RIDOT Aluminum Sign Blanks for Traffic Sign Fabrication

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ23002978) seeking bids for aluminum sign blanks required for the production of highway and road signs. The procurement encompasses 50 distinct line items covering various sign blank configurations, including square/diamond, rectangular (universal and no punch), triangular, interstate shield, octagon, and pentagon (school) shapes. Sign blank sizes range from 6" x 9" to 60" x 96", with estimated quantities varying between 25 and 1,000 units per item. The solicitation period runs from June 21, 2023, to July 19, 2023, with a vendor Q&A period active from June 21 to July 12, 2023. Potential vendors must submit their responses electronically through the Ocean State Procures system by 11:30:00 AM EDT on July 19, 2023. The initial contract term will be approximately one year, starting around July 1, 2023, with the potential for one additional 12-month renewal based on vendor performance and funding availability. Delivery terms are Free on Board (FOB) destination to the DOT Maintenance Business Office in Warwick, Rhode Island, with inside delivery included at no extra cost.

The RFQ includes a mandatory 10% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation requirement, with vendors required to submit an MBE Utilization Plan for review and approval by the Division of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. Vendors must register in the Ocean State Procures system and maintain specific insurance coverages, including $1 million in general liability, $100,000 in workers' compensation, and $1 million in automobile liability. The state reserves the right to make single or multiple awards and to reject any or all bids. While no specific contract value is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the 50-item solicitation suggests a significant procurement opportunity. Vendors must comply with Rhode Island's Affirmative Action, Disclosure, Ownership, and Certification requirements, and are prohibited from using any boycotts against jurisdictions with open trade. The solicitation does not mention any incumbent vendors or specify existing infrastructure requirements for integration.