Draft_693JJ318R000015_-_Request_for_Proposals_Draft.pdf

693JJ318R000015

1 72

: 03 19 9

Sarah L. Berman

See Section L

01 30/ 9 TBD

SECTION B - Supplies or Services/Prices

B.1 ID/IQ MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS

CLIN Supplies/Services Not to Exceed Amount

0001 Research & Technical Support for Infrastructure Laboratories 60-Month Ordering Period

$52,518,000

Total $52,518,000

The Government intends to award a multiple Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (ID/IQ) type contract with a 60-month ordering period as a total small business set aside.

During the term of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $150,000 per contract. The maximum amount of all task orders issued against all contracts awarded as a result of this acquisition shall not exceed a total ceiling amount of $52,518,000.

The task orders placed under the contract will be Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Time & Materials (T&M)/Labor Hour (LH), or a hybrid of both types based on a determination by the Contracting Officer (CO) at the task order level.

B.2 SCHEDULE OF RATES

Labor skill sets and rate ceilings governing this contract shall conform to the descriptions found in Exhibit No. J.1 and shall be listed in the Microsoft Excel format found at Exhibit No. J.1 and apply for each of the described categories for each of the contract years. The unit of issue (rates) is the fully burdened fixed price hourly rate.

The ID/IQ ceiling amount listed in Section B.1 includes travel and materials. Travel and materials will be reimbursed at cost. Inclusion of indirect burden amounts or fee/profit on material costs, including travel expenses, is not allowable.

(End of Section B)

SECTION C - Description/Specifications

C.1 BACKGROUND

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Infrastructure Research & Development (HRDI) conducts and oversees research and development programs and projects that address critical highway infrastructure needs and priorities of national importance. Studies focus 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, other Federal agencies, State and local transportation organizations, industry and academia.

Through an integrated and interdisciplinary research approach, HRDI provides state–of–the–art knowledge and tools with the goal of improving the safety, performance, and cost effectiveness of the Nation’s highway infrastructure, while minimizing the impacts that highway construction, operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation may have on the environment. Across the highway infrastructure spectrum, the contributions of stakeholders in the development and execution of multiple year R&D plans and roadmaps are key to the success of the office.

The work of HRDI is carried out by highly experienced researchers, including but not limited to, engineers, scientists, chemists, geologists, lab managers, interns, post-doctoral associates, visiting researchers, consultants, and technicians within twelve laboratories. Four of these laboratories (Structures Laboratory, Non-Destructive Evaluation Laboratory, Hydraulics Laboratory, and Geotechnical Laboratory) help support the research performed under the Structures, Non-Destructive Evaluation, Hydraulics, and Geotechnical programs.

The FHWA Structures Laboratory focuses on the execution of applied engineering research relying on the full-scale testing of steel and concrete bridges and their components. This may include physical experiments in hydraulically operated test frames, design and fabrication of testing equipment and specimens, field testing, analysis of laboratory and field data, and computational structural mechanics (CSM) modeling. The reports generated from these projects have served as references that justify changes to the American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications, AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation, AASHTO LRFD Bridge Construction Specifications, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards and procedures, and publications of the Research Council of Structural Connections. For more information about the Structures Laboratory see: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/tfhrc/labs/structures/index.cfm

The Hydraulics Research Program is a part of the FHWA National Hydraulics Program and coordinates its research with the National Hydraulics Team. The J. Sterling Jones Hydraulics Laboratory has conducted research on bridge scour and other highway hydraulics phenomena for more than 35 years. The Laboratory is a state of the art research facility, with instrumentation, robotics, testing apparatuses, flumes and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)/Computational Structural Mechanics (CSM) capabilities that has improved significantly over the past several years. CFD/CSM experiments superseded physical testing by a large number in the past couple of years and this trend will continue. The laboratories vision is to automate zones of the laboratory using mobile robotics to improve the testing efficiency. In the past, the Laboratory has been used to conduct research related to the six National Hydraulics Program functional areas: Hydrology, Culverts, Highway Drainage, Bridge Hydraulics, Scour and Coastal Highways.

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/tfhrc/labs/structures/index.cfm

The Laboratory continues to provide the means and the experience to conduct physical and CFD/CSM experiments on a variety of issues involving water flow at or near the nation’s highway infrastructure. For more information about the Hydraulics Laboratory see:

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/tfhrc/labs/hydraulics/index.cfm

The Non-Destructive Evaluation Laboratory (NDE) Laboratory is developing new NDE technologies, as well as evaluating and improving existing NDE technologies for the highway infrastructure by doing experimental testing, finite element modeling and numerical simulation.

