Notice of Intent to Award RFP 260000001627 AWOS Electrical

The Michigan Department of Transportation issued RFP 260000001627 for electrical work related to AWOS (Automated Weather Observation System) installations across six statewide locations. The procurement solicitation was posted on March 27, 2026, with responses due by April 10, 2026, and the Notice of Intent to Award was issued on April 21, 2026. The project requires installation of foundations, conduits and cabling, grounding systems, and surge and lightning protection for AWOS IIIP weather stations at airport and airfield facilities. Qualified contractors must be licensed for electrical work at aviation facilities, prequalified with MDOT, and registered with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. All work must comply with Vaisala Bi-Pad configuration standards and applicable FAA requirements. Deliverables include furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, testing, and as-built documentation. The evaluation criteria prioritized responsive and responsible proposals combined with lowest-cost bidding; two proposals were received and both bidders met all mandatory minimum requirements, including demonstrated experience with AWOS systems and FAA compliance standards.

J Ranck Electric, Inc., located in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, has been recommended for award at $373,725.00, substantially lower than the competing bid of $754,504.00 from Rauhorn Electric, Inc. J Ranck Electric is designated as a Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, which may have contributed to the selection consideration. The award is pending State Administrative Board approval, and unsuccessful bidders may request debriefing sessions through Solicitation Manager ReChelle I. Kendrick. No incumbent vendors or existing contractor information was specified in the solicitation materials. The project integrates with existing Vaisala AWOS IIIP systems and must meet current FAA standards for aviation weather observation facilities. The substantial cost difference between the two qualified bidders suggests potential variations in project approach or resource allocation for the electrical installation work across the six statewide airport locations.