District of Columbia's DOT issues RFQ for integrated premium transit system

The District of Columbia's Department of Transportation (DDOT) late last week issued a request for qualifications to firms interested in submitting statements of qualification to design, build, operate and maintain an integrated premium transit system (IPT) that includes the city's new streetcar system.

The IPT system will be developed in phases and include 22 miles of dual/single track fixed guideway, related equipment and facilities, and potentially up to 15 additional miles of fixed guided track. The IPT also encompasses local bus services.

"This design-build-operate-maintain procurement is an innovative way to deliver the integrated premium transit vision we have for the district in an affordable and efficient manner," said DDOT Director Terry Bellamy in a press release.

As part of the IPT program, new transit facilities and services will be added, and existing facilities and services will be modified to meet forecasted ridership demands and economic growth within the district, DDOT officials said.

The department will conduct the procurement in a two-step process, with an RFQ followed by a request for proposals. The statements of qualification are due by 2 p.m. on March 21.