The NDE laboratory was established in 1996 in an effort to centralize and better coordinate research related to nondestructive testing. The goal of the NDE Laboratory is to improve the state of the practice for the condition assessment of infrastructure facilities. As such, research conducted at the facility is focused on the applied science of nondestructive evaluation of transportation infrastructure, which includes bridges, tunnels, pavements, and ancillary features such as sign posts and high-mast lighting. This research requires a multidisciplinary approach including access to experts in, but not limited to, the fields of civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, material sciences, physics, computer science, and geospatial science. The primary customer for the NDE Laboratory’s products are the State Departments of Transportation, and the laboratory works closely with these departments to solve difficult inspection challenges and identify areas where research efforts are needed. The NDE Laboratory also provides the technical focal point within the FHWA for NDE, and therefore provides technical support to all facets of the FHWA program that require expertise in this area. For more information about the NDE Laboratory see:

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/tfhrc/labs/nde/index.cfm

The Geotechnical Laboratory conducts both small-scale and full-scale testing of bridge foundations, earth retaining systems and other geotechnical assets related to highway engineering to determine their performance under various limit state conditions. The laboratory also conducts research to advance the geo-structural aspects of the pavement foundations. This work on both the structures and pavement sides of geotechnical engineering forms the basis for developing codes and design methodology that can improve the cost and time effectiveness of highway structures while still ensuring adequate performance and safety. Current activities in the laboratory include investigating technologies for bridge support, earth retention, and stabilization to accelerate the construction and improve the performance of highway roads and bridges, as well as, analysis of design methodologies, testing and refining methods to measure earth pressures and deformations, quantifying the strength characteristics of structural backfills through large scale laboratory testing, and developing remote data acquisition systems to evaluate the in-service performance of bridges and other geotechnical assets. Other focus areas in the geotechnical research program are Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD), numerical modeling, material characterization, embankments, scour, quality control, subsurface investigation, performance management, and the subsequent development of design and constructions specifications. The program also involves elements of data collection methods, risk management, asset management and geo-hazards. It is expected that investigating the long-term deformation of geotechnical features to define service limit state criteria will be a key focus area of the research program for the next few years.

Development of soil models to improve the knowledge of substructure-superstructure interaction is also expected to be another primary focus of research during the period of performance of this contract. For more information about the Geotechnical Laboratory see:

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/tfhrc/labs/geotechnical/index.cfm https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/tfhrc/labs/hydraulics/index.cfm https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/tfhrc/labs/nde/index.cfm https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/tfhrc/labs/geotechnical/index.cfm

C.2 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this requirement is to provide Non-Personal Research & Technical Support for Infrastructure Research Programs at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC).

C.3 SCOPE

The Contractor shall provide the overall management and operation of a specific laboratory or laboratories. The Structures Laboratory (STR Lab), Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE Lab), Hydraulics Laboratory (HYD Lab), and/or Geotechnical Laboratory (GEO Lab) may be covered by this statement of work. Actions include, but are not limited to:

• Overall management and operation of the requirements listed below;

• Daily operation and maintenance of laboratory test equipment;

• Specimen preparation and logging;

• Materials testing and evaluation;

• Data acquisition;

• Data scrutiny;

• Data analysis; and

• Documentation including reporting of findings, analysis, and recommendations.

If the Contractor is operating multiple laboratories under the scope of this statement of work, then the Contractor shall provide personnel that can be shared between these multiple laboratories and technical support tasks on an as needed basis. The work for any specific laboratory or research program area may be performed, as directed by the relevant Federal Lab Manager, within any of the facilities at TFHRC.

Note: The Contractor may be required to make accommodations to other personnel who may need to use STR Lab, NDE Lab, HYD Lab, and GEO Lab facilities, equipment, and materials. The Contractor is responsible for providing the Government with written documentation in regards to any impact on work, scope, schedule, and budget before the accommodation of additional personnel is initiated. The Government will attempt to provide at least two weeks’ notice to the Contractor and shall provide oversight of the additional personnel while they are working in the laboratories.

C.4 DETAILED REQUIREMENT

The Contractor shall provide, at a minimum, the following types of services under this contract to support the FHWA Non-Personal Research & Technical Support for Infrastructure Laboratories requirement. Laboratory support includes providing all the necessary engineers, technicians, laborers and other related staff to complete the following in the required laboratories.

Requirements are listed as general lab support (common to multiple labs), and by individual laboratory to provide an outline of the work that may be conducted. Research may require collaboration between laboratories. All work shall be defined under task orders awarded under the ID/IQ contract.

1. General Lab Support (All Laboratories)

Communication and Outreach

Work to be performed may include, but is not limited to:

• Communicate with federal staff about operation and development of the laboratories and research programs.

• Content generation and updating of research laboratory outreach media (e.g., websites).

• Write research reports, documenting experimental results, and research activities. Reports will follow FHWA publication guidelines as required.

• Prepare other reports, journal papers, and other publications.

• Prepare and present research briefing materials (e.g., PowerPoint Slides) for meetings, conferences, newsletters, and other presentations.

• Prepare marketing materials to promote laboratories, programs, and projects such as fact sheets, videos, conference exhibits, posters, etc.

• Attend workshops/conferences/training (Pre-written authorization from the COR or

TOCOR is required).

• Prepare and providing laboratory tours, training and demonstration of equipment.

