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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

LED Passenger Information Displays for Bus Stops



1. Introduction

The Crawford Area Transportation Authority (CATA) is a public transportation provider serving Crawford, Venango, and Clarion counties. We are seeking information from qualified vendors regarding the design, procurement, installation, integration, and support of outdoor LED display kiosks at select bus stop locations in the Meadville city area and Venango County.

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued for planning and informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. Responses will be used to refine requirements and inform a future Request for Quotes (RFQ).


2. Project Overview

CATA intends to deploy approximately three to five (3-5) outdoor passenger information display kiosks at high-traffic bus stop locations. These displays will provide real-time bus arrival information, schedule updates, service alerts, and potentially other passenger-facing communications.


3. Objectives

The primary objectives of this project are:

  • Improve passenger experience through real-time transit information
  • Integrate seamlessly with existing onboard systems (Avail Technologies CAD/AVL system)
  • Provide reliable, weather-resistant, and accessible displays with the potential for solar power
  • Ensure long-term maintainability and scalability


4. Scope of Information Requested

Vendors are requested to provide information on the following:

4.1 Hardware

  • Outdoor-rated LED or LCD display specifications
  • Screen size, brightness (nits), and readability in sunlight
  • Environmental durability (temperature range, water/dust resistance, vandal resistance)
  • ADA compliance considerations
  • Power requirements
  • Mounting options (pole-mounted, shelter-mounted, freestanding kiosks)

4.2 Software & Integration

  • Ability to integrate with Avail Technologies CAD/AVL system and/or pre-existing Modeshift systems used by CATA
  • Supported data formats (e.g., GTFS, GTFS-RT, API capabilities)
  • Real-time data display capabilities
  • Remote content management system (CMS)
  • Ability to display service alerts, announcements, and custom messages
  • System architecture (cloud-based, on-premise, hybrid)

4.3 Communications

  • Connectivity options (cellular, Wi-Fi, Ethernet)
  • Data usage requirements
  • Redundancy and uptime expectations

4.4 Installation & Implementation

  • Site preparation requirements
  • Installation process and timeline
  • Permitting considerations
  • Electrical and networking requirements
  • Typical deployment timeline for 3 units

4.5 Maintenance & Support

  • Warranty terms
  • Preventative maintenance recommendations
  • Remote monitoring capabilities
  • Service level agreements (SLAs)
  • Expected lifespan of equipment

4.6 Vendor Qualifications

  • Company background and experience
  • Relevant transit agency deployments (preferably in the U.S.)
  • References (optional at RFI stage)

 

5. Project Constraints & Considerations

  • Project must comply with all applicable Commonwealth of Pennsylvania procurement requirements
  • Compliance with ADA accessibility standards
  • Compliance with Buy America requirements, if applicable
  • Outdoor deployment subject to Pennsylvania weather conditions
  • Preference for scalable solutions for future expansion


6. Response Format

Vendors are encouraged to structure responses according to the sections outlined in this RFI. Responses should be concise but sufficiently detailed to allow CATA to evaluate available solutions.


7. Submission Instructions

Submissions should be emailed in PDF form to Collin Hart, Finance and Procurement Coordinator for CATA at chart@catabus.org. The deadline for submissions is April 17, 2026.


8. Disclaimer

This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by CATA to issue a Request for Quotes (RFQ) or award a contract.

CATA will not reimburse respondents for any costs incurred in preparing a response to this RFI.





Federal Procurement Clauses:  The following federal procurement clauses apply to vendors providing goods and/or services to CATA. Vendors are required to accept notification of these clauses when purchases are made based on the value of the contract. 


Federal Clauses under $10K 11-21

Federal Clauses $10K-$25K 11-21

Federal Clauses under $100K 11-21

Federal Clauses over $100K 11-21