Draft SOW NADS IDIQ 2025 .pdf

National Advanced Driving Simulator Use and Support Services IDIQ

NEW IDIQ 2025

Title: NADS Use and Support Services

PART I - THE SCHEDULE SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 SUPPLIES/SERVICES

a. The Contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified personnel, facilities, materials, supplies, equipment and services to perform the work as set forth herein, on an as required basis, in accordance with Section C, Description/Specifications/Statement of Work, and other terms and conditions of the contract. All support services provided to the Government shall be performed by Contractor employees or personnel otherwise retained by the Contractor to fulfill specific work requirements of this contract. Under this contract, the Government shall issue Task Orders as necessary to obtain the use of facilities, equipment, professional and technical support services required.

b. This is a hybrid Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Cost Reimbursement

Contract, with a fixed-price component. Under this contract, the Government will issue Task Orders and provide payment on a cost reimbursement basis. The fixed-price components of the contract are the simulator usage rates for the National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS or NADS-1), the Simulation Development Module (SDM or NADS-2), and the MiniSim. A usage rate has been identified for each simulator in Section B.4, Price Schedules, for Performance Years 1 through 5, respectively.

c. Compensation for support services to include Labor, Travel, Materials, Subcontracts, and

Other Non-Labor Costs; Simulator Usage; and Facilities and Administration Costs, shall be provided in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR Part 200. Anticipated labor categories that will be required in the performance of work under this contract include, but are not limited to, the labor categories listed in Section B.4 Labor Categories and Descriptions.

B.2 MINIMUM/MAXIMUM OBLIGATIONS

1. Minimum Obligation of the Government. The minimum Government obligation under this IDIQ contract is Section C.4.1 Kick-Off Meeting (inclusive of all costs) for the entire period of performance. $TBD

2. Maximum Obligation of the Contractor. The Contractor is obligated to provide supplies and services up to the ceiling amounts cited in Section B.4, Price Schedules for each performance year.

B.3 LABOR CATEGORIES AND DESCRIPTIONS

The types of support and their associated labor categories that the Contractor may need to provide upon receipt of Task Orders are listed below. This list is not all-inclusive; rather, it represents a pool of expertise the Contractor may need to draw from in fulfilling this contract’s requirements. For those labor category descriptions listed below, for each support area that does not match those of the contractor’s organization, the Contractor shall specify such difference at the Task Order level.

NOTE: References to recent experience refers to relevant and similar work performed within the past five (5) years.

B.3.1 Human Factors Support

The human factors information and data collected in this effort may relate to the following issues and subject areas: the extent to which vehicle handling and braking, vehicle dynamics, advanced vehicle systems, vehicle visibility, and other vehicle characteristics influence driver behavior, performance and response patterns, including possible synergistic effects associated with combinations of advanced technologies and the implications of the findings for systems design. Other relevant areas include the relationship between driver characteristics (e.g., age, gender, experience) and use of advanced and conventional vehicle systems, environmental influences and driver state (alcohol, drowsiness/fatigue, drugs, disability).

Related areas may be added as required.

Research may incorporate various data gathering protocols, testing and experimental approaches which can provide information within a short period of time with an acceptable degree of accuracy. Specific methods to be used for studies may or may not be specified by NHTSA within the Task Order Statement of Work.

B.3.1.1 Senior Technical Project Manager, Human Factors - Ph.D., equivalent professional degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in psychology, human factors engineering, education, medicine, or related field. Demonstrated experience in conducting and managing experiments and tests with human subjects. Recent experience as a principal investigator in the conduct of driver performance/behavior measurement studies using on-the-road vehicles, driving simulators, and other field or laboratory equipment.

B.3.1.2 Senior Researcher, Human Factors - Ph.D., Master’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in psychology, human factors engineering, medicine, or related field. Demonstrated experience in experimental design, statistical data analysis, and report writing. Recent experience administering and conducting studies related to driver performance/behavior measurement and data analysis using on-the-road vehicles and driving simulators as research tools. No documented institutional review board (IRB) reprimands.

B.3.1.3 Associate Researcher, Human Factors - Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree and appropriate degree of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in psychology, human factors engineering, medicine, or related field. Demonstrated experience in conducting applied research. Experience in coordinating critical literature reviews, developing research protocols, designing survey instruments, supervising data collection, and facilitating data coding and verification. Demonstrated capabilities to use various statistical techniques to verify analyze, and interpret experimental data.

B.3.1.4 Assistant Researcher, Human Factors - Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in psychology, human factors engineering, medicine, or related field, and experience in performing literature searches, critically reviewing previous research methodologies and findings, administering research protocols with appropriate supervision, coding survey data, and verifying electronically-generated performance data.

B.3.2 Engineering Support

The broad range of research to be carried out along with associated technical requirements will likely necessitate engineering modifications to the facility, including upgrades and improvements.

