Kansas Interested in Partnering with OEM for Showcase IVI Vehicle
IVsource.net
24 October 2000

Note: Deadline Extended to 22 November

The Kansas Department of Transportation has issued a "Request for Interest" seeking partners to assist in the state's Intelligent Vehicle Initiative program.  They envision equipping a vehicle with a variety of telematics and IV components as a showcase, to expose the public and key decisionmakers to these emerging technologies. 

In Search Of:  Original Equipment Manufacturer(s), With Loaded Sport-Ute

According to the solicitation, KDOT wishes to create the showcase vehicle to "show the traveling public the advantages of purchasing devices to aid in the driving task."  They are seeking interest from vehicle manufacturers and/or dealers willing to supply a vehicle equipped with technology enhancements such as (their list):

• In-Vehicle Navigation Systems

• Dynamic Route Guidance

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Mayday Systems

• Traveler Assistance/Concierge Services

• Mobile Communications

• Auto PC / Telematics

• Obstacle Alert Systems

• Vision Enhancement Systems

• Collision Avoidance Systems

• Automated Vehicle Location

• Lane/Road Departure Warning

• Impaired Driver Restriction Systems

• Safety Restraint / Airbag Technology

• Vehicle Stability Enhancement

Acknowledging the rapid production evolution within the industry, KDOT notes that the above list is representative and that features not yet ready for public demonstration could be added at a later time.  They favor a four-door sport utility vehicle, which they say would allow room for both passengers and equipment. 

KDOT plans to take the IVI Showcase Vehicle to the traveling public "wherever the opportunity arises" -- at public meetings, conferences, conventions, fairs, and media events in the Midwest and around the country. 

They say that their ideal partner would participate in both providing and developing the vehicle.  They are interested in partnering with vehicle manufacturers as well as aftermarket suppliers.  So, it appears that they are seeking multiple partners to bring their wares to the Showcase Vehicle.  They note that they have programmed funding to aid in the vehicle development.

Two Phase Program; Procurement Vehicle Uncertain

KDOT has defined two phases.   In the first phase, they will procure a baseline vehicle, which would have both factory-installed technologies and be capable of being modified with aftermarket equipment.  Ideally, the supplier will offer the vehicle at a below-market cost in exchange for the promotional opportunity.  The determination of what technologies will be provided on the vehicle will happen in Phase Two.

The solicitation is packaged as a Request for Interest, and the agency requests "letters of interest with a detailed proposal on the vehicle/component, IVI items included, and pricing."  The implication is that they may proceed on the basis of submittals, or possibly use these submittals to generate a Request-for-Proposals for a more formal procurement process.

Submittals are due November 22.
[Note: this deadline was extended on October 30 from its original November 8 date.]

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... contact Matthew Volz, ITS Coordinator for KDOT, at 785.296.6356 or mattv@ksdot.org.

The solicitation itself can be found at www.ink.org/public/kdot/burfiscal/rfq/q73977.pdf

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