Planning IDIQ RFP 693JJ321R000006 Amendment 0002.pdf

693JJ321R000006 Amendment 0002

This competitive acquisition is solicited in accordance with FAR Subpart 19.502-4 Multiple-award contracts and small business reserves. This solicitation is a full and open competition with a partial small business reserve.

SECTION B – Supplies or Services/Prices

B.1 IDIQ MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS

During the term of this 5-year Indefinite-Delivery-Indefinite-Delivery (IDIQ) contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum guarantee of $25,000. The maximum amount of all Task Orders issued against all contracts awarded as a result of this acquisition shall not exceed a ceiling of $10,000,000.

The Task Orders placed under the contract will primarily be Firm-Fixed Price (FFP). Labor Hour (LH), Time-and-Materials (T&M), or a hybrid of those three types of contracts may be used based on a determination by the Contracting Officer (CO) at the Task Order level.

B.2 SCHEDULE OF RATES

Labor category requirements and labor rate ceilings governing Task Orders under this contract shall be listed in the Microsoft (MS) Excel format found in Attachment J.1 and shall be applied 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. Please see FAR 52.216-29(c)(2).

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

Note: Resulting contract award(s) will include Attachment J.1 with the accepted Contractor loaded labor rates inserted in the pricing table.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 BACKGROUND

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Planning advances innovative transportation planning practices by ensuring better, more holistic decision-making, thereby improving overall project quality. It is key for planners to remain on the cutting edge of innovation in planning and to use all available tools to implement an efficient and effective planning process, deliver high-quality projects, and ensure all voices are being heard. The Planning IDIQ contract provides support to the FHWA Office of Planning to advance a broad array of transportation planning topics and needs.

C.2 OBJECTIVE

The IDIQ contract(s) resulting from this Statement of Work is intended to provide the FHWA and its United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) partners the flexibility to address several topics and related issue without specifically identifying each required task for the life of the contract (5 years). The contract holders shall provide a series of services as needed in a variety of transportation topics to support the Federal transportation planning program and process. Contractors are expected to organize resources and experiences to answer sophisticated research questions that will often be multifaceted and contentious in nature and provide a broad range of support functions in several task areas. The objective of this IDIQ is to provide readily available support and services in response to FHWA transportation planning requirements and agency/Department of Transportation (DOT) priorities. The anticipated research program task areas include but are not limited to:

A. Safety and Security B. Congestion Planning C. Scenario Planning and Visualization D. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) E. Livability, Sustainability, and Equity F. Performance-based Planning and Programming G. Freight H. Multi-jurisdictional and Megaregion Planning I. Connected and Autonomous Vehicles J. Economic Development K. Planning for Healthy Communities L. State, Metropolitan, Rural, and Tribal Planning M. National/International Planning Tools (Border Planning, Corridor Planning, etc.)

N. Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) O. Public Involvement P. Resiliency Q. Travel Data, Modeling and Analysis R. Accessibility /Transition Design Planning S. Emerging Mobility Integration T. Multimodal Planning and Complete Streets

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Professional expertise and sophisticated data gathering and analysis capability.

• The ability to deliver the completed research product, with full quality assurance and appropriate fact checking, with minimum of supervision from FHWA.

• Knowledge and expertise in the principles and practice of the social, economic, and environmental analysis and the planning and project development processes.

• The ability to write and edit technical deliverables in, at least, the task areas listed above.

• Knowledge of FHWA efforts such as Every Day Counts (EDC), Transportation Modeling

Improvement Program (TMIP), Transportation Planning Capacity Building (TPCB) program, stewardship and oversight, etc. and familiarity with all the national planning topics and the ability to pivot between projects.

• An understanding of the statewide and metropolitan transportation planning process, the required documents (i.e., long range plan, transportation improvement program, and public participation plan), consultation requirements, procedures and best practices, etc.

This includes the requirements found under the relevant transportation legislations (i.e., and the FAST Act) and knowledge of current transportation legislation

• Conceptual understanding and application experience in general transport modeling and simulation methods including: quick response methods; trip, tour, and activity-based demand models; static highway and transit assignment; dynamic traffic and transit assignment; and highway and transit simulation.

• An understanding of applications and issues related to linking mobile source emissions models and travel demand forecasting and traffic simulation models. Emissions models may include EPA’s Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) model and California’s Emission Factors (EMFAC) model.

• The ability to provide FHWA with solid research in the form of white papers, Guidebooks, Fact Sheets, Briefing Material, Power Point presentations and other high level materials as requested by FHWA.

