Jacobs Engineering Group has received a General Engineering Consultant (GEC) contract from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to provide services for projects to be developed under Design-Build and public-private partnership (PPP) agreements.

Company officials noted that it is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a maximum order limit of US$20 million over six years.

Under the terms of the contract, Jacobs is providing GEC services to oversee the implementation of Design-Build and PPP projects in Texas; including design, construction oversight, and owner verification testing.

Projects covered under the contract are located statewide with primary focus in the Austin/San Antonio and Rio Grande Valley areas. Specific project corridors are being evaluated for inclusion in the program. Anticipated project values range from $50 million to greater than $500 million in construction costs.

In making the announcement, Jacobs Group Vice President Randy Pierce stated:

"We are pleased to continue supporting TxDOT as they advance Design-Build and PPP projects in Texas. Using lessons learned from our work on the Dallas-Fort Worth Connector, Chisholm Trail Parkway, and North Tarrant Expressway projects, we look forward to leveraging our skills and experience to enhance the state's connectivity and mobility."

Two weeks ago TxDOT shortlisted three teams for the design, build and maintenance of the SH 99/Grand Parkway segments H, I1 and I2. The project is set to be awarded by April 2015.

In mid August this year TxDOT published the list of qualified teams for the development, design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of tolled lanes, general purpose lanes and associated facilities along an approximately 10.3-mile segment of State Highway 288 from U.S. Route  59 to the Harris County line at Clear Creek in Harris County.

On 22 August 2014 TxDOT, the joint venture formed by J.D. Abrams L.P. and Kiewit Infrastructure South Company signed the contract to develop the Loop 375-Border Highway West Extension Project in El Paso, and in early June the agency awarded the SH-183  Managed Lanes toll concession to the consortium SouthGate Mobility Partners, formed by Kiewit Development Company and Kiewit Infrastructure South Company.