693JJ3-21-SS-0006_IML Sources Sought Notice.pdf

Sources Sought Notice for Technical Support for Infrastructure Materials Laboratories (IML)

693JJ3‐21‐SS‐0006

This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is only for the proposed contract work listed in the Requirement section below. This SSN is not a request for formal proposals or quotes. Responses to this SSN must be received by email no later than the date specified in the Response section. The intent of this SSN is for market research to make appropriate acquisition decisions and to gain knowledge of potential qualified Small Businesses Concerns interested and capable of performing the proposed contract work.

Documentation of technical expertise must be presented in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that your company has the capability and experience to compete for this acquisition. Interested firms responding to this SSN must provide a capability statement demonstrating their capability and capacity in supporting efforts that have similar magnitude of size, scope, and complexity. Responses to this notice shall include the following:

a) Company Name

b) Address

c) Point of Contact

d) Phone, Email

e) Unique Entity Report (DUNS) Number

f) Size Standard under NAICS code 541715 - Research and Development (R&D) in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology, (size standard is 1000 or fewer employees);

g) Identify all applicable socio-economic classifications for your organization, such as:

1. Small Business

2. Woman-owned

3. 8(a)

4. HUBZone

5. SDVSOB

h) Description of technical capabilities and relevant experience to perform the work described below by laboratory/discipline;

i) Demonstrate understanding of, or experience with, program management necessary to manage a multidisciplinary team across diverse laboratories;

j) Description of possible potential staffing by laboratory/discipline;

k) Demonstrate understanding of providing staffing for engineering (emphasis on infrastructure) research and development laboratories.

l) Provide a listing of your experience similar to the work listed in the Requirements sections within the last 5 years. Include contract numbers, project names, locations, and contract POC including number and email.

m) Company’s ability to begin performance upon contract award.

Interested firms may, at their own discretion, submit comments on the various technical assistance requirements described in this notice. In doing so, sources may identify any gaps or suggest innovative approaches to delivering technical assistance not covered in the requirements herein. Of interest are potential program efficiencies obtainable by sharing of technical and program management resources between laboratories.

The Government anticipates the requirement will require the efforts of interdisciplinary staffing which possesses considerable expertise in several technical disciplines (i.e., geotechnical engineering, hydraulics, non-destructive evaluation, structural engineering, and related disciplines) for successful completion of the research objectives. Each laboratory is currently managed by Federal staff with support from 2 to 8 contractor personnel.

RESPONSE

Issue Date: March 10, 2021 Response Due Date: March 29, 2021, 0900 Eastern Time Submit responses electronically to james.mikell@dot.gov.

Less than 5MB with a page size of 8.5” x 11”, Acrobat (.pdf) format preferred

Email Subject Line must include: “693JJ3-21-SS-0006: Technical Support for Infrastructure Material Laboratories”

Shall not exceed 14 pages in length double-spaced with font size twelve or larger.

Responses to this SSN shall include all information requested in (a) through (m) above.

Determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract action based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.

The Government is not obligated to, nor will it, pay for or reimburse any costs associated with responding to this SSN request. This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach.

REQUIREMENT

Program Background:

The Federal Highway Administration’s Office of Infrastructure R&D (HRDI) at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) in McLean, Virginia, conducts and oversees research and development programs and projects that address critical highway infrastructure needs and priorities of national importance. R&D focuses on the design, materials, construction, operation, and preservation of highway pavements, bridges, culverts, tunnels, and other structures. In addition, HRDI provides expert technical assistance to other FHWA offices, Federal agencies, State and local transportation organizations, industry, and academia.

To support ongoing infrastructure research and technical assistance activities HRDI manages twelve laboratories. Six laboratories are relevant to this notice and are summarized as follows:

Name Purpose

Asphalt Binder and Mix Laboratory

(ABML)

The ABML conducts research in areas related to asphaltic materials for highway applications including aggregates, binders, bituminous mixtures, and recycled/reclaimed materials such as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS), and ground tire rubber (GTR).

