00007718_Att H_Technical Proposal Items.docx

Attachment H – Technical Proposal Items

RFP #S-73000-00007718

Variable Message Signs

Oregon Department of Transportation

Variable Message Signs

SYSTEMS OPERATIONS & INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS UNIT

MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS BRANCH

Commerce and Compliance Division

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Please note that in addition to section 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0, which include the words “scored items” in the title, sections 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0 contain desirable scored items that Proposer must respond to in order to receive points.

1.0 OVERVIEW AND DEFINITIONS

This document contains a combination of specifications and required proposal items. Proposer should carefully review the instructions at the beginning of each section for information and instructions about that section. Specifications found in this section will become part of the resulting Price Agreement in Exhibit A – Specifications, modified to incorporate applicable items from the successful Proposer’s Proposal.

Proposer may offer other sizes of variable message signs or related Goods or services not addressed in this RFP. These items will not be scored but if Proposer is awarded a Price Agreement, Agency may choose to include some or all of the proposed items. Pricing, terms and conditions, license agreements, etc. will be negotiated as needed prior to Price Agreement award. Proposer shall provide product literature and pricing to be considered for any additional items proposed.

Definitions

Activate – Per NTCIP 1203, the action of placing a message in the current buffer and performing logic of running the message.

Activation Priority – Per NTCIP 1203, a numeric value between 1 and 255 that the controller compares to the Run-time Priority of the current message. If the Activation Priority is greater than or equal to the Run-time Priority of the current message, the controller can replace the message. If the Activation Priority of the new message is less than the Run-time Priority of the current message the controller rejects the activation of the new message.

AAHSTO – American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

AlInGaP – Aluminum Indium Gallium Phosphide. The chemical composition of a red LED dye.

ANSI – American National Standards Institute

AWS – American Welding Society

Bin – Group of LEDs categorized and sorted by intensity of color. Each “bin” has an upper and lower intensity or color specification and contains only LEDs that are measured to within that range. LED manufacturers sort their LEDs into bins to ensure consistent intensity and color properties.

Blank message – Per NTCIP 1203, a message that is devoid of information content (blank) and the sign face is clear (all pixels off).

Brightness Control – Per NTCIP 1203, a term that defines how the light intensity of a sign is determined/set. Automatic control uses local detection of ambient light to determine the brightness level of the sign, whereas manual control defines the brightness level by a control command.

Brightness level – Per NTCIP 1203, the intensity of light used to form a message or that would be used to format a message if one is not currently displayed. Usually selected in one of several ways. Some examples: NONE, ON/OFF, DAY/NIGHT/OVERBRIGHT, x of y levels, a percent of maximum brightness output level.

Candela – Per NTCIP 1203, an SI unit of measure for luminance, abbreviated cd.

Changeable memory – Per NTCIP 1203, a generic term for a type of memory that allows a user to modify the content. The content of the memory is not lost when power is turned off.

Changeable messages – Per NTCIP 1203, a library of messages stored in non-volatile, memory/storage devices.

Character Height – Per NTCIP 1203, the vertical pitch times the number of pixels in the column of pixels.

Character Spacing – Per NTCIP 1203, the spacing, in pixels, between two characters in line or full matrix signs. The fixed amount of space between two characters on a character matrix sign.

Color – Per NTCIP 1203, the chromaticity specified in terms of the CIE 1931 Colorimetric System. A visually perceived characteristic of light, specified at a particular wavelength in nanometers. Color is one attribute used to display a message. Depending on the display technology of the sign, the color used to display a message may be fixed or selectable.

Column – Per NTCIP 1203, a vertical line of pixels.

Cone of vision – Per NTCIP 1203, the geometric figure (cone) used to define the area in which a message on a sign can be legibly viewed. It is measured in degrees. It is twice the angle from the axis of the pixel to the 50% brightness point on an LED display. The cone of vision is also known as the “viewing angle”.

Default message – Per NTCIP 1203, under normal operating conditions, this term specifies the neutral message. Under default conditions, communications failure, power loss, power recovery and communications time-out, the default message is the message displayed as defined by the corresponding objects. These may or may not be the same as the neutral message.

Default state – Per NTCIP 1203, a defined mode of operation assumed when no other instructions have been received.

Display Activation Time – Per NTCIP 1203, the length of time required to display a page of text on the sign once the complete command has been received by the controller.

Font – Per NTCIP 1203, a type style for a set of characters (letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and symbols).

Forced Air Ventilation – Per NTCIP 1203, a device used to force out the air inside the enclosure or housing and introduce new air from the outside.

Full matrix – Per NTCIP 1203, a type of VMS with the entire display area containing pixels with the same horizontal pitch and the same vertical pitch without fixed lines or characters. A full matrix sign is characterized by its ability to address and change each pixel independently.

Intensity – Per NTCIP 1203, the brightness of light emanating from the display, expressed in candela per unit area.

Lane use control sign – Per NTCIP 1203, overhead signs having displays that permit or prohibit the use of a lane or that indicated impending prohibitions of use [excerpted from MUTCD, clause 4E-8]. A sign that contains multiple symbols to indicate the permissive use of a lane in the direction of travel. Abbreviated LCS.

