QA_693JJ918R000025_FMVSS_No._141.pdf

Solicitation #: 693JJ918R000025 Title: FMVSS No. 141, Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Solicitation Questions & Answers

1. Reference Section K, “entitled Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of

Offerors Respondents”

Question: Will the Government consider fixed rate contract types for the Cost Reimbursement CLINS for non-CAS covered contractors?

NHTSA Response: No. The uncertainties involved in procuring contract test items do not permit costs to be estimated with sufficient accuracy to use any type of fixed-price mechanism. If the Offeror does not have an approved cost accounting system, the Offeror shall provide a copy of and describe its established cost accounting practices and purchasing procedures to demonstrate the Offeror’s ability to support Delivery Orders with Cost Reimbursement elements for the following items: (1) Lease Cost of Vehicle; and (2) Parts, Calibration, and Repairs of government furnished equipment (GFE) Acoustic Sound Measurement System. This content does not count towards the 30-page proposal limit and should be submitted in Volume II.

2. Reference Section K.5, “entitled FAR 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

NOTICES AND CERTIFICATIONS (OCT 2015)

Question: Please provide clarification on whether this RFP is going to be considered 1 contract or 3 separate contracts (Base Period, Option Period 1, and Option Period 2).

NHTSA Response: The Government anticipates issuing one contract award resulting from this solicitation. However, in accordance with Section M.3, FAR 52.216-27 Single or Multiple Awards (OCT 1995), the Government reserves the right to issue multiple awards. The period of performance, regardless of the number of awards issued, will be for 60 months from the effective date of the contract inclusive of one (1) 12-month base period and two (2), 24-month option periods that may be exercised at the Government’s discretion.

3. Reference Section L.8, “entitled Proposal Content”

Question: The page limit states that the proposal is to be no more than 30 pages. Is this page limit only with regard to the Technical Proposal? Or does this include the Business Management Proposal as well the associated attachments (Standard Form 33, Section K, Standard Form LLL, Statement of Conflict of Interest, etc.)?

NHTSA Response: The page limit is only with regard to the Technical Proposal. Volume II is excluded from the page limit.

4. Reference Section L.8, “entitled Proposal Content”

Question: Are the Technical Proposal title page and table of contents included in the page count for this proposal?

NHTSA Response: No, the title page and the table of contents are not included in the total page count.

5. Reference Section L.9.1 “entitled Special Standards – All necessary Equipment”

Question: What specifically is being referenced by the words “Section J – List of Attachments” in paragraph L.9.1? Is there a more recent version of the DRAFT TP-141- 00, Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 141, U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Laboratory Test Procedure for FMVSS 141, Dated February 12, 2018?

NHTSA Response: The laboratory test procedure can be found using the link included in the solicitation, J.1, and here: https://one.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle-Safety/Test- Procedures?procedurePage=1&procedureOrder=asc&procedureSortBy=regulationNumber

A PDF document entitled “Draft TP-141-00” will also be released simultaneously with this Q&A.

6. Reference Section L.11.1 (a), “entitled Proposed Procedures for FMVSS 141 Test, Items 1 &

2: In-house Test Question: Procedure & Checklists to be used during FMVSS 141 Testing.”

Question: Is the Contractor’s in-house FMVSS 141 test procedure and associated check lists included in the 30-page limit for the technical proposal?

NHTSA Response: No, the Contractor’s in-house FMVSS 141 test procedure and associated check lists are not included in the 30-page limit for the technical proposal.

7. Reference Section L.11.2 (b), “entitled Procedures for Recording Test Data (M.2.1.b); Item

6. Approach for writing, interpreting and using MATLAB coded routines or GUIs to collect and analyze dynamic on-track test data. Provide Examples if available.”

Question: Are the Government-provided MATLAB routines available now? How can Offerors gain access to this content?

NHTSA Response: The government will supply two GUI programs, written in MATLAB and made available as executable files. A “Screening Tool” (an on-track tool to assist in the verification of a sufficient number of conforming samples) and a “Compliance Tool” (which post-processes & analyzes samples to determine vehicle compliance with FMVSS 141). These tools are currently in the final stages of test and evaluation. When these tools are released, the tools will be available for download at the NHTSA website.

8. Reference Section L.12, “entitled Business Management Proposal” https://one.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle-Safety/Test-Procedures?procedurePage=1&procedureOrder=asc&procedureSortBy=regulationNumber https://one.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle-Safety/Test-Procedures?procedurePage=1&procedureOrder=asc&procedureSortBy=regulationNumber

Question: Should the documents for the Business Management proposal be provided as 1 single document with all parts included or as separate documents (Contract Pricing Proposal, Standard Form 33, Section K, Attachment J.2, Conflict of Interest Statement, etc.).

NHTSA Response: 1 Single document with all parts included should be submitted.

9. Question: Does the program automatically look at all recorded run files that are entered and determine which corresponding 4 are within the requirement? In the test procedure, the step by step instructions for selecting suitable runs are just included as reference and not required to manually perform correct?

NHTSA Response: Both the 2dB Screening Tool and Compliance Tool are designed to look at multiple collected files and automatically determine if at least 4 of the files collected on each side of the test vehicle are within 2dB of each other. The screening tool may be useful while out on the test track to ensure at least 4 files within 2dB have been collected prior to completion of testing for improved test efficiency. Determining if 4 files are within 2dB of each other will not be done by the test technician manually.

