Sealed proposals to provide and implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI)...

Location:	South Carolina
Posted:	Mar 5, 2026
Due:	Apr 1, 2026
Agency:	City of Isle of Palms
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	63 - Alarm, Signal, and Detection Systems
Solicitation No:	RFP 2026. 03
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Attachment Preview

City of Isle of Palms

Request for Proposals (RFP 2026-03)

“AI Controlled Traffic Signal System”

Requirement. The city is requesting proposals from firms to provide and implement an Artificial

Intelligence (AI) controlled traffic signal system that: improves traffic efficiency, reduces peak-

hour vehicle delay, reduces queue spillback, enhances pedestrian safety, maintains compliance

with applicable traffic control standards, and provides measurable performance reporting. The

selected firm will be responsible for supplying and maintaining intelligent traffic signal

technologies across a designated intersection that conforms to South Carolina Department of

Transportation (SCDOT) regulations as the local signal control authority as well as the Manual

on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). If the selected firm can also perform installation of

the traffic signal system the city asks that this be specified in the proposal.

Background. The city has one intersection equipped with traffic signals. During peak traffic

times, and particularly in beach season, the limitations of the current traffic signal system

contribute to congestion and inefficient traffic flow. This congestion is a source of frustration for

residents and visitors alike and contributes to reduced response times for first responders

during emergencies.

The city would like to engage a firm to help address the traffic problems described above. This

request for proposals is the first step in the process.

SCOPE OF WORK AND SERVICES

Mandatory:

1. System Design & Planning: Assessment of current traffic infrastructure, problem set, and

proposal of AI-integrated solution(s).

2. Hardware & Software Supply: Provision of AI-enabled traffic signal controllers, sensors,

cameras, and associated software.

3. AI Capabilities: Real-time traffic optimization, predictive analytics, emergency vehicle

prioritization, pedestrian safety enhancements.

4. Maintenance & Support: Ongoing, including post-project, technical support, software

updates, and health monitoring system.

5. Integration: System must integrate with existing infrastructure and be SCDOT and

MUTCD compliant.

6. Pedestrian Aware. The system must be cognizant of pedestrians and incorporate their

movement requirements into the necessary algorithms. The system should not neglect

pedestrian movement requirements, even at peak traffic.

7. Information and Training: Conduct necessary briefings to city leadership regarding

system capabilities, limitation, and lifecycle requirements. Conduct any necessary

hands-on training with Public Safety staff to address subjects like manual overrides.

Preferred:

1. Installation Capability: Deployment of and installation of system into existing

infrastructure.

PROPOSAL CONTENTS AND SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Consistent with Chapter 10 Purchasing Procedures, Section 1-10-5 Methods of Source

Selection and Section 1-10-7 Architect-Engineering Services, of the city code, the city is

requesting information that speaks to a firm’s track record of “professional and technical

qualifications” and “demonstrated competence and qualification.”

By 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, please provide a hard copy proposal by courier or

mail to:

Physical Address Instructions (Delivery by Courier, Mail Service (FEDEX, etc)):

C/o Douglas Kerr

City Administrator

City of Isle of Palms

1207 Palm Boulevard

Isle of Palms, South Carolina 29451

Mailing Instructions (US Mail):

C/o Douglas Kerr

City Administrator

City of Isle of Palms

Post Office Box 508

Isle of Palms, South Carolina 29451

The proposal should include:

- A cover letter introducing the firm

- A description of the firm’s qualifications to execute the proposal as written

- Examples of similar projects including references

- Description of methodology for conducting the project

- A description of the key project personnel and their expertise

- Detailed budget and cost breakdown

- A description of proprietary issues the city should be aware of, such as data ownership,

video retention, privacy factors, and cybersecurity concerns relevant to the system

- No more than 15 pages

EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

The primary intent regarding the procurement of these services is to obtain what the City would

consider to be the best package of products and services. This includes overall proposal

suitability, a clear and organized proposal, price competitiveness, quality and timeliness of

previous work performed.

Respondents will further be evaluated on their experience, qualifications, methodology and

references. The City of Isle of Palms reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any

proposal submitted which, in the judgment of the City, would not be in its best interest. The City

also reserves the right to waive minor deficiencies or reject all proposals. Proposals will be

evaluated based on the following criteria:

A. Experience and Expertise:

-Demonstrated experience in planning, designing, and implementing AI controlled traffic

signal systems.

-Qualified staff with relevant expertise and certifications.

B. Methodology and Approach:

-Sound and appropriate methodology that studies and confirms the problem and then tailors

a solution that meets the City’s needs.

-Clear understanding of the project requirements and objectives.

C. Timeline and Deliverables:

-Realistic timeline for completing requisite studies and analysis, delivering, hardware,

conducting installation (if part of the proposal), conducting training and final testing.

-Ability to meet project deadlines.

D. Cost:

-Competitive and reasonable pricing for the proposed services, including post-project costs

such as maintenance, monitoring, etc.

-Value for money in terms of the quality and comprehensiveness of the deliverables.

E. References:

-Positive feedback and recommendations from previous clients.

Deadline for Submissions: The deadline for submission is 5:00 PM, Wednesday, April 1st,

2026. Proposals will be received by mail or courier (see above) in a sealed envelope. Sealed

envelopes must be clearly marked “RFP 2026-03 – AI Controlled Traffic Signal System” and

include one (1) hard copy.

It will be the responsibility of the proposers to verify receipt by the City. Proposals may be

delivered by hand or by mail, but no proposal shall be considered which is not actually received

by the City at the place, date and time appointed by the City and the City shall not be

responsible for any failure, misdirection, delay or error resulting from the selection by any

proposer of any means of delivery. All proposals submitted shall include a current e-mail

address.

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information: Your proposal is a public document under the South

Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), except as to information that may be treated as

confidential as an exception to disclosure under the FOIA. If you cannot agree to this standard,

please do not submit your proposal. All information that is to be treated as confidential and/or

proprietary must be clearly identified, and each page containing confidential and/or proprietary

information, in whole or in part, must be stamped and/or denoted as CONFIDENTIAL, in bold, in

a font of at least 12-point type, in the upper right-hand corner of the page. All information not so

denoted and identified will be subject to disclosure by the City.

Proposers acknowledge and agree that the City will not be liable for any costs, expenses,

losses, damages (including damages for loss of anticipated profit) or liabilities incurred by the

respondent or any member of the respondent’s organization as a result of, or arising out of,

submitting a proposal, negotiating changes, or due to the City’s acceptance or non-acceptance

of the proposal or the rejection of any and all proposals.

Proposers are responsible for submission of accurate, adequate and clear descriptions of the

information requests. Neither issuance of the RFP, preparation and submission of a response,

nor the subsequent receipt and evaluation of any response by the City of Isle of Palms will

commit the City to award a contract to any respondent even if all the requirements in the RFP

have been met. Proposers must have or be able to procure an Isle of Palms Business License.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Sealed proposals to provide and implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI) controlled traffic signal system

Attachment Preview

See also