Weather Forecasting Services

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ23001911) seeking comprehensive weather forecasting services for a four-year contract period. The procurement will provide weather forecasting services for up to three sites per year, with the initial contract term running from approximately November 1, 2022, through October 31, 2026. Vendors must submit their proposals electronically through the Ocean State Procures system by October 24, 2022, at 3:30 PM GMT, with a vendor question and answer period open from September 26, 2022, to October 17, 2022. Qualified vendors must provide detailed weather forecasting capabilities, demonstrating expertise in meteorological services and the ability to deliver accurate, timely weather information for the specified sites. The solicitation requires vendors to maintain specific insurance coverages, including $1,000,000 in general liability, $100,000 in workers compensation, and $1,000,000 in automobile liability insurance. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on the vendor's technical capabilities, pricing, insurance compliance, and ability to meet the state's service requirements.

The procurement includes a mandatory 10% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation requirement, encouraging diverse vendor participation. Vendors must be registered in the Ocean State Procures system and comply with Rhode Island's affirmative action policies and licensing regulations. The contract prohibits vendors from engaging in boycotts or trade restrictions and requires disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest. While the exact contract value is not specified, vendors are required to submit pricing for each of the four contract years, with the state reserving the right to solicit separate pricing for additional or large-scale orders. The contract's continuation beyond the initial fiscal year is subject to fund availability, which introduces potential budget flexibility. Vendors must provide a single, firm price per site, with delivery terms specified as Free On Board Destination. The state maintains the right to reject bids and will award the contract to the most responsive and responsible vendor meeting all specified requirements.