CHSRA’s Board of Directors Approve Proceeding With Procurements

SACRAMENTO - California High-Speed Rail Authority's Board of Directors approved the issuance of invitations for bids on rail and other materials for high-speed track.

According to CHSRA, the approval allows manufacturers to bid on six separate procurements. These materials will be used on electrified high-speed track and systems along the 199-mile segment by next year. The materials will be completely state-funded and includes “rail, ties, overhead contact system poles, fiber optic cable, and EN ballast.” The total cost Is $507 million spread over multiple contracts.

Below is the Notice to Proceed (NTP) for each contract issued in multiple stages:

• “NTP 1: supply of materials for use in the 119-mile section (Madera to Poplar Avenue). NTP 1 is 100% state funded.
• “NTP 2 & 3 are optional, with the Authority able to later approve purchase of additional materials for future extensions. NTP 2 & 3 may be a blend of state and federal funding.”

As for the anticipated schedule and draft documents of the six procurements, information can be found below, courtesy of CHSRA.

1. “Overhead Contact Systems (OCS) Poles
   • IFB Release: September 2025 – The draft IFB has been posted on the California State Contract Register (CSCR)External Link
   • Virtual Pre-Bid Conference and Small Business Workshop: TBD
   • Bid Due/Opening Date: Q4 2025
   • Notice of Proposed Award: Q4 2025
   • Anticipated Contract Execution and Notice to Proceed: Q4 2025
2. “Rail
   • IFB Release: Q4 2025 – The draft IFB has been posted on the California State Contract Register (CSCR)External Link
   • Virtual Pre-Bid Conference and Small Business Workshop: TBD
   • Bid Due/Opening Date: TBD
   • Notice of Proposed Award: TBD
   • Anticipated Contract Execution and Notice to Proceed: TBD
3. “Concrete Ties
   • IFB Release: Q4 2025 – The draft IFB has been posted on the California State Contract Register (CSCR)External Link
   • Virtual Pre-Bid Conference and Small Business Workshop: TBD
   • Bid Due/Opening Date: TBD
   • Notice of Proposed Award: TBD
   • Anticipated Contract Execution and Notice to Proceed: TBD
4. “Ballast
   • IFB Release: Q4 2025 – The draft IFB has been posted on the California State Contract Register (CSCR)External Link
   • Virtual Pre-Bid Conference and Small Business Workshop: TBD
   • Bid Due/Opening Date: TBD
   • Notice of Proposed Award: TBD
   • Anticipated Contract Execution and Notice to Proceed: TBD
5. “OCS System Components
   • IFB Release: TBD
   • Virtual Pre-Bid Conference and Small Business Workshop: TBD
   • Bid Due/Opening Date: TBD
   • Notice of Proposed Award: TBD
   • Anticipated Contract Execution and Notice to Proceed: TBD
6. “Fiber Optic Cable
   • IFB Release: TBD
   • Virtual Pre-Bid Conference and Small Business Workshop: TBD
   • Bid Due/Opening Date: TBD
   • Notice of Proposed Award: TBD
   • Anticipated Contract Execution and Notice to Proceed: TBD”

CHSRA says work continues on the high-speed rail project with 171 miles under design and construction. Close to 70 miles of guideway are complete.

CHSRA CEO Ian Choudri said, “Purchasing the track and materials needed to launch the nation’s first high-speed track and systems installation within the next year is a major milestone. This procurement will not only accelerate construction of high-speed track, but by purchasing directly from American manufacturers, we will deliver significant savings to the state. California High-Speed Rail is the only high-speed rail system under construction in North America. Today, we are taking concrete actions to build faster, smarter, and more economically to deliver a modern, high-speed rail system that promotes economic mobility, affordable housing, and a cleaner environment throughout the state.”