Signed determination and cover memo.docx

Sole-Source Memo

Sole-source justification [ORS 279B.075(2), and OAR 731-147-0055] Fr: Joanne Robinson

Authority to enter into a sole-source contract:

ORS 279A.050(3)(b)

Background:

ODOT’s ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) Unit is requesting to enter into a sole source price agreement for Wavetronix HD side fire radar equipment. Both new and replacement equipment must be compatible with ODOT’s Automated Traffic Management system, which was developed 10 years ago when the initial price agreement was entered into. See the attached Sole Source Determination and Findings for additional information provided by the ITS Unit.

Determination and findings:

The findings required by statute and rule are attached to this memo.

Recommended action:

In accordance with ODOT desk procedure DP-OPO-33 (Procurement transaction approval matrix) I request and recommend your approval of this sole source justification.

Approved by:

Sole Source Determination and Findings

Advanced Traffic Products, Inc. (ATP, Inc.)

for the supply of Wavetronix HD side fire radar equipment

1. General description:

ODOT had a price agreement (PA 29183) with Advanced Traffic Products, Inc. from 2011 to June 30, 2021 for the supply of Wavetronix HD side fire radar equipment.

The Wavetronix HD equipment is the only side-far radar equipment approved by ODOT and 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 congestion and variable speed data measurement and collection. Advanced Traffic Products, Inc. is the sole supplier of Wavetronix equipment in the state of Oregon.

As part of the development of ODOT’s ATM system 10 years ago, the ITS Unit did national research on ATM systems and what other state DOT’s were using for sensors. At the time ODOT was aware of two main side fire radar companies: Wavetronix and RTMS. For measuring speeds, volumes, and occupancy, the Wavetronix HD unit was used most often. ODOT ITS did a roadside comparison of the two companies and found the Wavetronix was superior to that of the RTMS. This roadside evaluation and national ATM research is what lead ODOT’s ITS unit to work with OPO in developing the initial price agreement in 2011.

Since the contract expired, ITS has placed the Wavetronix HD equipment on ODOT’s qualified products list, Green Sheets. ODOT’s construction contractors now purchase and install the equipment as part of ODOT’s construction projects. The agency quickly became aware that having the contractor purchase the equipment increases the cost significantly. As an example, a recent project had the need for approximately $57,000 worth of equipment based on pricing from the previous price agreement.. Having the construction contractor purchase the same equipment put the cost over $90,000 to the agency. Having a price agreement with Advanced Traffic Products, Inc. is a significant savings to the agency.

ODOT also has approximately 248 Wavetronix HD units in operations. The Wavetronix equipment needed per site is typically over the $10,000 small procurement limit. 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.

2. Summary of market research:

As stated earlier, ODOT conducted extensive research in 2010 when it developed its ATM system. That research incorporated many publications and resource documents from national DOTs and universities that had performed technology evaluations of inductive loops, magnetic detectors, passive infrared, ultrasonic, radar, and video. Those sources are available in ODOT’s procurement file for PA29183.

In preparing for establishing a new price agreement, ODOT’s ITS Unit conducted additional research to confirm that no additional sources have become available. It found two side-fire radar brands that don’t appear to have been available in 2010: Smartmicro and SpeedLane Pro. However, as with the Wavetronix sensors, each of these products operates within a proprietary system and the sensors themselves would not be compatible with ODOT’s ATM system.

3. The reasons for a sole-source:

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

ODOT has approximately 248 Wavetronix HD units currently in operations. ODOT needs to be able to procure new units but also replace any failed units that work as an assembly with existing equipment. The units work within a system requiring that they be compatible with that system and at this time, only the Wavetronix sensors are compatible.

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

The Wavetronix HD equipment works with ODOT’s Active Traffic Management software and is only available from Advanced Traffic Products, Inc. ODOT’s ATM software was developed by ODOT. Software development is extremely costly and a lengthy process involving not only ODOT’s ISB office but also the Department of Administrative Services and the State CIO’s office. To consider another product would mean undertaking a large software project. It is not in the agency’s interest to evaluate other products or undertake a large software project to integrate other vendors’ sensors.

The Wavetronix HD is the only side-fire radar equipment approved by ODOT, as listed on the Green Sheets (ODOT’s traffic equipment qualified products list) – see radar detection page below. Advanced Traffic Products, Inc. is the sole supplier of Wavetronix HD equipment in the state of Oregon.

ODOT GREEN SHEETS (Qualified Products List) image1.png