RFQ27006902 Solicitation Specifications.pdf

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RFQ27006902

Solicitation Specifications

Digital Fabrication Sign Shop - Printer, Software, and Related Equipment

SECTION A. BACKGROUND

Rhode Island Correctional Industries (RICI), established in 1934, is a rehabilitative program under the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) designed to provide meaningful vocational training and employment opportunities for incarcerated individuals. Currently, approximately 130 inmates are employed through RICI in industries such as furniture manufacturing and upholstery, commercial printing, license plate production, service crews, and cleaning product assembly.

RICI’s programs equip individuals with marketable job skills, foster strong work ethics, and promote responsibility and personal growth. By participating in RICI, offenders are better prepared to successfully reintegrate into society and lead productive lives upon release. In addition to its rehabilitative goals, RICI also contributes to the local economy by producing high-quality goods and services for state agencies and other public institutions.

The successful outcome of this solicitation will enable RICI to offer specialized expertise in comprehensive custom signage solutions, including but not limited to building identification signs, traffic and parking signage, safety displays, and directional signs. This capability will also extend to a variety of other applications, including but not limited to business and commercial signs, vehicle and fleet graphics, construction and real estate signage, and event and promotional displays. Utilizing advanced digital print technologies, the shop will produce high-resolution graphics on reflective and durable media suited for both public and commercial applications.

Traffic signage will be created using spot color inks to ensure compliance with safety and visibility standards. The production process will be highly adaptable, supporting a wide range of substrates and graphic media to meet specific client requirements.

RIDOC has proposed the development of a dedicated Digital Fabrication Sign Shop. While not yet in operation, this facility will establish RICI’s internal signage production capacity and provide meaningful vocational training opportunities in a highly transferable trade. Participants will gain hands-on experience in a structured, production-based environment, learning skills in digital design, printing, machinery operation, quality control, equipment maintenance, and workplace safety compliance.

Beyond technical proficiency, the program will focus on cultivating essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, accountability, respect for supervision, and a strong work ethic — attributes critical for sustained employment success.

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The signage produced in the future will serve vital public and private functions, enhancing roadway safety, improving wayfinding, and supporting the signage needs of local businesses, construction firms, real estate agencies, educational campuses, municipalities, and event organizers.

This proposed expansion reflects RIDOC’s ongoing commitment to aligning rehabilitative programming with workforce and community needs. By combining technical training with practical industry experience, the initiative supports RIDOC’s mission to prepare individuals for successful, responsible reentry while contributing to public safety and economic development across Rhode Island.

SECTION B: SCOPE OF WORK AND REQUIREMENTS

The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) is issuing this Request for Quote (RFQ) to solicit formal quotes from qualified bidders for the purchase, delivery, installation, training, support services, and ongoing maintenance of a high-resolution Digital Fabrication Printer. This system will be a key component of RIDOC’s Sign Shop. Bidders must ensure the proposed products / services meet all technical and operational requirements outlined herein. Vendors must provide pricing for all necessary consumables and related equipment.

1. Printer

Feature Description Print Head Drop-on demand, piezo drive method

Print Resolution 300 dpi, 600 dpi, 900 dpi, 1200 dpi

Maximum Print Speed 278 sf/hr

Typical Traffic Sign Resolution 300x900 dpi

Traffic Sign Print Speed Up to 100 sf/hr

Ink Type Color UV-LED inks

Color Configuration Spot inks (CMYKRG)

Maximum Media Width 64"

Maximum Media Thickness Up to 0.04"

Maximum Roll Weight 90 lbs

Interface Ethernet, USB

Power Supply AC 100V~240V x2

Power Consumption AC100V: 1.44kW / AC200V: 1.92kW

Take-up System Standard Operating Temperature 65°F–86°F

Operating Humidity Range 35%–65%

Dimensions (W x D x H) 115" x 31" x 58"

Limited Warranty 2 years minimum

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2. Software

RIDOC requires software to support an intuitive, efficient, and compliant sign production workflow. The following features are essential:

Required Software Capabilities

Support for last-minute file changes without restarting the workflow.

Intuitive and fast job preparation interface.

Advanced nesting capabilities for material optimization.

Variable data supports serial signs, numbers, and interactive media.

Automated and streamlined production workflows.

Real-time production data and job performance insights.

Key Functional Features

User interface optimized for Digital Fabrication Sign Shop production.

Integrated ink estimation tool for accurate job planning and cost control.

Tools to quickly generate numeric and text-based sign content.

Error-proofing interface to ensure regulatory compliance during production.

Spot Color Mapping Tool Features

RGB/CMYK/Lab to Spot Color mapping that integrates with national sign databases and automatically maps to the designated ink configuration.

Spot-to-Spot Color mapping that simplifies migration of legacy art libraries by automatically aligning with current traffic ink standards.