Legibility Distance – Per NTCIP 1203, the 85th percentile distance at which people with 20/20 corrected vision can read the display.

Light emitting diode (“LED”) – Per NTCIP 1203, a type of display technology using a semi-conductor device that emits a point of light in a controllable manner. The characteristics of the point of light are determined by the type of LED used, e.g. color, cone of vision, luminance, etc.

Management Information Base – Per NTCIP 1203, set of object definitions that define the attributes, properties and controllable features of devices on a network, which can be remotely monitored, configured and controlled. The information is provided in a format called Abstract Syntax Notation. 1 (ASN.1), which is an international standard for defining objects.

Matrix – Per NTCIP 1203, an array of pixels that can display and image.

Message – Per NTCIP 1203, the information to be displayed to the traveler and how it is to be displayed.

Message Duration – Per NTCIP 1203, the time from message activation to message deactivation.

Module – Per NTCIP 1203, one assembly of components, like several similar assemblies, that fit together to make one larger single unit with a unique purpose.

MULTI - Mark Up Language for Transportation Information. Per NTCIP 1203, name of format of the textual part of a message.

MUTCD – Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highway. The MUTCD defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel.

NTCIP – National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems Protocol. A family of standards that provides both the rules for communicating (called protocols) and the vocabulary (call objects) necessary to allow electronic traffic control equipment from different manufactures to operate with each other as a system.

Object – Per NTCIP 1203, a data structure used to monitor or control one feature, attribute or controllable aspect of a manageable device.

Off Axis Angle – Per NTCIP 1203, the angle from the optical axis of the LED, at which, the luminous intensity is one-half that at the optical center.

Optical Center – Per NTCIP 1203, the point of an LED where luminous intensity is at its maximum.

OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Part of the US Department of Labor, OSHA is responsible for ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

Page – Per NTCIP 1203, the information that can fit on a sign at one time, together with its message attributes.

Permanent Memory – Per NTCIP 1203, a generic term for memory that cannot change without physically replacing hardware components.

Permanent messages – Per NTCIP 1203, a library of stored messages in read-only devices.

Photocell – Per NTCIP 1203, a light measuring device used to quantify the ambient light conditions of the sign.

Pitch – Per NTCIP 1203, the center to center distance between two adjacent pixels, that is measured either horizontally or vertically.

Pixel – Per NTCIP 1203, the smallest independently controllable visual element of a VMS.

Protocol – Per NTCIP 1203, a specific set of handshaking rules, procedures and conventions defining the format, sequence and timing of data transmissions between devices that must be accepted and used to understand each other.

Run-time Priority – Per NTCIP 1203, a numeric value between 1 and 255 that the sign controller uses to determine the importance of the message, 1 lowest and 255 highest. To activate a new message, the Activation Priority of the new message must be greater than or equal to the Run-time Priority of the current message. If the Run-time Priority of the current message is greater than the Activation Priority of the new message, the sign controller rejects activation of the new message.

Sign access – Per NTCIP 1203, the approach direction or mechanism used to gain access to the internal components of the sign, e.g. front, rear, walk-in.

Sign controller – Per NTCIP 1203, a device used to control and monitor the operations of a sign. It can have a variety of control interfaces, such as local control panel, a local laptop, or a central computer.

Sign face – Per NTCIP 1203, the portion of the sign that can be controlled by the user or a management station.

Sign housing – Per NTCIP 1203, the sign face enclosure.

Variable message sign or VMS – Per NTCIP 1203, a type of dynamic message sign which allows a user to create and download the message to be displayed into the temporary memory area of the sign controller.

Viewing angle – See Cone of vision.

Visibility – Per NTCIP 1203, the ability to view an object. The greatest distance at which the sign can be seen without the aid of any instruments.

2.0 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (Scored Items)

Proposer must respond to each item in this section and must reference the section and subsection number in its Proposal response. Some responses by the successful Proposer to items in this section may be included in the final Price Agreement as technical specifications or special terms and conditions.

2.1 Experience and Longevity (400 total points possible)

Variable message signs are a costly asset to maintain and to replace. Agency is looking for a sign supplier with longevity in the marketplace. Many times in the past Agency installed variable messages signs from a supplier only to have that supplier go out of business a few years after installation. Agency then would not be able to support the sign with technical support or replacement parts from the manufacturer. This section provides scoring for Proposers that have been in business longer than the minimum mandatory.

· Describe how many years Proposer has been manufacturing LED based VMS signs and selling those signs to transportation agencies in the United States of America.

· Describe how many years Proposer has been supplying 20 mm pixel pitch full matrix full color signs to transportation agencies. Describe the number of different colors the Proposer’s sign supports.

· Agency is interested in a variety of front access and walk-in sign sizes, in addition to those listed in the mandatory section. Describe Proposer’s manufacturing process and flexibility to work on multiple sign sizes and types of VMS orders simultaneously. Provide description and product literature on the different sign sizes and types offered.

