The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is pioneering a way forward to modernize Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) through a potential public-private partnership (P3). The department has released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking design, financing and construction concepts for a new terminal and concourses.
The proposed terminal and concourses would replace or build upon the existing main terminal and satellite concourses at IAD. USDOT is also receptive to any submissions centered around retaining sections of existing airport facilities that may preserve or incorporate historic or other significant areas into new designs.
The RFI’s release comes at a critical time in the airport’s history. IAD has been notorious for its dated facilities for years, with infrastructure and amenities that fall short of quality standards and are potentially hazardous to workers and travelers alike. The airport currently struggles with an inefficient people mover system, outdated mobile lounges, a jet fuel smell throughout the facility and an inadequate number of gates at the main terminal.
All submissions should serve to provide information on selection of core criteria USDOT is interested in while determining what designs will be most suitable and appropriate for the given site. Information gathered through the RFI will inform the department’s understanding of what structures could be used to finance the project, development of an estimated timeline for project completion and cost information.
The following are the primary questions posed in the RFI:
- What designs should be considered for a bold new airport to replace the existing terminal and concourses?
- What is a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for a redesign or major renovation?
- How could a design-build be structured and financed to maximize available funds and speed of construction of new terminal(s) and concourses to replace or build upon the existing terminal and concourses?
- Are there any impediments or limitations to a successful design-build? What are the anticipated construction requirements for implementing your solution?
- How could a redesign or major renovation be carried out while mitigating and minimizing disruption to airport operations during that time?
Select questions will have additional clarifying questions posed to further refine responses. All submissions are due 10 days after the RFI is officially published in the federal register. USDOT will post answers to questions received 20 days after publication, with final submissions due 45 days after publication.
Photo by Tanathip Rattanatum from Pexels
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