DRAFT TP-141-00

February 12, 2018

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

LABORATORY TEST PROCEDURE

FOR

FMVSS 141

Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

DRAFT

ENFORCEMENT

Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance

Mail Code: NEF-210 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590 i

OVSC LABORATORY TEST PROCEDURE NO. 141

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

PREFACE………………………………………………………………………………………....ii

1. PURPOSE AND APPLICATION

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3. SECURITY

4. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

5. TEST SCHEDULING AND MONITORING

6. TEST DATA DISPOSITION

7. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP)

8. CALIBRATION OF TEST INSTRUMENTS

9. SUGGESTED TEST EQUIPMENT

10. PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

11. DEFINITIONS

12. PRETEST REQUIREMENTS

13. COMPLIANCE TEST EXECUTION

14. POST TEST REQUIREMENTS

15. REPORTS

15.1 MONTHLY STATUS REPORTS

15.2 APPARENT NONCOMPLIANCE

15.3 FINAL TEST REPORTS

15.3.1 COPIES

15.3.2 REQUIREMENTS

15.3.3 FIRST THREE PAGES

15.3.4 TABLE OF CONTENTS

16. DATA SHEETS

17. FORMS

ii

PREFACE

On December 14, 2016, NHTSA published a final rule establishing a new Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) No. 141, Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. To reduce the risk of pedestrian crashes, especially for the blind and visually impaired, and to satisfy the mandate in the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act (PSEA) of 2010, FMVSS No. 141 establishes minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles. This standard requires hybrid and electric passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) of 4,536 Kg or less, and low speed vehicles (LSVs), to produce sounds meeting the requirements of this standard.

iii

REVISION CONTROL LOG

FOR OVSC LABORATORY

TEST PROCEDURES

TP-141

TEST

PROCEDURE FMVSS 141

DESCRIPTION

REV.

No. DATE AMENDMENT EFFECTIVE

DATE

00 TBD 81FR90416 12/14/16 Final Rule

1. PURPOSE AND APPLICATION

This document is a laboratory test procedure provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) for the purpose of presenting guidelines for a uniform testing data and information recording format, and providing suggestions for the use of specific equipment and procedures for contracted testing laboratories. The data correspond to specific requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard(s) (FMVSS). The OVSC test procedures include requirements that are general in scope to provide flexibility for contracted laboratories to perform compliance testing and are not intended to limit or restrain a contractor from developing or utilizing any testing techniques or equipment which will assist in procuring the required compliance test data. These test procedures do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for use of any particular product or testing method.

Prior to conducting compliance testing, contracted laboratories are required to submit a detailed test procedure to the COR to demonstrate concurrence with the OVSC laboratory test procedure and the applicable FMVSS. If any contractor views any part of an OVSC laboratory test procedure to conflict with a FMVSS or observes deficiencies in a laboratory test procedure, the contractor is required to advise the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COR) and resolve the discrepancy prior to the start of compliance testing or as soon as practicable. The contractor’s test procedures must include a step-by-step description of the methodology and detailed check-off sheets. Detailed check-off sheets shall also be provided for the testing instrumentation including a complete listing of the test equipment with make and model numbers. The list of test equipment shall include instrument accuracy and calibration dates. All equipment shall be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. There shall be no contradictions between the laboratory test procedures and the contractor’s in-house test procedure. Written approval of the in-house test procedures shall be obtained from the COR before initiating the compliance test program.

NOTE: The OVSC Laboratory Test Procedures, prepared for the limited purpose of use by independent laboratories under contract to conduct compliance tests for the OVSC, are not rules, regulations or NHTSA interpretations regarding the meaning of a FMVSS. The laboratory test procedures are not intended to limit the requirements of the applicable FMVSS(s). In some cases, the OVSC laboratory test procedures do not include all of the various FMVSS minimum performance requirements. Recognizing applicable test tolerances, the laboratory test procedures may specify test conditions that are less severe than the minimum requirements of the standard. In addition, the laboratory test procedures may be modified by the OVSC at any time without notice, and the COR may direct or authorize contractors to deviate from these procedures, as long as the tests are performed in a manner consistent with the standard itself and within the scope of the contract.

1. PURPOSE AND APPLICATION....Continued

Laboratory test procedures may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit in any person. Therefore, compliance of a vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment is not necessarily guaranteed if the manufacturer limits its certification tests to those described in the OVSC laboratory test procedures.

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

To reduce the risk of pedestrian crashes, especially for the blind and visually impaired, and to satisfy the mandate in the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act (PSEA) of 2010, FMVSS No. 141, Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, establishes minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles. This standard requires hybrid and electric passenger cars, multipurpose passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) of 4,536 Kg or less, and low speed vehicles (LSVs), to produce sounds meeting the requirements of this standard, according to the phase-in schedule shown below.

