RFQ_Amendment 3 8.28.24.pdf

693JJ324Q000068

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ)

Issuing Office: United States Department of Transportation

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Acquisition & Grants Management (HCFA)

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590-0001

Agency Contact: Khadija Osman, Contract Specialist Telephone: (720) 963-2980

Carolyn Lethert, Contracting Officer Telephone: (202) 366-4250

Emails: Carolyn.Lethert@dot.gov, Khadija.Osman@dot.gov

HCFA-32SRI@dot.gov

Solicitation Number: 693JJ324Q000068 Amendment 3

Title: FHWA Equity in Roadway Safety Technical Support

Solicitation Release Date: August 14, 2024

Technical Questions Due Date: August 22, 2024 2pm EDT

Proposal Due Date: September 5, 2024 2pm EDT mailto:Carolyn.Lethert@dot.gov mailto:HCFA-32SRI@dot.gov

PART I

RFQ INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF PROPOSALS

RFQ INFORMATION

This is an Open Market Time and Materials Request for Quotations (RFQ). This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services. This solicitation is prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12, the acquisition of commercial items in conjunction with the policies and procedures for solicitation, evaluation, and award as prescribed in FAR 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2024-05.

This solicitation is unrestricted and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541990 – All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (size standard is $19.5 Million). A responsible Quoter is one whose proposal conforms to the solicitation and will be most advantageous to the Government. It is the contractor’s responsibility to be familiar with applicable clauses and provisions. FAR Provisions and Clauses may be viewed and/or downloaded from http://www.acquisition.gov/far.

All contractors must have a current active registration in the System for Award Management (www.SAM.gov) at the time of quote submission in order to be eligible to receive an award under this RFQ. This requirement includes that the contractor must complete their representations and certifications in SAM.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF PROPOSALS

1.1 INTRODUCTION

FHWA will conduct this procurement under FAR 13.5 and will select the Quoter that is best suited and provides the best value to the Government considering the evaluation factors below:

Factor 1: Technical and Research Approach Factor 2: Staffing Diversity, Experience, and Expertise Factor 3: Past Performance Factor 4: Price

To establish which proposal represents the best value to the Government, a best value analysis of the evaluation results will be conducted. Factors 1, 2, and 3 are listed in descending order of importance and when combined Factors 1, 2, and 3 are more important than price.

1.2 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Technical Proposal:

Page Limit: 12 pages, broken out as follows – 7 pages for Technical and Research Approach and 5 pages for Staffing Diversity, Experience, and Expertise. No submission is required for Past Performance. The page limit does not include a cover page, table of contents, blank divider pages, or a table of acronyms.

http://www.acquisition.gov/far http://www.sam.gov/

Proposals should use Arial or Times New Roman font. The font size shall be a minimum of 12 point for proposal text and a minimum of 10 point for tables and figures.

Factor 1, Technical and Research Approach (7 pages):

The Quoter must provide a written description of its Technical and Research Approach. This description should describe the Quoter’s approach to successfully performing the requirement. Specifically, the Technical and Research Approach should include a discussion of the items listed below:

a) How the Quoter will successfully deliver the requirements listed in the Statement of Work (SOW).

b) How the Quoter will successfully communicate and coordinate with State Departments of Transportation.

c) How the Quoter will conduct research that leads to a convincing and reliable work product, in particular use of statistical methods and strategy for literature review.

d) How the Quoter will meet the performance elements identified in Technical Exhibit 1 of the SOW.

Factor 2, Staffing Diversity, Experience, and Expertise (5 pages):

The Quoter must provide a written description of how it will promote diversity and inclusion in hiring and how it will staff the contract with experienced personnel who meet the requirements in the SOW. Specifically this section should include the following:

a) A description of how the Quoter will provide staff with the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to meet the Government’s requirement.

b) A staffing matrix that describes a successful approach of assigning staff to this contract.

c) A description of how the Quoter selects and retains experienced staff and a description of the Quoter’s contingency plan to replace staff without any adverse impact on performance.

d) A description of how the Quoter manage communication and issues that arise in performance of this requirement.

e) A description of how the Quoter promotes inclusion in hiring and in staffing contracts to ensure the contract is staffed with personnel with multiple voices and perspectives and a variety of lived and technical experience.

This should also include a description of how the Quoter’s team represents underserved communities.

f) A description of the company’s experience working on or partnering on similar projects and any lessons learned that apply to this requirement.

g) A resume for each proposed key personnel that demonstrates that the proposed personnel meets the Government’s highly desired qualifications (Section 1.4 and is likely to be able to successfully perform the requirement. All personnel working on this project will be considered key personnel. One resume should be provided for each proposed key personnel. Each resume is limited to two pages. Resumes do not count towards the page limit.

