CELLULAR MODEMS AND DATA PLAN FOR TRAFFIC COUNTER STATIONS
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD), is soliciting proposals for Cellular Modems, SIM Cards, and a Cellular Data Plan to support 100 continuous traffic counter stations in National Parks. This will be a Firm-Fixed-Price agreement with option years. This opportunity is Not a Small Business Set-Aside. Proposals are due March 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide cellular modems, SIM cards, and a shareable data plan to establish network connectivity between traffic counter stations and a central FHWA computer in Lakewood, CO. The equipment will be leased by the government and installed in remote, high-elevation, and extreme weather environments within select National Parks. The requirement includes a pilot group (10 modems) and two production groups (up to 90 additional modems).
Key Technical Requirements:
- Modems similar to Sierra Wireless RV55, operating in -25F to 120F, with low power consumption (<= 5 watts), AC/DC power, and an RS-232 DB9 serial port.
- Smart-SIM Plus cards with access to AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks.
- Data plan for approximately 500 MB total across 100 modems, supporting daily file transmission (approx. 200 KB) and two-way communication.
- Provision of a data dashboard and Help Desk Support.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FAR Part 12, Simplified Procedures)
- Duration: Base period (Notice to Proceed through September 30, 2026) plus four 12-month option periods (FY27-FY30), concluding September 30, 2030.
- Set-Aside: Not a Small Business Set-Aside
- Proposal Due: March 24, 2026, 10:00 AM EST
- Published: March 9, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit separate technical and price proposals electronically to regina.mcdonald@dot.gov. Technical proposals are limited to 25 pages (Times New Roman 12pt, single-spaced), excluding cover letters, organization charts, and one-page resumes. Price proposals must detail staff hours, estimated direct costs, a task-based schedule, and a total budget summary.
Evaluation Factors (weighted):
- Equipment meeting technical specifications (50%)
- Technical experience with the equipment (30%)
- Previous experience creating a cellular network (20%)
Award will be made to the most highly rated firm after technical evaluation and price analysis/negotiations.
Key Requirements & Notes
- SAM Registration: Active Federal Government Contracts Registration in SAM (including UEI, TIN, CAGE code) is mandatory at the time of submission and award, and must be maintained throughout contract performance.
- Section 508 Compliance: All Information and Communication Technology (ICT) deliverables must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
- Sec 889 Form: Offerors must complete and return the Sec 889 Offeror Representation Form regarding covered telecommunications equipment and services.
- Invoicing: Electronic invoices must be submitted via the Department of Transportation's DELPHI Einvoicing Web-Portal.
Contacts
- Primary Contact: Regina P McDonald (Regina.McDonald@dot.gov, 703-404-6268)
- COR: Mr. Miguel Caro (miguel.caro@dot.gov)
- ACOR: Mr. A.J. Nedzesky (aj.nedzesky@dot.gov)