00015004 Sole.Source.Determination.Signed.pdf

Sole-Source Determination and Findings; Supporting Document for DP-OPO-043; Version 1 (04/01/18)

Sole-Source Determination and Findings

Vaisala for the supply of DSC-111 and DST-111 pavement sensor equipment

FINDINGS:

The findings below were prepared by Blaine Van Dyke and submitted to the ODOT Procurement Office on 06/23/2025.

1. Name of sole source contractor: Vaisala Inc.

2. General description:

The Vaisala DSC-111 with DSCVIS visibility, DSC211RWS, and DST-111 pavement sensors with associated accessories (241763 pole mount kit, DRUNIVARM-US mounting bracket, 216548 sensor to sensor communication cable, 216546SP 10 meter cable, and DR221741Z50M 50 meter cable) are the only approved equipment by ODOT that works with the Agency’s Active Traffic Management (ATM) software. This equipment is critical in the operations of ODOT’s highways and freeways for automated weather warning and variable speed limit systems. As part of the development of ODOT’s ATM system, the ITS Unit did national research on ATM systems and what other state DOTs are using for sensors. For measuring pavement condition, pavement temperature, and surface friction the Vaisala DSC-111 and DST-111 was used most often and performed most accurately.

In 2012, ODOT and Federal Highway Administration sponsored an evaluation, completed by Western Transportation Institute, of both invasive and non-invasive sensors for variable speed limit systems in wet and extreme weather conditions. The performance of the Vaisala DSC-111 and DST-111 sensors matched all controlled pavement conditions accurately. Surface grip measurements between the tested sensors and a static friction tester were similarly accurate as well. In conclusion, the evaluation of roadside sensors recommended Vaisala sensors and is what lead ODOT’s ITS unit to use the sensors as the statewide standard for monitoring surface condition for advanced warning systems and variable speed limit systems operated by ATM. Additional studies have also been completed comparing invasive sensors and these non-invasive pavement sensors, with similar results of the DSC-111 and DST-111 being comparably accurate.

ODOT has chosen to use non-invasive pavement sensors for several reasons: This technology does not require roadway impacts, it is easily maintainable, and itis just as accurate as in-pavement sensor solutions. Further, these sensors are easier to maintain and limit impact to travelers for lane closures for repair and calibration.

Based on ODOT’s construction and project needs, ITS has determined that the Vaisala sensors should be used on ODOT construction project and specifies this equipment for use in weather monitoring and warning systems and that contractors purchase and install as part of ODOT’s construction project process. Having the contractor purchase materials increases the cost to the agency significantly since contractor overhead costs are included in all material purchases. Additionally, warranty for the materials purchased by contractors is not included in the construction contracts and a price agreement would allow ODOT to set reliable terms directly with the manufacturer. Having a price agreement contract with the sensor manufacturer and distributor Vaisala is a significant savings to the agency.

Vaisala materials are required when replacing failed materials on ODOT’s existing DSC- 111 sensors and DST-111 sensors. ODOT has approximately 54 DSC-111 sensors monitoring pavement condition and 88 DST-111 sensors monitoring pavement temperature in operation around the state. Due to the cost of the equipment, replacing the equipment is not eligible under the small procurement process in ORS 279B.065.

Procuring this equipment is otherwise subject to ORS 279B.055, which is often a lengthier process, ultimately delaying the maintenance and repair. . It is ideal for ODOT to have a price agreement contract for purchasing equipment for construction projects but also for replacement of failed units as maintenance activities.

ODOT acquired approximately 54 DSC-111 and 88 DST-111 in the previous 10 years. If a similar rate of spending occurs, that would place the contract amount at roughly $1.5 million.

3. Summary of market research:

ODOT’s research incorporated many publications and resource documents from national DOT's and universities that have performed technology evaluations of pavement sensors. Some examples of research references include:

• Evaluation of Variable Speed Limit System for Wet and Extreme Weather Conditions SPR 743, Ahmed Al-Kaisy, PhD, PE, Levi Ewan, David Veneziano, PhD, Western Transportation Institute for the Oregon Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration, Jun. 2012.

• Comparison of In-Pavement Versus Non-Invasive Pavement Sensor Technologies, Mike Beyer Caltrans D02, Jun. 2016.

• Remote Sensing of Weather and Road Surface Conditions, Levi Ewan, Ahmed Al- Kaisy, David Venezariano, Transportation Research Record 2329, Jan. 2013.

