New Jersey Department of Transportation, Bureau of Research and Demonstration, CN600, Trenton, NJ 08625-0600

A -- AUTOMATED VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN COMPOSITION Sol 71401. Due 070595. Contact Point, Karl Brodtman, 609/530-5957, Contracting Officer, Richard L. Hollinger, 609/530-5957. As part of FHWA agreement SPR-0010(20), The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is seeking qualified engineering firms interested in submitting letters of interest to conduct a research study on the Automated Variable Message Sign (VMS) Composition. The objectives of this study are to determine the state of the art of composing and displaying driver effective Variable Message Sign messages; to advance the state of the art of VMS message technology; to develop a message dictionary for New Jersey Traffic Operations Variable Message Sign displays (including construction work zones); to determine warrants for the use of VMS versus temporary static or hybrid signs; to develop a user very friendly, personal computer aided system (software only) for the creation and retrieval of driver effective VMS messages; to develop the computer system so that it can be used for the trouble shooting of messages where driver difficulties are expected or are being experienced due to unusual conditions; to provide student tested, modified and improved training courses for managers, engineers, and program operators. The Automated VMS Message Composition study will result in recommended changes in some traffic operation activities, will contribute toward the relief of traffic congestion, will contribute to drivers receiving important action requiring messages that are readily understandable and consistent in content irrespective of the type and condition of the roadway that a motorist is traveling on in the State. The research study will consist of the following tasks: (1) Synthesize technical literature and research results on all aspects of VMS messages, presentation methods, measurable environmental factors, message dictionaries; (2) Determine the relationship between VMS characteristics, message effectiveness measurable environmental factors and specific relevant to each New Jersey VMS; (3) Determine the legibility deistance of the New Jersey VMS signs; (4) Review the messages used in New Jersey using subjects that present the NJ driving population; Test for the understandability and reading time of difficult messages that are local to NJ; (5) Determine the programming requirements for computer aided VMS selection, composition, evaluation, trouble shooting, simulated presentation review on targeted VMS based on the use of currently available commercial software programs; (6) Recommend and develop message making formulas, principles, and criteria for computer aided message evaluation; (7) Develop and test computer aided user interfaces. Include evaluation system decision models and flow charts; (8) Develop and test a message maker and trouble shooting training program; (9) Present the results, recommendations and demonstrate the software program and the training manual to the project panel for review, critique and evaluation; (10) Develop a working message maker and trouble shooting computer program using a vast assortment of test messages and VMS characteristic files in a data base. Present to the project panel for review, comment and selection. Allow for the smooth interaction with various NJ highway agency owned Variable Message Sign Software; (11) Include in the data base all relevant mesage files, word files, abbreviation files and VMS characteristic files; (12) Develop and then test full scale programs using actual NJ type Variable Message Signs in off highway facilities with the programs being used by representative students, engineers, and managers; (13) Train operations sponsors and four DOT employees, providing user manuals; (14) Submit an all inclusive final report for review and approval. Print and distribute approved final report. The effort described above will be completed within 28 months from the start of the second half of 1995. There is $500,000.00 available for this contract. EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS: Proposed staffing and recent relevant experience will be critical elements in short listing and final selection for respondents to receive an RFP. Respondents will be evaluated on the basis of: Current PS01 (years experience in drivers information studies should be disclosed); Cost Basis approval (questions directed to the Audit Bureau); Previous Cost basis contracts with state DOTs and/or FHWA; Location of Office; Insurance; DBE targets; Staff Size; Evaluation of file with NJDOT; and Special Task and/or Equipment. NJDOT, in accordance with Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252.52 U.S.C. and 49 C.F.R., Part 21 issued pursuant to such Act, affords minority/women business enterprises full opportunity to submit an indication of interest in response to this invitation and will not discriminate against any interested firm on the grounds of race, creed, color, sex, age, or national origin in a contract award. Interested firms will be required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et. seq. and all other applicable Equal Opportunity Laws and Regulations. Following a review of submitted Letters of Interest, NJDOT will request proposals from the most qualified firms/teams. Proposals will not be solicited from firms or teams that have not responded to the Request for Letters of Interest. The short listing process is expected to take approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks from the receipt of the responses. All respondents will be notified at the completion of the process regarding their status. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Qualified firms or joint ventures interested in being considered for this study must submit 15 copies of 1) a letter of interest not exxceeding four (4) single side, letter sized pages, summarizing the firm's understanding of the project, qualifications of the firm, prior relevant experience, team organization and key personnel; 2) a list of references claimed as relevant experience by each firm and each key individual including: name, title, agency, address and telephone number of client agency project manager; 3) an organizational chart showing proposed key personnel names, position titles and reporting relationships of each firm; and 4) completed NJDOT form PS01 for the prime consultant and each designated subconsultant or for each member of a joint venture team. Blank copy of Form PS01 may be obtained upon request from the Bureau of Professional Services at (609) 530-2452. The responses must be submitted by the closing date and addressed to: Richard L. Hollinger, Manager, Bureau of Research, New Jersey Department of Transportation, CN600, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0600, (609) 530-5957. Office Location: 1035 Parkway Avenue, Sixth Floor, Engineering and Operations Building, Room 6513, Trenton, NJ. RE: Solicitation Number 71401. The Department encourages applications from qualified minority contractors and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE). Please note that the New Jersey Department of Transportation has a DBE target of 20 percent. Evaluation and submission requirements inquiries directed to: Bureau of Professional Services at (609) 530-2452. (160)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0001 19950614\A-0001.SOL)