Aggregate and Petrographic Laboratory (APL)

The APL conducts research related to characterizing highway materials using mechanical and durability tests, identification and quality testing of mineral aggregates, and troubleshooting of inferior quality materials or distress in concrete or asphalt using forensic petrography.

Chemistry Laboratory

(CHEM)

The CHEM conducts research related to developing new test methods, conducting forensic investigations, developing new rapid spectroscopic test methods using standardized chemical testing, advanced spectroscopy, and advance microscopy methods.

Coatings and Corrosion Laboratory (CCL)

The CCL conducts research related to corrosion prevention and corrosion mitigation. The CCL focuses on improving the durability and performance of innovative, corrosion-resistant metals and coating systems to prevent corrosion damage and assist structural preservation.

Concrete Laboratory

(CONC)

The CONC conducts research to improve the durability, performance, economy, and sustainability of concrete infrastructure. The CONC focuses on assessing and improving concrete durability, developing and evaluating new test methods, performing forensic investigations, supporting FHWA’s performance-engineering mixtures initiative, and supporting deployment of FHWA’s Ultra-high Performance Concrete (UHPC) technologies.

Pavement Test Facility (PTF)

The PTF assesses the impact of different tires and loads on pavement performance to advance the knowledge of pavement engineering and the performance of highway materials and structures. The PTF uses rapid pavement testing of full-scale structures to evaluate the durability of both new and existing pavement materials.

Objectives:

The core capabilities of each laboratory are summarized as follows:

Asphalt Binder and Mix Laboratory (ABML)

1) Evaluate component materials.

The ABML is equipped with numerous tools to measure physical and chemical properties of the component materials of asphalt mixtures (e.g., aggregate, asphalt binders, reclaimed materials, and other additives), including capturing the texture and shape of aggregate using photographic methods; identifying engineering and fundamental physical properties using rheometers, viscometers, and ductilometers; and detecting molecular groups using infrared (IR) spectroscopy.

2) Evaluate asphalt mixtures.

The ABML is equipped to measure physical and chemical properties of asphalt mixtures. As the asphalt-pavement community transitions from volumetric to balanced-mixture design, researchers at the ABML are uniquely positioned as experts in all performance tests under consideration by the community. The ABML allows researchers to determine workability qualities and perform volumetric assessments through traditional and advanced methods.

3) Evaluate and test in-service and accelerated pavement.

Due to the ABML’s close partnership with the PTF and State DOTs, researchers routinely extract cores from in-service and accelerated pavement testing sections to characterize component materials through solvent extraction and recovery and testing directly on cores. Having developed the small-specimen uniaxial approach about 10 yr ago, the ABML is a worldwide expert in mixture performance testing from field cores. Through its implementation and delivery initiative, the ABML is capable of assessing macrotexture properties to evaluate safety potential of in-place and laboratory-compacted mixtures.

4) Contribute to staff expertise.

The ABML possess a world-renowned combination of asphalt binder, mixture, additive, and chemistry expertise. The ABML is routinely contacted by members of the asphalt-pavement community for assistance in pavement forensics, performance and failure testing, simplified viscoelastic continuum damage theory, the influence of oxidative aging on the performance of emerging additives, and other areas of technical assistance. Future research efforts for the ABML include integration with connected vehicle technology, data analytics, and resilience of materials.

Aggregates and Petrographic Laboratory (APL)

1) Identify and evaluate aggregate and aggregate constituents.

APL researchers evaluate the performance of aggregate in concrete, asphalt, and granular applications (e.g., road base and engineered backfill) through observation and progressively advanced microscopy to characterize rock and mineral types in aggregate products and reclaimed materials using ASTM C295, Standard Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for Concrete; ASTM C294, Standard Descriptive Nomenclature for Constituents of Concrete Aggregates; and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) aggregate tests. APL researchers evaluate aggregate performance and deterioration in laboratory and field mixtures, including polished- and thin-section petrography of materials from simulated or in-service exposures using ASTM C823, Standard Practice for Examination and Sampling of Hardened Concrete in Constructions, and ASTM C856, Standard Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete.