Manufacturer Type Percentage Complying Period of Production Vehicle Manufactured

Large Volume > 50% On or after September 1, 2018, and before September 1, 2019

Large & Small Volume 100% On or after September 1, 2019

FMVSS No. 141 applies to electric vehicles (EVs) and to those hybrid vehicles (HVs) that are capable of propulsion in any forward or reverse gear without the vehicle’s internal combustion engine operating. Applicable vehicles must meet specified audible alert requirements for detection and directivity during critical operating scenarios including:

stationary, reverse, and constant speeds up to 30 km/h. Applicable vehicles must also meet relative volume change requirements that signify vehicle acceleration and deceleration.

Furthermore, any two vehicles of the same make, model and model year must use the same pedestrian alert system and sound.

METRIC SYSTEM OF MEASUREMENT

Section 5164 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act (Pub. L. 100-418) establishes that the metric system of measurement is the preferred system of weights and measures for trade and commerce in the United States. Executive order 12770 directs Federal agencies to comply with the Act by converting regulatory standards to the metric system after September 30, 1992. In a final rule published on March 15, 1990 (60 FR 13639), NHTSA completed the first phase of metrication, converting English measurement in several regulatory standards to the metric system. Since then, metrication has be applied to other regulatory standards (63 FR 28912).

2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS....Continued

Accordingly, the OVSC laboratory test procedures include revisions to comply with governmental directives in using the metric system. Regulatory standards converted to metric units are required to use metric measurement in the test procedures. For any testing equipment that is not available for direct measurement in metric units, the test laboratory shall calculate the exact metric equivalent by means of a conversion factor carried out to at least five significant digits before rounding, consistent with the specified metric requirement.

All final compliance test reports are required to include metric measurements for standards using metrication.

NOTE: The methodology for rounding measurement in the test reports shall be made in accordance with ASTM E29-06b, “Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications.”

3. SECURITY

The contractor shall provide appropriate security measures to protect the OVSC test vehicles and Government Furnished Property (GFP) from unauthorized personnel during the entire compliance testing program. The contractor is financially responsible for any acts of theft and/or vandalism which occur during the storage of test vehicles and GFP.

Any security problems which arise shall be reported by telephone to the Industrial Property Manager (IPM), Office of Acquisition Management, within two working days after the incident. A letter containing specific details of the security problem shall be sent to the IPM (with copy to the COR) within 48 hours.

The contractor shall protect and segregate the data that evolves from compliance testing before and after each vehicle test. No information concerning the vehicle safety compliance testing program shall be released to anyone except the COR, unless specifically authorized by the COR or the COR’s Division Chief.

NOTE: No individuals, other than contractor personnel directly involved in the compliance testing program or OVSC personnel, shall be allowed to witness any vehicle or equipment item compliance test or test dummy calibration unless specifically authorized by the COR.

4. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Contractors shall maintain the entire vehicle compliance testing area, test fixtures and instrumentation in a neat, clean and painted condition with test instruments arranged in an orderly manner consistent with good test laboratory housekeeping practices.

5. TEST SCHEDULING AND MONITORING

The contractor shall submit a test schedule to the COR prior to conducting the first compliance test. Tests shall be completed at intervals as required in the contract. If not specified, the first test shall be conducted within 6 weeks after receiving the first delivered unit. Subsequent tests shall be completed in no longer that 1 week intervals unless otherwise specified by the COR.

Scheduling of tests shall be adjusted to permit vehicles (or equipment, whichever applies) to be tested to other FMVSSs as may be required by the OVSC. All compliance testing shall be coordinated with the COR in order to allow monitoring by the COR and/or other OVSC personnel if desired. The contractor shall submit a monthly test status report and a vehicle status report (if applicable) to the COR. The vehicle status report shall be submitted until all vehicles are disposed of. The status report forms are provided in the forms section.

6. TEST DATA DISPOSITION

The Contractor shall make all preliminary compliance test data available to the COR on location within 30 minutes after the test. Final test data, including digital printouts and computer generated plots, shall be available to the COR in accordance with the contract schedule or if not specified within two working days. Additionally, the Contractor shall analyze the preliminary test results as directed by the COR.

All backup data sheets, strip charts, recordings, plots, technicians’ notes, etc., shall be either sent to the COR or destroyed at the conclusion of each delivery order, purchase order, etc.

The contractor shall protect and segregate the data that evolves from compliance testing before and after each test.

TEST DATA LOSS

A. INVALID TEST DESCRIPTION

An invalid compliance test is one, which does not conform precisely to all requirements/specifications of the OVSC Laboratory Test Procedures and Statement of Work applicable to the test.

B. INVALID TEST NOTIFICATION

The Contractor shall notify NHTSA of any test not meeting all requirements/specifications of the OVSC Laboratory Test Procedure and Statement of Work applicable to the test, by telephone, within 24 hours of the test and send written notice to the COR within 48 hours of the test completion.

C. RETEST NOTIFICATION

6. TEST DATA DISPOSITION....Continued

The Contracting Officer of NHTSA is the only NHTSA official authorized to notify the Contractor that a retest is required. The retest shall be completed within 2 weeks after receipt of notification by the Contracting Officer that a retest is required.

D. WAIVER OF RETEST

NHTSA, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to waive the retest requirement. This provision shall not constitute a basis for dispute over the NHTSA’s waiving or not waiving any requirement.

