Retroreflectivity Data Collection

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is requesting bids on retroreflectivity data collection services across the state highway network (on-system) and non-Caltrans highways (off-system), with proposals due July 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time and written questions due June 24, 2026. A 3% disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement applies, with a separate DVBE incentive offering up to 5% additional consideration for proposals exceeding the threshold; a 25% small business participation goal is encouraged, and 5% small business and non-small business preferences are available.

Prospective contractors must demonstrate a minimum of five years of mobile retroreflectivity data collection experience with at least 100,000 cumulative line miles completed; however, the form-of-agreement attachment specifies a minimum of three years' experience with at least 250,000 cumulative stripe-miles collected and operation of a minimum of four mobile retroreflectivity units (MRUs) during performance. The scope requires surveying all longitudinal markings once per year across approximately 85,556 stripe miles for three consecutive years, covering all 12 Caltrans districts. Collection occurs during standard working hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time), with final submittals due within nine months of contract execution. Contractors must provide weekly and monthly progress reports, upload data to a web-based interface within seven days of collection, maintain 99% uptime with unlimited concurrent access, and furnish training and up to 80 hours of technical support to all districts.

The estimated contract term runs from August 17, 2026 through August 16, 2029, with amendment provisions for up to three additional years and $5 million in additional work. Compensation is structured on a per-centerline-mile basis for asset collection, monthly rates for data hosting, hourly rates for on-call database support, per-training-session rates, and data transfer fees. Caltrans retains 10% of each invoice until satisfactory completion. Required insurance includes Commercial General Liability ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1 million combined single limit), Workers' Compensation with waiver of subrogation, and Professional Liability ($1 million). Proposals are evaluated in three phases: technical (110 points), oral interviews (44 points), and cost (154 points), totaling 308 points. The contract is awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible proposer meeting minimum qualifications.