PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Today is the last day for companies to submit a request for qualifications for the replacement of the Washington Bridge. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has initiated a two-step procurement process for the replacement of the bridge this time, after no companies submitted bids for reconstruction. Back in October, RIDOT announced the new reconstruction procurement, and said the process is preferred by the majority of companies, beginning with the state issuing a request for qualifications, a solicitation that asks interested bidders to submit “key criteria.” The RFQ will result in a shortlist of two qualified design-build companies that will move on to step two of the procurement, which is the request for proposals. The shortlist will be announced on December 11, and then have a opportunity to be reviewed and provided feedback on an RFP issued by RIDOT. If RIDOT determines that the feedback received will result in better proposals from the companies (particularly in terms of time and cost), the feedback will be incorporated into an addendum to the RFP and posted on January 24 of 2025. The shortlisted companies will each submit a technical and cost proposal in response to the RFP with a tentative award to be made on June 6, 2025. To encourage participation in the RFP, RIDOT will is offering an increased $1.75 million stipend to the unsuccessful shortlisted company to help cover the costs associated with crafting their technical and cost proposal. The deadline to submit is today at 12 p.m.  Categories: News