Addendum 1 to Clemson University’s RFP #184054500

Single Space Parking Sensors

April 1, 2024

Please incorporate answers to offerors questions for clarification purposes as indicated below.

1. Please clarify the requirements and functionality for Mobile App. While mobile App is mentioned throughout the RFP, it is not mentioned under “III. Scope of Work/A. General Specifications/Software”. If Mobile App is required, please clarify how it is to be integrated with the Tigers Commute App – via direct code integration, via APIs, via an App link inside of the Tigers Commute App, other? Please clarify if any access control/log in is required for the App.

ANSWER: The intent is for the Vendor’s App to be linked to the app store via a URL. We are not requiring API’s be integrated into the Tigers Commute App. The example being, when looking for parking locations in the TigersCommute App, if someone clicks on the icon for a lot, they will be directed to download the Vendor App. There will not be any access control to get to the Vendor’s App. However, there will be single sign on (Shiboleth) used to access the Tigers Commute App. Visitors will be directed to the Vendor’s App to find parking on campus.

2. Specific preference for flush mount sensors installation method. In Section III the RFP states that “In-ground installation method completely embeds the sensor into the ground with a layer of sealed epoxy on top that is flush with the surface making the sensor invisible…”. In Section IV. 11 however it states that “modular assemblies that are easily replaced” are preferred. Covering the sensors with a layer of epoxy will make it very difficult to remove and replace sensors in case of resurfacing / repaving works in the next 5-10 years. Please confirm if modular and easy replaceable assembly for the in-ground sensor is preferred over complete not replaceable epoxy sealing installation approaches. Modular replaceable approach  would also allow for easy in-ground sensor removal and re-use after resurfacing of the parking lots.

ANSWER: Modular assemblies that are easily replaced would refer to surface mounted sensors. It is assumed that flush mounted sensors would be unusable after installation. However, if the vendor has a plan for reusing the flush mounted sensors, they should explain.

3. Dual sensor technologies requirement for sensors - radar and magnetometer. Please confirm that you will consider sensors with other multiple detection technologies that meet or exceed the radar performance (accuracy, battery life, etc.).

ANSWER: Dual sensor technologies is a requirement to help ensure accuracy. This will be viewed as advantageous. However, if a vendor wants to submit an alternate solution, we may consider.

4. As discussed during on-site visit, placing base stations on building walls instead of light poles is a preferred option, please confirm.

ANSWER: Building and building roof tops are preferred. Our experienece has been that when street light lose power it causes continuity issues.

5. Base stations installation. Please confirm that rooftop installation option is also available in addition to placing the base stations on the buildings’ walls. Is there power available on the roofs?

ANSWER: Rooftop is preferred. Buildings, specifically in the center of campus in the historic district, will need to be reviewed and approved.

6. For some of the larger lots, such as C-1, there are no nearby buildings available, making a light pole-based installation a preferred method for LoRaWAN base stations installations. Please confirm whether power is available at the light polls 24 hrs or it is being shut down for any period during the 24-hr period.

ANSWER: Light poles are not preferred. Our experience during lightning strikes is that power is knocked out and it causes inconsistency with the system continuity. However, we have confirmation that there is a connection in C 1 that if the device is (POE) Powered Over Ethernet, we can connect at that lot. We would need to determine placement. There is also information about availability of power at various buildings on campus. See answer in Question 28 that should be useful.

7. With both a requirement for local 24-hr-response support and an requirement for extensive training in installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, etc., please clarify whether it is the University or the Vendor would assume the main Level 1 (onsite) routine maintenance/support function, following the deployment.

ANSWER: If training, equipment and materials are sufficient for level 1 response on sensors the answer is yes the University would assume that responsibility. Gateways would be Vendor responsibility.

8. For digital signage at individual lots, what kind of data should be displayed – total space availability only, or availability of all types of spaces available in each individual lot – e.g. Student, Faculty, Visitor, EV charging, etc.?

ANSWER: We would want the total number of primary space types displayed based on the lot designation. C lots would be for # of Commuter Spaces Available and E lots would be for # Employee Spaces available. If the option to display more than one type is possible, it should be explained by the vendor.

9. Digital signage – required only for the parking lots or also for the on-street/curb side parking areas?

ANSWER: Off street lots only.