• Stakeholder involvement is a key element in determining target audience needs and identifying the roles and responsibilities in the transportation planning process. The contractor shall work with the appropriate stakeholder(s) to support the varying efforts for this contract as required. Such stakeholders may include but are not limited to:

Association of American State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), Transportation Research Board (TRB), National Association of County Organizations (NACO), Association of Public Transportation Authorities (APTA), Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), Local technical Assistance Program (LTAP), Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP), and University Transportation Centers (UTC).

• Contractors shall develop and deliver webinars as requested by FHWA, including peer exchanges, webinars, and workshops either in person or virtual. For all these activities, contractors shall work with FHWA to develop agendas, select presenters, provide suggested locations, provide invitational travel administration and conduct the event.

These activities may take many coordination meetings and associated activities.

• Advanced computer expertise and government publication requirement expertise.

Contractors are expected to be familiar with TEAMS, Adobe Connect and other similar software.

C.3 DELINEATION OF CONTRACTOR TASKS

Specific work to be performed will be set forth under individual Task Orders. Task Orders under this IDIQ contract will be determined and issued on an as needed basis by the FHWA and will generally consist of work in the areas outlined below. When ordered, the Contractor shall provide the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities to perform the requirements.

The contract holder(s) will be expected to provide a series of services (as needed within the specified task areas. Potential activities include: program support, website development, workshops and conference support, peer reviews, domestic scans, training and technical assistance, presentation and publications development, conference organization, and symposia.

TASK AREA A: SAFETY, SECURITY

This task area incorporates activities related to developing and improving data collection methods that respond to the needs of planning and safety decision making processes, raising awareness of the requirement of addressing security, and strengthening the linkage between transportation systems safety and operations within the statewide and metropolitan planning processes to building institutional capacity and be integrated safety into the decision-making process.

Potential activities include:

• Collecting and disseminating noteworthy practices for strengthening the state-of-the-practice;

• Facilitating communication among and between transportation planning agencies/practitioners, transportation safety experts, and State, regional, and local governments involved in safety and security;

• Developing and delivering training, workshops, and technical assistance;

• Collecting and disseminating noteworthy safety and security practices for strengthening the state-of-the-practice and addressing federal program requirements;

• Establishing and building relationships between transportation planning agencies/practitioners and State, regional, and local governments;

• Developing tools, techniques, training and procedures for improved transportation safety planning;

• Developing research and white papers on topics such as linkage of safety planning to the federal planning process and practices;

• Understanding and the ability to highlight safety performance measures;

• Developing reports on topics such as Vision Zero, Safe Systems approach and other such linkages to transportation planning., including hazard mitigation planning; and

• Developing and marketing improved and/or new analytical tools, techniques, methods, and procedures that address transportation safe systems approach including operations strategies such as Complete Streets and Context Sensitive Design into the transportation planning and programming processes.

TASK AREA B: CONGESTION PLANNING

This task area supports the congestion management process (CMP). CMP is a systematic and regionally-accepted approach for managing congestion that provides accurate, up-to-date information on transportation system performance and assesses alternative strategies for congestion management that meet State and local needs. A CMP is required in metropolitan areas with population exceeding 200,000, known as Transportation Management Areas (TMAs).

Federal requirements state that in all TMAs, the CMP shall be developed and implemented as an integrated part of the metropolitan transportation planning process.

Potential activities include:

• Facilitating communication among and between transportation planning agencies operational practitioners and State, regional, and local governments;

• Developing and delivering training, workshops, and technical assistance on Congestion

Management;

• Collecting and disseminating noteworthy Congestion Management practices highlighting the state-of-the-practice that address the federal program requirements;

• Establishing and building relationships between transportation planning agencies transportation operational engineers and practitioners and other State, regional, and local governments involved in congestion management;

• Developing tools, techniques, training and procedures for improved transportation congestion management planning at both the statewide and Metropolitans Planning Organizations (MPO) levels;

• Developing white papers, Guidebooks and other marketing material to advance Congestion Management.

TASK AREA C: SCENARIO PLANNING AND VISUALIZATION

This task area supports the continued need to create new methods in scenario planning. Scenario Planning is an encouraged process under Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-

21) and continued in the Fixing Americans Surface Transportation (FAST) Act with new techniques and processes continually emerging, especially in the areas of research, tools, and techniques.

Potential activities include:

• Improving application of visioning, sketch planning, Scenario Planning, approaches and associated tools to better inform decision makers.

• Supporting FHWA in developing new Scenario Planning and Visualization techniques.

• Supporting FHWA in developing new public involvement techniques and communication strategies that incorporate Scenario Planning. Support FHWA in advancing Scenario Planning and Visualization among transportation planning practitioners, decision-makers.