3. Related Equipment and Consumables

Vendors must provide pricing for the following required related equipment and consumables used in sign production. All products must be compatible with professional-grade sign manufacturing standards.

UV-LED Ink Cartridges: (10) Standard traffic control colors (red, green, blue, yellow, black, and white), compatible with the production printer in use. Inks must be weather-resistant, UV-stable, and compliant with MUTCD and FHWA regulations.

Laminator: (1) A laminating device capable of applying protective films to printed signs to ensure durability against weathering, UV exposure, and vandalism. Must support cold lamination for reflective materials.

Commercial-Grade Spray Bottles: (3) Minimum 1-Liter Capacity to be used with surface preparation solutions or alcohol-based cleaners for cleaning aluminum sign blanks prior to graphic application.

Durable Hand Rollers: (4) Rubber or silicone preferred for manually smoothing applied graphics and reflective sheeting on sign substrates. Rollers must be heat-resistant and non-marking.

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Sign Making Tools: A complete set of necessary tools to support printer and cutter operations.

o Alignment Tools (4) o Blade Holders (4) o Replacement Blades (3) o Cleaning Swabs (4) o Maintenance Kits for Printer (2) o Heat Guns (4) o Squeegees with Felt Edges (2) o Weeding Tools (3)

Production Equipment and Tools: Production machinery and support tools essential for full-scale sign fabrication. Equipment must meet commercial durability and safety standards.

o Channel Letter Bender (1) o Heat Press (1) o Cutting Plotter, (1) compatible with industry sign-making software and materials, capable of cutting reflective sheeting, vinyl, and other substrates used in sign production o Laser Cutter (1) o Vinyl Cutter (1) o Rolling Cutter / Trimmer (2) o Digital Die Cutter / Cut Machine (2) o Application Table (1)

4. Installation

The selected vendor shall provide all necessary resources and personnel required for the complete installation and commissioning of the new Digital Fabrication Sign Shop equipment at RIDOC. This includes uncrating, setup, system calibration, and verification of operational functionality in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

5. Training

The vendor shall deliver comprehensive training to designated RIDOC Correctional Industries personnel to ensure full proficiency in operating and maintaining the system. All training must be supported by detailed and up-to-date documentation including user manuals, maintenance guides, and software reference materials.

The training program must cover, at a minimum, the following components:

Full operation of the traffic sign printing system.

Use and functionality of all related software, including job setup, nesting, and variable data handling.

Basic troubleshooting procedures for both hardware and software.

Accessing vendor-provided technical support and service resources.

Preventive maintenance routines and ink/media handling.

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Training must be delivered on-site at RIDOC and designed to be hands-on and role-specific to ensure effective knowledge transfer. The vendor must also include provisions for:

Initial training for all personnel designated to operate and maintain the system.

Ongoing training for staff, including new hires and inmate workers, to accommodate turnover and maintain operational continuity.

Training shall be deemed complete when CI personnel determine sufficient instruction and practice have been provided, and trainee has demonstrated the ability to safely and independently operate the machine in accordance with established procedures.

6. Technical Support and Maintenance

The vendor shall provide comprehensive technical service for the entire system throughout the warranty period and optionally as part of any extended service agreement. This includes:

Toll-free telephone support, available Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST).

Remote assistance via email.

On-site technical service, when necessary, to be provided within two (2) business days of a service request if the issue cannot be resolved remotely.

Preventive and emergency maintenance at no additional cost during the warranty period.

Guaranteed availability of replacement parts and consumables to minimize downtime and maintain production continuity.

All support services must be clearly documented, and the vendor must provide a designated point of contact for technical and warranty-related issues.

7. Certifications

Given the unique operational environment, the vendor must acknowledge that inmate workers are part of the Correctional Industries workforce and will require ongoing, structured training.

This training must be appropriate for a correctional facility setting and delivered in a manner that supports consistent workforce development, safety, and compliance with applicable regulations.

8. Security Requirements

Employees of the vendor who must gain entrance into correctional facilities are subject to police record and Special Investigation Unit (SIU) checks; the RIDOC retains the right to refuse entrance to contractor employees with felony convictions. Access to correctional facilities also requires adherence to rigid security rules as far as property search, contact with inmates, dress code, etc. Additionally, vendors entering RIDOC buildings that are equipped with badge scanning capabilities, must scan their RIDOC identification badge upon each entry and exit.

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SECTION C: DEMONSTRATIONS

The Tentatively Selected Bidder will be asked to provide a presentation. Presentations should include a demonstration of the Digital Fabrication Printer to be purchased and installed at RIDOC.

Demonstrations can be conducted virtually through TEAMS / Zoom or at a local site visit (within 50 miles of the RIDOC). Presentations should include and speak to printer specifications, software, related equipment, installation, training, and technical support.

Demonstrations will last no longer than 45 minutes.