(Washington, DC) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) received 20 responses to the June 26, 2012, issued Request for Information (RFI) ^[PDF] asking for industry feedback on the development of a local transportation system. Response packages came in from around the world including firms based in the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, China, and Japan.

“The response far exceeded our expectations,” stated DDOT Director Terry Bellamy. “This level of response is indicative of the broad interest and promising nature of the project. It is a unique opportunity to provide premium transit services to the District.”

In an effort to explore the potential of entering into a public-private partnership, DDOT sought input on the design, construction, finance, maintenance and operations of a 22-mile priority streetcar system and the operations of local bus service within the District. Submissions were received from some of the world’s leading engineering, rail construction, vehicle manufacturing, transit operating and project finance companies.

“The next step in the process is to review the submissions. We will use the information to help advance our planning and development efforts, likely resulting in a Request for Qualifications notice later this year,” said DDOT Chief Engineer Ronaldo “Nick” Nicholson.

DDOT review teams will evaluate the submissions over the next 60 days.

For more information about the DC Streetcar, please visit www.dcstreetcar.com .

For information about other DDOT procurement opportunities, please visit the Office of Contracting and Procurement page at ddot.dc.gov/procurement.