E. TEST VEHICLE

NHTSA shall furnish only one vehicle for each test ordered. The Contractor shall furnish the test vehicle required for the retest. The retest vehicle shall be equipped as the original vehicle. The original vehicle used in the invalid test shall remain the property of NHTSA, and the retest vehicle shall remain the property of the Contractor. The Contractor shall retain the retest vehicle for a period not exceeding 180 days if it fails the test. If the retest vehicle passes the test, the Contractor may dispose of it upon notification from the COR that the test report has been accepted.

F. TEST REPORT

No test report is required for any test that is determined to be invalid unless NHTSA specifically decides, in writing, to require the Contractor to submit such report. The test data from the invalid test must be safeguarded until the data from the retest has been accepted by the COR. The electronic data, draft final test report, dummy calibration report, and video shall be submitted within 14 days of the final test. The final test report, dummy calibration report, and video shall be submitted 7 days after receiving comments from the

COR.

G. DEFAULT

The Contractor is subject to the default and subsequent reprocurement costs for nondelivery of valid or conforming test (pursuant to the Termination For Default clause in the contract).

H. NHTSA’S RIGHTS

None of the requirements herein stated shall diminish or modify the rights of NHTSA to determine that any test submitted by the Contractor does not conform precisely to all requirements/specifications of the OVSC Laboratory Test Procedure and Statement of Work applicable to the test.

7. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP)

A. ACCEPTANCE OF TEST VEHICLES

The contractor has the responsibility of accepting each GFP test vehicle whether delivered by a new vehicle dealership or another vehicle transporter. In both instances, the Contractor acts on behalf of the OVSC when signing an acceptance of the GFP test vehicle delivery order. When a GFP vehicle is delivered, the contractor must verify:

1) All options listed on the “window sticker” are present on the test vehicle.

2) Tires and wheel rims are new and the same as listed.

3) There are no dents or other interior or exterior flaws in the vehicle body.

4) The vehicle has been properly prepared and is in running condition.

5) The glove box contains an owner’s manual, warranty document, consumer information, and extra set of keys.

6) Proper fuel filler cap is supplied on the test vehicle.

7) Spare tire, jack, lug wrench and tool kit (If applicable) is located in the vehicle cargo area.

8) The VIN (vehicle identification number) on the vehicle condition report matches the VIN on the vehicle.

9) The vehicle is equipped as specified by the COR.

A Vehicle Condition form will be supplied to the Contractor by the COR when the test vehicle is transferred from a new vehicle dealership or between test contracts. The upper half of the form is used to describe the vehicle as initially accepted. The lower half of the Vehicle Condition form provides space for detailed description of the post-test condition.

The contractor must complete a Vehicle Condition form for each vehicle and deliver it to the COR with the Final Test Report or the report will NOT be accepted for payment.

If the test vehicle is delivered by a government contracted transporter, the contractor should check for damage which may have occurred during transit.

GFP vehicle(s) shall not be driven by the contractor on public roadways unless authorized by the COR.

B. NOTIFICATION OF COR

7. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP)....Continued

The COR must be notified within 24 hours after a vehicle (and/or equipment item) has been delivered. In addition, if any discrepancy or damage is found at the time of delivery, a copy of the Vehicle Condition form shall be sent to the COR immediately.

8. CALIBRATION OF TEST INSTRUMENTS

Before the Contractor initiates the vehicle safety compliance test program, a test instrumentation calibration system must be implemented and maintained in accordance with established calibration practices. The calibration system shall include the following as a minimum:

A. Standards for calibrating the measuring and test equipment shall be stored and used under appropriate environmental conditions to assure their accuracy and stability.

B. All measuring instruments and standards shall be calibrated by the Contractor, or a commercial facility, against a higher order standard at periodic intervals not exceeding 12 months for instruments and 12 months for the calibration standards except for static types of measuring devices such as rulers, weights, etc., which shall be calibrated at periodic intervals not to exceed two years. Records, showing the calibration traceability to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), shall be maintained for all measuring and test equipment.

Accelerometers shall be calibrated every 12 months or after a test failure or after any indication from calibration checks that there may be a problem with the accelerometer whichever occurs sooner.

C. All measuring and test equipment and measuring standards shall be labeled with the following information:

1) Date of calibration

2) Date of next scheduled calibration

3) Name of the technician who calibrated the equipment

D. A written calibration procedure shall be provided by the Contractor, which includes as a minimum the following information for all measurement and test equipment:

1) Type of equipment, manufacturer, model number, etc.

2) Measurement range

3) Accuracy

8. CALIBRATION OF TEST INSTRUMENTS....Continued

4) Calibration interval

5) Type of standard used to calibrate the equipment (calibration traceability of the standard must be evident)

6) The actual procedures and the forms used to perform the calibrations

E. Records of calibration for all test instrumentation shall be kept by the Contractor in a manner that assures the maintenance of established calibration schedules.

F. All such records shall be readily available for inspection when requested by the COR. The calibration system shall need the acceptance of the COR before vehicle safety compliance testing commences.

G. Test equipment shall receive a system functional check out using a known test input immediately before and after the test. This check shall be recorded by the test technician(s) and submitted with the final report.

