What we know
Amtrak said the company will use a two-step process to find the most qualified applicant to be a delivery partner for the project. The first step will be a request for qualifications, where prospective applicants such as joint ventures and contractors, will be invited to submit a state of qualifications, according to the notice. Based on the submissions, Amtrak will establish a list of eligible applicants who will be invited in the second step, the request for proposals.
The company will release further details about the request for qualification application in spring, according to the notice.
The delivery partner will be responsible for ensuring the project is completed on schedule, providing advice, leadership and support to allow Amtrak to successfully deliver the project. The delivery partner will not design or construct the project, but instead be a source of expertise and judgment on construction and design, according to the notice.
The delivery partner will also "undertake, direct and coordinate a broad range of program management, design management, construction management, quality management, third party and stakeholder coordination, procurement, commercial strategy, field representation and monitoring services."
The context
The project, first proposed in 2014 by Texas Central, looks to offer a high-speed rail system between Dallas and Houston, the fourth- and fifth-most populated cities in the United States, according to Amtrak. The project would offer a 90-minute trip, including an intermediate stop in Brazos Valley, with speeds of up to 205 miles per hour over a 240-mile trip.
Currently, it takes around three-and-a-half hours by car and approximately one hour and 15 minutes by flight to get from Houston to Dallas.
Although the project has experienced stagnation over the years, Amtrak recently received a $63.9 million federal grant for the project in September to continue planning for the project, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Amtrak did not immediately respond for comments, and a timeline has not been released for the high-speed rail project.
