Traffic Classifying Equipment and Repair

Sarasota County is pursuing a sole source procurement for traffic classifying equipment through a solicitation (2023-ISS-067) focusing on acquiring ten NC-350 BlueStar Portable Traffic Analyzers from Gulf Material Sales, LLC. The equipment utilizes unique Vehicle Magnetic Imaging (VMI) technology that leverages the earth's magnetic field to count and classify vehicles with enhanced accuracy across specific traffic lanes. These portable, lightweight, and rechargeable units can be quickly installed and removed from roadways, serving the Traffic Engineering division of the county's Public Works Department. The solicitation allows for potential alternative vendors who can demonstrate equivalent product capabilities, with the county reserving the right to convert to a competitive procurement if suitable alternatives emerge. Key response dates include a deadline for questions on November 16, 2023, and a final response submission deadline of November 17, 2023, at 5:00 pm, with all submissions required through the ProcureNow electronic portal. Vendors must complete an Intent to Sole Source Response form and can upload supporting documentation to validate their capabilities. The procurement specifically seeks Histar portable traffic counting equipment and accompanying hardware for the State of Florida.

M.H. Corbin, LLC is identified as the sole manufacturer of the equipment, with Jace Chandler & Associates, Inc. serving as the exclusive distributor for the State of Florida. The current procurement represents a renewal of a previous sole source approval (SS 187) for a one-year period from 12/04/2023 to 12/03/2024. The estimated expenditure remains consistent at $30,000.00 per fiscal year, with the current quote from Jace Chandler & Associates listing $14,450.00 for ten units, which includes a trade-in allowance for existing NC-200 units. No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types were explicitly mentioned in the documentation. The procurement is being managed by Elizabeth Nichols, Procurement Professional II from the Sarasota County Office of Financial Management, with all communication directed through the specified electronic portal. Vendors will need to demonstrate technical compatibility with existing infrastructure and provide comprehensive documentation of their equipment's specifications and performance capabilities.