In a request for qualifications (RFQ) released Thursday, Caltrans seeks “construction manager/general contractor services” (CMGC) for design and construction of a middle-mile broadband network in its Region 2 area, on portions of state highways in Contra Costa, Napa, Santa Clara, Inyo, Kern, Mono, Alpine, Mariposa and Tuolumne counties. This RFQ is one among several similar initiatives and outreach sessions Caltrans is spearheading to improve statewide broadband coverage, as previously reported by Industry Insider — California. Among the takeaways:
- The state Legislature has authorized Caltrans to “engage in a construction manager/general contractor (CMGC) project delivery method,” according to the RFQ, to build highways, bridges, tunnels, or middle-mile broadband network, generally. Proposers interested in providing CMGC services, aka “construction manager,” will, if selected, work with Caltrans’ design team on the project — giving “input on schedule, phasing, constructability, cost and estimates, value engineering,” and doing plan review throughout design. The construction manager chosen will also be asked to turn in a proposed price for the “labor, equipment, and materials” needed to build the project based on the design process. If Caltrans accepts that price, the construction manager will be issued a construction contract after preconstruction is done. If Caltrans doesn’t accept the proposed price, it reserves the right to end the construction manager’s work on the project when the design phase is done — and advertise the project. The construction manager chosen will be hired for the project’s design and construction through this process, but not guaranteed a contract for construction.
- The project will install “broadband conduit, fiber, and required appurtenances” on portions of state routes 24, 29, 121, 101, 14, 58, 89, 127, 178, 190, 49, 88, 108, 120, 132 and 140 as part of the Middle-Mile Broadband Network Program. Project goals include providing “affordable, open-access, middle-mile broadband infrastructure to enable last-mile network connectivity through the state”; fostering collaboration between Caltrans, the construction manager and the California Department of Technology; minimizing impacts to drivers, businesses and emergency services; and delivering a completed middle-mile broadband network in these areas by September 2026.
- Among the requirements, respondents should offer a short narrative of each major participant’s “capability and capacity,” no more than two pages per firm, plus up to one additional page summarizing similar projects completed. Respondents can also include a summary for each subconsultant or subcontractor, of up to one page per firm. Also required is three to 10 project descriptions of work completed by the team — generally, “experience in the past 10 years on completed construction projects having a scope comparable to” this one. Valuable information includes experience with “broadband fiber-optic network systems,” constraints like “trenching, plowing, conduit installation in bridge structures, and horizontal directional drilling in various field conditions and constraints”; and accelerated construction of major aspects common to broadband fiber-optic network installation like “open trenching, micro trenching, plowing, horizontal directional drilling, fiber-optic vault, and hub shelters.”
- The estimated cost of the CMGC project is $280 million for construction capital and $2.9 million for right-of-way capital including utility relocation. The preconstruction services contract will be a “reimbursement contract at specific rates not to exceed $4.2 million,” per the RFQ. Caltrans is setting the fee for the preconstruction services contract at 4 percent; the construction contract will be a unit price contract. Questions from respondents are due by March 23. Statements of qualification are due April 7. The ranking determination is anticipated April 28. The award of the preconstruction services contract is expected May 12; the request to return cost proposal is due by June 26, and the anticipated award of the construction contract is June 30. Construction must be complete by Sept. 4, 2026.
