05A3042 - Independent Cost Estimator (ICE) and Construction Scheduler in support of CMGC Project Development and Construction Services

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Division of Project Management, District 5, is soliciting Statements of Qualifications from qualified consulting firms for Independent Cost Estimator (ICE) and Construction Scheduler services in support of Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) project development and construction on State Route 46 in San Luis Obispo and Kern Counties, with SOQs due September 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., and shortlisted firms to participate in in-person interviews on October 1, 2026. A 0% DBE participation goal is required; no set-asides apply.

The scope covers detailed cost estimating, construction scheduling, constructability analysis, and cost reconciliation support for conversion of a 2-lane conventional highway to a 4-lane divided expressway. Deliverables include 100% design estimates due November 4, 2026, 95% design estimates due January 6, 2027, and 100% design estimates due September 2, 2028, with Phase 1 construction completion targeted for August 17, 2029 and Phase 2 for August 8, 2031. The contract term is three years.

The estimated contract value ranges from $501,360 to $814,710, with a fixed profit fee of 10 percent and annual escalation rates of 1.71 percent (partial year September 16, 2026 through September 30, 2027) and 3.42 percent (subsequent full years).

Required key personnel: Consultant Contract Manager with minimum five years of responsible contract manager experience exclusively on Caltrans roadway construction contracts and holding a California-registered Professional Engineer license; Task Order Manager with General Engineering Contractor license, Professional Engineer registration, or licensed contractor status and ten years of highway project delivery experience; Cost Estimators with ten years of complex highway estimating experience; and Schedulers with at least five years of critical path method scheduling experience on transportation projects. All personnel substitutions require prior written Caltrans approval. Prevailing wage rates apply.

Addenda issued August 14, 2026 clarify DBE Program modifications, require GenAI disclosure in transmittal letters (effective February 20, 2025), and confirm that five years of CM experience must be gained exclusively on Caltrans contracts. Negotiations are scheduled for the week of November 9, 2026, with cost negotiations to conclude by November 18, 2026. Selected firms must submit complete financial documents within four days of notification.