Weather Forecasting Services

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ23002170) seeking comprehensive weather forecasting services for up to three sites per year over a four-year contract period. The solicitation covers weather forecasting services beginning approximately February 1, 2023, and continuing through January 31, 2027. Vendors must submit their proposals electronically through the Ocean State Procures system by January 20, 2023, at 11:30:00 AM EST, with a vendor question and answer period running from December 19, 2022, to January 13, 2023. Qualified vendors must provide detailed weather forecasting capabilities and meet specific technical requirements, including maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage including $1,000,000 in general liability, $100,000 in workers compensation, and $1,000,000 in automobile liability insurance. The contract requires vendors to provide annual pricing for each of the four contract years, with pricing to be firm and fixed, and any manufacturer price declines must be reflected in reduced agreement prices to the state.

The procurement includes a mandatory 10% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation requirement, with vendors required to submit an MBE Utilization Plan for review and approval. All potential vendors must be registered in the Ocean State Procures system and comply with Rhode Island's affirmative action and non-discrimination requirements. While no specific incumbent vendor is identified, the solicitation indicates that the contract award will be made to the most responsive and responsible bidder based on the submitted proposals. The state reserves the right to solicit separate pricing for extra-large orders and to extend the contract beyond the initial fiscal year, subject to fund availability. Although a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the multi-year nature of the contract and the requirement for services at up to three sites annually suggests a potentially significant procurement opportunity for qualified weather forecasting service providers.