· Agency is interested in making sure the selected Contractor is able to meet orders during demanding supply times. Provide information how Proposer was able to continue supplying variable message signs during the supply issues caused by the pandemic.

2.2 Production and Delivery Capacity (400 total points possible) Proposer shall discuss its VMS production, delivery capacity and typical timelines as it relates to highway, freeway and lane control signs. An Agency VMS order could be a single sign or upwards of as many as fifty lane control signs and large variable message signs in support of an active traffic management corridor project. Since Agency supplies signs to construction projects, it is critical for the timeline of the delivery of signs to be consistent. Otherwise Agency may be in a claim situation with its construction contractor if that contractor is waiting on signs to install. Proposer shall describe its production staffing, automation, shiftwork and any other factors that Agency may find important to ensure consistent delivery times. Proposer shall also discuss its approach to manufacturing different sign sizes utilizing the same components. This is beneficial to Agency for stocking replacement spare components.

2.3 Product Development Testing (300 total points possible)

Agency is interested in signs that perform trouble free for many years. Agency is interested in the development process of the Proposer with their sign products that help extend the operating life. Proposer shall provide a description of their product development and how they perform reliability tests of each VMS designed, manufactured and offered for interstate, highway, and lane control applications.

· Environmental Testing – Testing of temperature, humidity, and salt fog (simulation of coastal environments).

· Thermal Shock Testing – Testing between temperature extremities, rapidly or a specific duration.

· Highly Accelerated Life Testing – Testing of extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration to simulate product lifecycle.

· NEMA TS 4 – Testing of electrical, transients, temperature and humidity, vibration, shock, time and timing in accordance with NEMA TS 4-latest edition.

· Design Life and Mean Time Between Failure – Proposer shall state their designed life and mean time between failure for highway and freeway signs offered.

Proposer shall provide documentation showing this product testing is a part of its product development in order to receive points. Just replying with, “Yes,” “meets” or “exceeds” is not adequate to receive points.

2.4 NTCIP 1203 Object Definitions for Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) Working Group Involvement (0 or 175 points possible) Proposer must have a representative that was on the NTCIP 1203 Working Group committee in helping develop the standard, and the working group committee member had to be involved with the development of NTCIP 1203 V03 or later in order to receive points.

2.5 NEMA TS 4 Hardware Standards for Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) with NTCIP (0 or 175 points possible) Proposer must have a representative that was on the NEMA TS4 2021 Working Group helping develop the standard in order to receive points.

2.6 International Organization for Standardization Quality Management Program (0 or 100 points possible) Proposer must provide a current ISO 9001 certification to receive points.

2.7 Quality Assurance – Burn In and Inspection (200 total points possible) Signs should be product inspected and tested prior to shipment. Proposer shall discuss its quality assurance as it relates to product manufacturing and inspection, testing and operational testing duration to ensure signs are built properly and operate successfully prior to shipment.

2.8 Commissioning (100 Total Points Possible)

Describe Proposer’s means of commissioning each VMS delivered in Oregon. Provide names of any subcontractors that may be used.

Agency may have several projects in construction at the same time that include many signs in each project. Describe Proposer’s ability to commission multiple projects at different parts of the State at the same time. Provide a typical timeline it takes to commission Proposer’s sign.

2.9 Technical Support (100 Total Points Possible)

Discuss the Proposer’s technical support offered. Describe business hours phone support, online support, online manuals, and the return process for repairs.

At times, Agency needs permanent messages created as its operational needs change well after the sign has been commissioned. As permanent messages are created by the sign manufacturer, provide a description of any permanent message support offered by the Proposer and if this support is a cost to Agency. Agency may include technical support services with the selected Proposer for the support of permanent messages outside of the sign ordering. However, points are available if this support is at no additional cost to Agency.

2.10 Warranty (550 Total Points Possible)

Contractor shall provide a minimum one-year warranty for the supply and service of failed parts. Proposer must include a detailed description of warranty(ies) that will be included if Proposer is selected for award. It is desirable for the selected Contractor to have a longer warranty period, at no additional cost to Agency, Points are available for each additional year a sign supplied to Agency is warranted by the Contractor. Warranty after one year does not need to include on-site labor for points; Agency staff will perform the removal and replacement of failed parts.

Interstate and highway signs proposed

Weigh station sign proposed

If Proposer offers extended warranty at a cost, Proposer shall provide this information within the Proposer’s proposal; however, points will not be awarded if the warranty comes with a cost.

3.0 (SCORED) DOCUMENTATION FOR 96X400 OR LARGER WALK-IN SIGN

Sign documentation is critical for Agency for use in troubleshooting and repairing failed parts. For purposes of Proposer selection under this RFP, Agency is requesting documentation from each Proposer for only one sign size (96x400) as described below. Documentation must clearly show that the proposed sign meets all mandatory specifications listed in Section 4, and must address each of the items listed in the subsections below. Items 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 will be scored using the listed points schedule. Item 3.4 is a required Proposal item but will not be scored.