Factor 3 – Past Performance:

No submission is required. This factor will consist of a review of the Offeror’s records in CPARS.

Price Proposal:

There is no page limit for the Price Proposal. The Price Proposal must contain the following information:

a) Contractor Information including name and contact information of a point of contact and the contractor’s Unique Entity ID Number.

b) Proposal Validity – The proposal must state it is valid for at least 90 days from the due date of the solicitation.

c) Pricing Schedule and Excel Supporting Information. The Contractor shall submit a completed Pricing Schedule

(see Technical Exhibit 3) that provides a total proposed price for all CLINS. For CLINs 00101, 10101, and 20101, the price should be based on the labor mix proposed by the Quoter. For CLINs 00201, 10201, and 20201, the Quoter shall use the Government provided fill in amounts. For CLIN 00301, the Quoter shall provide the total price of 200 labor hours of a labor mix proposed by the Quoter. The Quoter must also provide supporting information in an unlocked version of Microsoft Excel that details the labor categories, labor rates, and hours used to arrive at the total price for each labor CLIN. The Excel sheet should include at a minimum information on proposed labor categories, labor rates, and number of hours proposed per task. A copy of Technical Exhibit 3 is provided in Word for convenience.

d) List any assumptions or conditions upon which the Price Proposal is based. Note that assumptions or conditions that are non-conforming to the Government terms and conditions may result in a determination of non-responsiveness.

e) If subcontractors will be used in carrying out this requirement, provide the following for each subcontractor:

• Name, address, and Unique Entity ID number of each proposed subcontractor.

• Names and positions of subcontractor personnel who will work on the project.

f) Conflicts of Interest - The Offeror shall provide a brief statement in its proposal that describes in a concise manner all past, present or planned organizational, contractual or other interest(s), which may affect the Offeror’s ability to perform the proposed contract in an impartial and objective manner. The CO will review the statement and may require additional relevant information from the Offeror. In accordance with FAR Subpart 9.5, all such information, and any other relevant information known to the Government, will be used to determine whether an award to the Offeror may create an actual or potential conflict of interest. If any such conflict of interest is found to exist, the CO may (a) disqualify the Offeror, or (b) determine that it is otherwise in the best interest of the Government to contract with the Offeror and include appropriate provisions to mitigate or avoid such conflict in the contract awarded.

1.3 AFFORDABILITY

The Government seeks quotes with a total price less than $550,000 over the life of the contract (excluding pricing for optional Task 5). Quoters should not interpret this figure as a ceiling but rather this information is provided as a courtesy to prospective quoters. The Government may select an offer for award with a price below, at, or exceeding this figure if it finds that the quoter provides the best value and funds are available.

1.4 KEY PERSONNEL

All personnel under this contract will be key personnel in accordance with TAR 1252.237-73. The Government highly desires the below qualifications for key personnel:

Principle Investigator:

• 2 or more years of experience working with State Departments of Transportation

• 2 or more years of experience working on transportation policy, including expertise in sociology, anthropology, tactical urbanism and/or public health, and the ability to transform research results into practical, easily useable products for practitioners.

• Experience managing a dynamic project that consists of providing “just-in-time” technical support and assistance to agencies.

Other Staff:

• 1 or more years of experience working on transportation policy, including expertise in sociology, anthropology, tactical urbanism and/or public health, and the ability to transform research results into practical, easily useable products for practitioners.

The Government also highly desires the following knowledge and skills for all staff:

• Extensive technical knowledge and experience with Equity, including expertise in sociology, anthropology, tactical urbanism and/or public health, and the ability to transform research results into practical, easily useable products for practitioners..

• Technical and subject matter expertise in various safety program areas, including Safety Planning, Safe Design Strategies, Tactical Urbanism, Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), Complete Streets, Equity, Institutional Decision Making, Project prioritization processes and tools, Pavement and Maintenance processes, Physical Activity, Clean Cities and Communities, the Safe System Approach and Safety Culture.

• Technical and subject matter expertise in the planning, program development, project prioritization, design, rehabilitation, construction, asset management, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure.

• Technical and subject matter expertise in creating technical training materials.

• Information Technology and Webpage Development staff capable of updating existing FHWA webpages and evaluate success of outreach.

• Demonstrated skill in technical writing, marketing and communications, multimedia, interviewing, and learning development planning.

Proven experience in effective outreach to a broad range of audiences, including but not limited to technical professionals, practitioners, decision-makers, and the public.