10. Integration with Tigers Commute App: How should the sensor system integrate with the Tigers Commute App? Is API integration required, and if so, what are the specifications?

ANSWER: See answer to question #1.

11. Power Supply for Signage: Does digital signage need to be solar-powered, or are other power sources acceptable?

ANSWER: Solar only. We do not have infrastructure for power.

12. Can you provide detailed expectations for the system's integration with Clemson’s existing transportation and parking management systems, including preferred communication protocols?

ANSWER: We are linking via app store to various vendor apps via the Tigers Commute App so no integration is needed for real-time transit information. However, we use T2 Systems software for our parking management operations. Vendors are to encouraged to provide capabilities of their sensor application and examples of proven integrations with T2 Systems, specifically as it relates to enforcement and vehicles found in violation of timed regulations.

13. What are Clemson University's expectations regarding sensor maintenance, particularly in terms of battery life and ease of replacement?

ANSWER: We do not expect to maintain sensors unless they need to be replaced. Vendors need to explain what maintenance is expected to maximize battery life and describe replacement procedures.

14. What key features and functionalities are expected in the user interface of the parking management system, and are there specific requirements for ADA compliance or accessibility features?

ANSWER: Not sure what “Parking Management System” is being referred to. Please see the Scope for more detail regarding what is required in your bid submission relative to ADA Accessibility.

15. What network infrastructure is currently in place, and are there plans for upgrades that could affect the parking sensor system, particularly regarding network connectivity issues?

ANSWER: The gateways will need to have CCIT network connectivity.  We can supply either Layer 2 or Layer 3 network connectivity at any existing network location.  If the gateway will be located at a part of a building that does not currently have connectivity, a quote can be provided to construct CAT6A or Single Mode fiber to extend the network.

16. In phases 1 and 1A, how many sensors will be above ground and below the surface?

ANSWER: This has not yet been determined.

17. If we are to place the LoRa Gateway on the buildings, is power available on the roof?

ANSWER: CU Facilities would need to evaluate the specific buildings identified. See Question 28 for specific locations requested.

18. Can we suggest Solar Power for the LoRa Gateway?

ANSWER: Yes, but must provide proven applications for single space sensor flush mount or surface mount installations.

19. Can Clemson University provide a storage facility for the equipment?

We can have equipment delivered to our central warehouse but we have limited long term storage capacity.

20. Theoretically, 750 sensors per LoRa Gateway is possible without obstacles like buildings. Is this value-tested result or theoretical?

ANSWER: With the right conditions, it is our understanding that this can be accomplished. The Vendor needs to make the decisions based on the campus topography observed during their mandatory site visit. Based on their system’s capabilities, vendors need to submit a coverage plan they deem necessary to ensure accuracy and redundancy.

21. Will Clemson University please confirm, where available, the existing monument-style parking lot signs can be used for incorporating (on top of them) digital signs and solar panels for off-street parking lots. The digital signs will be incorporated as a natural extension of the existing parking lot signs, mock ups will be provided during RFP response

ANSWER: These are not available. They are going to be replaced.

22. Will Clemson University please grant a one-time due date extension for this bid? As there are a lot of moving parts around delivery and installation services, two extra weeks would be in Clemson's best interest.  

ANSWER: There is no intent to extend the closing date at this time, if something were to change and require a change that will be communicated through the online bidding system.

23. Reference: Page 29, Section 6 (appendices), Technical section under Security, bid “requires an Annual review of SOC1 (SSAE16), SOC2 reports for all vendor-hosted solutions.” Because Parking Logix is not processing personal data within our car counting occupancy data, other than emails for internal dashboards that will have unique passwords; Is theSOC2 requirement necessary for all vendors as it may not be applicable to our system?

ANSWER: It is a requirement for all software coming on to Clemson’s campus.

24. Can a sensor technology company submit multiple bids through different prime contractors?

ANSWER: Yes, but they will be evaluated separately

25. We are concerned about the financial details of our company becoming publicly available through FOIA requests. We understand that you want to assess financial stability of the proponents. As an alternative method of assessment, may we please submit a bank reference letter, letter from the accredited CPA firm that performs the company’s audits, and a 3rd-party Dun and Bradstreet financial analytics report on our company?

ANSWER: Discuss w/ Kevin TBD

26. Do the digital signs require to be on for 24 hours a day or can they be shut down for some number of hours in the middle of the night? This is to help with the solar panel and battery capacity design.

