Real-World data for a safer, smarter DC
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID), and US Ignite have partnered to launch the Autonomous Vehicle Observation (AVO) Zone Challenge. The challenge provides an innovative way for DC to better understand how AVs operate and in dense, urban environments.
The AVO Zone Challenge seeks an innovative sensing solution capable of detecting and identifying autonomous vehicles (AVs) operating in the District and providing data that supports the observation and analysis of AV fleet operations. The challenge winner will be eligible for a contract award of $50,000 to pilot its technology in DC. Applications are due by July 16, 2026.
Why the AVO Zone Challenge matters
As cutting-edge transportation technologies rapidly evolve, cities must be equipped to better understand how AVs interact within a bustling multimodal transportation environment. DDOT is taking a proactive approach to better understand how these vehicles interact with pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and other motorists. The AVO Zone Challenge will help establish:
- A data-driven framework for evaluating AV operations
- Increased transparency and informed policymaking
- Greater public accountability
About the opportunity
The AVO Zone Challenge will award a $50,000 contract to the selected vendor. In addition, the winner will pilot their solution in live DC streets for three to six months at two intersections along the M Street SE/SW corridor.
The AVO Zone Challenge calls for innovative solutions that can:
- Detect & Monitor – Independently identify and track AV activity in mixed traffic environments
- Analyze Interactions – Understand how AVs interact with pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and infrastructure
- Identify Safety Events – Capture safety-critical events and operational impacts
- Provide Data & Insights – Deliver high-quality, accessible data to support policy, research, and public transparency
Challenge Requirements
The sensing solution must be able to provide three key outputs:
- Detect autonomous vehicles at two intersections, 4th and M SW and New Jersey and M SE. The detection cannot rely on in-vehicle transponders or license plate reading.
- The solution must be able to detect three constant, reliable, unambiguous behaviors (e.g., “Right Turns” as opposed “Near Misses”) for all vehicles.
- The proposer will have to describe how quickly their solution can be programmed to detect new behaviors that DDOT identifies during the pilot period. These behaviors will address concerns raised through community engagement.
The participant package includes additional technical details and important information. Please download it here.
Who should participate?
Ideal contestants will have products and services that leverage technologies such as CCTV, LiDAR, computer vision, intelligent video analytics, and advanced data processing.
The AVO Zone Challenge will be open to:
- For-profit companies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Universities and research institutions
- Startup companies
- Teams or consortia led by one eligible entity
Ready to take the next step?
Download the Participant Package
The participant package includes important details about the AVO Zone Challenge including:
- Timeline
- Eligibility details
- Proposal and technical requirements
- Proposal submission template
- Evaluation criteria
All interested applicants should start by downloading the package here, or clicking the button below.
Ask Questions
If you have questions please send them to [email protected] by June 19, 2026. US Ignite will aim to post responses by June 25, 2026 on this page.
Watch the Info Session Recording
Check out the recorded info session to hear DDOT explain the AVO Zone Challenge.
Submit a Proposal
Applications must be submitted by July 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. To apply, send your proposal to [email protected].
Submission checklist:
- Follow the Proposal Template in Appendix A
- Submit AVO Zone Challenge Proposal as PDF, DOCX, or both
- Include “AVO Zone Challenge Proposal” in subject line of the email
- Apply by the deadline, late submissions will not be accepted
- Receive confirmation email from US Ignite after submission
Challenge Sponsors:
The District Department of Transportation’s mission is to equitably deliver a safe, sustainable, and reliable multimodal transportation network for all residents and visitors of the District of Columbia.
The Southwest Business Improvement District (SWBID) is situated in the Southwest quadrant of Washington, DC. It weaves together three distinct areas in the 500 acres south of the National Mall: Federal Center South, housing 26 federal headquarters; the Southwest neighborhood centered around the Waterfront Metrorail Station; and the transformational District Wharf development, located on the waterfront.
US Ignite works closely with communities, military bases, startups, and researchers to solve their toughest economic development and technology innovation challenges. Operating like a high-tech startup, our nonprofit organization delivers customized results through stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, and targeted tools. In collaboration with our partners, we deliver project outcomes that include breakthrough technologies while creating innovative new jobs, startups, and services. Learn more at us-ignite.org.
Academic Partners:
Since its founding in 1821, the George Washington University has prepared graduates to lead with integrity, resilience, and purpose. GW’s School of Engineering and Applied Science (GW Engineering) leverages its location in the heart of the nation’s capital to convene diverse communities of scholars, practitioners, and professionals to responsibly translate innovation to society. This commitment to real-world impact is a hallmark of our nationally and internationally renowned programs, such as the transportation engineering program, where GW Engineering students, faculty, staff, and alumni collaborate to make a lasting impact in D.C. and around the world through safer and smarter urban transportation systems.
Since its founding in 1861, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Driven by a mission to serve the greater good, our students, faculty and staff tackle today’s most pressing challenges with courage and creativity, making a difference across Washington state — and around the world.
