Pedestrian and Collision Avoidance – ADAS Pilot Program

As the agency published it

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) - 7000- Operations has issued request for proposals, solicitation 2026-RFP-061.

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is pursuing a Pedestrian and Collision Avoidance Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Pilot Program to evaluate technologies that improve operator awareness, enhance safety, and reduce preventable collisions involving pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, motorists, and other roadway users. The pilot will deploy integrated safety systems on select two (2) GILLIG and two (2) New Flyer coaches, with the potential to expand to more than 300 vehicles based on demonstrated performance, reliability, and operational benefits. Multiple solutions will be considered and selected until funding is exhausted for the years 2026 and 2027. The proposed solution will provide blind spot detection, forward collision warning, pedestrian and vulnerable road user detection, audible and visual operator alerts, and configurable safety notifications designed to improve situational awareness without interfering with vehicle operation. Systems must perform reliably in all weather, lighting, and operating conditions, while maintaining compliance with applicable safety standards and operating independently of vehicle steering or braking systems. Vendors will also provide installation, training, calibration, warranty support, and ongoing technical assistance to ensure successful deployment and evaluation. A key component of the pilot is the collection and analysis of safety data through a secure web-based portal that provides reporting, event tracking, and performance monitoring capabilities. COTA will evaluate system effectiveness, operator acceptance, alert accuracy, maintenance requirements, and overall safety benefits during a one-year pilot period. Upon successful completion, COTA may expand the technology across its fleet to support long-term safety objectives, reduce collision-related costs, improve operational reliability, and further enhance the safety of passengers, operators, and the public.

Responses are due November 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST.

Questions must be submitted by October 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT.

Commodity categories: Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing; Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing; Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing; Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Merchant Wholesalers; Engineering Services; Computer Systems Design Services.

Contact: Wesley Oliver, Director of Vehicle Engineering (oliverwd@cota.com, (614) 308-4301).

The full solicitation document, addenda and the question-and-answer thread are on the agency's OpenGov portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/cota/projects/304439. Responses are submitted electronically there, and a free vendor account is required before you can upload one.

Reproduced from the official notice via OpenGov Procurement - Ohio. The agency's page is the one that counts.