• Facilitate ad-hoc collaborative research efforts.

• Organize and set up exhibits at conferences and similar events.

• Represent FHWA research at exhibits.

• Assist with the organization of conferences, workshops, and working groups.

• Participate in conference calls as needed.

• Plan, organize, and manage technical meetings as needed.

• Process emails, initiating and responding as needed.

Laboratory Management and Service

• Provide onsite contract employee oversite to ensure their work practices comply with all applicable occupational safety and health standards (OSHA) and contract terms and conditions. This includes following TFHRC procedures for fire drills and facility safety procedures.

• Maintain a safe working environment. This includes preparing an annual laboratory safety plan and preforming any required safety training. The laboratory safety plan will have provisions for employee training on operation of all equipment and machinery required to conduct research.

• Develop and execute laboratory improvement plans as directed for the required laboratories.

• Develop experimental program work plans based on requested research. The general plan will include test setup, types and number of tests, instrumentation, test methods, duration of testing, time schedule, and level of effort for each labor category. The plan will also include data collection procedures and an outline of reporting.

• Execute and manage approved work plans

• Develop project management and tracking plans

• Develop lab staff utilization plans for work load optimization

• Organize regular research project status meetings

• Provide laboratory experimental testing and analysis services.

• Provide field experimental testing and analysis services.

• Provide forensic investigation to State DOTs and other transportation agencies

• Perform software maintenance on laboratory test equipment.

• Perform software maintenance on design and analysis computer programs.

• Maintain, repairing or replacing all laboratory equipment as needed. Some equipment may require service or warranty agreements

• Coordinate with other support internal and external service groups for repairs, modification, and fabrication of laboratory facilities and equipment.

• Calibrate mechanical testing equipment and instruments. Test devices will be calibrated following procedure requirements for certification and manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Maintain and advancing the in-laboratory IT structure including laboratory network and computers

• Procure material and equipment as needed, at a fair and reasonable price. (Pre-written authorization from the COR or TOCOR is required.)

• Operate and maintaining of government-owned vehicles and providing annual vehicle level data reporting and monthly vehicle log.

• Maintain, clean, and organize the required laboratory facilities. This includes keeping each of the laboratories free of debris, dust, and dirt; including bench tops, sinks and floor. All laboratories must be kept in a presentable and professional fashion.

Information Management

• Manage, organize, and maintain laboratory and field test results with associated background information and records. All data will be stored on a TFHRC network drive accessible to the appropriate laboratory Contractor and Federal staff. All data will be backed up in at least two secure locations following a back-up file protocol.

• Maintain an inventory and catalog of all test materials.

• Maintain a FHWA Accountable Property list for each of the designated laboratories. This includes working with the FHWA Accountable Property Officer to conduct audits, add Government property to the inventory, or surplus property off of inventory.

• Maintain and collecting frequently used ASTM and AASHTO test methods in a booklet file.

• Maintain a laboratory safety plan as outlined above.

2. Structures Laboratory (STR Lab)

• Perform standardized material tests of metals, concrete, fiber-reinforced composites, and other relevant highway infrastructure materials.

• Design, fabricate, and assemble experimental load frames and apparatuses as needed.

• Connect, operate, and maintain Enerpac, MTS, Instron, and potentially other hydraulic test systems.

• Develop instrumentation plans to monitor behavior of test specimens. Execute the plan through installation and setup of sensors, cameras, and data acquisition systems.

• Design, fabricate, and/or procure experimental test specimens as needed.

• Conduct computational modeling as needed to support laboratory and research activities.

• Coordinate and conduct field tests as needed.

• Collect data (e.g., laboratory, field, computational) and reduce it into an understandable and presentable form.

• Perform other activities related to facilitation and conduct of the Structures Research Program.

Research Focus Areas (STR Lab)

• Steel Bridge Research

• Fatigue and Fracture of Steel Bridges

• Bolting and Welding Technology for Steel Bridge Fabrication

• Performance of Weathering, High-Strength, and Stainless Steels

• Corrosion Mitigation, Protection, and Repair in Steel Bridges

• Concrete Bridge Research

• Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems (PBES)

• Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)

• Lightweight Concrete (LWC)

• Structural Properties of Alternative Cementitious Materials (AMC)

• Innovative Methods for Rehabilitation and Repair of Concrete Bridges

• Construction Quality Research

• Automated Construction Engineering

• 3D Printing for Steel and Concrete Bridge Fabrication

• Virtual and Augmented Reality for Steel and Concrete Bridge Fabrication

• Forensic Investigations and Field Studies

• Bridge Failure Investigations

• Anchor Rod Failure Investigation

• Field Testing of Steel and Concrete Bridges

• Ancillary Sign Structures

• Design of Sign Clips

• Anchor Rod Tightening

• Other emerging topics related to the structures research program

Staff Competencies/Capabilities (STR Lab)

• Safe operation of MTS servo-hydraulic test equipment, including ensuring there is no bodily harm to operator, mechanical damage to machine, or research specimens

