REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PART ONE TO BE ISSUED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF FIRST SEGMENT OF ELEVATED GUIDEWAY FOR HONOLULU RAIL TRANSIT

Available online at the City’s website

The City and County of Honolulu today will issue part one of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the construction of the first segment of the elevated guideway for Honolulu’s proposed rail transit system. The first segment travels from East Kapolei to Pearl Highlands, approximately 6.5 miles.

“This is a significant milestone and a tremendous step forward,” said Mayor Mufi Hannemann.  “Oahu’s voters told us they wanted a rail system and we’ve taken that message to heart.  Procurement of the guideway contractor is a major, affirmative step in our goal to break ground by the end of this year.  This is also a clear signal to officials in Washington D.C. that Honolulu is serious about rail transit this time.  We’ve got a shovel-ready project and we’re moving forward every day.”

The RFP is for an estimated $550 to $600 million design-build contract that includes track installation and surface restoration in addition to the guideway viaduct. Stations along the guideway are to be constructed in future contracts.  The RFP will be available on the City website at http://www.honolulu.gov/pur/index.htm.

Contractors will have until March 13, 2009 to respond to the RFP.  The selection process will take about six months and then final negotiations will be undertaken with the proposer providing the best value to the City when considering price and other factors. The winning contractor will be announced in the fall.

Separate RFPs are scheduled to be issued later this year for final design contracts for rail stations and a design-build contract for the maintenance yard.  The procurement of vehicles, traction power and train control systems is also scheduled to begin this year.

Groundbreaking for the first segment construction is slated for the end of this year.