RFP Document.pdf

Request for Proposal Page 1 NDT Testing Methods for SD

South Dakota Department of Transportation

Request for Proposals Project SD2025-06

Title: Non-Destructive Testing Methods for South Dakota Structural Inspections

Problem Description: Structures are a critical component of the transportation network. As they age, deteriorate, and approach or exceed their operational capacities, effective condition assessment becomes increasingly vital. Inspections play a central role in identifying rehabilitation needs, monitoring deterioration, and ensuring safety and long-term performance. Over the past several decades, nondestructive testing (NDT) technologies have emerged as alternative tools for structural inspection.

These methods may offer safer and more efficient alternatives for assessing structural integrity, possibly reducing the time required to detect, analyze, and diagnose a wide range of concerns. While NDT technologies have numerous applications for structural inspections, SDDOT has identified two primary areas where these technologies could offer the greatest benefit during inspections.

The first area is the detection of voids adjacent to buried structures. These voids typically form due to soil erosion, settlement, and water movement through the backfill material surrounding the structure. If left unchecked, they can migrate upward into the roadway base course and surfacing, creating the potential for catastrophic traffic incidents such as sinkhole formation or wheel punch-through. Currently, there is no reliable inspection methods available to quantify the void volume or determine the extent of upward migration toward the roadway surface. Furthermore, many small structures on the SDDOT system are not routinely inspected, meaning voids often go undetected until problems arise. A network-level inspection tool could help identify these issues early and prevent potentially devastating incidents.

The second area is the detection of deck delamination. Traditionally, SDDOT bridge inspectors have supplemented visual inspections with manual techniques such as chain dragging and hammer sounding.

While these methods are often considered the “gold standard” for accuracy, chain dragging can be subjective, especially for less experienced inspectors. In high-traffic areas, it can be difficult to distinguish subtle differences in sound, and inspectors are exposed to hazardous traffic conditions for extended periods.

SDDOT is interested in exploring additional NDT applications for structural inspection as well; however, the previously discussed concerns remain the highest priority. There may be the potential for a single NDT technology to address multiple inspection challenges. This could improve efficiency and reduce costs. For all applications presented, SDDOT seeks guidance on selecting NDT methods that can assess structural conditions both on a network-wide basis and for individual projects. These methods should complement traditional inspections and provide engineers with better data for short and long-term planning.

Although substantial research exists on individual NDT techniques, uncertainties remain regarding their defect-detection capabilities and the reliability of collected data. These challenges complicate adoption decisions and lead to variability in how agencies apply NDT in the field. This study aims to clarify how, when, and where State DOTs employ NDT methods for highway structure inspection. The objective is to understand current practices, available technologies, identify gaps, and determine which NDT technologies will provide the greatest benefit to the agency’s inspection program.

Importance: Integrating NDT technologies into SDDOT’s structural inspection program offers several potential benefits. First, adopting NDT methods may reduce inspectors’ exposure to traffic-related

Request for Proposal Page 2 NDT Testing Methods for SD hazards. Second, these technologies provide additional tools, enabling early detection of deficiencies and facilitating timely maintenance and rehabilitation—ultimately supporting more efficient allocation of funding. Identifying the most suitable NDT technology to meet SDDOT’s specific needs is essential for maximizing these benefits.

Research Objectives:

1) Identify and evaluate available NDT technologies used for the inspection of highway structures and their use by other State transportation agencies for network and project-level structural inspections.

2) Identify the structural inspection needs of SDDOT for which NDT technologies could supplement inspections.

3) Recommend NDT applications that would best serve SDDOT structural inspection program on a network and project-level basis and develop a guidance document for implementation.

Research Tasks:

1) Meet with the technical panel to review the project scope and work plan.

2) Perform an extensive literature review of the NDT technologies commonly used for structural inspection. The literature review should focus on, but not be limited to, those NDT technologies used for void detection in embankment material and bridge deck delamination.

3) Develop a draft survey instrument to be distributed to all State Highway agencies. The survey instrument should reveal the NDT technologies that State Highway agencies have implemented for the inspection of structures. The survey instrument should disclose the agencies' successes and failures with specific tools.

4) Upon approval of the survey instrument by the technical panel, administer and summarize survey results.

5) Based on the results obtained from Tasks 2-4, rate each NDT structural inspection technology based on inspection type, accuracy, speed, repeatability, ease of use, and cost. A separate rating should be provided for network and project-level inspections.

6) Prepare and present for approval by the project’s technical panel a technical memorandum summarizing the findings in Tasks 2-5.

7) Conduct virtual interviews with SDDOT personnel experienced in structural inspection activities and personnel who utilize inspection data. The interviews should focus on identifying SDDOT inspection needs for which NDT technologies could supplement inspections. The list of interviewees and questions shall be approved by the technical panel prior to conducting the interviews.

8) Based on the results obtained in tasks 2-7, recommend available NDT technologies that would best serve SDDOT for network and project-level structural inspections, as well as develop a guidance document for implementation.