3.1 Sign User/Maintenance Manual (200 total points possible)

Proposer shall submit a copy of the user/maintenance manual for its 96x400 or larger walk-in variable message sign offered. Agency will score the ease of use and completeness of the manual. Agency will look for detailed information that includes the following topics and others in order to determine how well the Proposer documents its product for maintenance support and troubleshooting:

· LED Modules

· Power Supplies

· Surge Suppression

· Photocells

· Door switches

· Ventilation and Heating, Fans and Filters

· Power Service

· Control Board Addressing

· Maintenance and Troubleshooting

· Diagnostics and Error Codes

· Controller Replacement

· Module Replacement

· Display Maintenance

· Part Numbers

· Repair and Returns

· Shop Diagrams

· Wiring Diagrams

· Equipment Layout Diagrams

3.2 Sign Controller User Manual (200 total points possible)

Proposer shall submit a user manual for the sign controller. Agency will score the completeness and ease of use of Proposer’s manual based on the following topics and others:

· Logging in/log out

· Changing passwords

· Activating a message, blank the sign

· Check current status

· Adjust dimming

· Pixel testing

· Running fans and heaters

· Power supply status

· Checking firmware versions

· Restore sign to default settings

· Configure sign settings (module type, display type, pixel height, pixel width, etc.)

· Configure IP addressing

· Configuring serial ports

· Font configuration

· Installing permanent messages

· Setting Date/Time

· General troubleshooting

3.3 Professional Engineer Drawings and Calculations (200 total points possible) Proposer shall submit a copy of a professional engineering stamped drawings and calculations that are associated with Proposer’s 96x400 or larger walk-in sign from a previous project. The drawings and calculations submitted for this RFP may be stamped by a professional engineer in any state in the USA. (Please note that the awarded Price Agreement will require drawings and calculations to be stamped by a professional engineer licensed in Oregon.)

Agency will score the drawings and calculations for the following:

· Design, fabrication, installation, and construction criteria and standards

· Elevation, side, rear views

· Safety tie-off details

· Z bracket detail

· Isometric views

· Vertical support spacing

· Dead Loads

· Live Loads

· Ice Loads

· Wind Loads

· Fatigue Load

· Truck Gusts

· Galloping

· Lifting

Proposer shall provide model settings and outputs of any engineering calculation software used in the analysis.

3.4 National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol (Required item, not scored) Proposer shall provide a Protocol Requirements List (PRL) for the 96x400 or larger variable message sign offered. The PRL needs to include all NTCIP 1203 V03 objects supported and their respective ranges.

4.0 SPECIFICATIONS (and scored items) FOR INTERSTATE, HIGHWAY AND LANE USE CONTROL SIGNS The specifications below are mandatory unless specifically identified otherwise as “desirable.” Proposer must clearly show in its Proposal that the signs it offers in response to Sections 5.0 and 6.0 meet all mandatory specifications in this section. This section contains desirable, scored items in subsections 4.3.9, 4.6, and 4.13. In order to receive points for these items, Proposer must ensure that its response clearly identifies which section and subsection each response pertains to. (Desirable items proposed by the winning Proposer and accepted by ODOT will appear in the final awarded Price Agreement as requirements.) Also, Proposer must respond to subsection 4.3.3 regarding downward tilt angle.

4.1 DESIGN CRITERIA

Contractor shall provide 20 mm pixel pitch, 30 degree cone of vision (minimum), full color (RGB), full matrix light emitting diode (LED) variable message signs designed for a 10-year minimum highway and freeway continuous usage lifespan. Agency expects to operate the signs for at least 20 years with the occasional replacement of failed consumable components.

Unless otherwise approved by Agency, all signs provided for highway and freeway applications shall meet the following codes, standards, and listings:

· UL 48 Electric Signs or Oregon recognized equivalent NTRL

· UL 1433 Control Center Controllers for Changing Message Signs or Oregon recognized equivalent NRTL

· NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, latest edition

· ANSI/AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code – Aluminum

· NEMA 250, Enclosures for Electrical Equipment, Type 3R

· AASHTO Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, latest edition

· NEMA TS 4, Hardware Standards for Dynamic Message Signs with NTCIP Requirements, latest edition

· FCC (CFR Title 47, Part 15) compliant

· NTCIP family of protocol standards

· OSHA 1910.140c(13)(i), Fall Protection (for walk-in signs only)

· Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), latest edition

All signs shall be capable of displaying every color listed within the latest version of the MUTCD.

4.2 ENGINEERING DOCUMENTATION

All engineering drawings and calculations shall be stamped by a professional engineer registered in the State of Oregon. Engineering drawings and calculations shall clearly show the signs offered meet AASHTO Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals for dead load, live load, wind load, ice load, seismic, fatigue, galloping, truck gusts, and natural wind gusts. All walk-in signs shall have engineering details showing fall protection connection with calculations supporting the design meets OSHA requirements.

Engineering drawings and details for the sign housing, mounts, and connections must show all material description, dimensioning, member sizes, and connection methods. Stress analysis calculations must be provided showing the sign’s framing, mounts, and connections meet the applicable design codes and standards. Calculations must be provided to show the connection can support the load case from lifting the sign, dead loads, combined dead plus wind loads, and combined dead plus ice plus wind loads. Transverse wind load must be incorporated in the calculations.

