AECOM Technical Services Inc. has been recommended for a US$5m contract to design and develop Ohio’s connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) infrastructure, as part of the state’s long-term aim of the widespread introduction of smart mobility technologies.
In January, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and its DriveOhio initiative submitted a request for proposals (RFP) asking teams of engineering, technology and data companies to compete for the US$5m contract to develop a plan that would guide future investments in connected and automated vehicle technology.
The purpose of the project is to provide equipment and application specifications for smart mobility technologies that could be used by state and local governments.
The state is also seeking a masterplan for statewide data storage, management and security for CAVs. The estimated timeframe for the project is 12 months, and AECOM’s selection is conditional upon final approval by the state’s controlling board.
Of the original pool of candidates, four finalists were chosen to give presentation to the selection committee that included a diverse group of public entities, including the Ohio Departments of Public Safety, Insurance, Administrative Services and Transportation; Smart Columbus; JobsOhio; The Ohio Turnpike Infrastructure Commission; the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA); and DriveOhio. The four competing teams were:
• AECOM Technical Services Inc. taking the lead and partnering with Cisco Systems, Engage Public Affairs, MH Corbin LLC, OnBoard Security Inc., and Siemens Industry Inc.;
• ARCADIS US Inc. taking the lead and partnering with Here Technologies, Iteris and OnBoard Security Inc.;
• HDR Engineering Inc. taking the lead and partnering with Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects, Google, ICF Incorporated, KPMG, OnBoard Security Inc., Synesis Partners, and the Ohio State University;
• HNTB Ohio Inc. taking the lead and partnering with Bishop Consulting, Consensus Systems Technologies, Engage Public Affairs, Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors, and WSP USA Inc.
The committee explained that AECOM was chosen because of its project approach, the strength of the team and past experience, together with the company’s proposal to work closely with a diverse group of sub-consultants, including industry leaders Cisco Systems and Siemens, among others.
Ohio is working to lead the way in advancing smart mobility technologies, with current initiatives already underway in the state including four smart road projects covering 164 miles (264km) of roadway, and two smart city projects.
ODOT’s DriveOhio initiative facilitates collaboration between the public and private sectors, bringing all the relevant people to the table, and serving as the single point of contact for all things autonomous and connected in Ohio.
“In order to truly maximize our investments in this area, we need the ability to connect local and regional projects under a cohesive statewide framework,” said Jim Barna, executive director of DriveOhio.
“The proposal put forward by AECOM will help us to continue our forward momentum and ensure Ohio is an early adopter, and benefactor, of the transportation technology revolution.”