• Maintenance of MTS servo-hydraulic test equipment

• Use of MTS FlexTest software

• Use of MTS TestSuite MultiPurpose Elite Application Software

• Operate MTS Advantage video extensometer

• Operate FARO Ion laser tracker system

• Use of FARO CAM2 M10 software

• Setup and maintenance of National Instruments CompactDAQ data acquisition systems

• Program and operation of National Instruments LabVIEW Software for data collection

• Use of PAX-it Digital Imaging software

• Prepare (sectioning/mounting/grinding/polishing/etching) metallographic mounts and interpreting surface under high magnification

• Weld and thermal cutting steel

• Proper tensioning of high-strength bolts

• Mechatronics engineering technician skillsets including electronics, sensors, and robotics

• OSHA qualified and certified operator according to 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC

• Trained powered industrial truck (i.e. forklift) operator in accordance with 29 CFR

1910.178

• Execute ASTM E8, ASTM E18, and ASTM E23 standard tests for steels

• Execute ASTM C39, ASTM C469, ASTM C496, and ASTM C1437 standard tests for concrete

• Execute ASTM C1856 for ultra-high performance concrete

3. Non-Destructive Evaluation Laboratory (NDE Lab)

• Provide technical assistance to our customers on highway NDE related issues.

• Provide technical assistance to the Long Term Bridge Program (LTBP).

• Develop instrumentation and methods from concept to implementation.

• Develop/improve NDE software and hardware systems to detect and track defects, identify characteristics, or measure responses.

• Improve NDE data interpretation.

• Incorporate NDE methods within asset management.

• Fabricate instruments, equipment and specimens.

• Sensor design and construction for structure health monitoring.

• Analytical modeling and numerical modeling of the structure.

• Numerical simulation of NDE methods.

• Improve data collection capabilities of the automated data collection platforms (robotic arm and xy scanner), and data collection software for laboratory testing.

• Develop of NDE test protocols following the format of the LTBP program.

• Validate of automated data collected by the LTBP program.

• Other emerging topics related to the structures research program.

Research Focus Areas (NDE Lab)

• Improve NDE Data Visualization and Interpretation

• NDE data fusion, analysis, visualization

• Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)

• Bridge WIM

• Assess dead load stresses for steel bridge members non-destructively with vibration response

• Remaining service life estimation using NDE

• NDE protocols

• Develop protocols for treated bridge decks

• Baseline defect protocols for reinforced concrete specimens

• NDE reliability

• Identify fatigue cracks under coatings

• NDE technology

• NDE WebManual

• Air-coupled acoustic array

• Corrosion in Post-Tensioned tendons in anchorage zones

• Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) of structural steel welds

• Corrosion in pre-stressed concrete girders

• Robotics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence and

Machine Learning

• Other emerging topics related to the NDE research program

Staff Competencies/Capabilities (NDE Lab)

• Operate and maintain common NDE tools and technologies including, but not limited to, the ones listed in Section C.4, 3

• Use of NDE data collection and data analysis software including, but not limited to, the ones listed in Section C.4, 3

• Analytical modeling and numerical finite element (FE) simulation using FE software listed in Section C.4, 3

• Collect, analyze, visualize and interpret NDE data on bridges, pavements and tunnels, using various NDE tools and technologies

• Setup and maintain National Instruments data acquisition systems

• Program and operate National Instruments LabVIEW Software for data collection

• Use image processing techniques including, but not limited to, photogrammetry and digital image correlation

• Mechatronics engineering technician skillsets including electronics, sensors, and robotics

• OSHA qualified and certified operator in accordance with 29 CFR Subpart CC

• Trained forklift operator in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.178

• Running ASTM standards for nondestructive evaluation of steel and concrete material

• Safe operation and improvement of data collection capabilities of the automated data collection platforms (KUKA robotic arm and xy scanner), and data collection software for laboratory testing.

4. Hydraulics Laboratory (HYD Lab)

• Develop maintenance, safety, inventory and innovation plans for all lab zones.

• Execute, maintain and recurrently update maintenance, safety, inventory and innovation plans for all lab zones.

• Operate all lab zones including associated equipment, testing apparatuses, flumes, structural elements (ITEM), instrumentation, pumps, robotics, 3D printers, control and data acquisition software, hardware CFD/CSM software and flow visualization.

• Maintenance shall include all computers, mechatronic components, structural elements (ITEM), control and acquisition software, hardware, robotics, 3D printers, instrumentation, pumps, sediments, CFD/CSM software and flow visualization associated with all lab zones

• Innovation plans shall include improvements of all facilities and possible automation of lab zones (e.g. soil testing automation for zone 4).

• Improve centralized control and automation software/hardware connecting all lab zones.

• Operate special software such as LabVIEW, Matlab, SoildWorks, Starr CCM+, LS-DYNA, Abaqus, Beckhoff.

• Design, fabricate and assemble experimental set-ups and special test apparatuses as needed.

• Design control/automation and data acquisition software for experimental set-up’s and special test apparatuses as needed.

