QandA_693JJ324Q000062_08.13.2024.pdf

Reference:

Paragraph/Sentence Section/Title Page # Question Answer Date

1 RFQ 693JJ324Q000062

Instructions for preparation of quotation

Could the FHWA please clarify whether the technical quote, price quote, and past performance references should be submitted as a single combined document? If separate submissions are permissible, may the offeror consolidate the technical quote and past performance references into one document, and submit the pricing quote separately?

There should be two volumes - Technical/Past Performance- Experience and Price.

Aug 6,2024

2 Attachment 1, PWS Exhibit 2, Deliverables Schedule

Per the Performance Work Statement (PWS) Exhibit 2, Deliverables Schedule, the final deliverable is due within 18 months of award. Considering the fixed-price contract structure, where offerors are responsible for ensuring necessary resources and managing financial and execution risks associated with their proposed approach, would FHWA be open to proposals that include an even more accelerated delivery schedule? And, accordingly, would FHWA permit offerors to revise the CLIN chart included under “Part II - Schedule of Services” to reflect that timeline?

Yes, the quote could include an accelerated delivery schedule and proposed revised timeline.

Aug 6,2024

3 Attachment 1, PWS 1.1 Background Page 2 Are there set outcomes (e.g., new policy recommendations) or specific target (e.g., reductions in trucking related accidents or deaths, specific reductions in types of accident risks) FHWA is hoping to achieve?

The objective of this project is to analyze truck telematics data to identify safety concerns on highway segments. The findings are intended to support research, policies, and programs aimed at helping the agency achieve its goal of zero roadway fatalities.

Aug 6,2024

4 Attachment 1, PWS Task 2 (2.2 and 2.3) Pages 4-5

What types of interventions are available for FHWA to deploy in addressing areas identified as elevated risk for accidents (including policy, e.g., recommend speed limit, mandatory rest periods for truckers; physical, e.g., rumble strips; etc)? Can FHWA give specific examples of past interventions that have been successful?

For more information on safety countermeasures, policies, and programs, please visit https://highways.dot.gov/safety.

Aug 6,2024

5 Attachment 1, PWS Task 2 (2.2 and 2.3) Pages 4-5

Related to interventions, are there specific policy or business decisions FHWA is hoping to make using telematics data and other analyses (e.g., speed limit policy recommendations given roadway conditions, where to invest in road projects/ make grants: rumble strips, increased lighting)?

Yes, this research will help guide the agency’s future studies, policies, and programs.

Aug 6,2024

6 Not Applicable (N/A) N/A N/A

Could FHWA please clarify if there is interest in solutions that incorporate dynamic dashboards with real or near-real-time data feeds from various sources? These dashboards would support continuous policy and business decision-making and facilitate the evaluation of intervention effectiveness. Alternatively, is FHWA seeking one-time recommendations?

The objective of this project is to analyze truck telematics data to identify safety concerns on highway segments. The findings are intended to support research, policies, and programs aimed at helping the agency achieve its goal of zero roadway fatalities.

Aug 6,2024

7 Attachment 1, PWS N/A N/A Can FHWA confirm there are no key personnel explicitly defined by the FHWA for this engagement?

No key personnel labor categories are explicitly defined Aug 6,2024

RFQ 693JJ324Q000062 Part II - Schedule of Services Page 5

The RFQ states, “unless otherwise negotiated and approved, the contractor will be paid the Firm Fixed Price (FFP) of each CLIN upon successful completion and Government acceptance. The contractor may also request milestone payments in accordance with work completed and accepted by the Government.” Would FHWA please confirm whether offerors should include a proposed milestone payment schedule in their submissions if they prefer? Alternatively, could you clarify if this negotiation is expected to occur post-award?

Yes, offerors should include a proposed milestone payment schedule in their submissions that aligns with the completion of each deliverable identified in the EXHIBIT II of the PWS. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors, therefore initial offer should contain best terms from a price/technical standpoint.

