RFI MassDOT Changeable Message Signs with Lane Use Control Capabilities

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) concerning the installation of Changeable Message Signs (CMS) with lane use control capabilities along Route 1 between I-495 and I-95 in the Towns of Foxborough, Walpole, and Wrentham within District 5. The procurement involves six gantry locations supporting dual-purpose full matrix, full color CMS with a total of 12 back-to-back signs spanning approximately 70 feet in width, capable of displaying three lines of 18-inch characters along with text, graphics, and lane use control symbols for both directions of travel. Vendors must submit written responses of no more than ten pages in 12-point font detailing their experience and methodology addressing specifications including sign size and pixel pitch (12-20 mm), comparable installation experience within and outside the United States, contraflow lane use control functionality, integration with MassDOT's Parsons iNet Advanced Transportation Management System (ATMS), maintenance access options, CCTV verification integration, power and communications requirements, operational performance in extreme weather conditions (-40 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit), compliance with national traffic standards, and adherence to Buy America and Build America, Buy America Act requirements. The RFI was released on April 8, 2026, with written questions due through COMMBUYS on May 11, 2026, official answers published by May 12, 2026, and vendor responses due by May 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM. All submissions must be made online through COMMBUYS, which requires free vendor registration, and responding vendors are responsible for all associated costs. MassDOT has indicated that selected vendors may be invited to provide capability briefings or demonstrations and may request additional information during the review process.

This RFI is informational only and does not obligate MassDOT to issue a subsequent solicitation; responding will not provide advantage or disadvantage in future procurements. The procurement emphasizes adherence to Buy America and Build America, Buy America Act requirements, indicating potential set-aside considerations for domestic manufacturers and vendors. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. The signs must integrate with MassDOT's existing Parsons iNet Advanced Transportation Management System (ATMS) infrastructure, requiring compatibility with the department's current technology platform. RFI responses will become the property of MassDOT and are subject to public records disclosure. No specific award value or budget range has been provided in this informational stage; however, the scope of the project—involving six gantry locations with dual 12-sign installations featuring full matrix, full color capabilities—suggests a substantial capital procurement.