• Design, fabricating, and assembling models for experiments as needed.

• Conduct CFD/CSM experiments.

• Conduct quick turn-around CFD/CSM/physical experiments and data analysis to provide technical support to our customers and to determine the need for more detailed experiments.

• Provide technical assistance to our customers on highway hydraulics related issues.

• Provide mechatronic support to other labs at TFHRC and agencies.

• Perform other activities related to facilitation and conduct of the Hydraulics Research

Program.

Research Focus Areas (HYD Lab)

• Hydrology and floodplains (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/hydrology/)

• Incorporate future changes in precipitation patterns into the highway design process

• Sensitivity of infrastructure to climate and extreme events

• Flood frequency estimation for hydrologic design

• Impacts of climate change on stream stability

• Culvert hydraulics (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/culverthyd/)

• CFD models for improved inlet/outlets and energy dissipators

• Inlet and outlet protection for scour control and debris control

• Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) criteria

• Highway drainage (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/highwaydrain/)

• Model the behavior of urban, roadside, and bridge deck drainage systems.

• Pavement, hydraulic and other functional interactions

• Hydroplane modeling research including pavement infiltration

• CFD modelling of highway drainage issues and develop new design guide recommendations.

• Bridge hydraulics (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/bridgehyd/)

• 2D modeling for analysis and design of bridge crossings using CFD models

• Hydrodynamic loads on bridge structures

• Sonar scan bathymetries for analysis and design of bridge crossings

• Scour, stream stability and countermeasures

(https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/scourtech/)

• Erosion resistance of soil using probabilistic analysis

• Channel deformation prediction using temporal shear forces and flow duration concepts

• Improve scour design methodologies

• Scour countermeasure design methodologies

• Coastal highways (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/coastal/)

• Impacts of climate change and extreme events on infrastructure

• Estimation of hurricane wave and to tsunami loads for bridges

• Design guidelines for scour/erosion protection for coastal highways

• Design methodologies for the coastal environment

• Other emerging topics related to the hydraulics research program

Staff Competencies/Capabilities (HYD Lab)

• General Hydraulic Engineering

• Fluid Mechanics/Dynamics

• Sediment Transport

• Hydrology and Floodplains

• Culvert Hydraulics https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/hydrology/ https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/culverthyd/ https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/highwaydrain/ https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/bridgehyd/ https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/scourtech/ https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/coastal/

• Highway Drainage

• Bridge Hydraulics

• Scour, Stream Stability and Countermeasures

• Coastal Highways/Engineering

• 1D and 2D Hydraulic Modeling

• CFD/CSM Modeling

• Load and Resistance Factor Design (LFRD)

• Probabilistic Design Concepts

• Experimental Fluid Mechanics/Dynamics

• Experimental Hydraulics

• Mechatronics Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Computer Science/Artificial Intelligence

• Physics Science

• Robotics (Mobile Robotics)

• 3D Printing

• Laboratory Management (Advanced Project Tracking)

• Marketing

5. Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory (GEO Lab)

• Develop and maintain a laboratory improvement program.

• Develop research test programs based on needs.

• Draft experimental plans, set-ups, and other related sketches.

• Design, fabricate, or procure experimental test equipment as needed.

• Conduct experiments in the indoor laboratories, the outside test pits (Foundation Testing

Facility), outdoor geotechnical strong floor, or in any of the laboratories.

• Excavate and refill the pits at the Foundation Testing Facility.

• Construct and test full-scale foundations or other related features at TFHRC.

• Construct and conduct scaled or full-scale model geotechnical experiments.

• Conduct basic and specialty geotechnical material testing experiments.

• Collect, catalog and test soil samples.

• Reduce and analyzing data.

• Design, program, install, operate, and manage automated data collection systems.

• Load structures using either jacks or calibrated vehicles.

• Install instrumentation to evaluate the performance of bridge foundations.

• Provide technical support to stakeholders if required.

• Perform numerical modelling of geotechnical structures using finite element, finite difference, and discrete element methods.

• Perform other activities related to facilitation and conduct of the Geotechnical Engineering

Research Program.

Research Focus Areas (GEO Lab)

• Design and Construction Optimization

• Reinforced soil technologies

• In-service performance evaluation

• Bridge approach transition evaluation

• Durability of geotechnical materials

• Performance metrics and expectations

• Remote automated data collection systems

• Material characterization

• Characterization of geotechnical materials

• Characterization of recycled materials for geotechnical applications

• Measurements in site characterization

• Variability of test methods

• Geostructural aspects of pavements

• Characterization of unbound materials

• Performance measurements of test sections

• Advanced geotechnical modelling

• Baseline soil constitutive models

• Evaluate the behavior of geotechnical features

• Other emerging topics related to the geotechnical engineering research program

Staff Competencies/Capabilities (GEO Lab)

• Research project management

• Design, setting up, and performing index laboratory tests per standard ASTM, AASHTO, and other relevant test standards, specialized testing, scaled model tests, full scale tests