• Helping FHWA advance the use of Scenario planning in the public involvement process.

• Supporting FHWA to advance the use of new Scenario Planning, Visualization and mapping technologies across a wide array of users.

• Documenting the effects of Scenario Planning activities linked to social media activities and participation in the public involvement process.

• Developing and demonstrating application of Scenario Planning methods for new topic areas such as freight planning, operations, and climate change and Autonomous and Connected Vehicles AV/CV.

TASK AREA D: GIS

This task area includes advancing GIS in transportation planning and programing by researching new methods for capturing and maintaining geospatial data. The contractor shall develop new methods for refining and applying geospatial data in traditional and innovative planning analyses; and facilitate the knowledge transfer of GIS skills, best practices, and technical resources among State, regional, and local transportation organizations. This task involves capturing the respective GIS lessons learned and noteworthy practices and makes them available to all GIS practitioners and transportation professionals.

Potential activities include:

• Collecting and disseminating noteworthy practices for strengthening the state-of-the-practice in GIS technology;

• Facilitating communication among and between transportation planning agencies/GIS practitioners and other State, regional, and local government in the advancement of GIS technology;

• Supporting Geographic Information Systems for Transportation (GIST)by highlighting the state-of-the-practice that address GIS mapping of the Federal Highway System;

• Developing tools, techniques, training and procedures for improved GIS in transportation planning;

• Developing white papers, guidebooks and other resources for GIS technology dissemination;

• Developing, deploying, and supporting web-based mapping applications such as http://hepgis.fhwa.dot.gov/ ;

• Identifying effective business models and public-private partnerships to support enhanced GIS in transportation; and

• Conducting webinars, workshops, peer exchanges and other technical assistance related to GIS: This includes supporting the development of agendas, selecting speakers, supplying a web room or workshop location and other associated activities.

TASK AREA E: LIVABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND EQUITY

This task area supports the need for FHWA to seek and expand the knowledge of creating livable and sustainable communities that consider equity in all their planning products. As FHWA looks to develop and improve analytical methods which respond to the needs of underserved populations and help agencies build their institutional capacity there may be a requirement to develop and deliver webinars, workshops and peer exchanges and other such opportunities to support the goal of providing transportation services to help underserved populations access to jobs and other essential services.

http://hepgis.fhwa.dot.gov/

Potential activities include:

• Identifying strategies, best practices, case studies, and toolkits for developing Livable Communities with options such as seamless pedestrian and bicycle networks at the local, regional, state, and tribal levels;

• Examining the growing connections between planning and implementing non-motorized transportation projects and systems (i.e., “active transportation”) and public health issues, policies, and goals such as equity in the planning process;

• Developing white papers and additional research on Livability and Equity including climate adaptation and mitigation best practices for a sustainable transportation system;

• Analyzing and document the most up to date sustainability practices;

• Analyzing and documenting how equity in planning results in a more Livable and

Sustainable environment for all:

• Providing outreach and technical assistance to FHWA stakeholders, such as state departments of transportation and MPOs, on sustainability issues (including the use FHWA’s sustainability self-assessment tool, INVEST);

• Developing tools, techniques, procedures; providing incentives for communities looking to advance equity and help persons of underserved communities, contractors shall be familiar with EDC, Community Connections, Ladders of Opportunities and other FHWA activities;

• Delivering training and technical assistance for advancing the concepts of Livable Sustainable communities with an emphasis on equity;

• Conducting a peer exchange program on planning issues; in coordination with the FHWA Office of Planning, Reality and Environment (HEPP)’S TPCB Program; and

• Developing training materials and identifying notable practices for use by States and MPOs for advancing Ladders of Opportunities.

TASK AREA F: PERFORMANCE BASED PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING

This task area looks to advance and develop a broader understanding of the benefits of performance-based planning and programming and performance management to create a transparent transportation planning process that can be demonstrated through data and analysis and reveal how the transportation system is performing as a result of the investments made.

Potential activities include:

• Collecting and disseminating noteworthy practices and guidance documents for strengthening the state-of-the-practice and addressing federal program requirements;

• Identifying data and analytical needs of a performance based approach to transportation planning;

• Facilitating communication among and between transportation planning agencies/practitioners and state, regional, and local governments about the use of performance measures in their decision-making process;

• Developing and delivering training, workshops, and technical assistance in performance based planning, incorporating the FHWA Performance Based Planning and Programming Guidebook;

• Establishing and building relationships between transportation planning agencies/practitioners and state, regional, and local governments; and

• Developing and delivering performance based planning and programming training, webinars, workshops, and technical assistance (virtual and live). This includes all agendas, speakers, power point slides, pre-workshop coordination, and associated activities.

