Addendum No.1 - IFB PUR1-24-1031.pdf

TO: All Bidders

FROM: Maryland Transit Administration

SUBJECT: ADDENDUM NO. 1

Contract No.: IFB PUR1-24-1031 / BPM040297

MTA Light Rail Fare Card Dispensing Machines

DATE: November 2, 2023

Enclosed and effective this date is Addendum No.1 to the subject Contract. This addendum includes

Questions and Answers relevant to both the subject Contract and sister solicitation IFB PUR1-24-1032 /

BPM040305. Additionally, the bid due date has been extended by two weeks from November 3rd, 2023 to

November 17th, 2023 at 2:00pm ET. The bid opening date has likewise been extended to the same day.

This Addendum also adds the following language to IFB PUR1-24-1031 in order to match sister solicitation

IFB PUR1-24-1032:

2.3.12 - Upon delivery of all units, MTA will qualify the vending machines through a final test and inspection of the units delivered against the “Dispensing Machine Requirements”. If the units do not pass these tests the

MTA will notify the Contractor and the Contractor will have 30 business days from the notification to correct the units for retest.

Questions from vendors and corresponding answers are provided below.

Q1: BEA Transit Technologies: Will MTA consider offering an extension of 2 weeks for the due date of the submission for the IFB?

A1: MTA: The bid due date has been extended.

Q2: BEA Transit Technologies: Requirement 2.3.3.h (and others) specify that the vending units must accept

EMV-compliant, contact, and contactless debit and credit cards via a third-party processor. Does MDOT MTA have a preference or requirements for the processor that will be used?

A2: MTA: Vendor may recommend processor of their choice. MTA uses Truist for its current system but no processor is specified for this procurement, so no advantage/disadvantage can be considered to any specific processor.

Q3: BEA Transit Technologies: Requirement 2.3.7 states that “…ongoing credit services…” are not included in the scope of work and that the Scope is for supply of equipment only. Please confirm that bidders should

NOT include merchant fees for processing of bankcard payments in their cost proposal.

A3: MTA: This procurement is for devices able to vend the farecards as described and accept payment via credit card. Credit card processing and mobile network services will be addressed separately and not evaluated within this procurement.

Q4: BEA Transit Technologies: Requirement 2.3.7 states that the Scope is for supply of equipment only, however, requirement 2.3.3.j obligates the contractor to provide ongoing updates to maintain compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (“PCI-DSS”) for the lifetime of the unit. Because the number and frequency of changes that may be made to PCI-DSS, it is infeasible for any bidder to accurately predict the costs of such updates, which could include replacement of costly bankcard reader equipment.

Additionally, it is unclear what timeframe MDOT MTA will consider to be the “lifetime of the unit”. We respectfully request that bidders be allowed to include time and material costs for such updates in their price proposals.

A4: MTA: At the very least, compliance should be assured through the 1-year warranty period. In our experience, PCI certification is usually good for one year, and then normally you can get a one-year extension.

Many times, no updates are made to the system during that year. It should be noted that these machines represent a temporary stop-gap solution that is not expected to be in use for more than 1-2 years (the lifetime of the units). MTA is currently in the process of updating its existing fare system and this solution will help support our transition to the new system. Bidders shall bid on the bid sheet as directed.

Q5: BEA Transit Technologies: Requirement 2.3.7 states that the Scope is for supply of equipment only and the Bid form only includes rows for one-time fees. However, requirement 2.3.3.k obligates the contractor to provide sales reports. Our preferred solution includes a web-based, central system which supports equipment monitoring, configuration, and reporting which is offered on a subscription basis rather than limiting. We respectfully request that MDOT MTA allow bidders to include pricing for a backend (central) system and to provide descriptions of those systems so that the proposal evaluation team can understand why this would be a beneficial addition to the scope of work.

A5: MTA: Recurring or back-office service costs should not be included here. Devices should be able to operate with separately procured credit processing and mobile network services.

Q6: TCS Transportation: Are these replacement machines for existing hardware that you are trying to match, or are these brand new TVMs for the system in Baltimore?

A6: MTA: These units are a new type being introduced to the system.

Q7: TCS Transportation: Will the MTA consider other alternatives that may be a higher cost, but of a better quality and reliability, manufactured in the USA?

A7: MTA: We will consider all bids meeting the required specifications. One of the requirements is that the units must be compliant with “Buy America”. Please note that vendors may only submit one bid in response to this solicitation.

Q8: PKJ International: Could you clarify whether the quantity to be supplied is 40 EA?

A8: MTA: For IFB PUR1-24-1031, the requested quantity is 30 units plus up to 10 additional optional units.

A minimum of 30 units and a maximum of 40 units are being requested. For IFB PUR1-24-1032, the requested quantity is 25 units plus up to 10 additional optional units. A minimum of 25 units and a maximum of 35 units are being requested.

Q9: Innovative Vending Solutions: The kiosk in your documentation, are you wanting it to look exactly like that, or is this open for touch screen application as well?

A9: MTA: The appearance or form factor of the units are flexible. We are open to all solutions that meet the required specifications.

The Bidder shall acknowledge receipt of the Addendum by completing and returning this form with the electronic bid package.

As a reminder, please note that all bids must be submitted through eMMA.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Sincerely, Adam M Hidey

Procurement Officer

RECEIPT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – ADDENDUM NO. 1 TO SOLICITATION IFB PUR1-24-1031

VENDOR NAME:_______________________________________________________________________

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE’S SIGNATURE DATE