IFB# 161197 Trailer Mounted Message Boards

The Virginia Department of Transportation is soliciting bids on eight trailer-mounted message boards, Solar Tech Silent Messenger or equivalent, under IFB# 161197, with bids due September 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. EDT and a virtual public bid opening on September 22.

The scope specifies full-size message boards with hydraulic power units, 520 amp-hour battery capacity, 160-watt solar arrays, 27 × 48 pixel full-matrix panels measuring 126 inches wide by 76 inches tall, and Semtech-RV55 modems with Verizon service. The awardee must deliver equipment fully assembled and ready for operation to 731 Harrison Avenue, Salem, Virginia, no later than 60 days after award. The procurement includes an option to order one additional unit within six months of award. All materials and equipment are guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship for a minimum of 12 months from the in-service date; manufacturer's standard warranty statements are required as part of the bid.

Bids must be submitted electronically through eVA as firm unit pricing for complete units with all freight and installation charges included. The Commonwealth will award on a grand-total basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The contract term extends from award through 60 days and is nonrenewable.

Bidders must complete a Virginia State Corporation Commission identification form and a plastic-materials recycled-content attachment disclosing whether plastic materials in the offered products contain recycled content and specifying the percentage or amount. Bidders must also provide complete descriptive literature, catalog cuts, and specifications to demonstrate equivalency to the specified Solar Tech Silent Messenger.

Vendor transaction fees of one percent (capped at $500 for DSBSD-certified small businesses and $1,500 for other businesses) will be assessed per purchase order. Questions are due September 16, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EDT to Contract Officer Patty Harvey.