• Design, setting up, and performing geotechnical load tests experiments

• Develop instrumentation plans

• Design, program, install, and maintain instruments and data collection systems

• Perform data reduction and data analysis

• Mana data

• Perform data interpretation and reporting

• Operate universal testing machines servo-hydraulic test equipment

• Program and operate National Instruments LabVIEW Software for data collection

• Engineer technician skills including electronics, sensors (mechanical, electrical, wireless), and automation

• Perform numerical and constitutive modeling

• Draft research reports and results summaries for publication

• Perform literature reviews

• Forklift operation certification

• Nuclear density certification

6. STAFFING

To fulfill the requirement, sufficient knowledgeable staff is required. The skillsets are listed below:

1. Program Manager (PM): The PM shall be responsible for oversight of all work under this contract. The PM shall assure that the requirements of the contract are met and shall be responsible for all aspects of contract performance. The PM shall be responsible for determining staffing needs, providing and supervising personnel, and determining man-hour and hard cost requirements under this contract. The PM shall serve as the primary point of contact for the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and shall be responsible for responding to any technical directives and for the submission of progress reports. The PM shall be responsive to the government’s need for excellent communication and quality customer service. The PM shall also be responsible for the preparation of all reports, papers, and presentations produced under this contract. Ultimately, the PM appointed by the Contractor shall be responsible for all contractor personnel issues including ensuring appropriate staffing levels and effort, performance appraisals, time and attendance, disciplinary actions, and quality of work. Depending on the nature of the assigned work and staff experience, the PM's responsibilities for day-to-day management of on-site personnel may be delegated to a Research Engineer (RE), subject to approval by the FHWA's COR. The PM shall have at least 10 years of experience managing support services, research, and engineering projects of the type and complexity as described herein.

2. Metals Research Engineer (MRE): The MRE is directly responsible for the planning, conducting, and reporting of projects performed under the contract. The Contractor shall provide MRE's at all five levels with research-related experience in “metals” used in the design, rating, and construction of bridges. Research-related experience includes familiarity with digital-to-analog data acquisition, sensor selection and wiring (strain gauges, accelerometers, tiltmeters, potentiometers, linear variable differential transducers, extensometers, and load cells), setup and operation of closed-loop servovalve controlled hydraulic systems, design of loading structures, digital image correlation, metallography, fractography, and common metallic property characterization tests (which may include ASTM E8, ASTM E9, ASTM E18, ASTM E23, ASTM E399, ASTM E1820, ASTM E1921, and ASTM F606). MREs at all levels shall have excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to write publication-ready research reports as well as participate and present during demonstration projects, seminars, committee meetings, and workshops. MRE levels are based on education and demonstrated experience as follows:

Level 1 (MRE-1) - the minimum requirements are a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural, or Bridge Engineering, and basic laboratory experience. Basic laboratory experience includes work as an undergraduate research assistant in a laboratory, intern experience in a laboratory, or equivalent thereof.

Level 2 (MRE-2) - shall be a higher level for which the minimum requirements are completion of a related Masters of Science or Doctorate degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural, or Bridge Engineering with no research experience beyond that to satisfy the degree requirements.

Level 3 (MRE-3) - builds upon the requirements of Level 2, through demonstration of at least three years of hands-on experience planning, conducting, and reporting on structural engineering research of the type described herein.

Level 4 (MRE-4) - builds upon the requirements of Level 3, through demonstration of six years of hands-on experience planning, conducting, and reporting on bridge engineering research beyond that required for Level 3.

Level 5 (MRE-5) - builds upon the requirements of Level 4, through demonstration of ten years of hands-on experience planning, conducting, and reporting on bridge engineering research beyond that required for Level 4.

3. Concrete Research Engineer (CRE): The CRE is directly responsible for the planning, conducting, and reporting of projects performed under the contract. The Contractor may provide CRE's at any of the five levels, though will be judged based on demonstrated research-related experience in “concrete” used in the design, rating, and construction of bridges. Research-related experience includes familiarity with digital-to-analog data acquisition, sensor selection and wiring (strain gauges, accelerometers, tiltmeters, potentiometers, linear variable differential transducers, extensometers, and load cells), setup and operation of closed-loop servovalve controlled hydraulic systems, design of loading structures, and common concrete property characterization tests

(ASTM C39, ASTM C78, ASTM C469, ASTM C496, ASTM C512, ASTM C1856, ASTM C157,

and ASTM C666). CREs at all levels shall have excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to write publication-ready research reports as well as participate and present during demonstration projects, seminars, committee meetings, and workshops. CRE levels are based on education and demonstrated experience as follows:

Level 1 (CRE-1) - the minimum requirements are a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural, or Bridge Engineering, and basic laboratory experience. Basic laboratory experience includes work as an undergraduate research assistant in a laboratory, intern experience in a laboratory, or equivalent thereof.

Level 2 (CRE-2) - shall be a higher level for which the minimum requirements are completion of a related Masters of Science or Doctorate degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural, or Bridge Engineering with no research experience beyond that to satisfy the degree requirements.