NOTE: Failure to furnish all information required above may result in your proposal being considered non-responsive and eliminated from further consideration.

PART II - EVALUATION AND AWARD

2.1 BEST VALUE AWARD

The Government intends to award a single time and materials type contract to the responsible Quoter whose proposal, conforming to the solicitation, provides the overall best value to the Government considering technical evaluation factors and price.

Award on Initial Response: The Government anticipates selecting the best-suited Quoter from initial responses in both phases, without engaging in exchanges with Quoters. Quoters are strongly encouraged to submit their best technical solutions and prices in response to this solicitation. However, the Government, may, at its discretion, engage in exchanges with Quoters.

Exchanges with Best-Suited Quoter: Once the Government determines the contractor that is the best‐suited (i.e., the apparent successful contractor), the Government reserves the right to communicate with only that contractor to address any remaining issues, if necessary, and finalize a task order with that contractor. These issues may include technical and price. If the parties cannot successfully address any remaining issues, as determined pertinent at the sole discretion of the Government, the Government reserves the right to communicate with the next best‐suited contractor based on the original analysis and address any remaining issues.

2.2 EVALUATION FACTORS

The following factors will be used to evaluate proposals:

Factor 1: Technical and Research Approach Factor 2: Staffing Diversity, Experience, and Expertise Factor 3: Past Performance Factor 4: Price

In determining which proposals provide the best value to the Government, an integrated evaluation and assessment of Quoters will be conducted. The evaluation will consist of three factors: Technical and Research Approach; Staffing Diversity, Experience, and Expertise; and Past Performance. Factors 1-3 are listed in descending order of importance.

When non-price Factors 1-3 are combined, they are more important than Price.

Factor 1: Technical and Research Approach

The Government will evaluate the Quoter’s approach to performing the requirements in the SOW and its capability to successfully perform the task order. The Government will evaluate if the technical and research approach is sound, adequate, clear, and realistic for performing this type of work. The Government will evaluate the Quoter proposes a realistic approach to successfully communicate with state Departments of Transportation and if the Quoter has an approach to research that is likely to lead to a convincing and reliable work product. The Government will also evaluate if the Quoter’s plan for meeting the performance elements identified in Technical Exhibit 1 is likely to be successful.

Factor 2: Staffing Diversity, Experience, and Expertise

The Government will evaluate if the Quoter’s plan for staffing the contract is adequate, demonstrates an understanding of the requirement, promotes diversity and inclusion, and is likely to lead to successful contract performance. The Government will also evaluate if the Quoter’s plan for assigning staff and selecting and retaining staff is likely to lead to successful performance. The Government will evaluate if the Quoter proposes a plan for managing communication and issues that is likely to be successful. The Government will evaluate the extent that the Quoter’s plan for staffing promotes inclusion in hiring and is likely to promote hiring a team that represents underserved communities and personnel with a variety of lived and technical experience. The Government will evaluate the relevance and depth of the company’s experience on similar projects and the extent to which that experience is likely to lead to successful performance. The Government will also evaluate if the proposed Key Personnel have relevant experience to meet the needs of this requirement.

Factor 3: Past Performance:

The Offeror’s past performance on previous contracts will be evaluated to assess successful relevant prior experience.

The Offeror’s past performance as found in CPARS will be evaluated to determine, as appropriate, the performance risk associated with their submission as it relates to the requirement for this solicitation. Evaluation may consider past performance information regarding predecessor companies, key personnel who have relevant experience or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement. The Government reserves the right to assess the past performance of proposed subcontractors.

The Government will use its discretion to determine if the past performance information is relevant. Past Performance information will generally be determined to be relevant if the performance involves work performed within the past three years that is the same or similar to the services being procured under this solicitation.

The Government will use its discretion to determine the sources of past performance information used in the evaluation.

The Government intends to search CPARs for each Offeror for recent and relevant information. However, the Government reserves the right to use additional sources of past performance information.

Factor 4: Price

Proposed prices will be evaluated but not rated. The price evaluation will determine whether the proposed prices are complete and reasonable in relation to the solicitation requirements, the Government Independent Cost Estimate, and market rates. Proposed prices must be entirely compatible with the technical proposal and consistent with the pricing requirements listed in this solicitation.

2.3 EVALUATION RATINGS

Factors 1-2 will be evaluated using the ratings listed below:

Rating Definition High Confidence The Government has high confidence the

Offeror understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the requirement with little or no Government intervention.

Some Confidence The Government has some confidence that the Offeror understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the requirement some Government intervention.

Low Confidence The Government has low confidence that the Offeror understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, or will be successful in performing the requirement even with Government intervention.