Only upon approval of the engineering documentation will Agency order signs.

4.3 GENERAL

Variable message signs shall be walk-in or front access types only. (Rear access signs proposed will be rejected). Proposer shall only offer 20mm pixel pitch, 30 degrees visibility cone (minimum) horizontal and vertical, full matrix, full color (R-G-B) light emitting diode variable message signs designed for interstate and highway application. Fiber optic, flip disk, incandescent lamp, and any other non-LED technologies will be rejected.

Variable message signs offered shall be able to display messages composed of any combination of alphanumeric text, punctuation symbols, and graphical images.

All signs provided must be compatible with Agency’s Dynamic Message Sign NTCIP compliant central software. If Contractor’s sign does not communicate fully with Agency’s DMS central software at time of commissioning, Contractor shall work with Agency in NTCIP testing and correcting any issues encountered with Contractor’s protocol.

4.3.1 Housing

Variable message signs shall be NEMA 3R ventilated.

4.3.2 Legibility

Signs shall be legible from eleven hundred (1100) feet with an 18” high NEMA character font for individuals with 20/20 corrected eyesight.

4.3.3 Sign Construction

The sign housing structural frame shall be constructed from extruded aluminum alloy 6061-T6, 6063-T6 or a combination of both. All sides of the sign housing exterior, except the face, shall be constructed of 5052-H32 aluminum alloy sheets.

The front face of the sign shall have a permanent tilt of downwards for viewing purposes.

REQUIRED RESPONSE: Proposer shall provide the downward tilt angle of the sign proposed.

All structural assembly hardware shall be high strength galvanized steel A325.

4.3.4 Welding

The skin of the sign housing shall be continuously welded to the frame. All exterior sheet seams shall be continuously seamed welded to the frame. The sign housing shall be welded and expected in accordance with ANSI/AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code – Aluminum. Welding shall be performed per manufacturer’s welding procedures. Personnel performing the welding shall be certified to AWS D1.2. A certified welding inspector shall inspect all sign welding on a daily basis and record welding progress, welding integrity, and any corrective actions taken. These reports shall be available to Agency upon request.

4.3.5 Mounting Brackets

Multiple z-brackets shall be bolted to the rear of the sign housing to allow the sign to attach to the support structure. The z-brackets shall be extruded from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and attached to the sign structural framing members. Z brackets must be attached at the manufacturer’s facility prior to shipping to Oregon. The Z brackets shall be attached to the sign frame using high strength steel galvanized A325 bolts. Direct tension indicators shall be used to verify that mounting hardware is tightened appropriately.

4.3.6 Lifting Points

Each sign shall come with galvanized steel or stainless steel lifting eyebolts (or similar) mounted to the top of the sign housing for moving and installation. Hardware shall attach directly to the sign housing structural frame. All mounting points shall be sealed to prevent water entry. Lifting hardware shall be designed such that the sign can be shipped and handled without damage or excessive stress to the sign housing during transportation and installation.

4.3.7 Front Face

The front face shall be constructed with multiple rigid panels that protect the LED display matrix. The panels shall be fabricated from aluminum sheeting on the exterior and a UV resistant polycarbonate sheeting on the interior.

The front face shall provide sunlight protection to the LED’s and a high contrast background for the sign’s messages. The aluminum mask of each panel shall be painted black and shall contain a window for each LED pixel. Openings shall be large enough to allow for the thirty (30) degrees viewing angle.

The front face shall not distort or adversely impact the message legibility with the maximum AASHTO wind rating specified elsewhere.

4.3.8 Front Face Exterior Finish

The front face shall be coated with semi-gloss black polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) applied in accordance with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA 2605) to provide a long lasting durable coating that is resistance to weathering. All other surfaces shall be natural mill finish aluminum.

4.3.9 Front Face Doors (Front Access Signs)

The sign’s front face may be constructed utilizing a single door or multiple doors. However, the distance of Agency’s existing structures vertical supports to the maintenance service access platform vertical posts is three feet and one and one half inches (3’-1-1/2”). Front access signs proposed shall be able to be installed and serviced safely with this dimensioning. All front access signs shall be serviceable by a single technician.

The door panels shall be fabricated using aluminum sheeting on the exterior and polycarbonate sheeting on the interior of the door paneling.

The sign housing shall provide a safe and convenient access to all modular assemblies, components, wiring and subsystems located inside the sign. All of these components shall be removable and replaceable by a single technician.

A retaining safety latch that locks the door opened shall be provided to prevent the door from moving in the wind. Doors shall be fully sealed by use of a gasket.

DESIRABLE SCORED ITEM: It is desirable for front access signs proposed to have their doors vertically hinged and utilizing multiple doors for ease and safety of maintenance staff (Desirable – 200 points).

DESIRABLE SCORED ITEM: It is desirable for the front access signs proposed to have the LED modules mounted to the front face door panels and the power supplies and control equipment mounted to the sign housing for ease of maintenance (Desirable – 150 points).

