Install New Roadway Information Systems (RWIS) Missoula District

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is soliciting bids for a comprehensive Roadway Weather Information Systems (RWIS) installation project in the Missoula District, covering nine specific locations across various highways including U.S. 93, I-90, MT 35, MT 40, MT 56, and U.S. 2. The procurement involves providing complete RWIS infrastructure, including roadway surface sensors, sub-probes, conduits, pull boxes, cables, processing units, towers, wind sensors, precipitation sensors, temperature/humidity sensors, and PTZ cameras. The project requires contractors to furnish all labor, equipment, materials, and traffic control for installing these systems, with a mandated completion date of October 15, 2024. Bidders must submit proposals through the eMACS system, with the bid opening occurring on January 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM MST and closing on February 8, 2024, at 2:00 PM MST. The solicitation number is MDT-315483-RP, and interested vendors must be registered with the Department of Labor and Industry, with bids of $150,000 or greater required to include a bid security based on 10% of the total bid.

The project includes specific provisions for Indian Preference Contracting, with a 3% fee to be collected by MDT and submitted to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, as the project partially occurs within their reservation. Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements mandate that all construction materials be manufactured in the United States, and contractors must comply with nondiscrimination policies, federal aid contract provisions, and disadvantaged business enterprise guidelines. The contract follows the Montana Department of Transportation's 2020 Standard Specifications and includes environmental considerations such as migratory bird protection and potential petroleum-contaminated soil management. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the project encompasses 9 RWIS stations, 5 electrical service assemblies, 4 service assembly modifications, and 5 chain link fence enclosures. Bidders should note the project's complex technical requirements, including precise electrical infrastructure specifications detailed in accompanying technical drawings, and the need to integrate new equipment with existing transportation monitoring systems. The contract will be administered by the Procurement Services Section Supervisor with oversight from a Maintenance Chief and/or District Administrator.