TASK AREA G: FREIGHT

This task area is an important component of statewide and metropolitan transportation planning processes. Input from a variety of public and private stakeholders—state DOTs, MPOs, freight modes, public—must be considered to successfully integrate freight planning into these existing transportation planning processes. It is the goal of the FHWA Office of Planning and Office of Freight Management and Operations to provide stakeholders with a variety of resources to enable the ability to make informed decisions regarding freight planning.

Potential activities include:

• Collecting and disseminating noteworthy practices and guidance documents for strengthening the state-of-the-practice and addressing freight movement in the federal programing requirements;

• Identifying data and analytical needed in freight planning;

• Facilitating communication among and between transportation planning agencies/practitioners and the freight industry;

• Developing and delivering the following (virtual and in person): training, workshops, and technical assistance on freight planning. This includes all agendas, speakers, power point slides, pre-workshop coordination, and associated activities;

• Establishing and building relationships between the Trucking Industries and transportation planning agencies/practitioners at the state, regional, and local governments;

• Understanding the nexus between megaregions and freight systems approach;

• Understanding the nexus between CV/AV and freight movement.

TASK AREA H: MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL, AND MEGAREGIONAL PLANNING

This task area supports megaregional issues and the statewide and metropolitan transportation planning, programming, and decision-making processes. The contractor will support in the advancement of the state of practice in basic and advanced multi-jurisdictional planning and build off experiences in the development and implementation of a megaregional planning.

Potential activities include:

• Developing tools, techniques, procedures; providing incentives for megaregional exemplary practice;

• Developing a framework for multi-jurisdictional cross disciplinary planning;

• Delivering training, technical assistance, and identifying notable practices for use by state

DOTs and MPOs looking to advance these concepts of megaregional Planning in their regions;

• Identifying analytical needs, conducting basic research, and collecting and disseminating noteworthy practices for strengthening the state-of-the-practice;

• Developing tools, techniques, and procedures for implementing Megaregions, including specific challenges related to collaboration, etc.;

• Developing and delivering training, workshops, and technical assistance;

• Facilitating communication among and between the other Federal agencies, along with the public and private sectors for the advancement of Megaregional planning;

• Identify processes which state DOTs and MPOs can use to develop regional performance measures and targets that support Megaregional planning;

• Examining the planning connections for the implementation and deployment of

Megaregional issues such as alternative fuel vehicles and associated infrastructure such as electric vehicle charging stations.

TASK AREA I: CONNECTED AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

The FHWA is committed to facilitating a new era of transportation innovation and safety and ensuring that our country remains a leader in automation. FHWA is acting as a convener and facilitator, partnering with a broad coalition of industry, academic, states and local, safety advocacy, and transportation stakeholders to support the safe development, testing, and integration of automated vehicle technologies.

Potential activities include:

• Identifying strategies, best practices, case studies, and toolkits for developing new technologies and advances in CV/AV;

• Developing white papers and additional research on Connected and Autonomous vehicles;

• Analyzing and document case studies and other outreach material to advance new technologies; sustainability practices; work with other offices at FHWA in providing support to activities like the National Listening Sessions;

• Providing outreach and technical assistance to FHWA stakeholders, such as state departments of transportation and MPOs, on CV/AV issues;

• Developing tools, techniques, procedures; providing incentives for communities looking to advance CV/AV Technology;

• Delivering training and technical assistance, webinars and research papers on CV/AV;

• Provide support to FHWA in development and production of peer exchanges, Workshops and Conference presentations on AV/CV technologies;

• Provide assistance to FHWA in the generation of new policies and regulations to advance transportation technologies.

TASK AREA J: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The contractor shall identify the effects of regional and local impacts of transportation investments on various economic indicators and how those indicators are considered in the planning process and project selection process. Additionally, the contractor shall support the expansion of knowledge of economic development in creating healthy, livable, and sustainable communities. FHWA requires support to advance economic development to help identify how regional and local areas are addressing health in transportation including children, seniors and citizens of low income.

• Conducting peer exchanges with FHWA and other agencies on the topic of Economic

Development;

• Identifying analytical needs, conducting basic research, and collecting and disseminating noteworthy practices for strengthening the state-of-the-practice in Economic Development;

• Developing tools, techniques, and procedures for advancing the latest methods in Economic Development;

• Support FHWA in delivering training, workshops, and technical assistance; and

• Support FHWA in facilitating communication among and between the public and private sectors on ways for improving the economic conditions in their communities.

TASK AREA K: PLANNING FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

This task area supports the effort to link health and transportation by bringing together transportation professionals and health practitioners in a collaborative process to improve transportation decisions.