4.3.10 Service Access Doors (Walk-in Signs)

Walk-in signs shall come with a minimum eighty (80) inches in height service access door on the left, right, or both sides that swing forward or towards the rear of the sign as specified at time or sign ordering. A stainless steel hinge shall support each door. Doors shall swing outwards. In the closed position, each door shall latch to its frame by a three point draw roller mechanism. The latching handle shall include an internal handle and release lever. Door release levers shall be located so that service personnel with no key or tools cannot become trapped inside the sign.

Access doors, when open at a ninety (90) degrees angle shall not extend more than thirty eight (38) inches from the housing. The bottom edge of the door shall be at least three and a half (3-1/2) inches from the bottom of the sign housing such that it provides clearance for the door to swing over an external access platform.

Doorframes shall be double flanged or fully framed on all sides to shed water. Each door, when closed shall compress against a closed cell foam gasket, which adheres to the door. Each door shall come with a door stop to keep the door open at ninety degrees (90).

Doors shall be lockable by padlock and by key.

The sign shall be equipped with an OSHA compliant safety rail assembly, which prevents service personnel from falling out of the sign when closed across an open access door. A rail assembly must be provided for each door in the display. The rail assembly shall require no tools to open and close.

The sign shall be equipped with an OSHA compliant anchor point at each entrance location for the connection of a personal fall arrest system. These anchorages integrated to the support structure must be strong enough to withstand a force of five thousand (5,000) pounds (22.2 kilonewtons) as required by OSHA. The anchorages must be located such that they will not allow a person to free-fall for more than six (6) feet when a six (6) foot lifeline is used. The anchorages must be located just inside each access door within easy reach from the outside.

4.3.11 Internal Work Area (Walk-in Signs)

Walk-in signs shall provide a minimum seventy two (72) inches of headroom for maintenance personnel. Each sign shall come with a minimum twenty four (24) inch wide aluminum non-slip maintenance walkway that runs the entire length of the sign. The walkway shall support a live load as listed in AASHTO Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals.

4.3.12 Fall Protection Anchor (Walk-in Signs)

Walk-in signs shall come with OSHA compliant fall protection anchorage at each entrance location for the connection of a personal fall arrest systems. The anchorage shall integrate to the support structure to withstand a force of five thousand pounds as required by OSHA. The anchorage shall be located such that it will not allow a person to fall more than six feet when a six feet lifeline/lanyard is used. The anchor shall be located just inside each access door within easy reach from the outside by bucket truck.

4.3.13 Laptop Shelf (Walk-in Signs)

Each walk-in sign housing shall come with a fold down laptop shelf that suitable for supporting a laptop during maintenance operations. The shelf shall include a drawer and be made from aluminum.

4.4 Electrical

4.4.1 Electrical Power

Each sign shall operate from a 120/240V AC 60Hz single phase power source. The sign shall operate with an AC power supply frequency range of 57-63 Hz per NEMA TS4.

Any power interruption of less than 50 ms shall not cause the display to change to an undesirable state per NEMA TS4.

4.4.2 Conduit Entrances

A UL listed watertight threaded conduit hub for electrical service conductors and one conduit hub for communication cabling shall be provided on each sign housing. Conduit hub locations shall be located such that they are not in conflict with the recommended vertical structural member locations.

Conduit hubs shall be plugged when the signs are shipped to Oregon for delivery.

4.4.3 Electrical Service Panel

The sign shall come with electrical service panel. Each panel shall be UL listed and use only UL listed circuit breakers.

4.4.4 Internal Wiring

Wiring for LED display module control, environmental control circuits, and other internal components shall be installed in the sign housing in a neat and professional manner. Wiring shall not impede the removal of display modules, power supplies, environmental control equipment, and other sign components. Wires shall not make contact with or bend around sharp metal edges. All wiring shall conform to the National Electrical Code.

4.4.5 Grounding and Bonding

The sign shall have one earth ground lug that is electrically bonded to the sign housing. The lug shall be installed near the power entrance location on the sign housing’s rear wall.

Agency will provide the materials and services needed to properly earth ground the sign. All earth grounding shall conform to the National Electrical Code.

4.4.6 Convenience Outlet

The sign shall contain a utility electrical outlet of a minimum one (1) NEMA 15-R, 120VAC duplex outlet with ground fault circuit interrupters for maintenance personnel. The outlet shall be located by the sign’s control equipment and labeled “Utility Outlet” or “For Maintenance Use” or similar.

4.4.7 Surge and Transient Protection

The AC power feed for all equipment in the sign housing shall be protected at the panel board by a parallel-connection surge suppresser rated for a minimum surge of 40 kA. This device shall conform to the following requirements:

· Withstand a peak 100,000-ampere surge current, 40kA L-N, 40kA L-G

· Designed, manufactured, & tested consistent with: ANSI/IEEE C62.41.1-2002, ANSI/IEEE C62.41.2-2002, ANSI/IEEE C62.45-2002 or equivalent industry standards

· Temperature range of -40ºF to +185°F (-40ºC to +140ºC)

· UL 1449 Fifth Edition listed

Surge protection testing shall pass transient testing per NEMA TS4.