Aug 6,2024

N/A N/A N/A

Given the significant and potentially variable costs associated with truck telematics data as required for completing the objectives of the PWS, can the FHWA confirm if these data costs can be passed through as an Other Direct Cost (ODC) in this FFP contract? Additionally, will the FHWA require ongoing access to the telematics data to support continued policy analysis and decision-making beyond the initial project period?

No, this is a FFP effort, ODCs are not anticipated. There is no requirement for assistance beyond the project's period of performance.

Aug 6,2024

RFQ 693JJ324Q000062

Coversheet, Quotation due date Page 1

Our proposal response is contingent upon receiving timely answers from FHWA. If answers are not received by close of business on Friday, August 9th, 2024, would FHWA consider granting a one-week extension for the submission deadline?

The Quote Date is extended to August 23, 2024. See RFQ Page

Aug 6,2024

Solicitation Number: 693JJ324Q000062 Project Name: Analysis of Truck Telematics Data to Identify Accident Hazard Roadways Segments

Is there a page limitation on the length of the Technical Quote or Price Quote?

Technical Quotation is limited to a maximum total of 20 pages.

Resumes are excluded from the Technical Quotation page limitation but are themselves limited to no more than two pages each. The table of contents and cover page are also excluded from the overall page limit. Quotations must be formatted to print on 8½ x 11-inch paper without any additional scaling. Price Quotation does not have a page limitation. See revised RFQ section 5

Aug 6,2024

12 Are there any restrictions on font, margins, or other formatting for the Technical Quote or Price Quote?

Single spaced, Times New Roman size 11 font must be used, except for tables and graphics, which must be legible when printed or without requiring zooming in.

Aug 6,2024

Should the Technical Quote and Price Quote be submitted as separate files, or should they be combined into a single document? See Question 1 Aug 6,2024

Should the Past Performance References be provided as a separate document, or can it be combined with the Technical Quote? See Question 1 Aug 6,2024

Are we limited to providing exactly three references, or do we have the option to provide more than three? Qoute may provide more than three references. Aug 6,2024

16 Will the government extend the current due date by two weeks? See Question 10 Aug 6,2024

Is the CLIN table alone sufficient for the price quote, or will other information be required (e.g., pricing narrative, supporting documentation, etc.)? See Question 8 Aug 6,2024

Will the truck telematics data supplied under be solely used by FHWA for internal purposes related to this RFQ? Or does the government intend to release this truck telematics data set or aggregated/postprocessed truck telematics data set to other agencies outside of FHWA (other Federal, state, or local)?

FHWA prefers to have no restriction for sharing these anonymize raw data used for analysis or anonymized post processed data resulted from the analysis outside of FHWA, but recognize data licensing agreements or restrictions from data vendors may apply to protect privacy or proprietary information

Aug 6,2024

Does the government have a specific number of months for which data should be supplied and/or a date range for the safety data? For example, does the government desire one month’s worth of data/analysis delivered for each month of the contract, or does the government want more? For example, would the government want four years of safety data where X-years are delivered up front, and then 1 month’s worth of data is delivered for each subsequent month during the contract?

Data should statically represent seasonality and represent normal travel year, except for few select special travel conditions for targeted analysis. Determination of data required to support analysis could be part of “Task 2.1 Establishment of Truck Telematics Data" research effort.

Aug 6,2024

How many before and after studies does the government anticipate requesting from the winning team?

The primary objective of this project is to research and analysis of truck telematics data for identifying highway segments where commercial trucks are exhibiting patterns of heavy breaking or evasive maneuvers that could be indicative of locations with safety concerns at a network system level. At minimum, the telematics data shall include trucking operations on the National Highway System. Within this project objective, the research could include a select set of locations for before and after studies, but measuring effectiveness of safety counter measures by conducting before and after studies is not the primary objective of this project.

Aug 6,2024

Will the government provide locations for the before and after studies?

No. Objective of this research project is to identify highway segments or hot spots where commercial trucks are exhibiting patterns of heavy breaking or evasive maneuvers that could be indicative of locations with safety concerns, at a network system level. At minimum, the telematics data shall include trucking operations on the National Highway System.

Measuring effectiveness of safety counter measures by conducting before and after studies is not the primary objective of this project.