Potential activities include:

• Support encouraging the inclusion of public health in long-range planning processes;

• Support FHWA in convening decision-makers in transportation and health organizations concerning the importance of strategic and/or ongoing plans and initiatives;

• Provide FHWA support in peer exchanges, workshops, webinars and other activities that improves transportation and public health;

• Provide support to FHWA in collaboration with Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC), American Planning Association (APA), American Public Health Association (APHA), Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and others in advancing the concepts of healthy communities;

• Provide support in collaboration between planning organizations to include public health education and expertise, and staffing positions at public health organizations to include transportation planning expertise;

• Using performance measures that include improving the public’s health through increased safety across transportation modes, increased active transportation, decreased fatalities and injuries, improved air quality, etc.

TASK AREA L: STATE, METROPOLITAN, RURAL, AND TRIBAL PLANNING

This task area provides assistance to decision makers, transportation officials, and staff to resolve the increasingly complex issues faced when addressing transportation needs in their communities. This area is targeted to: (1) Providing background information for state, metropolitan, rural, and tribal transportation officials to enhance their understanding of the transportation planning process (statewide, metropolitan, and nonmetropolitan), their role within the process, and its relationship to community and societal goals; (2) Strengthening transportation planning staff skills in the areas of consensus building, understanding policy guidance, and grasping the technical elements of their job; (3) Assisting transportation planning agencies in developing public participation plans that are comprehensive and inclusive; and (4) Ensuring the transportation planning process is open to all regardless of race, color, national origin, or income.

• Developing tools, techniques, procedures; providing incentives for exemplary practices in Federal Aid to Highways;

• Delivering training and technical assistance in the support of the Federal Aid Planning process, understand all relevant Planning Rules and Regulations to support FHWA in the oversight responsibilities;

• Conducting peer exchanges on planning issues (in coordination with HEPP’s TPCB Program);

• Developing training materials and identifying notable practices for use by state, metropolitan, rural, and tribal;

• Documenting and deploying interdisciplinary/interagency approaches for addressing human and natural environment; issues and interests in transportation planning processes;

integrated planning; and performance based planning;

• Developing procedures to support a link between planning-level greenhouse gas analyses and project-level decision making.

• Developing improved tools, techniques and procedures for incorporating visualization in planning and for increasing public involvement in the transportation planning process;

• Improving data collection, monitoring, and analysis tools that assess the needs of, and analyze the potential impacts on minority, low-income and other populations;

• Familiarizing with the wide range of transportation products such as TIPS/STIPS, Long Range Plans, Performance Matrix, Public Involvement Plans, Congestion Management Plans and processes and the Federal Certification Process;

• Understanding of the MPO population thresholds and creation of MPOs and Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPO)s and the coordination between the state DOT and MPO, RTPOs.

TASK AREA M: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL AND BORDER PLANNING

This task area includes conducting research that will help enable safe, secure, and efficient movement of people and goods across the border and though the binational border area while enhancing the community and the environment. Cooperative research activities will be undertaken with the 15 border and other states, MPOs, U.S. Federal Agencies and local, provincial/state and Federal Governments in Mexico and Canada via the U.S./Mexico Joint Working Committee on Transportation Planning and Programming (JWC), the U.S./Canada Transportation Border Working Group, (TBWG) and the Freight Planning and Logistics Committee (FPLC).

Potential activities include:

• Developing and testing architecture for border transportation information flows;

• Developing binational innovative financing mechanisms for border-related improvement;

• Identifying and assessing infrastructure needs and analyzing their impact on the binational transportation system;

• Developing binational GIS tools and applications to enhance binational planning, assessing methods to improve and speed information exchange and environmental assessment;

• Exploring development of enhanced modeling techniques to improve border and binational decision-making;

• Developing binational border transportation performance measures;

• Developing tools to ease congestion at land-ports-of-entry; and

• Supporting research efforts of the JWC and the TBWG.

The contractor shall also: (1) Advance research that provides analysis and assessments of the National Highway System (e.g., Interstate, Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET), National Truck network intermodal connectors) for planning and environmental decision making; (2) Facilitate rural economic development related research activities required under MAP-21; (3) Support the analysis of the North American Transportation System and support common planning efforts between the three countries; (4) Support the national research community (e.g., TRB committees, see below for examples; and (5) Support FHWA information needs regarding the extent and nature of state economic development programs.

