Request for Information for Snowplow Simulator and Equipment

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) issued a Request for Letters of Interest (RFLOI) on December 20, 2019, seeking vendor feedback on snowplow simulator training and equipment procurement approaches, with responses due by January 31, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. MDOT is evaluating three distinct contract scenarios: providing snowplow simulator equipment and training for approximately 130 students annually during the May through October training season; renting snowplow simulator equipment with trainer instruction provided to MDOT personnel; or purchasing snowplow simulator equipment with trainer instruction for regional and statewide deployment. Respondents must address detailed technical and operational questions specific to each scenario, including training curriculum customization capabilities, trainer certifications and qualifications, pricing structures for each model, equipment mobility and delivery logistics, software and hardware update protocols, warranty coverage terms, and the provision of training to MDOT employees. MDOT indicated it would evaluate all responses in February 2020 and proceed to contract advertisement at a future date to be determined. No site visits or bidder conferences are scheduled as part of this inquiry process. This RFLOI is explicitly non-binding, and participation in this information-gathering phase will not result in a contract award or preclude other interested parties from participating in future qualification and bidding processes.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting respondent eligibility are outlined in the available procurement documents, nor are any incumbent vendors or current contractors identified. The RFI does not specify an award value or budget range for the potential contract opportunities. All respondents are responsible for their own costs and expenses associated with participation in this procurement process, and no reimbursement will be provided for response preparation or participation-related costs. MDOT reserves ownership of all submissions and may disclose response documents to other state government branches and to the general public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Interested vendors should submit letters of interest not exceeding eight pages via email to Ken Flore, Statewide Program Coordinator, at florek@michigan.gov, and must disclose any potential conflicts of interest in their submissions.