2) Identify alkali–aggregate reactivity (AAR) in concrete.

AAR is a deterioration mechanism that can prematurely weaken concrete. Because it is important to identify aggregate susceptible to deterioration and select mixture proportions and cementitious combinations to mitigate AAR, the APL is studying the following:

Alkali–silica reactions (ASRs) with the Chemistry Laboratory and the Concrete Laboratory to develop new tests and a better understanding of the deterioration mechanism.

Alkali–carbonate reactions (ACRs) to determine if reacting dolomitic limestone aggregate experiences ASRs, if the reactions can be mitigated, and what the actual deterioration mechanism is.

3) Forensic petrography and condition assessment of pavements and structures.

The APL facilitates the investigation of suspected materials failures and helps other Federal agencies and State DOTs investigate and characterize materials that may have been a factor in vehicle crashes or other incidents.

4) Determine deterioration through concrete and asphalt petrography.

Concrete deterioration mechanisms can be verified using ASTM C823 and ASTM C856.

Aggregate types and structures in compacted asphalt mixtures and pavement surfaces can also be assessed. Innovative lapping and polishing methods are used to study the air-void structure in asphalt pavements.

5) Determine air-void properties in air-entrained concrete.

ASTM C457 and several new and innovative procedures are used to measure air-void properties in fresh concrete and control air-entraining admixture dosages more accurately when various sources of fly ash are used in concrete to mitigate ASR and improve other material properties.

6) Support and validate cementitious materials research.

APL researchers use microscopy to study cementitious powders (supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)/alternative cementitious materials (ACMs)) and their reactions in concrete.

Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM)

1) Perform standardized chemical testing.

The Chemistry Laboratory uses state-of-the-art spectrometers and traditional wet chemistry techniques in chemical testing. Tools used in traditional wet chemistry techniques include the following:

Three fume hoods allowing safe working conditions when hazardous materials and nanoparticles are present.

A glove box swept with nitrogen that allows ASR gels and other samples that react rapidly with carbon dioxide in the air to be stored.

A mill equipped with tungsten carbide plates that allow aggregate to be crushed without contaminating the sample, which would affect subsequent analyses.

A particle-size analyzer that enables researchers to look view the particle-size distribution of powders.

2) Take measurements with advanced microscopy.

The CHEM is equipped with an environmental scanning electron microscope (SEM) capable of magnifications up to 600,000×, which provides detailed pictures of the structure and distribution of crystals in materials like concretes, metals, and aggregate. The environmental SEM allows researchers to observe changes in the crystal structure of cement as it hydrates. The SEM is equipped with a small, temperature-controlled sample holder that allows researchers to follow hydration rates at different temperatures. This capability is important when studying the effect of concrete additives like fly ash on hydration rates.

The SEM is also equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDAX) accessory, which functions similarly to an XRF spectrometer and looks at the secondary X-rays emitted from a sample. With an EDAX, researchers can view the distribution of chemical elements within a sample and present these data as colored graphical maps. Colored graphics are useful for interpreting data helpful in visual presentations.

3) Take measurements with advanced spectroscopy.

An EDAX spectrometer can accurately determine the quantitative composition of materials.

This technique tells researchers which elements are present and allows them to analyze many different types of materials, including cement, aggregates, metals, and asphalt binders.

A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer allows researchers to determine the molecules present in highway materials by analyzing asphalt binders for additives, such as lime, polymers, and other materials that may have been added to the binder. The FTIR spectrometer is equipped with a microscope and can produce spectral maps of samples.

A Raman spectrometer equipped with a microscope and mapping capability uses laser light to excite materials and allows researchers to study aggregates, nanomaterials, and ASR gels.

An inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer is used for the accurate quantitative chemical analysis of aqueous solutions. Like XRF, an ICP spectrometer looks at only elements and is accurate and sensitive to low concentrations of elements. The ICP spectrometer has been an invaluable resource in ASR gel research.

The thermogravimetric analyzer measures the weight loss of tiny samples and provides a plot of weight loss against temperature. The thermogravimetric analyzer is used to quantitatively measure the amount of portlandite (i.e., calcium carbonate) present in a sample as well as the volatile components of asphalt binders.

A glow discharge spectrometer is used for the quantitative analysis of metals and is used as a service to the Structures Laboratory which uses it in forensic investigations of bridge structures.

An X-ray diffractometer is used to study crystal structures and allows researchers to determine the mineral phases present in aggregates, which is useful in research into concrete and the formation of deleterious ASR gels. X-ray diffractometer also allows researchers to study the kinetics of cement hydration (i.e., setting time) and how this is affected by additives, such as fly ash, by observing the changes in crystal structures as hydration proceeds.

Three handheld spectrometers (i.e., XRF, FTIR, and Raman) enable researchers to develop test methods that can be used in the field by operators with little or no chemical experience.

With the XRF, FTIR, and Raman spectrometers, researchers have developed test methods for analyzing limestone aggregates at the quarry in 10 min instead of hours back at the laboratory. The presence of additives, such as lime, polymers, recycled engine oil in asphalt binders, and the amount of titanium dioxide—the expensive white pigment used in thermoplastic road-striping materials—can be measured.

4) Contribute to staff expertise.

CHEM researchers are experts in aggregate, concrete, and asphalt technologies; ASR gels; and nanomaterials. CHEM staff support research on asphalt and concrete structures and associated materials.

Coatings and Corrosion Laboratory (CCL)

1) Conducting standardized corrosion and coatings testing.

Such as reference electrodes, pH meter, voltmeter, Potentiostat, magnetic and electromagnetic dry film thickness gages, holiday detector, colorometer, gloss meter, ImageJ software for rust creepage, ultrasound thickness gage, pitting depth gage, temperature and humidity meters.

Additionally, conducting chemical test of various samples and materials often associated with corrosion and coatings such as ion chromatography for identifying and determining soluble ions on steel and coating surfaces, titration system for measuring chlorides in concrete and soil samples.

2) Conducting specialized laboratory testing.

Facilities include salt-fog chambers and Ultraviolet (UV) chambers that provide controlled environment for cyclic corrosion testing of coated panels and metal parts. The outdoor coatings panel testing site allows real-time and long-term atmospheric testing of coated panels. Corrosion test cell is used to conduct electrochemical testing in a controlled environment (such as temperature, corrosive solution, and pH) to measure the corrosion potential and current. An inverted optical microscope enables CCL staff to observe corrosion damage at microscopic level of metal, concrete, and coating materials.

3) Conducting large-scale experimentation.

CCL has an indoor space for large-scale experiments that allows for corrosion testing as well as assembly of post-tension cables and concrete reinforcing steel. An adjacent room provides lab space for sample preparation and instrumentation. The large-scale specimens are usually used for measuring long-term corrosion behavior of cables and reinforcing bars that are exposed to corrosive conditions, such as chloride, sulfate ions and wet-dry cycles.

4) Use of environmental chambers.

CCL is equipped with two walk-in environmental chambers to evaluate short- and long-term corrosion performance of metals in grout and concrete. The ability to control temperature and humidity is important since both factors directly affect corrosion initiation and corrosion rate. The lab also has a smaller-sized environmental chamber, which can reach very low temperatures.

5) Computational modeling and programming.

CCL is incorporating advanced computer simulation and modeling capability—such as COMSOL Multiphysics—for studying chloride ion migration and corrosion process.

CCL is planning to utilize data science and artificial intelligence (AI) methodology in corrosion studies and data analytics for the presentation of results.

Concrete Laboratory (CONC)

1) Evaluate constituent materials.