Factor 3, Past Performance, will be evaluated using the ratings listed below:

RATING DEFINITION

Satisfactory Offeror’s performance met contractual requirements. Performance was accomplished with some minor problems for which any required corrective actions taken were satisfactory. Past performance indicates a moderate to low risk of unsuccessful performance to the Government.

Neutral No relevant past performance record is identifiable upon which to base a meaningful performance risk prediction. A search was unable to identify any relevant past performance information for the contractor or their key personnel. This is neither a negative or positive assessment.

RATING DEFINITION

Unsatisfactory Offeror’s performance did not meet one or more critical contract requirements. Performance was not successfully accomplished or a contract was terminated for default. Past performance indicates a very high or unacceptable risk of unsuccessful performance to the Government.

PART III – STATEMENT OF WORK

Office of Safety

Statement of Work For

Equity in Roadway Safety Technical Support

1.0 Overview

This is a non-personal services task order to provide the Equity in Roadway Safety program with technical, logistic, research and communications support. The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over the contract or task order service providers performing the services herein. Such service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government as defined in this Statement of Work (SOW). The Contractor shall perform to the standards herein.

1.1 Background

The crisis of roadway fatalities on our nation’s roads and streets is compounded by the stark inequities experienced by communities who have experienced historic disinvestment and underrepresentation, including minoritized Black, Indigenous, and other Persons of Color (BIPOC), people who have been impoverished and with low incomes, people with disabilities, people who are young or older, and others who have experienced discrimination and poverty. To achieve zero roadway fatalities, the specific needs of these underserved communities must be identified, prioritized, and addressed in the transportation planning, funding, design, asset management, construction, and evaluation policies and processes to achieve equitable and safe access, mobility and public spaces for all.

USDOT and FHWA have published multiple policy and strategic documents that highlight the intersection of equity and safety, specifically:

FHWA Strategic Plan (2022-2026)

• FHWA Mission Statement: To deliver a world-class system that advances safe, efficient, equitable, and sustainable mobility choices for all while strengthening the Nation’s economy.

• Equity Strategy: Reduce inequities across our transportation systems and the communities they affect. Support and engage people and communities to promote safe, affordable, accessible, and multimodal access to opportunities and services while reducing transportation related disparities, adverse community impacts, and health effects.

National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS)

• Under the Safe System Approach, efforts to make our roads safer should affirmatively improve equity outcomes. The Department will advance equity as an instrumental component of transportation safety and convene key stakeholders – government at all levels, law enforcement, advocacy, community organizations, and the general public – to develop both a better understanding of the intersection of equity and roadway safety, and a comprehensive approach to incorporating equity into all of the Department’s efforts to achieve zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries.

US DOT Strategic Plan

• Reduce inequities across our transportation systems and the communities they affect.

Support and engage people and communities to promote safe, affordable, accessible, and multimodal access to opportunities and services while reducing transportation-related disparities, adverse community impacts, and health effects.

US DOT Equity Action Plan

• Expanding Access: Expand affordable access to transportation jobs and business opportunities by removing barriers for individuals, businesses, and communities.

• Proactive Intervention, Planning, and Capacity Building Pillar: Ensure that equity considerations for disadvantaged and underserved communities are integrated into the planning, development, and implementation of all transportation investments.

• Power of Community: Empower communities through innovative public engagement with diverse stakeholders and thought leaders to foster exchange and ownership.

In 2021, FHWA created a cross-agency Equity in Roadway Safety Working Group, which includes representatives from multiple FHWA Program and Division Offices. The mission of the group is to empower transportation professionals at all levels of government to eliminate disparities in roadway fatalities and serious injuries by building capacity for the equitable implementation of a roadway system that is safe, and feels safe, for all road users. To date, the Working Group has led multiple efforts to raise awareness, produce knowledge, and build capacity, including:

• The Equity in Roadway Safety National Webinar Series

• The Equity in Roadway Safety Website

• A Public Roads Magazine edition on Equity in Transportation

• Peer Exchange with five Vision Zero Cities

• A two-day training on Equity in Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety for Focused

Approach to Safety States

• A research project on Exploring Social Contributors to Pedestrian and Bicyclist

Fatalities and Serious Injuries

• A Case Study of Safe Access for People Experiencing Homelessness

The working group has further coordinated across FHWA programs to integrate equity into:

• Proven Safety Countermeasures

• Local Road Safety Plans

• Focused Approach to Safety

• Safety Culture and Vision Zero

• Capacity Building

• Speed Management and Speed Safety Cameras

Building on this work, the Working Group aims to:

