Sole.Source.Determination.Final.pdf

Sole-Source Determination and Findings; Supporting Document for DP-OPO-043; Version 1 (04/01/18)

Sole-Source Determination and Findings

Vaisala for the supply of DSC-111 and DST-111 pavement sensor equipment

FINDINGS:

The findings below were prepared by Blaine Vandyke and submitted to the ODOT Procurement Office on 06/23/2025.

1. Name of sole source contractor: Vaisala Inc.

2. General description:

The Vaisala DSC-111 and DST-111 pavement sensors are the only approved equipment by ODOT that 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 weather warning and variable speed limit systems. As part of the development of ODOT’s ATM system, the ITS Unit did national research on ATM systems and what other state DOT’s are using for sensors. For measuring pavement condition, pavement temperature, and surface friction the Vaisala DSC-111 and DST-111 was used most often and performed most accurately.

In 2012, ODOT and Federal Highway Administration sponsored an evaluation, completed by Western Transportation Institute, of sensors for variable speed limit systems in wet and extreme weather conditions. The performance of the Vaisala DSC-111 and DST-111 sensors matched all controlled pavement conditions accurately. Surface grip measurements between the tested sensors and a static friction tester were similarly accurate as well. This evaluation of roadside sensors is what lead ODOT’s ITS unit to use the sensors as the statewide standard for monitoring surface condition for advanced warning systems and variable speed limit systems operated by ATM. Additional studies have also been completed comparing invasive sensors and these non-invasive pavement sensors, with similar results of the DSC-111 and DST-111 being comparably accurate.

Currently, ITS specifies this equipment and contractors purchase and install as part of ODOT’s construction projects. Having the contractor purchase materials increases the cost to the agency significantly since contractor overhead costs are included in all material purchases. Additionally, warranty for the materials purchased by contractors is not included in the construction contracts and a price agreement would allow ODOT to set reliable terms directly with the manufacturer. Having a price agreement contract with the sensor manufacturer and distributor Vaisala is a significant savings to the agency.

ODOT has approximately 54 DSC-111 sensors monitoring pavement condition and 88 DST- 111 sensors monitoring pavement temperature in operation around the state. Due to the cost of the equipment, procurements for replacement of failed materials are above the small procurements threshold and are required to be posted on Oregon Buys for a protest period prior to ordering, which significantly delays maintenance repair. 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.

3. Summary of market research:

ODOT’s research incorporated many publications and resource documents from national DOT's and universities that have performed technology evaluations of pavement sensors. Some examples of research references include:

• Evaluation of Variable Speed Limit System for Wet and Extreme Weather Conditions SPR 743, Ahmed Al-Kaisy, PhD, PE, Levi Ewan, David Veneziano, PhD, Western Transportation Institute for the Oregon Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration, Jun. 2012.

• Comparison of In-Pavement Versus Non-Invasive Pavement Sensor Technologies, Mike Beyer Caltrans D02, Jun. 2016.

• Remote Sensing of Weather and Road Surface Conditions, Levi Ewan, Ahmed Al- Kaisy, David Venezariano, Transportation Research Record 2329, Jan. 2013.

• Evaluation of Vaisala Spectro Pavement Sensor, Jeff Tilley University of North Dakota-Grand Forks for the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, Feb. 2010.

ODOT has chosen to use non-invasive pavement sensors as this technology does not require roadway impacts, is easily maintainable, and is just as accurate as in-pavement sensor solutions. The ease of maintenance makes this a cost-effective solution by avoiding traveler impacting lane closures for repair and calibration.

Vaisala is the sole manufacturer and distributor of DST-111 and DST-111 equipment to the State of Oregon.

4. The reasons for a sole-source:

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

ODOT has approximately 54 DSC-111 sensors monitoring pavement condition and 88 DST-111 sensors monitoring pavement temperature in operation around the state.

ODOT needs a contract to be able to procure new units but also replace any failed units that work as an assembly with existing equipment. The Road Weather

Information Systems (RWIS) are custom designed for ODOT to collect road condition and temperature information only from these specific sensors.

✓ The goods or services required to exchange software or data with other entities are available from only one source:

The central system Active Traffic Management (ATM) that operates weather warning and variable speed limit systems is also designed specifically for sensor measurements generated by the Vaisala DSC-111 and DST-111. ODOT’s ATM software is custom and developed by ODOT. Software development is extremely costly and a lengthy process involving ODOT’s ISB office but also the Department of Administrative Services and the State CIO’s office. It is not in the Agency’s interest to evaluate other products or undertake a large software project to integrate other vendor’s sensors.

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

Vaisala has provided a letter stating that they are the sole manufacturer and distributor of these sensors. Having a price agreement contract with Vaisala for the supply of pavement sensors DSC-111 and DST-111 is a cost savings to the Agency.

ODOT acquired approximately 54 DSC-111 and 88 DST-111 the previous 10 years. If a similar rate of spending occurs, that would place the contract amount at roughly $1.5 million.

5. Applicable criteria from ORS 279B.075 (check all that apply):

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

✓ The goods or services required to exchange software or data with other entities are available from only one source:

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

DETERMINATION:

Based on the written findings above, I determine that the goods and services described are available from only one source.

Signature Print name Date

Benjamin MCCARTNEY (Aug 5, 2025 16:06:39 PDT) Benjamin MCCARTNEY BJ.MCCARTNEY@odot.oregon.gov 08/05/2025 https://secure.na3.documents.adobe.com/verifier?tx=CBJCHBCAABAAZp0eVpzbG6GQlR8leeS8URjy8GbquSXF

SoleSource_Determination-Vaisala Final Audit Report 2025-08-05

Created: 2025-08-05 (Pacific Daylight Time)

By: William DETHLOFF (William.D.DETHLOFF@odot.oregon.gov)

Status: Signed

Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAZp0eVpzbG6GQlR8leeS8URjy8GbquSXF

"SoleSource_Determination-Vaisala" History Document created by William DETHLOFF (William.D.DETHLOFF@odot.oregon.gov) 2025-08-05 - 11:03:40 AM PDT- IP address: 167.131.0.194

Document emailed to Benjamin MCCARTNEY (BJ.MCCARTNEY@odot.oregon.gov) for signature

2025-08-05 - 11:04:55 AM PDT

Document e-signed by Benjamin MCCARTNEY (BJ.MCCARTNEY@odot.oregon.gov) Signature Date: 2025-08-05 - 4:06:39 PM PDT - Time Source: server- IP address: 167.131.0.194

Agreement completed.

2025-08-05 - 4:06:39 PM PDT