The CONC is equipped to assess the constituent materials of concrete (i.e., cements, supplementary and ACMs, and aggregate) for properties that govern their performance in concrete materials. This includes estimating their chemical composition, reactivity, particle size distribution, and potential chemical reactivity. This evaluation can follow a variety of standardized or experimental test methods.

2) Evaluate mixed and fresh concrete properties.

The CONC allows researchers to mix a wide range of cement-based materials and assess their fresh properties. A wide set of capabilities related to mixing allows the CONC to manufacture small amounts of materials to assess chemical reactivity or large amounts of material to simulate concrete with materials representative of those used in transportation infrastructure. The CONC can measure properties in a fresh state (e.g., reaction rates, workability, setting time, or volume instability) to better understand the ease at which the material can be placed, when the material can be opened to service, and correlate later-age performance. Recent capabilities have expanded the CONC’s evaluation of fresh and early age properties in terms of volume stability and air void quality.

3) Test hardened concrete materials.

Researchers in the CONC assesses properties of hardened cement-based materials using standard and highly specialized techniques. Standard testing techniques include mechanical properties (e.g., strength or stiffness) and transport properties (e.g., chloride ingress, rapid chloride permeability, and freeze–thaw testing). Advanced techniques can evaluate mechanical properties (e.g., split tensile and creep behavior), transport properties (e.g., formation factor and rate of absorption), volume stability, and the ability to extract and assess the phases of hardened concrete. Many of these specialized test methods require equipment and significant effort to prepare and condition test specimens.

4) Evaluate large-scale specimens and infrastructure.

The CONC has capabilities to assess in-situ properties or extract test specimens from large-scale elements and in-service infrastructure, which allows researchers in the CONC to evaluate methods and develop recommendations for in-service testing and ensure test specimens are representative of field conditions. Recent efforts contributed to large-scale test specimens that were prepared alongside a bridge-rehabilitation project that allowed researchers develop recommendations on preparation and corrosion-mitigation techniques prior to bridge-rehabilitation activities.

5) Contribute to staff expertise.

Federal and onsite laboratory support staff on contract in the CONC are experts in the field of concrete durability, volume stability, and chemical evaluation of concrete constituents. CONC staff support USDOT’s goal of innovation by working to deliver research-based solutions through service on committees and interaction with USDOT representatives, members of industry, and academia.

Pavement Test Facility (PTF) The PTF’s main capability is full-scale testing and evaluation of various pavement structures. The PTF has 11 testing lanes; each test lane measures 165 × 13 ft and can be further divided into 4 subsites for a total of 48 test sections.

1) Full-scale testing of pavement structures.

Using two, new Accelerated Pavement Testing Machines (APTM) the PTF can evaluate performance of full-scale pavement structures under differing environmental conditions. These APTMs are capable of applying 10,000 bi-directional passes per day at a load of up to 22,000lb

2) Supportive pavement testing.

A Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and laser profiler provide the capability to evaluate changing structural and functional conditions of pavement as they are tested.

3) Geotechnical testing.

Three supplemental test pits plus a reaction frames allow for load plate testing of unbound materials under controlled saturated conditions

Starting in 2022, the PTF will be reconstructed to include completely new pavement structures, integrated instrumentation, and a system to remove water in the pavement structure and to add water to the pavement structure to simulate a saturated structure.

Estimated Workload:

The FHWA tentatively anticipates that the Technical Support for Infrastructure Materials Laboratories effort will be awarded Spring 2022 and have a period of performance of up to five years. The type(s) of contract is yet to be determined. Estimated annual staffing levels is as follows:

Laboratory Staffing level (includes on-site and off-site) Asphalt Binder and Mixture Laboratory 8-10 Aggregates and Petrographic Laboratory 2-3 Chemistry Laboratory 6-8 Coatings and Corrosion Laboratory 2-3 Concrete Laboratory 8-10 Pavement Test Facility 2-4