Hardware/Software Compatibility for Traffic Management/IVHS Systems (1232-26)

Traditional contracting and procurement when applied to electronic data communication, computing, and software are not entirely appropriate for Advanced Traffic Management Systems, particularly if low-bid is the prime consideration for award. Purchasing and procurement legislation for the State of Texas and other states was reviewed to determine applicability in procuring Advanced Traffic Management/Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems. In particular, researchers considered compatibility issues in expanding existing systems. The current Texas Information Resources Act (SB381), enacted in mid-1994, appears to offer the most flexible mechanism for implementing and expanding these complex systems. Through the catalog purchase procedure, TxDOT has the opportunity to more nearly specify the most appropriate traffic management system for a given set of circumstances and to provide for expansion and extension of systems with minimal compatibility problems. National efforts to develop a standard architecture and communications protocol will further enhance the ability to procure compatible system components. TxDOT should continue to monitor and participate in those national development activities.|Given the implementation of the Texas Information Resources Act and the anticipation of a national standard architecture and communications protocol, the following recommendations are offered in relation to procurement and expansion of Advanced Traffic Management/Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems: Utilize catalog or competitive proposal procedures to procure and expand systems; Use new NEMA protocol for future traffic controller procurement; Develop, in conjunction with other freeway management states, message structures supported by NTCIP which accommodate IVHS functionality with devices such as CMS, CCTV, detectors, LCS, HAR, etc.; and Specify, to the extent possible, standard, off-the-shelf hardware for communications and control.