HSR25-30 Invitation for Bids for Fiber Optics

The California High-Speed Rail Authority is requesting bids on fiber-optic cables (OCS Components) for the First Construction Segment of its high-speed rail track under IFB HSR25-30, with bids due October 9, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. A 25% Small Business participation goal applies, inclusive of a 3% Micro-Business goal and a 10% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise goal. Federal Buy America requirements apply due to State of California and potential Federal Railroad Administration funding.

The scope is single-mode, loose-tube, steel-tape armored optical fiber cables designed for outdoor use and direct underground burial, transmitting system data between Authority buildings, equipment houses, and wayside equipment to the Operations Control Center and maintenance facilities. Technical specifications are set forth in Exhibit A of the Sample Contract. Delivery locations include the Wasco railhead in Kern County (approximately one-third of total quantities) and the Fresno County railhead (remaining quantities).

The total not-to-exceed estimated value for all materials procurements is $507.1 million, subject to funding availability. The initial contract term is two to four years covering Notice to Proceed 1 for the First Construction Section, with optional NTP 2 and NTP 3 for northern and southern extensions. Work may expand to the Merced–Madera and Poplar Avenue (Kern County) to Bakersfield extensions. Contract commencement is anticipated December 4, 2026.

Bidders must submit a bid bond equal to 10% of the total bid amount, hold a current California Seller's Permit, be in good standing with the California Franchise Tax Board, and have no exclusions in SAM. Evaluation is based on the lowest responsive responsible bidder, considering bid price, past performance, and technical ability to meet specifications and delivery schedules. Questions are due September 18, 2026. One-on-one meetings with the Authority are available September 21–25, 2026 (requests due September 11). Authority responses to questions will be released September 28–October 2, 2026. Addendum 1 is posted October 28–November 3, 2026.