DC: DDOT Reveals Details from RFI Responses to 22-Mile Priority Streetcar System

Support of the overall concept and for a two-step Request for Qualifications (RFQ)/Request for Proposal (RFP) procurement process, as well as identification of project complexities, were among the emerging themes of the responses to the recent DC Streetcar Request for Information. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will begin follow up steps related to points raised in the submissions.

“Responses to the RFI identified key areas of the project where additional analysis is needed prior to issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP),” stated DDOT Director Terry Bellamy. “This is exactly the type of information we were hoping for when we issued the RFI. It will allow us to produce a more informed and therefore, a more effective RFP.”

The project areas identified by the respondents for additional analysis include:
• Complexities of integrating bus and streetcar operations;
• Plans and status of the environmental review process for streetcar segments;
• Information on potential funding streams; and
• Inclusion of streetcar vehicles with the overall procurement.

The DC Streetcar team is beginning follow-up steps related to these topics. The process will include internal analysis and additional industry outreach. DDOT Director Terry Bellamy will host an industry forum and webcast in November to discuss the feedback gained from the RFI process and share the District’s plans moving forward. Additional industry sessions will cover the overall program as well as individual project components. The results of these steps, along with input from the Mayor’s Streetcar Financing and Governance Task Force, will inform the future RFQ/RFP process.

“Proposals of this magnitude are often time and resource intensive. Respondents indicated support of a two-step process where firms or teams would be short-listed after a Request for Qualifications,” said DDOT Chief Engineer Ronaldo “Nick” Nicholson.

Responses Details
• Of the 20 responses received, seven were received from complete or nearly complete teams, five indicated intent to form and lead a team if/when an RFQ is issued and eight did not indicate their teaming intentions. A complete list of companies can be found on DCStreetcar.com.
• Submissions were received from a variety of firms including construction, infrastructure development, capital/financing, professional services (engineering, planning, etc.), transit operations and vehicle manufactures.
• Worldwide: Responses came in from the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Australia, China and Japan.