1. 1 Panel Discussion: State DOT experiences with RFP creation Paul Pisano, Team Leader Road Weather Management Federal Highway Administration Washington, DC MDSS Stakeholder Meeting Falls Church, VA August 10-11, 2006

2. 2 Motivation Many State DOTs are interested in creating RFPs that include MDSS capabilities RFPs should include not only the current state of the practice but also should strive for innovation Service providers will better understand what DOTs are expecting for products and services

3. 3 RFP Template Document As part of FHWA’s technology transfer and outreach program, NCAR has created a “Functional Specification Template and Procurement Guidance” document Hard copies are available at the check in desk Soft copies will be available at www.rap.ucar.edu/projects/rdwx_mdss/index.html Aurora will be compiling specifications on its website at www.aurora-program.org

4. 4 Discussion Several State DOTs have recently completed RFP acquisitions that included MDSS functionality The representatives will be able to describe their experiences: –Kent Mayer, Nevada DOT –Darrell Bingham, Arizona DOT –Mike Adams, Wisconsin DOT –Jim Dowd, Iowa DOT

5. 5 Discussion Questions (1 of 2) How was writing a RFP for MDSS services different from writing a RFP for winter maintenance support? Did you put more of an emphasis on weather forecasts or treatment recommendations? Did you require weather, pavement or treatment verification reports?

6. 6 Discussion Questions (2 of 2) Do you feel that you are aware of the current state of the practice in weather forecasting and services? Did you require a stepped or phased in approach to building a MDSS capability? Did you include vendor-supplied training?