The California High-Speed Rail Authority has issued a Request for Qualifications for a Co-Development Agreement as it moves away from legal efforts to restore withdrawn federal funding and evaluates private sector participation.
The procurement seeks a private partner to assess delivery, financing, and commercialization options for future segments of the high-speed rail program. Potential assets include stations, track access, fiber, power infrastructure, and related real estate.
Under the proposed framework, the Authority and the selected partner will develop phased delivery packages that may advance toward public-private partnership agreements. The RFQ outlines a master developer approach and requires competitive procurement of major subcontracts.
The Authority released the RFQ on December 19, 2025. Statements of qualifications are due March 4, 2026. The Authority expects to execute the co-development agreement in the second quarter of 2026.
Construction continues in the Central Valley, where the Authority is extending the electrified corridor from 119 miles to 171 miles between Merced and Bakersfield.