Toll Services & Systems - IBI Group

ibi groupIntelligent Systems | Toll Services & Systems 31E-ZPass GROUP NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY ProcurementNortheast USAThe E-ZPass Group (EZPG), consisting of 24 member tollagencies in 14 northeast and mid-west states, operatesan electronic toll collection system known as E-ZPassthat utilizes a common technology to enable seamlesscollection of electronic tolls throughout the region.IBI Group has been assisting EZPG with its procurement ofNext Generation Technology AVI equipment (transpondersand roadside readers/antennas). The assignment was toinvestigate the alternative technologies, consider migrationstrategies, and assist with the procurement processfrom preparation of the RFP through vendor questions,proposal evaluation, and extensive validation testing of theproposed equipment.Initial project tasks (as a sub-consultant) were:assessment of IAG requirements across all agencies,assessment of available technologies and migrationstrategies, recommendations, and assistance withpreparation of a Request For Proposal. IBI Group focusedon the investigation of alternative ETC technologiesincluding RF 915 MHz, RF 5.9 GHz, infrared, satellite, andvideo. General research was combined with an Internetsurvey of industry leaders. Technologies and migrationstrategies were further discussed during individual vendor/integrator meetings. Our RFP preparation work includedparticipation in Task Force discussions of the RFP structure,as well as substantial involvement with the committeeresponsible for technical review and evaluation criteria.For the validation test, we have worked in conjuction withEZPG Technical Committee to plan, design, and implementmultiple test facilities equivalent to real world “plaza” and“open road” tolling environments. IBI Group developed andimplemented a test system to interface with the proposers’prepared detailed test execution plans, coordinated therequired test drivers and vehicle fleet, managed executionof the test, and provided detailed analysis and tabulation ofthe results.This project provided IBI Group with a thoroughunderstanding of the current and forecasted status ofelectronic tolling in North America and around the world.We have also acquired detailed knowledge and directexperience with all aspects of planning, setting up,conducting, and documenting a large scale, real world,technology test.Subsequent project tasks conducted by IBI Group asthe prime consultant have included: assistance withpreparation of responses to vendor RFP questions,update of the RFP documents in conformance with issuedaddenda, development of agency pricing guidelinesand agency pricing assistance, and proposal technicalcompliance verification.system provider | all-electronic tolling / open road tolling | high occupancy / toll lanes | technology assessment | owner’s engineer | concessionaire support