Potential activities include:

• Updating the digital mapping of the National Highway Network (NHS) components;

• Updating databases used for research;

• Creating content for research related websites;

• Providing information for TRB economic development committee, military transportation committee, critical transportation infrastructure protection committee, freight planning and logistics committee, international trade and transportation committee activities (e.g., national research meetings);

• Providing information for research related activities of other organizations such as the National Corporative Highway Research Project (NCHRP), the Delta Regional Authority, and corridor coalition and regional organizations; and

• Providing support to interstate and corridor planning and research (including intrastate, interstate and international transportation and trade corridors).

TASK AREA N: PLANNING AND ENVIRNMENTAL LINKAGES (PEL)

This task area supports the methodology for the implementation of PEL as a collaborative and integrated approach to transportation decision-making that considers environmental, community, and economic goals early in the transportation planning process and uses the information, analyses, and products developed in planning to inform the environmental review process.

Potential activities include:

• Improving early coordination of Planning and National Environmental Protection Act

(NEPA);

• Using PEL for better program and project decisions;

• Improving early consideration of environmental impacts;

• Incorporating planning goals, objectives, performance measures, and targets; and

• Improving transportation planning and environmental review processes (potentially minimizing duplication and limiting project delay). Developing tools, techniques, procedures; providing incentives for exemplary practices in Federal Aid to Highways;

• Delivering training and technical assistance in the support of the PEL, understanding all relevant PEL related rules and regulations to support FHWA in the oversight responsibilities;

• Conducting peer exchanges on planning issues (in coordination with HEPP’s TPCB Program);

• Developing PEL related training materials and identifying notable practices for use by state, metropolitan, rural, and tribal;

• Documenting and deploying interdisciplinary/interagency approaches for addressing PEL issues and interests in transportation planning processes.

TASK AREA O: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

This task area involves being an integral part of the transportation process which helps to ensure that decisions are made in consideration of and to benefit public needs and preferences. Early and continuous public involvement brings diverse viewpoints and values into the decision-making process. This task area enables agencies to make better informed decisions through collaborative efforts and builds mutual understanding and trust between the agencies and the public they serve. The task will be a continuous process, consisting of a series of activities and actions to both inform the public and stakeholders and to obtain input from them which influence decisions that affect their lives.

The contractor shall provide activities that add value when they are open, relevant, timely, and appropriate for the intended goal of the public involvement process. This subject matter will be a balanced approach with representation of all stakeholders and including measures to seek out and consider the needs of all stakeholders, especially those that are traditionally underserved by past and current transportation programs, facilities, or services.

Potential Public Involvement activities includes:

• Improving early coordination though public involvement;

• Using outreach for better program and project decisions;

• Producing outreach material for better public involvement;

• Improving planning goals, objectives, performance measures, and targets; and

• Improving transportation planning proactive public involvement

• Delivering training and technical assistance, webinars and research papers on public involvement practices;

• Conducting peer exchanges on public involvement planning issues (in coordination with

HEPP’s TPCB Program);

• Developing training materials and identifying notable practices for use by state, metropolitan.

TASK AREA P: RESILIENCY

This task area involves resiliency and the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions and withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions. FHWA will increase its effectiveness in working towards infrastructure that is resilient enough to withstand extreme weather. FHWA is committed to integrating extreme weather risk consideration into all programs and projects.

Potential activities include:

• Delivering training and technical assistance, webinars and research papers on resiliency;

• Provide support to FHWA in development and production of peer exchanges, workshops and conference presentations on emerging technologies that support resiliency;

• Provide technical assistance to FHWA in the generation of new policies and regulations to advance resiliency;

• Delivering training and technical assistance in the support of the Resiliency, understanding all relevant resiliency related rules and regulations to support FHWA in the oversight responsibilities;

• Conducting peer exchanges on resiliency issues (in coordination with HEPP’s TPCB Program);

• Developing Resiliency related training materials and identifying notable practices for use by state, metropolitan and rural planning.

TASK AREA Q: TRAVEL DATA AND MODELING ANALYSIS

This task area incorporates activities related to planning data, modeling, simulation, and analysis as well as applied informatics for understanding populations, commerce, government, the built environment, and the natural environment.

Potential activities include:

• Identifying research needs to advance data, modeling, and practices that support transportation decision-making;

• Identifying emerging demographic, economic, and technology trends that affect transportation outcomes;

• Developing research on conceptual models of urban systems, traveler behavior, and choice models;

• Developing applied research in survey methods and data integration;

• Developing tools, techniques and procedures for evaluating scenario outcomes including safety, mobility, reliability, accessibility, energy, and emissions;

• Supporting the critical review of research products and model applications;

• Conducting workshops, webinars, presentations, and other activities to make agencies aware of innovative modeling techniques and build practical capacity in planning agencies;

• Developing, deploying, and supporting web-based mapping applications such as http://hepgis.fhwa.dot.gov/ ;

• Identifying effective business models and public-private partnerships to support enhanced GIS in transportation; and

• Working with TRB, ITE, and AASHTO committees, AMPO, NARC, and other stakeholders to achieve project goals.

