Loop Detectors

The Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Purchases, issued a Request for Bid on behalf of the Division of Traffic Operations for the procurement of 2,000 loop detector units for Elliott County. The loop detectors must feature self-tuning loop amplifiers, sequential channel scanning to eliminate crosstalk, multiple sensitivity levels and frequency settings, liquid crystal display capability, and a minimum 12-month warranty against defects, with the brand specified as EDI ORACLE/2 or approved equal. Written questions from prospective bidders were due by September 19, 2019 at 7:00 PM, with the Commonwealth's response posted by September 20, 2019 at 4:00 PM. Sealed bids were due by October 2, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the KYTC Division of Purchases, 4th Floor, 200 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky 40622. Award determination utilized a best value ranking approach allocating 95 points to price (lowest bidder receives maximum points) and 5 points to delivery time (best delivery receives maximum points), with a tentative award date of October 25, 2019. The master agreement contract was to commence upon award and expire September 30, 2020, with optional renewal periods of four additional one-year terms subject to written approval by both the vendor and KYTC Division of Purchases. Quotations were required to be F.O.B. Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed, with the vendor responsible for all shipping charges and a one percent per day deduction from invoices for late delivery.

Kentucky resident bidders were eligible to receive reciprocal preference, and certain qualified bidders including Kentucky Correctional Industries and nonprofit organizations serving individuals with severe disabilities were eligible to receive preference equal to 20 or 15 percent of maximum points respectively. Federal Highway Administration Form 1273 requirements (excluding Davis-Bacon wage standards) and Buy America domestic content requirements applied to this procurement, as federal funds may have been used for payment. Price was required to remain firm for the initial twelve-month contract period with only one allowable price increase thereafter, subject to justification based on industry-wide price changes. Upon award, the vendor was required to provide written warranty documentation and email a completed Excel spreadsheet listing serial numbers to the designated state contact. The specific budget value or award amount was not disclosed in the solicitation documents; however, the procurement involved a substantial quantity of specialized traffic control equipment with an estimated contract value potentially in the six-figure range given the 2,000-unit quantity and technical specifications required.