4.4.8 Radio Frequency Emissions

All electronic equipment must be designed in accordance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 15, Subpart B.

4.4.9 Internal Lighting (Walk-In Signs)

The sign housing shall contain lighting for maintenance personnel that meets NEMA TS4-2016. A timer switch shall be located near each access door. Each timer shall be adjustable from 15 minutes to 4 hours.

4.4.10 Printed Circuit Boards

Printed circuit boards and printed circuit assemblies shall comply with the latest version of IPC-A-610 Class B per NEMA TS4.

Printed circuit boards shall be conformal coated to combat damage from dust, condensation, salt spray, moisture, and fungus in extreme and harsh environments. Conformal coating must use silicon, acrylic, or equivalent meeting ANSI/IPC-CC-830B, IPC-A-610 Class B, military specifications, or other equivalent industry standards.

4.4.11 Light Emitting Diodes

Signs shall be constructed with discrete LEDs manufactured by a reputable manufacturer. The LED manufacturer shall perform color and intensity sorting of the bins. The various LED color and intensity bins shall be distributed evenly throughout the sign and shall be consistent from pixel to pixel. LEDs shall be rated to have a minimum 100,000 hours of continuous operations while maintaining 50% of the original brightness.

All LEDs shall have a nominal viewing cone of 30 degrees with a half power angle of 15 degrees measured from the longitudinal axis of the LED. Using optical lenses with 15 degrees LED’s to achieve the 30 degree cone is not acceptable.

Red LEDs shall be AlInGaP semiconductor type and emit red light with a peak wavelength of 618-630 nm.

Green LEDs shall be InGaN semiconductor type and emit green light with a peak wavelength of 519-539 nm.

Blue LEDs shall be InGaN semiconductor type and emit blue light with a peak wavelength of 460-480 nm.

LEDs shall be fabricated with UV light resistant epoxy.

4.4.12 LED Pixels

Each LED module shall contain a printed circuit board to which the LED pixels are soldered to. The base of the LEDS shall be soldered such that they are parallel to the surface of the printed circuit board. The distance from the center of one pixel to the center of all adjacent pixels, both horizontally and vertically shall be 20mm. Each pixel shall consist of a minimum of one independent string of discrete Red, Blue, and Green LEDs. All pixels shall contain an equal quantity of LED strings. The failure of an LED string shall not cause the failure of any other LED string or pixel of the sign. Each pixel shall contain the quantity of discrete LEDs needed to output white colored light at a minimum luminous intensity of 12,400 candelas per square meter when measured using a photometric meter through the sign’s front face panel.

4.4.13 LED Display Modules

The sign shall contain LED display modules that include an LED pixel array and LED driver circuitry. These modules shall be mounted adjacently in a two-dimensional array to form a continuous LED pixel matrix. Each LED display module shall be constructed as follows:

· All LED modules shall be manufactured and designed to Institute of Printed Circuit (IPC) Standards.

· Each LED display module shall be mounted to the rear of the display’s front face panels using durable non-corrosive hardware. No tools shall be required for module removal and replacement. The modules shall be mounted such that the LEDs emit light through the face panel’s pixel holes and such that the face panel does not block any part of the viewing cone of any of the LEDs in any pixels.

· LED display module power and signal connections shall be a quick-disconnect locking connector type. Removal of a display module from the sign shall not require a soldering operation.

· All exposed metal on both sides of each printed circuit board, except connector contacts, shall be protected from water and humidity exposure by a thorough application of conformal coating. Bench level repair of individual components, including discrete LED replacement and conformal coating repair, shall be possible.

· Removal or failure of single LED module shall not affect the operation of any other LED module or sign component. Removal of one or more LED modules shall not affect the structural integrity of any part of the sign.

· It shall not be possible to mount an LED display module upside-down or in an otherwise incorrect position within the sign display matrix.

· All LED display modules, as well as the LED pixel boards and driver circuit boards, shall be identical and interchangeable throughout the sign.

4.4.14 Pixel Drive Circuitry

Driver circuitry shall be provided for each LED pixel module and shall individually control all pixels on that module. The display modules shall conform to the following specifications:

· Each LED driver board shall be microprocessor-controlled and shall communicate with the sign controller on a wire or fiber optic communication network using an addressable network protocol. The microprocessor shall process commands from the sign controller to display data, perform diagnostic tests, and report pixel and diagnostic status.

· Constant current LED driver integrated circuits shall be used to prevent LED forward current from exceeding the LED manufacturer’s recommended forward current whenever a forward voltage is applied. To maximize LED service life, LED drive currents will not be allowed that exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations for the 100,000-hour lifetime requirement.

· The LED pixels shall be directly driven using pulse width modulation (PWM) of the drive current to control the display intensity. This LED driver circuitry shall vary the current pulse width to achieve the proper display intensity levels for all ambient light conditions. The drive current pulse shall be modulated at a 240 Hz or higher frequency to provide flicker-free operation and a minimum of 200 brightness levels. 240 Hz or higher frequency is required such that autonomous vehicle cameras can read the signs and process the messaging.