H. The Contractor may be directed by NHTSA to evaluate its data acquisition system.

Further guidance is provided in the International Standard ISO 10012-1, “Quality Assurance Requirements for Measuring Equipment” and American National Standard ANSI/NCSL Z540-1, “Calibration Laboratories and Measuring and Test Equipment General Requirements.”

NOTE: In the event of a failure to meet the standard’s minimum performance requirements additional calibration checks of some critically sensitive test equipment and instrumentation may be required for verification of accuracy. The necessity for the calibration will be at the COR’s discretion and shall be performed without additional cost.

9. SUGGESTED TEST EQUIPMENT

A. Acoustic sound measurement system for measuring the sound pressure level must be a sound level meter or equivalent measurement system meeting the requirements of Class 1 instruments per IEC 61672-1 (Bruel & Kjaer North America “B&K” Pass-by System).

B. Acoustic sound measurement system sound calibrator that fulfills the requirements of Class 1 sound calibrators per IEC 60942.

C. Post-Processing Compliance Tool (sound analysis code) to conduct the analysis of the valid sound files for compliance to FMVSS No. 141. The sound analysis code is a government supplied MATLAB based source code with parameters set in accordance with the following table:

9. SUGGESTED TEST EQUIPMENT....Continued

Parameter Settings General Settings:

Re-Sampling Frequency* ....................................................................................... 44.1 kHz.

Processing Window ................................................................................................ Test Scenario Dependent.

Acoustic Weighting ................................................................................................. A.

Overall Sound Pressure Level Settings:

Frequency span ...................................................................................................... 24000 Hz.

Overall Averaging ................................................................................................... None.

Averaging time ........................................................................................................ None.

One-Third Octave Band Analysis Settings:

Bandwidth (Fractional Octave) ............................................................................... 1⁄3—Base 10 Exact.

Upper Nominal Center Frequency ......................................................................... 5000 Hz.

Lower Nominal Center Frequency ......................................................................... 315 Hz.

Type of Octave Band Averaging ............................................................................ Exponential.

Type of Time Weighting ......................................................................................... Fast.

Averaging Time ...................................................................................................... 1⁄4 seconds.

Tau (Time Constant) .............................................................................................. 1⁄8 seconds (Fast).

*NHTSA’s acoustic sound measurement system utilizes a sampling rate of 65,536 Hz. NHTSA’s post processing compliance tool down samples to a frequency of 44.1 kHz to allow for the use of lower sampling measurement systems.

D. On-Track 2dB Screening Tool to determine the validity of the collected sound files for compliance to FMVSS No. 141 (Government supplied).

E. Speed measurement device to measure vehicle speed during the constant speed pass-by tests must be capable of continuous measurement of speed within ± 0.5 km/ h over the entire measurement zone (which is defined as the portion of the test track between lines AA’ and BB’).

F. Meteorological instrumentation meeting the following specifications: ± 1 ºC or less for a temperature measuring device; ± 1.0 m/s for a wind speed-measuring device; ± 5 hPa for a barometric pressure measuring device; ± 5 % for a relative humidity measuring device.

10. PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS

The contractor shall take digital photographs of the test execution procedures. Photographs shall be taken in color and contain clear images. A tag, label or placard identifying the test item, NHTSA number (if applicable) and date shall appear in each photograph and must be legible. Each photograph shall be labeled as to the subject matter. The required resolution for digital photographs is a minimum of 1,600 x 1,200 pixels. Digital photographs are required to be created in color and in a JPG format. Glare or light from any illuminated or reflective surface should be minimized while taking photographs.

The test reports should include enough photographs to describe the testing in detail and should be organized in a logical succession of consecutive pictures. The digital photographs should be included in the test report as 203 mm x 254 mm or 215.9 mm x 279 mm (8 x 10 or 8 ½ x 11 inch) pictures. All photographs are required to be included in the

10. PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION....Continued test report in the event of a test failure. Any failure must be photographed at various angles to assure complete coverage. Upon request, the photographs should be sent to the COR on a CD or DVD and saved in a “read only” format to ensure that the digital photographs are the exact pictures taken during testing and have not been altered from the original condition.

Photographic Views

As a minimum the following test photographs shall be included in each vehicle final test report, submitted by the contractor:

A. ¾ Frontal – left side view of the test vehicle

B. ¾ Rear – right side view of the test vehicle

C. Vehicle certification label

D. Vehicle placard (titled, “Tire and Loading Information”)

E. Tire inflation pressure label, if provided (optional label)

F. Close-up view(s) of test instrumentation mounted on the outside of the vehicle

G. Close-up view(s) of test instrumentation mounted on the inside of the vehicle

H. View(s) of microphone setup for stationary testing

I. View(s) of microphone setup for pass-by testing

J. Any damage or apparent test failure that cannot be seen in the above photographs

11. DEFINITIONS

BAND OR ONE-THIRD OCTAVE BAND

One of thirteen one-third octave bands having nominal center frequencies ranging from 315 to 5000 Hz. These are Bands 25 through 37 as defined in Table A1, Mid-Band Frequencies for One-Third-Octave-Band and Octave-Band Filters in the Audio Range, of ANSI S1.11-2004: “Specification for Octave-Band and Fractional-Octave Band Analog and Digital Filters”.

