the Rail Park Development Project

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Progressive Design-Build Services for the Port of Harlingen Rail Park
Project
RFP No. 2026-01
1. Background
1.1 Introduction
This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued by the Port of Harlingen Authority to the
short-listed Respondents selected through RFQ No. 2026-01 for the Rail Park
Development Project. Only short-listed teams are eligible to submit Proposals. Short
listed Respondents are listed below in alphabetical order and hereafter referred to as
Proposers in this document:
* Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc.
* LJA
The Port intends to select a Progressive Design-Builder to provide Phase 1 Preliminary
Design and Preconstruction Services and, subject to successful negotiations of a
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), Phase 2 Final Design and Construction Services.
The Project will be delivered using a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) methodology in two
phases:
Phase 1 - Preliminary Design and Preconstruction Services
* Alternative analysis and preferred concept selection
* Design development to approximately 60%
* Cost estimating and cost modeling
* Schedule development and risk management
* Railroad, utility, and regulatory coordination
* Development of GMP proposal
Phase 2 - Final Design and Construction Services
* Final engineering and permitting
* Procurement of subcontractors and vendors
* Construction of rail infrastructure
* Testing, commissioning, and project close-out

1.2 Owner Objectives
The Port seeks a collaborative Design-Builder capable of advancing the following
objectives:
* Deliver a safe, efficient, and expandable rail park.
* Increase rail capacity and operational efficiency.
* Achieve cost and schedule certainty through progressive design-build.
* Coordinate effectively with Union Pacific Railroad and stakeholders.
* Develop infrastructure that supports future industrial growth and expansion.
* Maintain a balanced and equitable allocation of risk.
2. Project Overview
2.1 Project Location
The Project is located within the Port of Harlingen Authority in Cameron County, Texas.
The proposed rail park site is located immediately west of the Port's existing operational
footprint and is envisioned as the first phase of a larger long-term rail expansion
program.
2.2 Project Scope
The Design-Builder shall provide all services necessary for planning, design, permitting,
and construction of the Rail Park Project, including:
* Alternative analysis and concept evaluation.
* Railroad coordination with Union Pacific Railroad.
* Utility coordination.
* Environmental assessments and permitting support.
* Site development including grading, drainage, roads, and utilities.
* Design and construction of rail facilities and lead tracks.
* FRA, TxDOT, and UPRR compliance.
* Construction phasing and expansion planning.
2.3 Project Budget
The current estimated overall project budget is approximately $15 million.
2.4 Project Schedule
Target milestones include:
* Phase 1 Notice to Proceed: Q4 2026
* GMP Development: Q2 2027
* Phase 2 Construction NTP: Q3 2027
* Substantial Completion: Q4 2028

3. Progressive Design-Build Services
3.1 General
The Design-Builder shall serve as the single point of responsibility for delivery of the
Project.
3.2 Roles and Responsibilities
Owner Responsibilities
* Provide project oversight and decision-making.
* Review design submissions.
* Coordinate stakeholder participation.
* Secure funding.
Design-Builder Responsibilities
* Lead engineering and design services.
* Manage project controls, cost estimating, and scheduling.
* Coordinate with Union Pacific Railroad.
* Obtain or support required permits and approvals.
* Deliver completed facilities meeting Owner requirements.
4. Procurement Process
4.1 Owner Contact
Walker Smith, Port Director, Port of Harlingen Authority, 24633 E. Port Road Harlingen,
Texas 78550 walker@portofharlingen.com
4.2 Procurement Schedule
* RFP Issued: August 21, 2026
* One-on-One Meetings: August 24-28, 2026
* Questions Due: August 31, 2026
* Final Addendum: September 9, 2026
* Proposals Due: September 23, 2026
* Interviews (if required): October 5-9, 2026
* Notice of Selected Team: October 14, 2026
* Contract Negotiations: October-November 2026
* Commission Approval: November 2026
5. Proposal Submission Requirements
5.1 Proposal Format
Maximum proposal length: 15 pages, excluding transmittal letter and appendices.

The proposal shall contain:
Transmittal Letter
Maximum one page.
Part 1 - Executive Summary
Provide a concise summary of the proposal and project strategy.
Part 2 - Project Team
Address:
* Team organization since RFQ submission.
* Any additions to key firms or personnel.
* Organizational chart.
* Role descriptions.
* Team integration strategy.
* Railroad-specific expertise.
Part 3 - Project Approach
Describe:
* Understanding of project objectives.
* Rail yard layout approach.
* Union Pacific coordination strategy.
* Site development methodology.
* Risk management approach.
* Cost estimating process.
* GMP development methodology.
* Schedule management and acceleration opportunities.
* Safety approach.
* Future expansion considerations.
Appendix A - Additional Resumes
Resumes of newly added key personnel.
Appendix B - Contract Comments (Optional)
Comments on draft PDB Agreement.
Appendix C - Pricing Information (Separate Sealed Submission)
Submit:
* Phase 1 Personnel hourly rates.

* Phase 1 Estimated hours by discipline.
* Phase 2 Design-Build fee percentage.
* Phase 2 Shared savings percentage.
* Contingency management approach.
6. Evaluation and Selection
The Port will evaluate proposals using the following weighted criteria.
Criteria Weight
Project Team 25%
Project Approach 35%
Pricing Information 10%
Interview 30%
In ranking the Proposals and interview, the selection committee will use a 5-point scale
whereby the maximum points awarded for each of the evaluation criteria will be based
on the percentage weight set forth above. The selection committee will consider non-
price evaluation and complete its awarding of the non-price criteria points before
opening and evaluating the Pricing Information Form. The Port may conduct interviews
with all short-listed teams before final ranking.
Selection
After evaluation, the highest-ranked proposer will be invited to negotiate a Progressive
Design-Build Agreement. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the Port may proceed to the
next-ranked proposer.
7. Conditions for Proposers
* Procurement governed by applicable Texas Water Code provisions.
* All proposals are subject to the Texas Public Information Act.
* The Port reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
* Key firms and key personnel shall remain committed throughout procurement.
* Unauthorized communications with Port officials may result in disqualification.