Vehicle Mounted Retroreflectometer

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is seeking to procure four vehicle-mounted mobile retroreflectometers for collecting data on longitudinal pavement markings through a competitive bidding process. The procurement involves specialized equipment capable of measuring retroreflectivity of white and yellow road markings on various surfaces, with each unit designed to measure markings on both left and right sides of a vehicle simultaneously. Technical specifications require the retroreflectometers to operate at speeds up to 80 mph, automatically generate color-coded mapping, and integrate with various operating systems. The equipment must automatically adjust height and tilt to maintain correct geometric measurements and be capable of measuring both flat and profiled road markings. Delivery is mandated within 60 calendar days to Aberdeen, South Dakota, with the successful vendor required to provide one day of training and free software upgrades for one year. The bid response deadline is October 26, 2023, and the contract includes a three-year warranty for defective workmanship and materials.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. The solicitation appears to be open to all qualified vendors capable of meeting the technical specifications. While no incumbent vendors are identified, the procurement covers Brown County (FIPS Code 46013) and is part of a broader state-level contract opportunity. The documents do not disclose the specific budget range or anticipated award value for the retroreflectometers. According to the attached South Dakota Vendor's Manual, the state does provide preferences to resident businesses, manufacturers, and recycled/biobased products when prices and quality are equal, which might provide a slight competitive advantage to local vendors. The procurement is structured to enhance the South Dakota Department of Transportation's capabilities for accurately and efficiently measuring roadway pavement marking retroreflection through advanced mobile technology.