Observational Survey of Seat Belt Use

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety, through its Office of Highway Safety (OHS), has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an observational survey of seat belt use that must comply with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Uniform Criteria for State Observational Surveys of Seat Belt Use. The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive survey documenting seat belt usage across the state, which will likely involve systematic data collection, statistical analysis, and reporting. Proposals must be submitted in an original plus three identical copies, signed in ink by an authorized officer, and delivered to Robert Weinmeister at 118 West Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501 by December 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM CDT. Potential contractors should note key dates including a November 21, 2025 deadline for written inquiries, with responses to questions provided by December 5, 2025. The contract is anticipated to have a five-year term from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2031, and oral presentations may be required at the contractor's expense, at the State's discretion. Proposals will be evaluated based on compliance with NHTSA's Uniform Criteria and the ability to effectively execute the observational survey.

The RFP does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions on participating organizations. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 in commercial general liability, $1,000,000 in professional liability insurance, $1,000,000 in business automobile liability, and workers' compensation insurance as required by South Dakota law. Insurance certificates must be provided before commencing work. While the total contract amount is currently listed as "TBD", payment will be made upon satisfactory completion of services through itemized invoices submitted with signed state vouchers. The State reserves the right to negotiate on any or all components of submitted proposals and may award a contract based on initial proposals without further discussion. All submitted materials will become the property of the State of South Dakota and will be governed by South Dakota law, with any legal venue located in the Circuit Court, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Hughes County.