On February 8 the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) launched ConnectHSR, a free online vendor registry that will provide businesses, large and small, with a quick and easy way to get connected to high-speed rail business opportunities.
“With the launch of ConnectHSR, the High-Speed Rail Authority is making it easier for California’s businesses to participate in the nation’s first high-speed rail system,” said Jesse Torres, Deputy Director and Small Business Advocate for the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. “I encourage businesses of all sizes to sign up for ConnectHSR and learn more about opportunities to do business with high-speed rail.”
Over the next few years, there will be new and exciting opportunities for businesses to participate in the program, including procurements associated with high-speed rail facilities, stations, civil infrastructure, tracks and systems, high-speed trains and many other important services. By registering through ConnectHSR, businesses add their name to a list of interested parties wanting to participate in the program.
Additional benefits include receiving notifications of new procurements, invitations to business-focused events and workshops and opportunities to connect and partner with other interested businesses.
“I have heard from many people throughout the state who have been looking for a tool just like ConnectHSR to help them express their firms’ interest in being part of this historic project and learn more about program opportunities,” said the Authority’s Small Business Advocate Alice Rodriguez. “Launching ConnectHSR also represents another important step for the program to ensure small and disadvantaged businesses have more opportunities than ever to contribute to the nation’s first high-speed rail program and help the program meet its aggressive small business goals.”
The Authority is committed to maximizing small business participation, promoting equal opportunity and nondiscrimination, and providing significant economic and contracting opportunities. To date, there are 327 certified small businesses participating in the high-speed rail program, helping the Authority exceed its 30 percent small business participation goals.
With more than 119 miles of active construction in the Central Valley, construction of a high-speed rail line between the Silicon Valley and Central Valley is planned for passenger service beginning in 2025.
(Source: CHSRA)
