20250226_Addendum_RFP_24-07_NMCOG Traffic Counting Program 2025.pdf

NNorthern Middlesex Council of Governments

A Multi-Disciplinary Regional Planning Agency Serving:

Billerica – Chelmsford – Dracut – Dunstable – Lowell – Pepperell – Tewksbury – Tyngsborough – Westford

Jennifer M. Raitt Executive Director

Stephen Themelis Chair

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP #24-07: 2025 Traffic Counting Program – Data Collection Services

Addendum 1, Posted March 3, 2025

Vendor Questions and Responses

TRAFFIC COUNTER EQUIPMENT AND TESTING

1. Regarding equipment testing, page 9 states “Submitted recorder accuracy certification with an approved traffic counter tester is an acceptable alternative to the below testing requirements.”

What is required in the testing process to meet the acceptable alternative criteria?

RESPONSE: “Recorder accuracy certification” refers to a traffic simulation test offered by some counter manufacturers. If the consultant’s counter equipment can provide traffic simulation test results, NMCOG can submit the test results to MassDOT for approval in lieu of the manual certification procedures.

If the traffic counters do not have this testing ability or if the counter simulation test is not approved by MassDOT, the manual certification procedures need to be followed as listed in procedure number two in MassDOT’s 2025 RPA Traffic Counting Procedures (see page 9 of the RFP). NMCOG shall not be responsible for compensating consultants for counts taken with equipment that is not certified under these procedures.

2. Will cameras be permitted for use if they can provide FHWA 13-bin axle classification and speed data? If cameras are permitted, is there an approval process and what is that process?

RESPONSE: According to MassDOT, camera-based traffic counting equipment is acceptable if it can collect FHWA 13-bin axle classification and speed data and if the submitted test data meets MassDOT requirements. Please see procedure number two in the 2025 RPA Traffic Counting Procedures for testing requirements (page nine of the RFP).

Recorders showing a difference in axle volumes < 10% compared to the manual axle volumes for each interval are acceptable.

Proposers should review the 2025 RPA Traffic Counting Procedures, noting that all equipment is subject to testing prior to the commencement of the annual program. Data from counters that do not meet test requirements will not be accepted. NMCOG shall only compensate consultants for counts taken with equipment that has been approved by

Addendum 1, NMCOG Request for Proposals 24-07. March 3, 2025 2

MassDOT for traffic counting purposes; NMCOG shall not be liable for delays in counts or the need for multiple count location visits due to a consultant not using approved equipment.

MASSACHUSETTS AND MASSDOT EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

3. The bid lists the following under minimum criteria: “Minimum of two (2) year experience working in Massachusetts and with MassDOT.” Would NMCOG consider reducing this requirement to a minimum of one (1) year?

RESPONSE: NMCOG/NMMPO will consider and score proposals all proposals received, including those from vendors with one (1) year of experience working in Massachusetts and with MassDOT (see Criteria for Evaluating Proposals on page 7 of the RFP). However, proposals demonstrating two or more years of experience will receive higher scores.

BUDGET AND COST ESTIMATES

4. What is the budget for this contract?

RESPONSE: NMCOG is seeking to understand consultant’s cost per count for this project to allocate appropriate funding from its MassDOT Planning Funds contract for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 funds and to request adequate funding for Federal Fiscal Year 2026.

Consultant costs for the 2024 traffic counting season were $25,000 with counts ranging from $200-250 per location. NMCOG anticipates a similar budget for the 2025 traffic counting season. NMCOG is seeking a balance of quality of service and competitive pricing.

5. On the quote form, should the information cost figures be for classification counts only or for classification and speed counts?

RESPONSE: Cost figures should include both classification and speed counts.

COUNT LOCATIONS

6. 496 / RPA06-295-496 (North St north of Main St) and 715 / RPA06-295-715 (North St south of East St) are within the same segment. Would these be treated as two separate locations with two separate data collections or would collecting data at only one of these points suffice?

RESPONSE: Locations #496 and #715 are mistakenly located on the same segment and are listed in the RFP’s preliminary data collection program location table due to a legacy data error. NMCOG will remove location #496 and require only data collection for location ID #715 (North St south of East St).

Addendum 1, NMCOG Request for Proposals 24-07. March 3, 2025 3

Only one data collection on a given segment is required as long as the data collection includes both traffic directions and all other required count data is captured. We welcome and will address any other questions about count locations as questions arise.

Note that the list provided in the RFP is a representative list of anticipated count locations;

some locations may change prior to contract finalization, and an additional 20 locations are reserved for ad hoc requests by NMCOG communities in the earlier months of the traffic counting season.

7. For 1033 / RPA06-079-1033, the coordinates do not match the location description. The coordinates are for Rte 133 / Andover St west of River Rd instead of Rte 113 / Pleasant St west of Lakeview Ave. Which is the correct location?

RESPONSE: The correct coordinates for #1033 Rte. 113 Pleasant St. west of Lakeview Ave.

are 42.6645368°N, 71.3225170°W. Note that counting location coordinates are approximate and actual counter placement locations may depend on roadway geometry, pole locations, and safety considerations.

Note also that the list provided in the RFP is a representative list of anticipated count locations; some locations may change prior to contract finalization, and an additional 20 locations are reserved for ad hoc requests by NMCOG communities in the earlier months of the traffic counting season.