SD Snowmobile Program Passive Mobile Data Trail Use Survey

The South Dakota Snowmobile Program, managed by personnel from the Game Fish and Parks Department manages a 350-mile nationally recognized trail system in the Black Hills. While this trail system has been around for over 50 years, not much is known about the amount of use this system sees. TRAFx brand trail counters have been used for over a decade, but accuracy of these trail counters during winter months has never been calibrated, and the data they provide are only useful in determining trends of use, not volume. Working with the South Dakota Snowmobile Association and Governor Appointed Snowmobile Advisory Council, program administrators have identified many challenges which will impact future budget decisions and operational efficiency. Throughout this evaluation, it became evident that scientifically sound snowmobile use estimation tools are needed to understand use in the Black Hills. To address the questions raised and produce recommendations, GFP and the Advisory Council have been exploring modern data collection methods in lieu of more labor intensive, expensive survey sampling methods.
GFP is seeking bids to collect data regarding the resident/non-resident makeup of trail use, the unique number of sleds on the trail system as a whole and specific trail segments, miles and hours traveled, intensity of use at different locations along the trail system, and the percentage of trail use that is attributable to snowmobile rental businesses to name a few.
The data collection method should be based on continuously collected passive mobile data or similar. All data collected through this process should be made anonymous, and data from each anonymous device should not be connected to any other personally identifiable information.
The increasing availability of passive mobile data products and services has led to a growing interest in accessing and analyzing this type of data in the recreational industry across the country, and we feel this method would best serve the South Dakota Snowmobile Program.
Offerors may email inquiries concerning this RFP to obtain clarification of requirements. No inquiries will be accepted after the date and time indicated in the Schedule of Activities. Inquiries must be emailed to Stephanie Buckley at stephanie.buckley@state.sd.us with the subject line "RFP #25RFP14726.
The State will to respond to offeror's inquiries (if required) via e-mail. In addition, all inquiries and the State's response will be posted on the state's e-procurement system. Offerors may not rely on any other statements, either of a written or oral nature, that alter any specification or other term or condition of this RFP. Offerors will be notified in the same manner as indicated above regarding any modifications to this RFP.