Traffic sign printer & supplies

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has issued Solicitation 5400024579 for a comprehensive Traffic Sign Digital Printer and Supplies procurement, targeting the procurement of a roll-to-roll digital printer capable of producing MUTCD-compliant traffic signage. The solicitation seeks a printer with specific technical requirements, including minimum print speeds of 162 square feet per hour, maximum media width of at least 64 inches, and a maximum dwell time of 2 hours prior to overlay application. The procurement includes ten line items spanning permanent reflective sign sheeting in various types and colors (Type III white and yellow, Type IX white and yellow, Type XI fluorescent yellow, and Type IX fluorescent orange and yellow/green), printer inks, UV overlay laminate, and the digital printer unit itself. All components must constitute a manufacturer-approved system with a minimum 12-year traffic sign warranty. The solicitation originally set the question submission deadline for January 11, 2023, at 10:00 AM, with offer submissions due by February 1, 2023, at 2:30 PM. While the initial award was scheduled for March 2, 2023, an extension notice indicates the award date has been postponed indefinitely, with SCDOT committed to providing advance notice of any revised posting dates.

The solicitation requires bidders to be registered as South Carolina vendors and provide several certifications, including independent price determination, debarment, drug-free workplace, and ethics compliance. Contractor liability insurance requirements are substantial, including $1,000,000 in Commercial General Liability, $1,000,000 in Auto Liability, and Workers' Compensation with Employer's Liability of at least $1,000,000 per accident. The contract will have an initial one-year term beginning March 14, 2023, with four optional one-year renewals possible, creating a potential maximum contract period of five years. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are mentioned, the procurement includes comprehensive technical requirements such as two FlexiPrint software licenses, professional installation, setup, initial operator training, and 24/7 service support. The contractor must provide annual operator, maintenance, and software training at no additional cost. Pricing must remain fixed for the initial contract term, with potential price adjustments during renewal terms based on the Producer Price Index, requiring 90 days' advance notice and justification. Awards will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with delivery required within 30 days of purchase order receipt to the SCDOT Sign Shop in Columbia, South Carolina.