• Institutionalize equity into priority programs across FHWA,

• Provide technical assistance and training on specific funding, tools and strategies to expand the buy-in, capacity and expertise of Federal, State, Regional, local and Tribal transportation professionals to improve equity in roadway safety,

• Conduct research to inform and create tools to advance the implementation of timely equitable roadway safety policies, programs and projects, and

• Build and sustain relationships with Federal, State, local, and non-profit stakeholders to advance equity in roadway safety.

https://highways.dot.gov/safety/zero-deaths/equity-roadway-safety-webinar-series https://highways.dot.gov/safety/zero-deaths/equity-roadway-safety https://highways.dot.gov/public-roads/spring-2023

1.2 Objective

The objective of this task order is to provide a wide range of technical, logistic, research and communications support to FHWA in furthering the implementation of Equity in Roadway Safety strategic objectives. This includes:

• Develop and Implement an Equitable Safe System Academy

• Conduct preliminary research to provide an evidence base for equity-informed proven safety countermeasures (ePSC)

• Develop innovative outreach materials to accelerate the institutionalization of equitable strategies and tools in decision-making processes

• Provide technical expertise in communication and program evaluation

Detailed Requirement The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform tasks specified in the scope of work below.

Note to Offerors: Although the Government has outlined a recommended approach to satisfy the task order requirements, the Contractor may recommend activities that are different or build upon those described if the Contractor believed their proposed approach would better achieve the overall objectives of the project. Ultimately, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to submit the proposal it deems to meet the requirements and that will be the most advantageous from a technical and price perspective.

Task 1: Project Management

Within 2 weeks of award, key members of the Contractor’s team shall participate in a virtual kick-off meeting with the Contracting Office’s Representative (COR), and the FHWA project team to discuss the tasks and delivery schedule, delineate roles and responsibilities, and establish communication protocols. At the kickoff meeting, the Contractor shall be prepared to present and discuss the approach to performing the activities and producing the products identified in this task order. The Contractor shall prepare and submit to FHWA a proposed meeting agenda at least one week prior to the meeting. The Contractor shall prepare and submit to the COR a meeting summary within one week of the meeting.

The Contractor’s presentation at the kickoff meeting shall include a draft Project Management Plan (PMP) and project schedule. The Contractor shall develop the initial PMP based on the technical work defined in this document and be prepared to discuss, key issues, and review the critical path for each deliverable identified in this task order (e.g., key milestones, schedule, data collection, outreach, etc.). Based on discussions at the kick-off meeting, the Contractor shall develop a final PMP that Guides the execution of tasks identified in this Statement of Work.

The PMP shall include plans for: Scope Management, Cost Management, Quality Management, Human Resources Management, Communications Management, and Risk Management.

The Contractor shall schedule, facilitate, and document monthly or as-needed conference calls with the COR and others within FHWA to discuss progress of the Task Order and the status of key milestones and deliverables. The COR and the Contractor shall agree to a mutual agenda for each meeting. Prior to each meeting, the Contractor shall provide a summary that includes a status of each deliverable, major accomplishments, near-term milestones, remaining quantities of funded deliverables, and funds spent and funds remaining by task.

Task 1 Deliverables:

a. Kick-off Meeting Agenda

b. Kick-off Meeting

c. Kick-off Meeting Minutes

d. Draft Project Management Plan (PMP)

e. Final Project Management Plan (PMP)

f. Monthly (or as needed) status meetings and agendas

g. Monthly meeting summaries

Task 2: Develop and Implement Technical Assistance Program for an Equitable Safe System Academy

As authorized by the COR, the Contractor shall work to develop and implement a robust, year-long technical assistance program in which State DOTs will learn about equitable Safe System Approach tools and strategies and implement demonstration projects on State-owned arterials that pose as barriers to safe access for people in disadvantaged communities. States will be selected in coordination with the Focused Approach to Safety program.

This program will be designed to support at least two State Departments of Transportation and up to five State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) – as well as a coalition of state public health partners and at least two and up to five localities within each State – to build skills to transform networks into safer, more equitable, healthier, and more livable spaces. This technical assistance will include a series of virtual and in-person workshops where the State and localities will learn about equitable Safe System Approach strategies - ranging from policy, planning, design, construction and maintenance – to identify both (1) policy barriers and (2) opportunities and strategies for coordination across jurisdictions to implement ‘quick build’ demonstration projects - see eligible demonstration activities at: Safe Streets and Roads for All grants.