Aug 6,2024

22 What is the expected date for award for this solicitation? FY2024 Aug 6,2024

RFQ 693JJ324Q000062

Confirming that the quotation should be submitted via email to Robert.b.miller@dot.gov and hcfa-23sri@dot.gov. Correct

Aug 6,2024

Section 1.2 in Attachment+1_PWS describes the need for heavy duty trucks. Does FHWA also require data for medium duty trucks and other types of commercial vehicles?

FHWA does not require data for medium duty trucks and other types of commercial vehicles but would not exclude if such data are available for conducting analysis by various commercial truck types.

Aug 6,2024

Does FHWA have interest in additional metrics related to heavy trucking movement that can support safety analyses? For example, VMT (Vehicles Miles Traveled) and AADT (Annual Average Daily Traffic).

Yes. Aug 6,2024

PWS Task 2.1 Task 2.1: For the telematics data request, which year of data is required by this RFQ?

See Question 19. Aug 6,2024

PWS Task 2.1

Task 2.1: Is the inclusion of skidding events mandatory or optional for this data request? Skidding is not a common field normally offered by the data vendor.

The offeror should describe the telematics data they can provide to meet the project's objectives.

Aug 6,2024

PWS Task 2.2

Task 2.2: which mentions “identifying and evaluating crash patterns,” we have the following questions: See next 3 responses

Aug 6,2024

PWS Task 2.2

· Do you mean identifying and evaluating 'evasive behavior patterns'/ ‘near-crash’ events?

The project objective is to understand physical features like roadways, locations, and vehicles, not drivers or driving behavior

Aug 6,2024

PWS Task 2.2

· If you are referring to crash events, will you provide crash data for the NHS network? If so, in what format will the crash data be delivered?

The project aims to understand near miss events for identifying hot spots that could be indicative of locations with safety concerns.

Aug 6,2024

PWS Task 2.2

· If not, based on our historical experiences on the safety project, collecting and conflating the crash data from each state with the NHS network can be a complex and time-consuming task, especially when high accuracy is required.

Offeror should describe their approach to meet project objective for this research project.

Aug 6,2024

PWS Task 2.3 Task 2.3 – Deliverables: The RFQ mentions that the final processed and aggregated telematics data is part of the deliverable. Will this data be publicly accessible?

Post processed and aggerated data used for this project will be part of FHWA project deliverables, this would allow FHWA to revisit or compare with other relevant studies or research.

FHWA prefers to have no restriction for sharing these post processed data used for the project outside of FHWA, but recognize possibility of data licensing agreement or restrictions from data vendors.

Aug 6,2024

RFQ Questions about the delivery window in the RFQ (see below): See next 4 responses

Aug 6,2024

RFQ 1. Regarding the project start date: What is the expected start date for this project?

See Question 29 Aug 6,2024

RFQ

2. Regarding deliverables schedule: can we propose new delivery date for different tasks?

Yes Aug 6,2024

RFQ

a. Deliverable 2.1.2: Can we propose a new delivery window for certain tasks? In the delivery schedule, Section 2.1.2, the 3-month timeframe from the award for delivering the truck telematics data, aggregated data, and data documentation seems too short for adequate processing of nationwide truck telematics data to the NHS network.

Yes Aug 6,2024

RFQ

b. Deliverable 2.3.4: What task is expected to occur during last 6-month of the project? In the delivery schedule, we noted that the final product is due 18 months after the award. However, we understand the project period to be 24 months.

Yes, can quote alternative project deliverables timeline and period of performance. However, review times (9 months) need to be addressed.

Aug 6,2024

Section 4

In Section 4 (Organizational Information) should we include this information for subcontractors as well, or solely for the prime subcontractor? Prime only Aug 6,2024

39 What is the estimated budget for this contract award? Budge will not be provided. Aug 6,2024

Exhibit 1 PRS Table 11

: Please confirm if the period of performance is 24 months (2.0 Period of Performance, page 5 of 11) or 18 months as estimated in the deliverables table (Exhibit 1, Performance Requirements Summary, page 11 of 11, 2.3.4).