11. DEFINITIONS....Continued

BAND SUM

The combination of Sound Pressure Levels (SPLs) from selected bands that produce an SPL representing the sound in all of these bands. Band sum is calculated with the following equation (where SPLi is the sound pressure level in each selected band and n is the total number of bands being combined):

ELECTRIC VEHICLE

A motor vehicle with an electric motor as its sole means of propulsion.

FRONT PLANE

A vertical plane tangent to the leading edge of the vehicle during forward operation.

HYBRID VEHICLE

A motor vehicle which has more than one means of propulsion for which the vehicle’s propulsion system can propel the vehicle in the normal travel mode in at least one forward drive gear or reverse without the internal combustion engine operating.

REAR PLANE

A vertical plane tangent the leading edge of the rear of the vehicle during operation in reverse.

SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (SPL)

Logarithm of the ratio of a given sound pressure (P) to the reference sound pressure Po.

SPL = 20 * LOG10 (P / Po), in dB

REFERENCE SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (Po) = 20 micro-Pascals = 20 N/m2.

Logarithm of the ratio of a given sound pressure to the reference sound pressure.

12. PRETEST REQUIREMENTS

12.1 GENERAL TEST PREPARATION

A. Verify COR approval of Contractor’s in-house test procedure.

B. Verify the training of technicians for performance of this test.

C. Verify the calibration status of all test equipment.

12. PRETEST REQUIREMENTS....Continued

D. Verify availability of document that indicates sound pad test surface meets the requirements of ISO 10844:1994, ISO 10844:2011, or ISO 10844:2014.

E. Review applicable revision of FMVSS 141.

F. Review vehicle Owner’s Manual (or equipment mfg. instructions).

12.2 TEST FACILITY AND CONDITIONS

Figure 1. Test Site Dimensions

A. Facility Layout

1) The test track and microphone positions must be configured as shown in the Figure 1, ‘‘Test Site Dimensions.’’

2) The distance from the microphone positions of microphones 1 and 2 on the microphone line PP’ to the perpendicular reference line CC’ on the test track shall be 2.0m ± 0.05m.

3) Each microphone shall be located 1.2m ± 0.02m above the ground level. For microphones 1 and 2, the reference direction for free field conditions as specified in IEC 61672-1 shall be horizontal and directed perpendicularly towards the path of the vehicle line CC’.

4) Test set up for directivity measurement shall include the addition of one microphone (microphone 3) placed on the line CC’, 2m ± 0.05m forward of the line PP’ at a height of 1.2m ± 0.02m above ground level. For microphone 3, the reference direction for free field conditions shall be horizontal and directed parallel along the path of the vehicle line

CC’.

5) The test surface shall meet the requirements of ISO 10844:1994, ISO 10844:2011, or ISO 10844:2014.

6) The area within a 50m radius around the sound pad should be free of reflecting objects.

B. Facility Conditions

1) The ambient temperature shall be between 5 °C (41 °F) and 40 °C (104 °F).

2) The maximum wind speed at the microphone height shall be no greater than 5 m/s (11 mph), including gusts.

3) The test track surface shall be dry.

4) The test track shall be clean of rocks and other debris.

12.3 TEST VEHICLE INSPECTION AND TEST PREPARATION (DATA SHEET 1)

A. Inspect test vehicle. Document all required test vehicle information.

B. Check vehicle fluids and adjust to the proper levels for operation.

C. Document vehicle installed tire size including make and model. All tires must be new.

The vehicle must be tested with the tires installed on the vehicle at the time of initial vehicle sale. From the vehicle’s Placard or optional Tire Inflation Pressure Label, identify the vehicle’s designated tire size(s). Notify COR if any tire size installed on the vehicle is different from the manufacturers recommended tire size specified on the vehicle labels and request further guidance before proceeding.

D. Ensure the vehicle does not make any unintended sounds while stationary or in motion (e.g. squeaky brakes). Notify COR if anything out of the ordinary is identified.

E. Measure vehicle curb weight and vehicle test weight. Test weight, including the driver and instrumentation, shall be evenly distributed between the left and right side of the vehicle and will not exceed the vehicle’s GVWR or GAWR: (1) For passenger cars, and MPVs, trucks, and buses with a GVWR of 4,536 kg (10,000 pounds) or less, the vehicle test weight is the unloaded vehicle weight plus 180 kg (396 pounds); (2) For LSVs, the test weight is the unloaded vehicle weight plus 78 kg (170 pounds).

F. Tires are conditioned by driving the test vehicle around a circle 30 meters (100 feet) in diameter at a speed that produces a lateral acceleration of 0.5 to 0.6 g for three clockwise laps followed by three counterclockwise laps.

G. Vehicle’s electric propulsion batteries, if any, shall have a state of charge sufficiently high to enable all key functionalities per the manufacturer’s specifications. Propulsion batteries shall be within their component-temperature window to enable all key functionalities that could reduce vehicle noise emissions. Any other type of rechargeable energy storage system shall be ready to operate during the test. If propulsion batteries must be recharged during testing to ensure internal combustion engine does not activate, manufacturer instructions will be followed.