The Contractor will work with State DOTs to identify a champion and engage representatives from multiple offices to facilitate connections and successful implementation. The Contractor will facilitate at least one in-person workshop with the identified stakeholders. Each local https://highways.dot.gov/safety/other/focused-approach-safety https://www.transportation.gov/grants/ss4a/planning-and-demonstration-activities#eligible-demonstration-activities jurisdiction must engage a cohort of approximately 10 city or municipal staff, including engineers, planners, public health practitioners, community advocates, and other related professionals to attend workshop sessions and help plan, design and implement – in coordination with State DOTs – their demonstration projects.

To ensure an effective and timely delivery of this task, requirements may be modified in relation to emerging best practice and project budget. The requirements under this task should be viewed as flexible to achieve its mission, and the COR and Contractor will define steps in the workplan upon award.

Task 2 Deliverables:

a. Logistical and Technical Support for virtual (estimated 1-5) and at least one in-person workshop, for each year of the contract including:

• Scheduling

• Travel

• Agenda

• Note Taking

• Follow Up

b. Logistical and technical support to support State DOTs and their partners to identify (1) policy barriers and (2) opportunities and strategies for coordination across jurisdictions to plan, design and implement ‘quick build’ demonstration projects.

c. Logistical and technical support to provide trainings and presentations, host roundtable discussions, connect peers to each other, and provide technical expertise to support equitable safety data analysis, meaningful public involvement, design and implementation.

Task 3: Develop foundation for equity and public health-informed proven safety countermeasures (ePSC) The Proven Safety Countermeasure Initiative (PSCi) is a priority FHWA program that highlights effective, cost-efficient, and underutilized tools and technologies to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries. More can be learned about current PSCs on the website: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures. The primary purpose of this task is to develop foundational support for equity and public health-informed strategies to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries beyond the predominant engineering countermeasures emphasized in the current iteration of the PSCs.

To ensure an effective and timely delivery of this task, requirements may be modified in relation to emerging best practice and project budget. The requirements under this task should be viewed as flexible to achieve its mission.

This task will start in the base period and could extend into option years.

https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures

Task 3.1: Identify possible equity and public health-informed PSCs (ePSC)

An equity and public health-informed framework emphasizes the importance of identifying upstream factors, including policies and institutional-decision making processes, that impact an agency’s approach towards infrastructure design and behavioral interventions to address fatalities and serious injuries. Importantly, considering sociodemographic factors – particularly historical and present-day underrepresentation of and disinvestment in the needs of underserved communities – is important in shaping equitable, upstream decision-making to meet safety goals. The purpose of this task is to identify specific equitable, upstream strategies that can meaningfully reduce disparities in roadway fatalities and serious injuries. These may include, but are not limited to:

Housing-first approaches to prioritize safe access for people experiencing homelessness (Publication in September 2024)

Equitable Transit-Oriented Development strategies Trail networks Zoning policies Additional efforts that emerge from a review of the Social Contributors to Pedestrian and Bicyclist

Fatalities report (Publication in January 2025) Additional efforts that emerge from reviews of case studies and noteworthy practices

Task 3.2: Conduct Literature Review The Contractor shall conduct research, investigate the Crash Modification Factor (CMF) Clearinghouse, AASHTO, TRB, NCHRP, various peer-reviewed journals, and other sources (including a potential expert panel, depending on capacity and project budget) and examine relevant data to identify at minimum three candidate countermeasures/ treatments/strategies as potential ePSCs. The Contractor shall provide detailed justification for their recommendations of these equity and public health-informed ePSCs.

The Contractor shall then hold interim web meetings as needed to discuss vetting process and results with the FHWA project team. After final round of vetting and input from the FHWA team, the contractor shall provide final list of ePSCs.

During each option year, the COR may request that the contractor identify additional ePSCs for this task.

Task 3.3: Develop Research Needs Statements to establish further evidence for equity and public health-informed PSCs

Based on the literature review and potential input from an expert panel, identify gaps in current research and develop research needs statements to support further research to establish equity and public-health informed PSCs.

Task 3.4: Where evidence is available, produce new equity and public health-informed PSCs

Based on the literature review of available studies, input from an expert panel, and further research, develop statistical evidence for equity and public health-informed PSCs. Once approved, the Contractor shall create new 1-pager (front/back matter) handouts for each of the https://www.transit.dot.gov/TOD https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/publications/ proposed equitable PSCi items. See examples at https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures/.

Develop one pagers for PSCs: for example, https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/appropriate-speed-limits-all-road-users.

