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    1. Rail
    2. Infrastructure

    BART Silicon Valley Phase II Project: Early contractor engagement begins

    Sept. 17, 2020
    Santa Clara VTA issued the first of four RFIFs to gauge interest in the upcoming contract for tunnel and track work.
    Related To: Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)
    Santa Clara VTA
    RFIFs are being issued to gauge interest in the four major project-related contracts from the transit design-build contractor community, and to obtain specific feedback on the scope of the contract.
    RFIFs are being issued to gauge interest in the four major project-related contracts from the transit design-build contractor community, and to obtain specific feedback on the scope of the contract.

    The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Extension into downtown San Jose and Santa Clara is entering the procurement stage.

    For this mega project, currently at an early design stage, the procurement process begins with seeking out contractors and subcontractors to initially provide feedback, later respond to requests for proposals, then ultimately finish the design and physically build the six-mile extension of the system, including four stations.

    Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) released a Request for Industry Feedback (RFIF) Sept. 16. This RFIF is the first one of four and pertains to the upcoming contract for tunnel and track work. RFIFs are being issued to gauge interest in the four major project-related contracts from the transit design-build contractor community, and to obtain specific feedback on the scope of the contract.

    In general, the four contract categories are:

    • Tunnel and Track work, including the bored tunnel construction, procurement of the Tunnel Boring Machine, long tunnel conveyors, precast tunnel lining and tunnel interior structures, including station platforms.
    • Systems, including system wide equipment/fixtures such as large emergency ventilation fans, tunnel lighting, communication systems, bulk power supply stations, traction power, line electrical, radio and Train Control.
    • Stations, including utilities, site preparation work, station structure and platform, ventilation and egress shaft and underground station support of excavation installation.
    • Newhall Yard/Santa Clara Station, including maintenance and operations yard and buildings, yard track and rail, civil site restoration and demobilization and the full construction of the street level Santa Clara Station and parking garage.

    An RFIF for the systems contract will follow by the end of the month, with the other two contract RFIFs to be announced later. Early construction activities are planned to begin in 2022 with substantial construction completed by 2028, followed by systems testing, integration and safety certification.

    Santa Clara VTA encourages certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) seeking construction, purchasing and professional services contracts to register to become a vendor with the agency. For those businesses potentially eligible and not yet certified, Santa Clara VTA says it can assist with certification when needed.

    Santa Clara VTA’s Business Diversity Programs include the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program for federally funded projects, the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program for state funded projects and the Minority, Women, Disabled Veterans and LGBT Business Enterprise Programs for locally funded projects.

    Santa Clara VTA says it is eager to receive industry feedback on this innovative infrastructure project, the largest in Santa Clara County history.

    Santa Clara VTA
    The first ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the start of BART service to Silicon Valley occured at the Berryessa/North San José Transit Center, which was followed by another ceremony at Milpitas Transit Center on June 12.