Description
The Tongass National Forest (TNF) contemplates releasing a request for firm-fixed-price proposals on or after December 9, 2008, via this FedBizOpps website for a traffic management solution for the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center (MGVC) in Juneau, Alaska, with proposals due on or after January 12, 2008. Specifically, the TNF is seeking a real-time intelligent transportation or traffic system (ITS) to let tour bus drivers know in advance if there is a space for their vehicle in the bus loading zone or if they need to queue in a nearby uncongested interceptor lot, and then provide instructions to the drivers when to approach the loading zone. The original traffic design at the MGVC provides space for up to 5 buses to occupy the bus loading zone in the teardrop shaped cul-de-sac near the Visitor Center entrance (see Attachment 1, Project Site Map). The current and projected volume of bus traffic is too great for unregulated use of this area. One contributor to congestion is the queue formed by buses waiting for a curbside slot to load or unload their passengers. More permanent improvements are needed to actively and efficiently manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Such improvements should carry the needs of the Visitor Center for approximately fifteen to twenty year time period. As mentioned above, the TNF’s goal is an ITS to let bus drivers know well in advance if there is a space for their vehicle or if they need to queue in an uncongested interceptor lot. Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands (ATPPL) funds have been awarded to the TNF to install a real-time ITS to regulate the arrivals of buses to drop-off or pick up passengers, depending on available slots and improve way-finding for pedestrians. The US Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center provided an analysis and published the “Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center Congestion Study”. This study is the foundation on which the funds from the ATPPL program and the contemplated request for proposals, and will be an attachment to the request for proposals. Traffic counts for the area will also be provided. No specific ITS approach has been decided upon, and offerors will be invited to propose any feasible technology solution which will satisfy the TNF’s need for a traffic management solution. The ATPPL funds available are $500,000. The request for proposals will seek firm-fixed-priced proposals not exceeding this amount. The TNF shares this figure to help offerors properly scope their proposals for the installation of an ITS at the MGVC, including any necessary planning or design work. A pre-solicitation conference is scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2008 at 2:00pm Alaska Standard Time. This is planned as a call-in conference only; the conference call number is 907-586-8720. This acquisition is contemplated as full and open competition. Prospective offerors are invited to identify themselves to the contracting officer with information on their size status, capabilities, and interest in this project, by Thursday, December 4, 2008. Prospective offerors are also invited to prepare brief white papers by Thursday, December 4, 2008, describing factors that the TNF should consider as it formalizes its request for proposals, including suggestions on the method of the acquisition, evaluation criteria, scope of the project, timelines, the appropriateness of the above classification and NAICS codes, and so forth. The TNF may use this information to validate or modify its acquisition approach. In order to receive any contract award, vendors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) and Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA). To register in the CCR system, go to: http://www.ccr.gov or by calling 1-888-227-2423 or 269-961-5757. To register in the ORCA system, go to: http://www.bpn.gov. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.