CELLULAR MODEMS AND DATA PLAN FOR TRAFFIC COUNTER STATIONS

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding RFQ NO. 693C7326Q000008, related to roadside electronic equipment (traffic counters).

• Existing Traffic Counters: Traffic counters already exist at the specified locations.
• Location Data: Specific coordinates for existing traffic counters are not available, as pilot locations will be randomly selected from existing sites.
• SIM Cards: Current traffic counters do not use SIM cards; data is downloaded via analog modems/phone lines or manually. The government prefers a single SIM card solution that works with multiple carriers nationwide, rather than alternative SIMs that may be carrier-specific.
• FHWA Central Computer Connection: The design includes procuring a cell modem for the central location in Lakewood, CO, to handle data transmission.
• Additional Questions: All submitted questions will be answered and shared with all potential vendors.
• Extension Request: An extension for the request may be considered if the pilot is successful, potentially increasing the total number of SIM cards to 100.

This Q&A document clarifies existing infrastructure, technical preferences for SIM cards, and data transmission methods. It also indicates that all questions will be shared, and potential for extensions exists, which may impact proposal timelines and scope.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the technical proposal evaluation criteria for the "Cellular Modems and Data Plan for Traffic Counting Data Collection in the National Park Service" opportunity. It details how technical proposals will be assessed to determine the most qualified offeror.

• Technical proposals are evaluated based on three factors:

  • Factor 1: Equipment meeting technical specifications (50% importance weight).
  • Factor 2: Technical experience with the equipment (30% importance weight).
  • Factor 3: Previous experience creating a cellular network (20% importance weight).

• Technical proposals are limited to twenty-five (25) pages, single-spaced, using Times New Roman 12pt font. Cover letters, team organization charts, and resumes do not count towards this limit. Resumes are limited to one page each.

• The document does not explicitly state the contract type, period of performance, or estimated value.

• Submission: Technical and price proposals must be submitted electronically to regina.mcdonald@dot.gov as two separate attachments. The subject line should include the project name.

• Evaluation Process:

  1. An Evaluation Board will assess technical proposals based on the three factors listed above.
  2. After the technical evaluation, the price proposal of the most highly rated firm will be analyzed. Negotiations will commence if necessary.
  3. If negotiations fail, the next most highly qualified offeror will be invited to submit a price proposal and enter negotiations.

• Price Proposal Requirements: Must include a summary of staff hours, estimated direct costs, a task-based schedule, and a total budget summary.

• Not specified in this document.

• The document provides detailed descriptions and indicators for 'High Confidence,' 'Some Confidence,' and 'Low Confidence' ratings for each evaluation factor.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for commercial products and commercial services, prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12. The solicitation requires bidders to provide government pricing for items in accordance with an attached Statement of Work (SOW) and Section B.

• The document references an attached Statement of Work (SOW) and Section B for detailed requirements.

• Compliance with FAR Part 12 for acquisition of commercial products and services is mandatory.

• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and related ICT standards apply to all FHWA contracts and assistance agreements containing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a deliverable. This includes ensuring electronic products are accessible to persons with disabilities.

• The document does not explicitly state the contract type, period of performance, or estimated value.

• Quotations must be received by 10:00 AM EST on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

• Responses can be submitted via email to REGINA.MCDONALD@DOT.GOV or by mail to the address in Block 9.

• Offerors and quoters are required to have an active Federal Government Contracts Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of submission and award.

• SAM registration is also required for payment per FAR 52.232-33.

• Bidders must provide their SAM UEI Number, Federal Tax ID Number, CAGE Code, and Estimated Delivery Time with their quotation.

• The solicitation incorporates various FAR clauses, including those related to SAM registration, commercial products/services, executive compensation reporting, combating trafficking in persons, sustainable products, and text messaging policies.

• Invoices must be submitted electronically via the Department of Transportation's DELPHI Einvoicing Web-Portal (https://einvoice.esc.gov/). Facsimile, email, and scanned documents are not acceptable electronic forms for submission.

• The RFQ is marked as "NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDE."

• This solicitation is prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12.

• The document references an attached Statement of Work (SOW) and Section B for specific details.

• A specific clause (G.9 INVOICES) details electronic submission requirements for payment requests via the DELPHI Einvoicing Web-Portal, requiring Login.gov credentials.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Section B, outlines the "Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs" for the opportunity. It details the pricing structure for the goods and services to be procured, specifying a firm-fixed-price for each line item upon completion.

• Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs): The document lists six CLINs (001 through 006).
• Description of Items: Each CLIN corresponds to "Cellular Modems for NPS Traffic Count Stations." CLIN 001 is for a "Pilot (Base Year)" and CLIN 002 is for "Production (Base Year)." CLINs 003 through 006 represent option years (FY27 through FY30).
• Period of Performance: Each CLIN specifies its period of performance, ranging from "Notice to Proceed - September 31, 2026" for the base years to October 1st of one year through September 30th of the following year for the option years, concluding on September 30, 2030.
• Pricing: A placeholder "$" is indicated for the amount for each CLIN, and a "Total Price: $" is also shown, suggesting that specific pricing will be filled in.

This section is critical for bidders as it defines the cost structure and the specific items and their associated performance periods. Bidders will need to use this information to formulate their pricing proposals. The firm-fixed-price nature and the breakdown by CLIN and option year are key components for bid preparation and evaluation.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide in-field cellular modems, SIM cards, and data plans for uploading data from roadside electronic equipment (traffic counters) to a central computer located in Lakewood, CO, over the internet. The equipment will be leased by the government and installed in select National Parks.

• Provide cellular modems, SIM cards, and data plans.

