March 7, 2011

Dear AAAE Member

Two years ago, The California High Speed Rail Authority awarded 10 contracts to large A/E firms for the design of the High Speed Rail Project: 800 miles of track, 26 stations, 150 miles of bridges, viaducts and elevated structures. The fees for these contracts were in excess of $800 million. Less than 5% of this work went to small, minority, or women owned businesses.

We have an opportunity to advocate for small businesses to participate in California’s largest transportation project by responding to the Agency’s Request For Expressions of Interest (RFEI) issued in February.

The RFEI is comprehensive in its scope, and completion of the response is a daunting task for small businesses. Therefore, the AAAE Board has taken the liberty of drafting a cover letter and a response to the pertinent items of the response items to make it easier for our members.

We hope you will take the time to respond to the High Speed Rail Authority’s RFEI and let your voice be heard.

Your PDF response is due by NOON on MARCH 16, 2011 via email to rfei@hsr.ca.gov

Kendall Young

President, AAAE