• Evaluation of Vaisala Spectro Pavement Sensor, Jeff Tilley University of North Dakota-Grand Forks for the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, Feb. 2010.

Vaisala is the sole manufacturer and distributor of DSC-111 with DSCVIS visibility, DSC211RWS, and DST-111 pavement sensors with associated accessories (241763 pole mount kit, DRUNIVARM-US mounting bracket, 216548 sensor to sensor communication cable, 216546SP 10 meter cable, and DR221741Z50M 50 meter cable) equipment to the State of Oregon.

4. The reasons for a sole-source:

✓ Efficient use of existing goods or services requires compatible goods or services:

ODOT has approximately 54 DSC-111 sensors monitoring pavement condition and 88 DST-111 sensors monitoring pavement temperature in operation around the state. It is important for ODOT to procure sensors and required accessories that are compatible to these existing sensors. Accessories as listed are required for use with these sensors. ODOT needs a contract to be able to procure new units but also replace any failed units that work as an assembly with existing equipment. The Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) are custom designed for ODOT to collect road condition and temperature information only from these specific sensors. The RWIS controllers only interface with the Vaisala sensors. Any other sensor that performs similar measurements would require ODOT to modify the RWIS controllers, which is an expensive and lengthy process. Using additional types of sensors is not efficient or practical. They will be harder to maintain and would require spare parts and training of technicians to manage multiple types of sensors. Additionally, the sensors performing these measurements are complicated to configure.

Vaisala is the only manufacturer and distributor that can produce these products and there is no other compatible product.

✓ The goods or services required to exchange software or data with other entities are available from only one source:

The central system Active Traffic Management (ATM) that operates weather warning and variable speed limit systems is also designed specifically for sensor measurements generated by the Vaisala DSC-111 and DST-111. ODOT’s ATM software is custom and developed by ODOT and does not operate with other sensors. In order to integrate sensors from a different manufacturer, ODOT would need to modify existing software.

Software development is extremely costly and a lengthy process involving ODOT’s ISB office but also the Department of Administrative Services and the State CIO’s office.

It is not in the Agency’s interest to evaluate other products or undertake a large software project to integrate other vendor’s sensors.

✓ Other findings that support the conclusion that the goods or services are available from only one source:

ODOT has determined that non-invasive sensors limit the impact to the traveling public. Vaisala has provided a letter stating that they are the sole manufacturer and distributor of these previously listed items. Having a price agreement contract with Vaisala for the supply of pavement sensors DSC-111 with DSCVIS visibility, DSC211RWS, and DST-111 pavement sensors with associated accessories (241763 pole mount kit, DRUNIVARM-US mounting bracket, 216548 sensor to sensor communication cable, 216546SP 10 meter cable, and DR221741Z50M 50 meter cable) is a cost savings to the Agency.

5. Applicable criteria from ORS 279B.075 (check all that apply):

✓ Efficient use of existing goods or services requires compatible goods or services:

✓ The goods or services required to exchange software or data with other entities are available from only one source:

✓ Other findings that support the conclusion that the goods or services are available from only one source:

DETERMINATION:

Based on the written findings above, I determine that the goods and services described are available from only one source.

Signature Print name Date

Benjamin MCCARTNEY (Oct 8, 2025 13:29:59 PDT) Benjamin MCCARTNEY Benjamin MCCARTNEY 10/08/2025 https://secure.na3.documents.adobe.com/verifier?tx=CBJCHBCAABAA73-KYmG52tIpbA_4NuOgj6pEASUOeFjn

00015004 Sole.Source.Determination.FinalToSi gn Final Audit Report 2025-10-08

Created: 2025-10-08 (Pacific Daylight Time)

By: William DETHLOFF (William.D.DETHLOFF@odot.oregon.gov)

Status: Signed

Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAA73-KYmG52tIpbA_4NuOgj6pEASUOeFjn

"00015004 Sole.Source.Determination.FinalToSign" History Document created by William DETHLOFF (William.D.DETHLOFF@odot.oregon.gov) 2025-10-08 - 11:09:19 AM PDT- IP address: 167.131.0.194

Document emailed to Benjamin MCCARTNEY (BJ.MCCARTNEY@odot.oregon.gov) for signature

2025-10-08 - 11:10:20 AM PDT

Document e-signed by Benjamin MCCARTNEY (BJ.MCCARTNEY@odot.oregon.gov) Signature Date: 2025-10-08 - 1:29:59 PM PDT - Time Source: server- IP address: 167.131.0.194

Agreement completed.

2025-10-08 - 1:29:59 PM PDT