9) Prepare and present for approval by the project’s technical panel a technical memorandum summarizing the findings of Tasks 7 and 8.

10) In conformance with the Guidelines for Performing Research for the SDDOT, prepare a final report summarizing the research methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

11) Make an executive presentation to the SDDOT Research Review Board at the conclusion of the project.

Potential Implementation: Successful implementation will provide direction and clarity regarding the integration of the NDT technologies into the SDDOT structural inspection program.

SDDOT Involvement: SDDOT field personnel experienced in structural inspection activities and personnel who utilize inspection data will be required to participate in interviews. The project technical panel will be involved in reviews and approvals.

Available Funding: $75,000

Request for Proposal Page 3 NDT Testing Methods for SD

Duration: 15 months

Anticipated Start Date: July 1, 2026

Terms of Payment: Payment for study services will be made upon SDDOT’s acceptance of key project deliverables. For this study, percentages of total project cost will be paid upon satisfactory completion of the following tasks in Table 1.

Table 1: Payment of deliverables

Task Percentage of Total Cost 6 40% 9 30%

All Tasks 30% Total 100%

General Information: The South Dakota Department of Transportation solicits proposals from colleges, universities, research institutes, foundations, consultants, federal, state, and local agencies, and others with demonstrated capability and experience in the subject area.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation gives public notice of its policy to uphold and assure full compliance with the non-discrimination requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related Nondiscrimination authorities. Title VI and related Nondiscrimination authorities stipulate that no person in the United States of America shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, income level or Limited English Proficiency be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Any person who has questions concerning this policy or wishes to file a discrimination complaint should contact the Department’s Civil Rights Office at 605-773-3540.

Proposals must remain valid for at least 120 days after the submission deadline. All submitted proposals become the property of the South Dakota Department of Transportation. SDDOT has the right to use all information presented in any proposal unless it is specifically annotated as being proprietary. SDDOT considers all information contained in proposals to be privileged and reserves the right to maintain its confidentiality.

All proposals must meet accessibility requirements from Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and are required to follow Department of Justice guidelines.

South Dakota state statute requires the winning proposal, with proprietary information redacted, to be posted online along with the corresponding contractual agreement.

SDDOT reserves the right to reject any proposals submitted. SDDOT may negotiate with a selected proposer to address specific weaknesses in the selected proposal prior to contract award.

SDDOT is not responsible for any costs, including proposal preparation, incurred by researchers prior to the execution of a contract.

Certification Relating to Prohibited Entity: For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or offeror certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

Request for Proposal Page 4 NDT Testing Methods for SD

The bidder or offeror, in preparing its response or offer or in considering proposals submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, is not an entity, regardless of its principal place of business, that is ultimately owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by a foreign national, a foreign parent entity, or foreign government from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Cuba, or Venezuela, as defined by South Dakota Executive Order 2023-02. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or offeror on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or offeror further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

Restriction of Boycott of Israel: For contractors, vendors, suppliers, or subcontractors with five (5) or more employees who enter into a contract with the State of South Dakota that involves the expenditure of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, by submitting a response to this solicitation or agreeing to contract with the State, the bidder or offeror certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

The bidder or offeror, in preparing its response or offer or in considering proposals submitted from qualified, potential vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors, or in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any vendor, supplier, or subcontractor, has not refused to transact business activities, has not terminated business activities, and has not taken other similar actions intended to limit its commercial relations, related to the subject matter of the bid or offer, with a person or entity on the basis of Israeli national origin, or residence or incorporation in Israel or its territories, with the specific intent to accomplish a boycott or divestment of Israel in a discriminatory manner. It is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the State to reject the bid or response submitted by the bidder or offeror on this project and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid or response. The successful bidder or offeror further agrees to provide immediate written notice to the contracting executive branch agency if during the term of the contract it no longer complies with this certification and agrees such noncompliance may be grounds for contract termination.

Proposal Deadline: Proposals are due to the SDDOT by 5:00 pm CDT on Thursday, March 19, 2026. This deadline is firm. Extensions will not be granted.

Proposals must be submitted as an e-mail attachment in Portable Document Format (PDF) not exceeding 14MB. The email must be addressed to andy.vandel@state.sd.us and margo.mcdowell@state.sd.us.

Proposers should send the e-mail using “Delivery Receipt” and “Read Receipt” options to verify successful delivery.

Proposal Guidelines: Proposals must fulfill the requirements listed in the document entitled RESEARCH PROPOSAL PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND EVALUATION and dated October 23, 2025.

Proposal Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated by a technical panel knowledgeable in the problem area.

Selection will be made in consideration of criteria listed in RESEARCH PROPOSAL PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND EVALUATION.

Project Management: Margo McDowell is responsible for the management of this project and can be reached at margo.mcdowell@state.sd.us to answer inquiries.