12.4 TEST INSTRUMENTATION SETUP AND CHECK

A. Instrument vehicle and configure test track equipment.

B. Ensure test equipment is secured so as not to shift position during tests, and any associated wires or cables must be secured inside of the test vehicle.

C. Check test track instrumentation functionality and positioning.

D. Check vehicle onboard instrumentation functionality and positioning.

E. Calibrate acoustical measurement equipment and document calibration.

12.5 PRE-TEST CHECKLIST (DATA SHEETS 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6)

Document each of the following items before each test series (i.e., stationary, reverse, 10, 20 and 30 km/h pass-by tests):

A. Document environmental conditions (i.e., ambient temperature, wind speed and track surface conditions).

B. Verify all vehicle’s doors are shut and locked and windows and roof openings are shut.

C. Verify all accessory equipment (air conditioner, wipers, heat, HVAC fan, audio/video systems, etc.) that can be shut down, are shut off. Propulsion battery cooling fans and pumps and other components of the vehicle’s propulsion battery thermal management system are not considered accessory equipment. During night time testing test vehicle headlights may be activated.

D. Verify all tires are free of all debris and each tire’s cold tire inflation pressure set to: (1) For passenger cars, and MPVs, trucks, and buses with a GVWR of 4,536 kg (10,000 pounds) or less, the inflation pressure specified on the vehicle placard in FMVSS No.

110; (2) For LSVs, the inflation pressure recommended by the manufacturer for GVWR;

if none is specified, the maximum inflation pressure listed on the sidewall of the tires.

13. COMPLIANCE TEST EXECUTION

Personnel supervising and/or performing the compliance test program shall be thoroughly familiar with the requirements, test conditions, and equipment for the test to be conducted.

Testing will be accomplished as indicated below. Test personnel shall make note of all discrepancies and deviations from the applicable FMVSS and this Laboratory Test Procedure.

13.1 STATIONARY TEST (DATA SHEET 2)

A. Position test vehicle with the front plane at the line PP’, the vehicle centerline on the line CC’. For vehicles equipped with a Park position, place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Park’’ and engage the parking brake. For vehicles not equipped with a Park position, place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Neutral’’ and engage the parking brake.

B. Power-off all auxiliary vehicle electrical systems (air conditioner, wipers, heat, HVAC fan, audio/video systems, etc.) and deactivate vehicle propulsion system.

C. Place and secure wheel chocks in front of both front wheels to secure vehicle against forward movement.

13. COMPLIANCE TEST EXECUTION....Continued

D. Document ambient environment conditions (i.e., temperature, wind speed, dry track).

E. Verify all tires are inflated to the manufacturer recommended inflation pressure.

F. Verify that there are no external environmental sounds that can interfere with collection of acoustic sound files. Ready driver, test personnel, vehicle onboard equipment, and test site instrumentation for the commencement of audio collection.

G. Immediately before beginning the first stationary test, use acoustic sound measurement system to measure the ambient noise for at least 30 seconds. Collect separate ambient sounds files from the left, right, and front microphones.

H. Activate the test vehicle’s propulsion system. Electrical systems (e.g., air conditioner, wipers, heat, HVAC fan, audio/video systems, etc.) not being utilized for compliance test such are to remain powered off.

I. For vehicles equipped with a Park position for the gear selector, after activating the starting system to energize the vehicle’s propulsion system, apply and maintain a full application of the service brake, disengage the vehicle parking brake and then place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Drive,’’ or any forward gear. For vehicles not equipped with a Park position for the gear selector, after activating the starting system to energize the vehicle’s propulsion system, apply and maintain a full application of the service brake, disengage the vehicle parking brake, disengage the manual clutch (fully depress and hold the clutch pedal), and place the vehicle’s gear selector in any forward gear.

J. Using the acoustic sound measurement system, record sound levels for a duration of 10 seconds using all three microphones. During the test, the test technician should closely observe real-time the SPL values versus time plot of the acoustic sound file and make note of any extraneous unwanted noises (e.g. chirping birds, overhead planes, trains, car doors being closed, etc.) that were measured and recorded along with the vehicle’s alert sound. If the test technician believes the sound file collected has been contaminated, that sound recording should be discarded and the test should be repeated. Each set of sound files measured and recorded that the test technician believes are not contaminated are considered valid and should be saved.

K. For vehicles equipped with a Park position, place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Park’’ and engage the parking brake. For vehicles not equipped with a Park position, place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Neutral’’ and engage the parking brake. Deactivate the vehicle’s propulsion system.

L. Save the recorded sound file collected in step J. (one sound file corresponding to each of the three microphones used during the test). Valid sound files should be properly identified by microphone position and in chronological order as collected.

M. Repeat steps “H” through “L” seven times, identifying each completed test sequentially (e.g. Test 1 – Test 8).

N. Using the computer based “On-track 2dB Screening Tool” (refer to section 13.7.A.), verify that at least four valid test results within 2 dBA have been collected using acoustic sound measurement system. If at least four of the eight tests yield valid test results within 2dB, proceed to step “O”. If not, repeat steps “H” through “L” until a total of at least four valid test results have been acquired (continue numbering tests sequentially-e.g. Test 9 – Test ##).

O. Using the acoustic sound measurement system, measure the ambient noise for at least 30 seconds immediately following the completion of the last test of the stationary test series.

