Automated Flagger Assistance Device

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Division of Purchases and Division of Equipment issued a Request for Bid (RFB) on behalf of Elliott County seeking 28 Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs), which are towable, trailer-mounted traffic control systems designed to replace or supplement human flaggers in temporary, single-lane, two-way work zones. Each unit must include two flagging machines and comply with the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) 2023 and FCC Part 15 Class standards, incorporating mechanical gate arms, mast-mounted dual red and yellow LED signal lights, wireless and wired controllers, day/night infrared dome cameras with video recording capability, intrusion alarm systems, rechargeable wireless remote controls with minimum 12-hour battery capacity, and 400 ampere-hour minimum capacity battery systems with solar and 120-volt AC charging capability. All equipment must be new, current production models delivered in first-class operating condition with pre-service inspection, operator's manuals, parts books, service manuals, and one day of manufacturer training included. The procurement requires minimum warranties of one year for trailer structure and two years for electronics and camera systems, with spare parts availability guaranteed for five years. Bids will be evaluated on a best value basis with price weighted at 90 points (lowest bidder receives maximum points) and delivery time weighted at 10 points (fastest delivery receives maximum points), and the Commonwealth intends to award multiple contracts to vendors offering the most advantageous proposals. The initial bid closing date was November 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time; however, the current due date listed is November 21, 2025, at the same time. The deadline for written questions was November 6, 2025, with responses posted by November 10, 2025. Award is anticipated by November 30, 2025, and the resulting master agreement will commence upon award and expire on November 30, 2026, with four optional one-year renewal periods available.

The solicitation is funded by Federal Highway Administration grants, which imposes strict compliance requirements including adherence to Buy America and Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) provisions requiring that all steel, iron, and construction materials comply with domestic sourcing requirements, with manufacturing and final assembly occurring in the United States. Vendors must also submit certifications of authority, non-collusion certifications, BABA compliance certification, and equipment specification literature, and the solicitation prohibits company quote forms, requiring strict adherence to specifications without negotiation of terms and conditions. The contract is limited to use by the KYTC Division of Equipment unless extended to other state agencies or political subdivisions with appropriate approvals, and manufacturers must have support operations based in the United States. Delivery must occur to the KYTC Division of Equipment's receiving shop in Frankfort, Kentucky, with pricing specified as F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed, and vendors must guarantee delivery within a specified number of calendar days after receipt of delivery order, with one percent daily deductions from invoices for late delivery. All bids must be submitted exclusively through the Kentucky Vendor Self Service (VSS) eProcurement system, with no hard copies or emailed bids accepted. No specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents; however, vendors responding must enter their bid amounts through the VSS online platform with supporting cost documentation attached separately.