Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has released a request for proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive wireless platform, a project mentioned during the airport’s June opportunity forum.
It seeks a vendor familiar with large venues, as the airport covers 26.9 square miles and serves some 73 million passengers each year. The airport is the second-busiest in the world passenger-wise, and it ranks as the world’s third-largest in operations, according to its website.
The airport uses a mix of cellular and Wi-Fi solutions for communications and access; however, there are portions of the airport that aren’t fully covered. The vendor will work to address connectivity for all airport operations with appropriate technologies. The contract will be five years with a one-year renewal option, according to the RFP.
The DFW Airport Board “developed a digital strategy to enable a frictionless passenger journey, create an intelligent infrastructure and enable proactive operations. DFW’s Digital Transformation is dependent upon comprehensive wired and wireless connectivity throughout the DFW campus,” the document reads.
Areas to be connected include:
- Terminals.
- Apron, cargo, hold rooms and baggage claim.
- Restrooms and boarding bridges.
- Food, retail and service establishments.
- Parking garages and rental care center.
- Additional areas to be identified.
Connectivity will support process digitization, passenger connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) deployment.
Basic Internet services will continue to be at no charge to passengers; however, monetization possibilities exist. This project will have a phased approach, with the project manager working with IT services.
There is a non-mandatory pre-proposal conference at 2:15 p.m. Oct. 3 via Microsoft Teams. The scope of work and reporting requirements are listed in the 23-page RFP on the airport’s Bonfire hub. The RFP submission deadline is 3 p.m. Oct. 26.
Those interested in learning more about being a vendor may visit How to Do Business with DFW Airport.