Collect separate ambient sounds files from the left, right, and front microphones.

P. Save the three ambient sound files to appropriate computer based data file for the Test Series.

Q. Using the computer based “Post Processing Compliance Tool” (refer to section 13.7.B.)

verify if the stationary test condition alert sound meets either the 2-band or 4-band 1/3 octave band requirements of FMVSS No. 141.

13.2 REVERSE TEST (DATA SHEET 3)

A. Position test vehicle with the rear plane at the line PP’, the vehicle centerline on the line CC’. For vehicles equipped with a Park position, place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Park’’ and engage the parking brake. For vehicles not equipped with a Park position, place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Neutral’’ and engage the parking brake.

B. Power-off all auxiliary vehicle electrical systems (air conditioner, wipers, heat, HVAC fan, audio/video systems, etc.) and deactivate vehicle propulsion system.

C. Place and secure wheel chocks behind both rear wheels to secure vehicle against rearward movement.

D. Document ambient environment conditions (i.e., temperature, wind speed, dry track).

E. Verify all tires are inflated to the manufacturer recommended inflation pressure.

F. Verify that there are no external environmental sounds that can interfere with collection of acoustic sound files. Ready driver, test personnel, vehicle onboard equipment, and test site instrumentation for the commencement of audio collection.

G. Immediately before beginning the first reverse test, use acoustic sound measurement system to measure the ambient noise for at least 30 seconds. Collect separate ambient sounds files from the left and right microphones.

H. Activate the test vehicle’s propulsion system. Electrical systems (e.g., air conditioner, wipers, heat, HVAC fan, audio/video systems, etc.) not being utilized for compliance test such are to remain powered off .

I. For vehicles equipped with a Park position for the gear selector, after activating the starting system to energize the vehicle’s propulsion system, apply and maintain a full application of the service brake, disengage the vehicle parking brake and then place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Reverse’’. For vehicles not equipped with a Park position for the gear selector, after activating the starting system to energize the vehicle’s propulsion system, apply and maintain a full application of the service brake, disengage the vehicle parking brake, disengage the manual clutch (fully depress and hold the clutch pedal), and place the vehicle’s gear selector in Reverse.

J. Using the acoustic sound measurement system record sound levels for a duration of 10 seconds using both microphones. During the test, the test technician should closely observe real-time the SPL values versus time plot of the acoustic sound file and make note of any extraneous unwanted noises (e.g. chirping birds, overhead planes, trains, car doors being closed, etc.) that were measured and recorded along with the vehicle’s alert sound. If the test technician believes the sound file collected has been contaminated that sound recording should be discarded and the test should be repeated. Each set of sound files measured and recorded that the test technician believes are not contaminated are considered valid and should be saved.

K. For vehicles equipped with a Park position, place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Park’’ and engage the parking brake. For vehicles not equipped with a Park position, place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Neutral’’ and engage the parking brake. Deactivate the vehicle’s propulsion system.

L. Save the recorded sound file collected in step J. (one sound file corresponding to each of the two microphones used during the test). Valid sound files should be properly identified by microphone position and in chronological order as collected.

M. Repeat steps “H” through “L” seven times, identifying each completed test sequentially (e.g. Test 1 – Test 8).

N. Using the computer based “On-track 2dB Screening Tool” (refer to section 13.7.A.), verify that at least four valid test results within 2 dBA have been collected using acoustic sound measurement system. If at least four of the eight tests yield valid test results within 2dB, proceed to step “O”. If not, repeat steps “H” through “L” until a total of at least four valid test results have been acquired (continue numbering tests sequentially-e.g. Test 9 – Test ##).

O. Using the acoustic sound measurement system measure the ambient noise for at least 30 seconds immediately following the completion of the last test of the reverse test series.

Collect separate ambient sounds files from the left and right microphones.

P. Save the two ambient sound files to appropriate computer based data file for the Test Series.

Q. Using the computer based “Post Processing Compliance Tool” (refer to section 13.7.B.)

verify if the reverse test condition alert sound meets either the 2-band or 4-band 1/3

13.3 CONSTANT SPEED PASS-BY TEST- GREATER THAN 0 km/h BUT LESS THAN 20 km/h (DATA SHEET 4)

A. Position test vehicle with the front plane at least 10m in front of the line AA’, the vehicle centerline on the line CC’. For vehicles equipped with a Park position, place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Park’’ and engage the parking brake. For vehicles not equipped with a Park position, place the vehicle’s gear selector in ‘‘Neutral’’ and engage the parking brake.

B. Power-off all auxiliary vehicle electrical systems (air conditioner, wipers, heat, HVAC fan, audio/video systems, etc.) and deactivate vehicle propulsion system.

C. Document ambient environment conditions (i.e., temperature, wind speed, dry track).

D. Verify all tires are free of all debris and inflated to the manufacturer recommended inflation pressure.

E. Verify that there are no external environmental sounds that can interfere with collection of acoustic sound files. Ready driver, test personnel, vehicle onboard equipment, and test site instrumentation for the commencement of audio collection.

F. Immediately before beginning the first constant-speed pass-by test, use acoustic sound measurement system to measure the ambient noise for at least 30 seconds.