Task 3 Deliverables:

a. Draft Literature Review on equity and public health-informed PSCs including statistical evidence to support PSCs based on available data

b. Final Literature Review on equity and public health-informed PSCs including statistical evidence to support PSCs based on available data

c. Draft research needs statements based on gap analysis

d. Deliver first draft one-pagers review

e. Deliver second draft one pagers

f. Deliver final draft one pagers (several rounds anticipated for internal FHWA review)

g. Final 508-compliant deliverables (in appropriate formats)

Task 4: Provide technical expertise in communication and program evaluation

Task 4.1: Provide Support to Update and Maintain the Equity in Roadway Safety website and communications efforts

The contractor will support the COR in updating material on the Equity in Roadway Safety website to provide up-to-date and helpful tools and strategies for stakeholders. They will evaluate success of the website and assist with improvements both in content and format, as needed.

Task 4.2: Develop innovative outreach materials to accelerate the institutionalization of equitable strategies and tools in decision-making processes

As authorized by the COR, the Contractor shall develop outreach and promotional products that encourage consideration and implementation of equitable tools and strategies to audiences, including transportation professionals and their partners, elected officials, and the traveling public. Products should provide information using language and media that readily appeal to professionals from varying disciplines (planners, engineers, operational experts, public health professionals, etc.) with multiple levels of experience, and information should be readily comprehensible to members of the public who may not possess technical knowledge.

Products may include (but not be limited to): storyboards, informational brochures, infographics, fact sheets, illustrations/visualizations, posters, Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, videos, articles, flyers, social media posts and/or other creative approaches based on the strategic approach. Information on products to be developed will be provided by the COR. The Contractor shall use branding provided by the COR for all materials developed through this task order.

The Contractor will work with the COR and team members to develop ideas and create drafts (as needed) for review by technical experts.

https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/appropriate-speed-limits-all-road-users https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/appropriate-speed-limits-all-road-users

The Contractor shall address any final comments and prepare final drafts for review by the Office of Public Affairs (HPA). The Contractor shall address any comments/edits from HPA.

After HPA approval, the Contractor shall submit all final deliverables in the appropriate format, including but not limited to Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF. All final deliverables must be 508-conformant. If needed, the Contractor will redress any required revisions provided by the FHWA 508-compliance program manager.

Task 4.3: Evaluate Effectiveness and Document Impact Stories

Task 4.3.1: Collect Quantitative and Qualitative Metrics to Benchmark and Track Effectiveness As authorized by the COR, the Contractor will develop and track metrics to demonstrate outputs and outcomes of efforts. These metrics may include engagement (e.g. web analytics, attendance at workshops), policy (e.g. policies revised), funding (e.g. investments in demonstration projects), and safety (e.g. walkability, near-misses, crashes).

Task 4.3.2: Develop Impact Stories on Completed Programs As authorized by the COR, the Contractor will coordinate with recipients of technical assistance

- within six-months of program completion - to develop impact stories that showcase how improvements contributed to the safety, mobility, access and health for communities. Impact stories will be concise and demonstrate not only the direct outputs or technical outcomes of projects but, through qualitative engagement, the lived impact on individuals and communities affected by the program. These stories will be shared internally for reporting requirements and may be published externally.

Task 4 Deliverables:

a. Recommendations/Assistance with Website Updates

b. Draft products of outreach or promotional products

c. Draft metrics and impact stories

d. First, second and final draft outreach or promotional products or impact stories (several rounds anticipated for internal FHWA review)

e. Final 508-compliant deliverables (in appropriate formats)

Task 5: Additional as needed support for additional work under Tasks 1-4 (optional)

The Government may exercise this option to obtain up to 200 additional hours of support to address unanticipated barriers to achieving the goals of Tasks 1-4. This option may be exercised more than once up to but not to exceed amount for this CLIN under the contract.

Task 5 Deliverables:

No additional deliverables specific to this task

3.0 Period of Performance

The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base period of twelve months (12) with two (2) one year option periods totaling twenty-four months (24).

4.0 General

N/A

4.1 Hours of Operation

4.2 Place of Performance

The work to be performed under this task order shall be performed at Contractor facility.

4.3 Physical Security

The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information, and property provided for Contractor use.

4.4 Periodic Progress Meetings

The Contractor agrees to attend progress meetings. The Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings, the CO or COR will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

4.5 Identification of Contractor Employees

All Contractor personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their Contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by Contractors are suitably marked as Contractor products or that Contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

4.6 Contractor Travel

Travel is anticipated under Task 2. If required, the Contractor will travel throughout CONUS during the performance of this effort for site visits. All travel requires COR approval/authorization and notification to the COR. Travel will be reimbursed at cost.

4.7 Materials

As authorized by the COR, this effort includes reproduction and shipping expenses associated with outreach products developed. ODCs will be reimbursed at cost.

