submission and Format Guidelines

The following summarizes the submission and format guidelines of the EOIs. In addition to the information described below, the Authority may request confirmation or clarification of information furnished by a Responder, request additional information from a Responder concerning its EOI, and/or request additional evidence of qualifications to perform the work described in this RFEI.

Responses to this RFEI will be collected via the EOI Response Form and will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The name and contact information (phone number and email address) of the interested entity;

• The categories of work in Section 2.1 that the Responder is able to perform;

• The A&E services in Section 2.1 that the Responder has experience performing;

• A statement of how the Responder meets the minimum requirements in Section 2.2, above; and

• Any comments or feedback regarding the project scope and requirements in Section 2.0.

EOIs are requested by 12 p.m. Pacific Time on 12/19/25 but may still be considered if received after that date.

EOIs should be submitted by filling out the Response Form available here: EOI Response Form.

6.0 Attachments

The following document is attached to this RFEI:

mailto:ContractAdministration@hsr.ca.gov https://forms.office.com/g/E3Qj4MwVXE https://forms.office.com/g/E3Qj4MwVXE https://forms.office.com/g/E3Qj4MwVXE

1. Draft Statement of Work