Weather Radar Equipment and Service - UPDATED

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has issued a Request for Quotes (RFQ) seeking comprehensive weather radar equipment and services for 16 welcome center locations across multiple interstate corridors in the state, including I-24, I-65, I-75, I-40, I-155, I-81, I-26, and I-55. The procurement requires vendors to provide, install, and maintain 21- to 32-inch LED flat-screen high-definition monitors with 1080P resolution and internet access capabilities, capable of displaying scrolling weather information, current U.S. conditions, Southeastern U.S. radar coverage, severe weather outlooks, and tourism promotions. Specific technical requirements include ten-second cycling of weather content with thirty-second intervals for promotional displays, along with custom engineering and emergency messaging services. Quotes must be submitted electronically to Kelly Johns, Procurement Director, by November 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CST, with the state planning to award a single contract covering all line items for a 12-month service period. Vendors must provide unit pricing per line item, demonstrate ability to respond to service calls within 24 hours, and offer toll-free technical support during business hours of 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central Standard Time.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline set-aside designations or specific restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders are required to submit a Department of Revenue Sales Use and Tax Certificate, Certificate of Insurance, and obtain an Edison Supplier Number as part of their bid package. The vendor will be responsible for all equipment maintenance, repairs, software upgrades, and eventual equipment removal at contract conclusion, with no additional costs to the state. Billing will occur monthly, with a single invoice listing each welcome center location as a separate line item. The state reserves the right to suspend service at specific welcome centers with 30 days' written notice and potentially add new locations if welcome centers are constructed. While no specific contract value is mentioned, the comprehensive nature of the procurement—covering 16 locations with custom engineering and emergency messaging services—suggests a significant investment in weather information infrastructure for Tennessee's interstate welcome centers.