4.8 Organizational Conflict of Interest

Contractor and subcontract personnel performing work under this award may receive, have access to, or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications, or work statements, etc.), or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent Organizational

Conflict of Interests (OCI) as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the CO immediately whenever he/she becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI, and may merit the submittal of a plan to the CO to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. This mitigation plan would be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the CO, and in the event the CO unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may effect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

4.9 Phase In /Phase out Period

These services may continue past the period of performance end date of this contract. As needed, the contractor must support the transition of the requirement to a follow on contractor. This includes ensuring contractor staff is available to assist with a transition and when requested by the COR, submitting a transition plan which details when and how the work will be transitioned.

4.10 Data, Photo, and Video Rights

The Government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this task. All documents and materials, to include the source code of any software produced under this contract, shall be Government owned and the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the Contractor without written permission from the CO. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

5.0 Government Furnished Equipment and Services

5.1 Services

The Government will provide subject matter experts to serve on the review team as needed.

5.2 Facilities

5.3 Materials

6.0 Applicable Publications (Current Editions)

6.1 Applicable Clauses

7.0 Attachment/Exhibit List

7.1 Exhibit 1

Performance Requirements Summary

7.2 Exhibit 2

Deliverables Schedule

7.3 Exhibit 3

Pricing Schedule (Separately Attached)

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

Performance Requirements Summary

The Contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Objective

Performance Standard Performance

Threshold (This is the maximum error rate.)

Method of

Surveillance

PRS # 1. (Task 2) The Contractor shall work to develop and implement a robust, year-long technical assistance program in which State DOTs will learn about equitable Safe System Approach tools and strategies and implement demonstration projects on State-owned arterials that pose as barriers to safe access for people in disadvantaged communities

The Contractor provided logistical and technical services for virtual and in-person workshops and professional and technical expertise to support implementation of quick-build projects and institutionalization of standards to facilitate these projects in policies.

Generally free of substantive technical and grammatical errors.

Work does not require multiple revisions.

100%, COR will review upon receipt

PRS # 2. (Task 3.2) The Contractor shall conduct research, investigate the Crash

Modification Factor (CMF) Clearinghouse, AASHTO, TRB, NCHRP, various peer-reviewed journals, and other sources and examine relevant data to identify at minimum three candidate countermeasures/ treatments/ strategies as potential equity and public health-informed

PSCs.

The Contractor provided a final Literature Review on time, in the correct format with all the required information, and incorporated appropriate changes/ comments suggested by the COR.

Generally free of substantive technical and grammatical errors.

Work does not require multiple revisions.

100%, COR will review upon receipt

PRS #3. (Task 3.2) Contractor shall create new 1-pager (front/back matter) handouts for each of the proposed equitable PSCi items.

The Contractor provided final one-pagers in the correct format with all the required information, and incorporated appropriate changes/ comments suggested by the COR

Generally free of substantive technical and grammatical errors.

Work does not require multiple revisions.

100%, COR will review upon receipt

PRS #4. (Task 4.2) Contractor shall develop outreach and promotional products that encourage consideration and implementation of equitable tools and strategies to audiences, including transportation professionals and their partners, elected officials, and the traveling public.

The Contractor provided outreach and promotional products with all the required information, and incorporated appropriate changes/ comments suggested by the COR

Generally free of substantive technical and grammatical errors.

Work does not require multiple revisions.

100%, COR will review upon receipt

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 2 DELIVERABLES SCHEDULE

This technical exhibit lists any reports or documentation that is required as a deliverable to include the medium/format, 508 compliance expectations, and due date. A deliverable is anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-physical things such as meeting minutes.

NOTE: The COR will review and provide comments on draft and final versions of deliverables and the Contractor shall in turn address the comments. FHWA review time is 3 weeks for each set of draft and final materials, unless otherwise noted. Please include this time in your schedule proposal. Any Public Affairs review shall assume a 4-week review and comment period. The Offeror is responsible for proposing the period of performance and deliverables schedule deemed necessary for the successful completion of the task order requirements.

Deliverable Medium/Format 508 Compliant

Due Date (after award unless otherwise noted)

Task 1: Project Management

a. Kick-Off

Meeting Agenda Electronic (MS Word) No 1 week

b. Kick-Off Meeting Virtual No 2 weeks

c. Kick-Off

Meeting Minutes

Electronic (MS Word) No 3 weeks

d. Draft Project Management Plan

Electronic (MS Word)

No

2 weeks

e. Final Project Management Plan

1 month

f. Monthly (or as needed) Status Meetings and Agendas

As agreed to by…