TASK AREA R: ACCESIBILITY/TRANSITION DESIGN PLANNING

http://hepgis.fhwa.dot.gov/

The contractor shall research accessibility design considerations for multimodal facilities, and strategies to incorporate accessibility transition plan information required under the Americans with Disabilities Act in transportation planning documents. This includes but is not limited to accessibility policies, jurisdictional responsibilities, inventory of barriers, programming accessibility improvements, methods to make facilities more accessible, public involvement, and funding.

Potential activities include:

• Identifying strategies, best practices, case studies, and toolkits in support of accessibility;

• Developing white papers and additional research on the topic area

• Analyzing and document case studies and other outreach material to advance accessibility practices; work with other offices at FHWA in providing support to these activities

• Providing outreach and technical assistance to FHWA stakeholders, such as state departments of transportation and MPOs in support of accessibility,

• Delivering training and technical assistance to support accessibility in the planning process.

• Conducting peer exchanges on accessibility related planning issues (in coordination with HEPP’s TPCB Program);

• Developing related training materials and identifying notable practices for use by state, metropolitan and rural planning.

TASK AREA S: EMERGING MOBILITY INNOVATION (Micro-mobility, Curbside Management)

The contractor shall research, includes but is not limited to, investigating how local and state transportation agencies are incorporating emerging mobility innovations, such as micro-mobility and curb space management, and addressing considerations for safety and infrastructure, including access and mobility, goods movement, equity, data collection and sharing, regulation and enforcement, and funding considerations in their transportation planning activities.

Potential activities include:

• Analyzing and document case studies and other outreach material to advance new technologies related to Emerging Mobility;

• Providing outreach and technical assistance to FHWA stakeholders, such as state departments of transportation and MPOs, on emerging mobility issues;

• Developing tools, techniques, procedures; providing incentives for communities looking to advance micro-mobility:

• Delivering training and technical assistance, webinars and research papers on micro-mobility

• Providing support to FHWA in development and production of peer exchanges, Workshops and Conference presentations on emerging technologies;

• Provide assistance to FHWA in the generation of new policies and regulations to advance transportation technologies.

TASK AREA T: MULTIMODAL NETWORKS and COMPLETE STREETS PLANNING

This task involves research, including but is not limited to, investigating how States, regions, and local jurisdictions are implementing multimodal networks that are accessible, interconnected, and allow all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists, to safely and conveniently reach their destination. This includes considerations for Complete Streets that are planned, designed, and operated to provide safe access and mobility for users of all ages and abilities.

Potential activities include:

• Analyzing and document case studies and other outreach material to advance multimodal networks and complete streets; work with other offices at FHWA in providing support to new activities and continued research;

• Providing outreach and technical assistance to FHWA stakeholders, such as state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations, on multimodal networks and complete street issues;

• Developing tools, techniques, procedures; providing incentives for communities looking to advance complete streets;

• Delivering training and technical assistance, webinars and research papers on multimodal networks and complete streets.

C.4 SPECIFICATIONS FOR DELIVERABLES

Applicable reports shall be prepared in accordance with the latest “Guidelines for Preparing Federal Highway Administration Publications” found at https://highways.dot.gov/research/publication-tools. Specifically, the contractor shall provide the Government with the following for each report developed under this contract in Microsoft Word.

(1) An executive summary is required as a convenience to the readers for the requirements of individual Tasks Orders.

(2) An electronic version of the report (files in Quark Xpress, or Adobe products) with GPO

Form 952 OR a printed version of the report; a camera-ready copy (a publication term used to define the finished manuscript, including all art work (illustrations, photographs, charts, or tables) ready for printing by photographic or other means.

https://www.gpo.gov/accessibility.

(3) A completed ITS Electronic Clearinghouse Document Profile Sheet. This profile must be completed to ensure all reports are properly indexed for storage and retrieval.

(4) 508 Compliance (Only for Web-related deliverables):

https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/general/15058/15058.pdf

(5) All web- related electronic documents that are prepared shall meet the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The act requires that all electronic products prepared for the Federal Government be accessible to persons with disabilities, including those with vision, hearing, cognitive, and mobility impairments. One can view Section https://highways.dot.gov/research/publication-tools https://www.gpo.gov/accessibility https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/general/15058/15058.pdf

508 of the Rehabilitation Act (https://www.access-board.gov/ict) and the Federal IT Accessibility Initiative (Home Page) (http://section508.gov) for detailed information.