Level 3 (CRE-3) - builds upon the requirements of Level 2, through demonstration of at least three years of hands-on experience planning, conducting, and reporting on structural engineering research of the type described herein.

Level 4 (CRE-4) - builds upon the requirements of Level 3, through demonstration of six years of that required for Level 3.

Level 5 (CRE-5) - builds upon the requirements of Level 4, through demonstration of ten years of that required for Level 4.

4. Mechatronic Research Engineer (MTRE): The MTRE will perform the mechanical design, fabrication, automation and control of laboratory experimental set-ups and testing apparatuses, and will perform the design, fabrication and testing of smart systems (robotics, smart sensors, etc.)

for structures and construction research. Two different levels of experience are provided for MTREs depending upon their background and experience as follows:

Level 1 (MTRE-1) shall have a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, or Mechatronics Engineering along with basic laboratory experience that includes demonstrated work as an undergraduate research assistant in a robotics lab, intern experience in a robotics lab, or equivalent thereof. Personnel must also have at least one year of post-undergraduate or professional experience working in a laboratory setting conducting research on robotics or automation. Those meeting the Level 1 educational qualifications may substitute a Master of Science or Doctorate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering that includes robotics or automation laboratory experience to satisfy the one year of post-undergraduate or professional experience requirement.

Level 2 (MTRE-2) shall have at least four years of hands-on experience over Level 1 requirements in planning, conducting, and reporting on mechatronics research including significant experience executing experimental testing in a laboratory.

5. Support Analyst (SA): The SA is strictly responsible for finite element modeling of bridges, research specimens, or conducting parametric simulation studies. This is primarily a supportive role for CRE/MRE positions and the projects they work on. SA levels are based on education and experience as follows:

Level 1 (SA-1) - the minimum requirements are a Master’s of Science degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural, or Bridge Engineering, and possess an understanding of stiffness analysis methods for line, plate, shell, and solid elements. Experience must be demonstrated in successful modeling of elastic structures.

Level 2 (SA-2) builds upon that in Level 1 but possess two years’ experience in conducting nonlinear geometric and material finite element analysis using shell and solid models.

Level 3 (SA-3) builds upon the experience of a Level 2 with two additional years of experience in conducting nonlinear geometric and material finite element analysis. Experience shall include demonstrated experience in one or more enhanced modeling techniques to include; coupled stress and heat analysis, element birth and death, concrete cracking models, and development of material failure models.

6. Expert Technician (ET): ETs assist the federal laboratory managers (FLM), or designee and the Contractor's MRE/CRE/MTREs in execution of research projects and to maintain the state of good repair of the laboratory. Duties may include but not be limited to direction of research technicians (RTs), installing/calibrating/maintaining laboratory equipment, maintaining/installing software for specialized laboratory equipment, rigging, conducting complex movements of heavy items with overheads cranes, forklifts and/or other rigging equipment, conducting standardized materials tests, operation of servovalve hydraulic equipment, erection of load frames, setting up sensors and data collection systems, and metallography specimen preparation. All ETs must present themselves and act professionally at all times. ET levels are based on education and experience as follows:

Level 1 (ET-1) - the minimum requirements are a Bachelor of Science degree or completion of at least two years of technical training in engineering, engineering technician skills, computer science, electronics, or mechatronics. A good level of mechanical aptitude, basic computer skills (including proficiency with MSWord and MS Excel, and ability to use specialized software for hydraulic and instrumentation systems), and ability to comprehend construction plan drawings.

Level 2 (ET-2) - builds upon the requirements of Level 1 with an additional two years of experience in a research laboratory, and familiarity with hydraulic testing systems and basic instrumentation systems for collecting data.

Level 3 (ET-3) builds upon the requirements of Level 2 with an additional four years of hands-on experience as a research technician or expert technician. People working at this level should be able to work autonomously in executing work plans written by MRE/CRE/MTREs and run standardized material tests without direction from a MRE/CRE. ET-3 shall have a mastery of operation and maintenance of servovalve hydraulic test systems.

Level 4 (ET-4) builds upon Level 3 experience with an additional five years of experience specifically in a bridge engineering research laboratory.

7. Structures Research Technician (STR-RT): STR-RTs are a general laborer category to assist the FHWA and Contractor's ET/MRE/CREs in executing research projects and to maintaining cleanliness/order of the laboratory. Duties may include but not be limited to maintaining general lab cleanliness, moving items with a forklift or crane, basic rigging, building concrete formwork, installing instrumentation under the supervision of an ET/MRE/CRE/MTRE, mixing concrete, preparing concrete and metal samples/specimens for testing purposes, welding, thermal cutting, high-strength bolt tensioning and assist in the erection of load frames. STR-RTs must be fluent in speaking and reading the English language. STR-RTs may be provided at two levels based on experience as follows:

Level 1 (STR-RT-1) is an entry-level position with no education requirements, though they must have a good level of mechanical aptitude, basic math skills, experience using hand tools, and function in a professional research environment.