· Each LED driver circuit shall be powered by 24 VDC from external regulated DC power supplies.

· The LED driver circuitry shall be able to detect that individual LED strings or pixels are stuck off and shall report the pixel status to the sign controller upon request.

4.4.15 DC Regulated Power Supplies

LED pixel display modules shall be powered by auto-ranging regulated switching power supplies that convert 120VAC to DC at a nominal range of 24V. Power supplies shall be wired in a redundant configuration that uses multiple supplies for the sign’s display matrix. If one power supply fails, the remaining power supplies shall be able to operate all of the pixels at 100% brightness.

Each power supply shall be powered from separate circuit breakers such that a single tripped circuit breaker will not interrupt power from more than one supply.

The power supplies shall be sufficient to maintain the appropriate LED display intensity throughout the entire operating input voltage range.

The power supplies used to power the LED pixel modules shall be identical and interchangeable throughout the VMS.

The power supplies used to power the LED pixel modules shall have an application of conformal coating to protect from the environmental elements and must be either UL listed or recognized.

The regulated DC power supplies shall conform to the following specifications:

· Nominal output voltage of 24 VDC +/- 10%

· Nominal maximum output power rating of 1000 watts

· Operating input voltage range shall be a minimum of 90 to 264 VAC

· Operating temperature range shall be a minimum of –30ºF to +165ºF (-34ºC to +74ºC)

· Maximum output power rating shall be maintained over a minimum temperature range of –30ºF to +120ºF (-34ºC to +50ºC)

· Power supply efficiency shall be a minimum of 80%

· Power factor rating shall be a minimum of 0.90

· Power supply input circuit shall be fused

· Automatic output shut down and restart if the power supply overheats or one of the following output faults occurs: over-voltage, short circuit, or over-current

4.5 Environmental

The sign shall operate in a minimum temperature range of -30 degrees F to 165 degrees F and relative humidity range of 0-99% non-condensing per NEMA TS4.

4.5.1 Ambient Light Monitoring

Signs shall come with three photocells for monitoring ambient light conditions for automatically adjusting the pixel intensity. Two of the photocells shall be located such that they measure ambient light levels at the front and rear of the sign. The third photocell shall be located on the bottom of the sign housing facing the ground. The sign controller shall continuously monitor the photocell levels and adjust the LED intensity to a level that creates a legible message on the sign.

4.5.2 Ambient Temperature

At least one temperature sensor shall be mounted to the rear or bottom of the sign housing for monitoring ambient temperature. The sensor shall be located such that it is never in direct sunlight. The external temperature reading shall be continuously monitored by the sign controller.

4.5.3 Internal Temperature

At least one temperature sensor shall be located inside the sign’s housing for monitoring the internal temperature. The sensor shall be continuously monitored by the sign’s controller. The sign’s controller shall automatically turn off the LED modules to prevent damage if the measured internal temperature exceeds the maximum temperature threshold by the LED manufacturer.

4.5.4 Internal Humidity

The sign shall come with at least one humidity sensor for monitoring the sign housing’s internal humidity. The sensor shall continuously monitor the humidity and have a range of 0-100%. The sensor shall be continuously monitored by the sign controller.

4.5.5 Vibration

The VMS equipment shall maintain its functions and physical integrity when subjected to vibration testing of section 2.2.4 of NEMA TS4.

4.5.6 Shock

The VMS equipment shall suffer neither permanent mechanical deformation nor any damage that renders the unit inoperable, when subjected to shock testing of Section 2.2.5 of NEMA TS 4.

4.5.7 Ventilation

The VMS shall contain an electronically controlled forced air ventilation system and a failsafe thermostat designed to keep the internal sign’s components safe when the outdoor ambient temperature is +115°F (+46°C) or less. The ventilation system shall consist of two or more air intake ports. Each intake port shall be covered with a filter that removes airborne particles measuring 500 microns in diameter and larger. One or more ball bearing-type fans shall be mounted at each intake port. Fans and air filters shall be removable and replaceable from inside the signs. Each primary ventilation fan shall contain a sensor to monitor its rotational speed, measured in revolutions per minute and shall be reported to the sign controller upon request with an indication of a pass or fail status. One exhaust port shall be provided for each air intake port. All exhaust port openings shall be screened to prevent the entrance of insects and small animals. An aluminum hood attached to the rear wall of the sign’s housing shall cover each air intake and exhaust port. All intakes and exhaust hoods shall be thoroughly sealed to prevent water from entering the sign housing. The sign shall come with LED pixel fans to prevent thermal dimming of the modules. A manual override timer switch shall be located just inside the access door to manually activate the ventilation system. The switch shall be adjustable from zero (0) to four (4) hours. If doors are located at both ends of the cabinet, one override switch shall be located at each door.

The sign shall contain an automatically controlled defog system that warms the front face when the internal relative humidity is near condensation levels. This system shall keep the front face polycarbonate panel free of fog and condensation.