• The modems will be used to provide network connectivity between traffic count stations and a FHWA central computer.

• Equipment will be leased in three groups: Pilot Group (10 modems), Production Group 1 (45 additional modems), and Production Group 2 (up to 45 additional modems).

• Typical installation locations include remote areas with limited cell service, high elevations, extreme weather conditions, and inside NEMA 3R metal cabinets.

• Modems must be compliant with FAR 40.202 Prohibitions.

• Data plan allows for transmission of one file per day (approx. 200 KB) and two-way transmission.

• A data dashboard will be provided to monitor and display data usage.

• Help Desk Support for technical assistance on an as-needed basis.

• Performance Period: Base period through remainder of FY26, plus four 12-month option periods (FY27-FY30).

• End Date: September 30, 2030.

• Installation locations are within select National Parks (see Appendix A).

• Modems must be similar to Sierra Wireless RV55, capable of operating in -25F to 120F, and have a low power mode (<= 5 watts).

• Modems must be powered by AC (120v) and DC power and equipped with a female RS-232 DB9 serial port.

• SIM cards must be Smart-SIM Plus, with access to AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

• Data plan: Shareable for up to 100 modems, approx. 500 MB total.

• All submitted files must be fully compatible with FHWA formats (MS Office compatible).

• Electronic files to be exchanged via DOT secure large file transfer site or EMAIL (files <= 5MB).

• All files will be virus-free.

• Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) & Project Manager: Mr. Miguel Caro (miguel.caro@dot.gov)

• Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative (ACOR): Mr. A.J. Nedzesky (aj.nedzesky@dot.gov)

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "52.204-7 System for Award Management-Registration.pdf", is a standard Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provision that outlines the mandatory registration requirements in the System for Award Management (SAM) for all offerors. It details the information required for registration and how it will be used by the Government.

• Mandatory SAM Registration: Offerors must have an active Federal Government contracts registration in SAM at the time of offer submission and award.
• Definitions: Clarifies terms such as CAGE code, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, Highest-level owner, Immediate owner, Predecessor, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
• Required Identifiers: Offerors must provide their UEI, TIN, and CAGE code. Instructions are provided for obtaining these identifiers, including links to SAM.gov and other relevant agencies.
• Representations and Certifications: Lists several FAR provisions (e.g., 52.204-5, 52.209-2, 52.219-1) that contain entity-level representations and certifications that must be submitted as part of the SAM registration. Offerors verify that these are current and accurate upon submission of their offer.
• Other Information: Offerors may need to provide additional information on business operations and financial details for award and payment.

This document is critical for any potential bidder. It establishes a fundamental prerequisite for participating in federal contract opportunities. Bidders must ensure they have a current and active SAM registration, including the correct UEI, TIN, and CAGE code, before submitting an offer. Failure to comply with these registration requirements can prevent an offer from being considered for award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a standard Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause, specifically FAR 52.204-13, concerning the System for Award Management (SAM) maintenance. It outlines the requirements for contractors to maintain an active and accurate registration in SAM throughout the life of a contract.

• Definitions: Clarifies terms such as Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
• Active Registration: Mandates that contractors maintain an active SAM registration during contract performance and through final payment. This includes reviewing and validating registration information at least annually.
• Responsibility: States that contractors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their SAM information and for any liability arising from inaccurate data.
• Novation and Change-of-Name Agreements: Details the process and notification requirements for contractors who legally change their business name or transfer contract assets.
• Assignees: Specifies that assignees must be separately registered in SAM and that incorrect payment information can lead to suspension of payment.
• UEI and CAGE Code Maintenance: Requires contractors to maintain their UEI and CAGE code throughout the contract and to communicate any changes to the Contracting Officer within 30 days.
• Alternate I: Provides an alternative paragraph (b) for active registration requirements, specifically addressing the timeline for registration if unable to do so before award.

Bidders must understand that maintaining an active and accurate SAM registration is a mandatory requirement for contract performance. Failure to comply can result in issues such as suspension of payment. This clause highlights the importance of ensuring all entity identifiers and registration details are current and correctly reported in SAM, as the government relies on this information for contract administration and payment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Sec 889 Offeror Representation Form" (Attachment 2) required by the Department of Transportation, implementing FAR 4.21 Agency Procedures related to Section 889(a) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019. It is used to obtain representations from offerors regarding covered telecommunications equipment and services.

• Representation 1 (FAR 52.204-24(d)(1)): Whether the offeror will provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government as part of the contract. Offerors can mark 'It will' or 'It will not'. If 'It will', they must continue to the exception. A checkbox is available if the representation requirement has been completed on SAM.gov.
• Representation 2 (FAR 52.204-24(d)(2)): Whether the offeror will use covered telecommunication equipment or service, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services, except for specific cases where the equipment cannot route or redirect user data traffic or permit visibility into user data.
• Exceptions: Checkboxes for 'Yes' or 'No' related to two specific exceptions:
  • Offering service that connects to third-party facilities (e.g., backhaul, roaming).
  • Offering telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or permit visibility into user data.
• Offeror Representation Certification: Fields for Offeror Name, Address, Telephone, Representative's Printed Name, Representative's Signature, and Date.
• Addendum: A statement that by signing, the merchant represents Section 889 compliance for covered telecommunications or video surveillance equipment/services for one year from the signature date. Any modifications must be reported within seven (7) days.

Bidders must complete and return this form. Failure to comply with the statutory requirements, unless an exception or waiver is granted, may result in no order being placed. The form requires specific representations about the use and provision of covered telecommunications equipment and services, and definitions for key terms are provided in the accompanying information.