Virtual Data Room developed to aid Hudson River Tunnel procurement

The Gateway Program Development Corporation (GDC) has launched a Virtual Data Room intended to provide potential bidders with important technical information about the Hudson Tunnel Project. 

GDC says the Virtual Data Room was developed following feedback received from the private sector during the 18-month Request for Information process. The corporation also explains that the innovative data room approach will give private sector firms access to information not typically available until the formal procurement process. GDC believes this approach has the potential to save time during the upcoming procurement process by bringing forward some of the boring requests that would otherwise occur after issuance of a Request for Proposals. 

By making the technical information available now, firms can review existing data and propose locations for additional geotechnical investigation. Future borings will supplement the data obtained during Preliminary Engineering of the Hudson Tunnel Project, which will also be available. Historical geotechnical information from the ARC project, Hudson Bergen Light Rail Project, Lincoln Tunnel and the North River Tunnel will also be available in the data room. 

“This innovative pre-procurement data room will enable GDC and potential bidders to learn more about the underground conditions and suggest additional geotechnical investigations,” said GDC Interim Finance Director Frank Sacr. “Unknown ground conditions are a major factor in adding cost and time to tunneling projects around the world so by undertaking this work now, GDC is actively working with the private sector to reduce the impact of this risk on the cost and schedule of the project.” 

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said the Virtual Data Room establishes a solution to knowledge sharing and engagement with the private sector.

“These forward thinking methods of doing business can help bring the program that much closer to fruition,” said Gov. Murphy.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo believes the data room will provide bidders with critical data needed to provide accurate cost estimates in a speedy timeframe.

"A new passenger rail tunnel across the Hudson is vital to the future of our region and our nation. As I told the president at the White House in November, this is the most urgent infrastructure project in the nation and it is a project that is ready to go once he greenlights the federal share of funding," said Gov. Cuomo. "The Gateway program is the most urgent infrastructure program in the country. Completing the program with federal investment is a sound, and critically necessary way to keep both our travelers and our regional economy moving in the right direction.”

The Hudson Tunnel Project is a critical element of the Gateway Program and is currently in the pre-procurement design and environmental analysis phase. It seeks to construct a new passenger rail tunnel under the Hudson River between New Jersey and Penn Station New York and provide for the rehabilitation of the existing North River Tunnel without impacting the 450 commuter and intercity trains that use the existing tunnel each day. 

“Launch of the data room reflects GDC’s commitment to ongoing and meaningful engagement with the private sector and incorporation of these ideas into the project plan,” said Chairman Jerry Zaro, Vice Chairman Tony Coscia and New York Trustee Steven M. Cohen. “We look forward to continued engagement with industry to help deliver a streamlined, efficient project for the region and the nation.” 

The Virtual Data Room will be accessible to Qualified Organizations, who will request secure access through the GDC website. This initiative reflects GDC’s commitment to ongoing and meaningful engagement with the private sector with the goal of reducing cost and expediting schedule.