Got these out to HNTB a few minutes ago.

 

 

 

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Hunter – Yes, great to chat and let’s get a date for lunch soon.   Also, thanks for the offer to connect us with Beau.  We’re excited about Philly and would love to learn more about the city.

 

Here’s what I have for you on these questions:

1)     The handling of these projects differs.  There are fundamentally two types of projects funded by ARRA’s $8b HSIPR grant program that involve us: 1) projects that involve improvements to our assets (NEC, stations, etc) and 2) projects that improve other’s assets (freight RR’s, etc) that we use to provide our service.  The relationships and processes are thus pretty different depending on which type, ranging from minimal involvement primarily relating to the service outcomes that flow from the improvements (Iowa gets money to fix BNSF tracks used by the California Zephyr.  We make sure that BN provides the improved services that the upgrade was designed to support) to basically taking over the projects (on the NEC, some states may essentially pass through the grant to us, with us taking ownership and PM for the project).  We are in the midst of working all this out with the states and with FRA for each of the awarded projects.   

 

In addition to these, are the two “greenfield’ HSR projects in CA and FL, which are of a totally different nature.  For these, the states will be procuring services (DBOM or variant) to deliver the asset and service.  Amtrak plans to aggressively pursue a role in these projects as part of various consortiums organizing presently around these opportunities.

 

2)     We don’t have any immediate plans for hiring a general consulting engineer for HSR that I know of.  I assume this question is aimed at the FL/CA projects?  If so, we are likely join up with others who would handle the D/B aspect of the project.  Our main role is in the O&M.

 

3)     We are talking with many about partnerships for both our general system capital needs, particularly fleet, and for new HSR projects.

 

4)     Coming along pretty well, I think, although all the normal challenges abound.  We are essentially doing something like 3 years of work in 1.  I think we are always open to exploring offers of help when we can see that such help will reduce cost and risk.

 

Let me know if I’ve missed the mark on any of these and look forward to getting together soon,

S

 

 

 

 

Stephen,

 

It was great catching up today and look forward to getting together for lunch soon. As we discussed, below are a few questions I was hoping you could assist in answering. Don’t go out of your way if they are going to be too much trouble in finding the answers for. Thanks again and I’ll be sure to put you in touch with Beau.

 

Best,

 

Hunter

 

1)      How will Amtrak interact with states on ARRA projects that directly involve Amtrak? Will individual states handle the relationship differently?

2)      What is the status / timeline for Amtrak selecting a Super General Consulting Engineer for HSR? Will the arrangement be similar to existing PMO contracts? Will firms who already have similar contracts be excluded from bidding?

3)      Does Amtrak see a need for a partner to assist with Amtrak capital as well as implementing HSR national?

4)      How is stimulus delivery coming along? Would Amtrak consider hiring an outside firm to expedite the process?

 

 

R. Hunter Biden

Rosemont Seneca Partners, LLC

1010 Wisconsin Av., NW

Suite 705

Washington, DC 20007

202-333-1880

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