ANSWER: Unless we have a scheduled special event, they can be shut down from 6:00pm to 6:00am each day. The vendor should discuss how to customize the operational period of the signs.

27. During the onsite tour we noticed some of the lots have streetlights near their entrances. If we handle the electrical work required to install powered digital signs, will this alternative to solar powered signs be considered as an option

ANSWER: No.

28. The following buildings are being considered for gateways.  Are any of these unavailable?

• Byrnes hall (any of the 3 high rises)

• College of Business (Powers Hall)

• Fike

• Brooks Centre

• Life Science

• Hendrix student center

• Administration services

• Rudolph E Lee

• Bracket

• Benet hall

ANSWER: All buildings either have power on the roof or can have it run easily except Benet.  That one would be a challenge.

29. Page 2 of the RFP states “Clemson University currently has over 15,000 parking spaces campus wide. Within that inventory of spaces, we are planning to install 10,951 parking sensors over the life of the contract.” Is there a plan for the other 4,049 stalls?

ANSWER: No, but we will be looking at the installation of a 1,200 space parking deck that is currently planned to open in December 2026 pending further approvals.

30. Page 4 of the RFP states “The successful Offeror shall provide satisfactory evidence of all required insurance coverage and licenses.” Are there any license requirements we should be aware of?

ANSWER: We are not aware of any license requirements. Insurance requirements are outlined in the Terms & Conditions included under that Attchments tab

31. Page 5 of the RFP describes references. Do the references need to be based on direct experience with single space sensor deployments by the prime contractor?

ANSWER: Clemson needs references that can show that you and in some cases your prime contractors are fully capable of doing the work requested in the Scope.

32. Page 10 of the RFP states “Explain how the LoRaWAN network can be extended to many non-parking use cases like water metering, environmental monitoring, and waste bin monitoring.” Are there plans to expand to non-parking applications and if so, is having experience with deployment of these additional applications advantageous?

ANSWER: We are not sure about non parking expansion at this time but are interested in capabilities and vendor’s experience with this.

33. Exhibit A inventory questions:

a. Lot 5 coordinate are in E4.  L5-ext seems to be in L5.  Where will L5-ext be in relation to L5?

b. Lightsey Commons 1 and 2 and Little John 1 and 2 lots all have the same coordinates. Can this please be clarified?

ANSWER: a. Coordinates corrected for P5 and P5 ext. P5 extension is adjacent to P5.

P5

-82.84	34.678	-82	48	56.4	34	40	38		-81.184333333333	34.677222222222

P5 Ext

-82.815

34.676

-82

48

54.3

34

40

35.3

-81.184916666667

34.676472222222

ANSWER: b. Coordinates corrected for Lightsey Commons 1 and 2 and Little John 1 and 2.

Lightsey Commons #1 and #2

-82.837	34.677	-82		50	13.08	34	40	36.38		-81.163033333333	34.676772222222
-82.837	34.677	-82		50	13.08	34	40	36.38		-81.163033333333	34.676772222222

Littlejohn #1 and #2

-82.846	34.681	-82	50	48.1	34	40	51.9		-81.153305555556	34.681083333333
-82.846	34.681	-82	50	48.1	34	40	51.9		-81.153305555556	34.681083333333

34. What is the process for negotiating the Ts&Cs? For example:

a. Is the bidder required to identify its exceptions to the standard form Ts&Cs within its proposal?

b. How should the bidder identify its proposed exceptions (if any): i.e. redlines, a summarized list, or some other format?

ANSWER: Bidders must specifically call out any exceptions to the Clemson terms & conditions in their proposal as a list of exceptions. Clemson will consider further negoatiating with the bidder who is selected for award prior to award. Please understand that items such as Indemnification, Warranty, and point of law are non-negotiable as they are governed by SC Attorney General decisions.

35. Are there any plans to pressure wash the asphalt and/or concrete lots prior to the project starting?

ANSWER: No. During summer months University Facilities does use a street sweeper to clean weeds and debris in lots.

36. Depending on the location, would the University be open to having some of the signage hardwired versus solar?

ANSWER: No

37. Does the University anticipate being responsible for level 1 maintenance support for sensors and gateways (i.e. - minor repairs, alterations, etc.)?

ANSWER: See answer to question 7.