This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback. Dive Brief: The California High-Speed Rail Authority issued a request for qualifications for a $2.4 billion civil works collaborative design-build contract focused on the Merced to Madera portion of the project, according to a June 25 news release. The contract scope covers major civil work along the 34-mile segment, including grading, structures and roadway improvements, per the release.