Level 2 (STR RT-2) builds upon the experience of RT-1 with an additional two years of demonstrated hands-on experience working in a research laboratory.

8. Structures Subject Matter Expert (STR-SME): Depending on the nature of the research being conducted and technical problems which may arise, it may be necessary for the Contractor to retain the services of one or more subject matter expert(s) who shall provide expert advice and services on designated studies for the Contractor. The areas of expertise include structural steel connection behavior, weld engineering, high-strength bolts, bridge load analysis, steel bridge corrosion, steel bridge coatings, fracture mechanics, concrete materials, reinforced concrete, pre-tensioned concrete, post-tensioned concrete, bridge construction, bridge diagnostic testing, bridge design, bridge specification writer, complex steel and/or bridge testing, nonlinear geometric and material finite element analysis. SMEs may be provided at five different levels as follows:

Level 1 (STR-SME-1) shall be a starting level for a consultant demonstrating potential in the field.

Level 2 (STR-SME-2) shall be a highly motivated, imaginative consultant in the field who has attained the rank of beginning level Assistant Professor, Project Engineer, Chief Inspector, or equivalent.

Level 3 (STR-SME-3) shall be a recognized expert in the field who has attained a higher rank of Assistant Professor, Principal Engineer, Research Engineer, Consultant, or equivalent.

Level 4 (STR-SME-4) shall be a recognized national expert in the field who has attained the rank of Associate Professor, Assistant Dean of Engineering, Assistant Director of Research, Assistant Chief Engineer, Senior Consultant, or equivalent.

Level 5 (STR-SME-5) shall be a recognized world class expert in the field who has attained the rank of Full Professor, Dean of Engineering, Chief Engineer, Fellow, Senior Consultant, or equivalent.

9. Document Processor (DP): DPs assist FHWA staff or MREs/CREs in ensuring reports are generated in conformance to the FHWA Communication Reference Guide (CRG). Requirements of position include a mastery of the English language, especially through the written word, in addition to computer skills with a mastery of word processing and spreadsheets. Knowledge of graphics design is also desired. The DP shall be tasked with ensuring reports are written with a consistent voice, formatted to all CRG requirements, ensure graphs are consistently formatted (which may include manipulation of the source files in a spreadsheet), develop simple graphics to illustrate concepts, and write 508-compliant captions.

10. Administrative Assistant (AA): The AA provides support for technical report preparation, meeting planning, typing correspondence, reports, and memos using a word processor, maintaining computer based and paper files, answering and screening calls, and opening and distributing mail for a department or unit. The AA shall be experienced in providing administrative support to technically focused teams, program development, site selection and other aspects of planning a successful meeting. The AA shall possess as a minimum, a HS diploma (or equivalent), and approximately 4 to 6 years of related experience.

11. Data Analyst (DA): The DA is responsible for acquiring, managing, analyzing, visualizing and interpreting the acquired data. The DA shall be experienced in data analysis software like MATLAB and shall be experienced in statistical analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence. The DA shall also be familiar with different data visualization schemes, and 4D representation of data. The DA shall demonstrate proven working experience as a data analyst or business data analyst; shall have technical expertise regarding data models, database design development, data mining and segmentation techniques; shall have strong knowledge of and experience with reporting packages (Business Objects etc), databases (SQL etc), programming (XML, Javascript, or ETL frameworks); shall have knowledge of statistics and experience using statistical packages for analyzing datasets (Excel, SPSS, SAS etc); shall have strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy; shall adept at queries, report writing and presenting findings. The DA requires a BS in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Management or Statistics.

12. NDE Research Engineer (NDE-RE): The REs shall be capable of setting up and conducting nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structure health monitoring (SHM) tests, operating common NDE tools and technologies, installing sensors and instrumentation, and operating data acquisition equipment in both laboratory and in the field. The NDE-RE shall interpret or evaluate test results of all NDE/SHM methods in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures; calibrate and operate NDE/SHM tools and sensors; examine concrete and steel structures and evaluate material properties using NDE/SHM techniques both in laboratories and in the field. The NDE-RE shall also be experienced in NDE/SHM data analysis, visualization and interpretation and shall use visualization techniques to detect/map flaws and identify defects. The NDE-RE shall demonstrate understanding and familiarity with Civil Engineering standards and specifications like AASHTO specification, and NDE standards, like ASTM. The NDE_RE shall also be familiar with bridge and tunnel inspection manuals. The NDE_RE shall be able to develop research and testing plans and implement these plans in the field. The NDE-RE shall prepare reports on NDE/SHM results; document NDE/SHM methods, processes, results and information;

analyze information and evaluate results to make decisions and solve problems; communicate with supervisors and peers by phone, email and in person; and think creatively. NDE-RE at all levels shall have excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to write publication-ready research reports as well as participate and present during demonstration projects, seminars, committee meetings, and workshops. NDE-RE levels are based on education and demonstrated experience as follows:

Level 1…