METRO's Board of Directors gave the nod today to a $77.3 million rapid transit contract with Washington Group Transit Management Company (WGTMC). 

The contract is for Phase 1, an eight-month Project Development period, when WGTMC becomes the Facility Provider (prime contractor) in the construction of four rapid transit lines and Houston's first modern Intermodal Terminal. 

Local companies will receive $54 million or 70 percent of the total value of the contract.   Of the 167 local firms, 137 are small and disadvantaged business enterprises (SBE/DBE's).  They will receive $26.8 million by working on Phase 1 activities for the construction of the North, Southeast, East End, and Uptown corridors as well as the Intermodal Terminal.

Phase 1 activities include engineering, early construction activities, selection of vehicles, community outreach activities and the scoping, pricing, scheduling, and construction packaging for Phase 2 (Final Design and Construction).  During Phase 1 METRO and WGTMC will continue to work to enhance SBE/DBE participation.  This work includes the establishment of liaison offices in each corridor and the development of the SBE/DBE Utilization Plan for Phase 2.   

Additionally, during Phase 1, METRO and WGTMC will discuss the possible addition of services relating to University Corridor and Wheeler Intermodal Terminal.  This possible addition to the contract would be considered to optimize technical, managerial, and financial elements of the program. 

The Phase 2 contract is expected to be awarded in early 2008.  A possible Operations and Management contract may be awarded in 2010. 

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