Request for Information - On-Call Supplemental Solid Waste Collection Services for DPW

The District of Columbia Department of Public Works is requesting information on supplemental solid waste collection services available on an on-call basis, with responses due October 16, 2026.

This is an RFI rather than a formal solicitation, indicating DPW is in the information-gathering phase to assess market capacity, pricing, and service configurations before issuing a binding RFP or IFB. Respondents should expect questions about service area coverage within the District, collection frequency and scheduling flexibility, equipment and vehicle specifications, waste-stream handling (general refuse, recyclables, bulky items, or specialty categories), staffing and labor requirements, insurance and bonding, and pricing structures for on-call deployment.

The on-call contracting vehicle suggests DPW anticipates variable, non-routine demand — likely supplementing in-house collection during peak periods, staff shortages, emergency events, or for specialized collection needs — rather than replacing baseline collection operations. Respondents should clarify their readiness to mobilize resources on short notice and their capacity to scale volume.

RFI responses do not typically bind either party, but strong RFI positioning often influences subsequent procurement criteria, evaluation weighting, and shortlist formation. Firms with existing relationships to DPW, demonstrated experience in District geography and regulatory environment (including District waste-handling and environmental regulations), and flexible capacity should prioritize a substantive response. This RFI window is narrow (seven days); procurement-phase materials, such as a formal RFP or IFB with evaluation criteria, anticipated contract value, and detailed service specifications, will likely follow in the coming weeks.