Yes, period is performance is 24 months which includes additional time beyond 18 months for publication processes.

Aug 6,2024

Add the OPS V verbaige for deliverables to SOW Section 2.3 5

Note: Deliverables that are identified for publication on the FHWA webpage will go through the below listed five separate sequential review processes. Once all the comments have been satisfactorily addressed, FHWA will accept deliverables to move to the subsequent reviews for further approval. •Dra 1 for technical review.

•Dra 2 for HOFM and HOP editorial review.

•Dra 3 for legal review.

•Dra 4 for Public Affairs review.

•Dra 5 for 508 reviews. What is FHWA's estimated internal period of performance for these reviews? We will need to build that time into our project schedule.

Report review period for publication, starting from deliverables

2.3.3 is nine months. (See exhibit 2 of the PWS)

Aug 6,2024

RFQ 8

RFQ reads in part: “The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.” Please clarify “if the Offeror has represented…”, is FHWA referring to a company's representation in their SAM registration.

Yes Aug 6,2024

Based on the nature of the services to be provided here, we do not believe the requirements contained in 1252.239-71 Information Technology Security Plan and Accreditation (Nov 2022) will be applicable as there will be no need to connect to or operate a DOT network or system. Can FHWA clarify whether a proposer may include a statement to that effect in its submittal in order to satisfy the requirement under 1252.239-71 to “address the approach for completing the security plan and accreditation requirements”?

Yes Aug 6,2024

What is the amount of desired historical aggregate telemetry data desired by FHWA for this contract (e.g. 12 months, 24 months)? See Question 19. Aug 6,2024

Section 1.2 in Attachment+1_PWS describes the need for heavy duty trucks. Does FHWA also require data for medium duty trucks and additional commercial vehicles?

FHWA does not require data for medium duty trucks and other types of commercial vehicles but would not exclude if such data are available for conducting analysis by various commercial truck types.

Aug 6,2024

46 What is the government’s preferred time span/period for gathering telematics data? See Question 19. Aug 6,2024

Does the government want this project's focus to include all heavy trucks (>26001 lbs)? Does the government want this project’s results categorized by truck types, and if so, which types are most important for the FHWA?

quoters must provide data on commercial heavy trucks to meet project objectives.Quote could include additional data available for the project.

Aug 6,2024

48 Based on Exhibits 1&2 (Project Requirements Summary and Deliverables Schedule), could the government please clarify the expected timeline of the following:

See Question 41 Aug 6,2024

a. PRS#2 Webinar with local planning agencies, MPOs, State DOTs, and industry stakeholders to share final results See Question 41 Aug 6,2024

50 b. PRS#3 Final report and related summary data See Question 41 Aug 6,2024

The period of performance indicated on page 5 of the PWS is 24 months. The final results and project summary reports/maps are due 18 months after the award. Could the government please clarify if the performance period between 18 months and 24 months is to organize the webinar in PRS#2 and prepare the Final Report (PRS#3)?

How much time should be planned for government review and contractor response for the final report?

See Question 41 Aug 6,2024

Could the government please clarify the requirement “primary and secondary reviewers and their roles” included in PRS#1?

Depending on the type of products, the primary reviewer should be a senior technical staff member or program manager responsible for overseeing the results produced by task leads.

The secondary reviewer should be a peer with similar skills who is not directly involved in the analysis, or a technical writer or graphic designer for reviewing reports and graphics.

Aug 6,2024

On pages 4-5 of 11 of the PWS, could the government please elaborate on “diagnosing conditions contributing to the evasive maneuvers, evaluating the effectiveness of potential safety countermeasures”?

Project aims at researching roadway segments or hot spots where commercial trucks are frequently exhibiting near-miss incidents at a network system level. Within this project objective, the research could include a select set of locations for before and after studies, but measuring effectiveness of safety counter measures by conducting before and after studies is not the primary objective of this project.

Aug 6,2024

PWS

Could the government please clarify whether the Quality Control Plan is to be delivered within 30 days of the project award? Is this QCP to be delivered as part of the overall project management plan?

To be delivered as part of the project management plan. Aug 6,2024