Amtrak Sets New Standard With Delivery Partner Model For Frederick Douglass Tunnel Project

Thursday, April 4, 2024

For the first time, Amtrak has introduced a novel approach to construction management by selecting a “Delivery Partner” for the pivotal Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, its most substantial investment project to date, valued at $6 billion. This decision came as a result of a thorough bidding process initiated in early 2023.

“We’re proud to award this important Delivery Partner contract that will help continue the positive momentum for the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President of Capital Delivery Laura Mason. “Amtrak has built an industry-leading Capital Delivery department and continues to leverage innovative project delivery approaches like this, as we work to replace and modernize our critical infrastructure assets.”

This approach entails a collaborative partnership where the chosen private entity partakes in the risks associated with delivering the program, thereby ensuring mutual incentives to achieve the desired outcomes. The responsibilities of the Delivery Partner encompass supervising the design process, managing construction, overseeing contracts, and providing additional administrative assistance, among other duties.

The consortium selected for this role, known as ADVANCE, is a collaborative effort between leading infrastructure organizations AECOM and Jacobs. This joint venture is set to form a cohesive management team with Amtrak’s internal Capital Delivery group to lead the project to its successful completion.

ADVANCE is recognized for its expertise in handling Delivery Partner and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) agreements for significant rail tunnel and station projects globally. The team is comprised of a network of top-tier firms, including Sener, Turner & Townsend, RailPros, Aldea, and Dr. Sauer. It also integrates 22 distinguished disadvantaged and small business enterprises (DBE/SBE), aiming to fulfill a 14% DBE/SBE participation target.

“We’re excited to welcome the ADVANCE team onboard and appreciate the vast experience they’ll bring to our integrated project management team.” said Amtrak Assistant Vice President Luigi Rosa, who is leading the Program. “We look forward to introducing some of these new team members at a future community meeting.”

This announcement builds on Amtrak’s recent progress, which includes the award of a CMAR contract for the construction of the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel in February, as well as the commencement of demolition and the awarding of a CMAR contract for the project’s “Southern Approach”. This phase includes the creation of a new ADA-compliant West Baltimore MARC Station, the replacement of several bridges, and the laying of tracks and other railroad infrastructure.

The project has already kicked off with preliminary activities in 2023, demolition operations are in progress, and a significant phase of construction is expected to start later in the year, focusing on utility relocation and the construction of the first out of five bridges.

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