C.5 REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTING SECTIONS 508 STANDARDS

NOTE: The following applies to all FHWA contracts and assistance agreements containing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a deliverable.

In addition to the work requirements specified in this statement of work, the Contractor shall ensure that all ICT deliverables meet the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ICT Final Standards and Guidelines (508 Refresh) at 36 CFR Part 1194.

As defined in the 508 Refresh, at 36 CFR Part 1194, Appendix A, E103.4, ICT is “Information technology and other equipment, systems, technologies, or processes, for which the principal function is the creation, manipulation, storage, display, receipt, or transmission of electronic data and information, as well as any associated content. Examples of ICT include, but are not limited to: computers and peripheral equipment; information kiosks and transaction machines;

telecommunications equipment; customer premises equipment; multifunction office machines;

software; applications; Web sites; videos; and, electronic documents.”

Section 508 requires that all electronic products prepared for the Federal Government be accessible to persons with disabilities, including those with vision, hearing, cognitive, and mobility impairments.

Applicable Standards: · Appendix A to Part 1194 – Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act:

Application and Scoping Requirements · Appendix B to Part 1194 – Section 255 of the Communications Act: Application and Scoping Requirements · Appendix C to Part 1194 – Functional Performance Criteria and Technical Requirements Section 508 Refresh standards are available at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh.

The Contractor shall adhere to the terms and requirements in FHWA Form 4260 Section 508 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Conformance Criteria for Section 508 conformance. The Conformance Criteria document does not need to be completed when submitting a deliverable.

C.6 MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT

The Contractor shall furnish an electronic copy (in MS Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF) of a monthly letter-type progress report to the Contract Specialist (CS) and the COR, with each monthly invoice, but no later than the 10th of the month following the calendar month being reported.

Each report shall contain concise statements covering the activities relevant to the statement of work, including:

https://www.access-board.gov/ict http://section508.gov/ https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh

A. Summary level for all Task Orders under the contract that includes as a minimum:

1. A description of any Task Order problem(s) encountered or anticipated that will affect the completion of the requirement within the time and fiscal constraints as set forth in the individual Task Order(s), together with recommended solutions to such problems: or, a statement that no problems were encountered.

2. Any Contract improvement recommendations.

3. Any Task Order improvement recommendations.

4. A listing of all invoices, invoice amounts, and the Task Order balance. Any projected funding needs.

Contract number

Task Order number

Task name

Issue Proposed resolution

Task Order improvement recommendation

B. Summary on a task by task basis for all work under each specific Task Order that includes:

1. A clear and complete account of the work performed on each task and an outline of the work to be accomplished during the next report period.

2. A chart showing expenditures and funding balances:

• Task Order number

• Period of Performance end date

• Other direct costs, if permitted

• Task Order ceiling

• Funded value, including modifications and Contract Line Item Number (CLIN)

• Invoice amount

• Total invoiced to date

• Pending costs (includes all confirmed sessions)

• Funding remaining

• Funding needed

Note: Individual Task Orders may require additional monthly reporting requirements. If so, that information will be delineated in the Task Order.

Note: If there are no active Task Orders, the Contractor shall submit a monthly statement indicating that there are no active Task Orders in lieu of the documentation contained above.

C.7 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT

The Contractor shall furnish 1 electronic copy (in MS Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF) of a letter-type annual report to the CS and COR on or before within 30 calendar days of before the end of each contract year. The annual report shall contain the following:

1. A discussion of the activities conducted during the period being reported.

2. A financial summary for the reporting period, including a breakdown by Task Order of the funds obligated and invoiced, and each Task Order ceiling.

3. A brief narrative commenting on performance during the reporting period for each of the following areas:

a. Quality of Product/Service

b. Schedule

c. Cost Control

d. Business Relations

e. Management of Key Personnel

f. Utilization of Small Businesses

g. Other

4. An assessment of the progress made toward achieving the objectives of the contract.

5. A discussion of problems encountered or anticipated that might affect performance during the following year, and recommended solutions to such problems.

The annual report will be used by the COR as part of the annual performance review.

SECTION D- PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 PACKAGING

Preservation, packing, and packaging of items for shipment shall be in accordance with best commercial practices and adequate for acceptance by common carrier for safe transportation at the most economical rates.

The Contractor shall clearly mark each shipment with the company name, the contract number, Task Order number (if applicable), and as appropriate the item identification, quantity of items, and notice of partial or final delivery.

Ship to: Federal Highway Administration

Office of Planning 1200 New Jersey Avenue,…