This Minnesota CAV Challenge is an open, ongoing request to allow proposals to be submitted at any time. MnDOT anticipates several contracts will be awarded, depending on the size of projects submitted and available funding.
Funding for this fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2019, is $2m. Funding for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 will be $3.5m each year.
Specific project goals include:
- Leverage P3s to advance transportation opportunities using CAV
- Prepare Minnesota’s infrastructure, policy and workforce for CAV
- Allow private industry opportunities to test and deploy advancing CAV technologies
- Allow the public to better understand the benefits and limitations of CAV technology and provide opportunities for them to give input, experience the technology first hand and provide feedback
- Accelerate implementation of CAV technology in Minnesota
MnDOT will review proposals every two months. The deadline for submitting proposals for the first cycle is November 16. The second and third cycle deadlines are January 18, 2019 and March 15, 2019.
Those interested in submitting proposals can request a pre-proposal meeting with MnDOT to discuss their ideas in person or by phone before making the proposal. The meeting serves as a way to receive feedback and discuss the project concept, potential merits, risks and value. To request a pre-proposal meeting before the January 18, 2019 deadline or to ask questions about the process, contact Ron Bisek at Ron.Bisek@state.mn.us.
The request for proposal document, which includes instruction on how to submit ideas, is available here: www.mndot.gov/consult/notices.html
This solicitation is being conducted as an open, ongoing request for proposals allowing potential responders to submit a proposal at any time.
Areas of primary importance are listed below, and MnDOT will consider proposals in other areas to advance innovation.
- Advance CAV technology in winter weather conditions
- Develop corridors and test tracks for industry to test and validate technology
- Utilize CAV technology to improve mobility for those with transportation challenges (e.g. person with disabilities, low income, elderly, rural Minnesota)
- Utilize CAV technology to improve the safety and operations of work zones
- Build public trust in CAV
- Share data between government and third parties who can advance CAV applications that improve safety and mobility
- Utilize CAV to reduce traffic related serious injuries and fatalities, including bicycles and pedestrians
- Utilize CAV data to help manage infrastructure, maintenance, traffic incident management and operations
- Utilize CAV technology to grow Minnesota businesses and attract new business and talent
- Strategically plan for policy, infrastructure and operational risk
- Utilize CAV technology to solve public health, social, and economic challenges