California HSR Authority receives 35 EOIs associated with HS 15-02

The California High-Speed Rail Authority has received 35 Expressions of Interest (EOI) associated with HSR 15-02, the Requests for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for Delivery of an Initial Operating Segment (IOS). Responses include submissions from world-class firms with extensive experience delivering high-speed and other large infrastructure projects. They include a range of private sector firms ranging from financiers/investors, major infrastructure developers and international consortia, rolling stock and systems providers, operators and others.

The alphabetical list of those who submitted EOIs can be found here: http://www.hsr.ca.gov/docs/about/doing_business/HSR15_02_RFEI_Responses_092915.pdf

This RFEI is the next step the Authority is taking to work with the private sector to bring innovation that can produce cost savings and/or schedule acceleration to the implementation of an Initial Operating Segment (IOS). The Authority sought feedback from firms that have delivered high-speed rail systems across the world to leverage lessons learned and previous experience delivering these highly complex systems. The Authority sought input on opportunities for cost savings, schedule acceleration, innovation, and private sector investment, including key commercial and financial requirements that would be required in order to achieve these opportunities. RFEI documents can be found here: http://www.hsr.ca.gov/About/Doing_Business_with_HSR/contracts_for_bid.html

Authority CEO Jeff Morales will present to the Authority Board of Directors at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015 a preliminary high-level overview of key themes and ideas from the responses received. The current Board memo associated with this item can be found here: http://www.hsr.ca.gov/docs/brdmeetings/2015/brdmtg_100615_Item3_Update_RFEI_Delivery_of_an_IOS_and_Outline_of_Next_Steps.pdf

Over the next month, staff will hold one-on-one meetings with respondents to discuss their EOIs. These meetings are intended to provide an opportunity to probe and clarify issues and to gather additional information to help the Authority determine the most appropriate method for delivering an IOS. The outcome of these discussions could lead to the Authority developing a procurement for the delivery of an IOS.