Each awarded Task Order will address engineering changes and/or upgrades that will be required to perform the work specified in the Task Order. Regular maintenance (i.e., that which is required to maintain NADS functionality) is governed under a separate Cooperative Agreement between Iowa and NHTSA.

B.3.2.1 Senior Technical Project Manager, Engineering - Ph.D., or equivalent combination of education and experience, in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in managing software or hardware development. Recent experience as a principal investigator in the development and modeling of operator-in-the-loop virtual environments or virtual reality systems.

B.3.2.2 Senior Developer, Engineering - Ph.D., Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, or related field. Demonstrated experience in developing hardware or software. Recent experience leading the technical design, development, and integration of operator-in-the-loop virtual environments or virtual reality systems.

B.3.2.3 Associate Developer, Engineering - Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, or related field.

Demonstrated experience in the development of hardware and software. Experience in systems analysis, design, and specification. Demonstrated experience in the use of different languages, off-the-shelf or custom hardware devices, and tools to solve technical problems.

Experience in preparing system-level and user-level documentation.

B.3.2.4 Assistant Developer, Engineering - Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, or related field, and experience in developing and testing of hardware and software. Experience interpreting systems specifications and coding software using a variety of languages and software tools. Experience assisting with the design, construction, and testing of hardware devices, with appropriate supervision.

B.3.3 Systems and Operations Support

Software modifications may be necessary in order to support specific Task Order projects. The modifications will be dictated by research requirements. The software interfaces associated with operations and research control room stations may need to be modified or upgraded to improve both safety and efficiency. Specific tasks in the software support area may include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Implement modifications to existing models/algorithm

b. Unanticipated modification to software or upgrades

c. Scenario development

d. Tile development and parameterization within the tiles

e. Software modification within the research interface module (RIM) to accommodate specific research/researcher needs

B.3.3.1 Senior Technical Project Manager, Systems & Operations - Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, management information systems, business administration, or a related field. Demonstrated experience in managing the development, integration, and operation of software and hardware. Recent experience shall have been as a project manager or major contributor in the design and development of systems specification, integration, and implementation for projects.

B.3.3.2 Simulator Operations Manager, Systems & Operations - Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, management information systems, or a related field. Experience in staff oversight and coordination.

Documented experience in diagnosing or maintaining large hydraulic systems and simulation visual projection systems. Experience in software configuration management and version control.

B.3.3.3 Simulator Operator, Systems & Operations - Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience in computer science, engineering, or related field and appropriate simulator operator training.

B.3.3.4 Integration Specialist, Systems & Operations - Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, management information systems, business administration, or related field. Demonstrated experience in developing and integrating systems software and hardware. Experience in systems integration for operator-in-the-loop simulator or instrumented vehicle applications.

Experience with version control and software configuration management.

B.3.3.5 Senior Hardware Technician, Systems & Operations - Associates degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, or related field.

Demonstrated experience designing, documenting, developing, testing, and maintaining hardware systems. Demonstrated experience leading the construction, integration, calibration, and maintenance of hardware devices in support of experimental research. Must have knowledge and experience of simulating a heavy vehicle environment.

B.3.4 Vehicle Dynamics Support

The validity of NADS vehicle dynamics software is key to generating accurate and valid results with the NADS. The broad range of research to be carried out on the NADS along with associated technical requirements will, for many projects, require modifications to NADS vehicle dynamics software. Most projects will require some amount of “fine-tuning” of the vehicle dynamics.

Periodic upgrades and improvements to NADS vehicle dynamics software also will be necessary.

Specific tasks in the vehicle dynamics support area may include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Determine the validity of existing NADSdyna vehicle models that are to be used for a project

b. Determine appropriate modifications to existing vehicle models/algorithms

c. Develop new NADS dyna vehicle models

d. Determine how best to model and implement experimental treatments that affect the motion of simulated vehicles (e.g., electronic stability control, ESC)

B.3.4.1 Senior Technical Expert, Vehicle Dynamics - Ph.D. or equivalent combination of education and experience, in mechanical engineering or related field. Demonstrated experience in multi-body dynamics. Demonstrated experience in vehicle dynamics. Must have knowledge and experience of simulating a heavy vehicle environment.

B.3.5 Data Reduction and Analysis Support

It is anticipated that the high volume and complexity of data produced during operation of the NADS will demand highly organized and sophisticated data management and storage procedures. Such procedures must provide ready access to needed data in a format compatible with NHTSA data analysis requirements, and make available the tools necessary for displaying and evaluating the integrity and quality of the data. Based on specific research requirements it may be necessary to carry out data reduction and/or analyses in varying degrees. Specific tasks may include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Providing for data storage, maintenance, and availability

b. Development of research specific data verifications, reduction and analysis procedures

c. Providing support to outside researchers

d. Basic “display tool” development and general software support and training

B.3.5.1 Senior Statistician - Ph.D. or equivalent combination of education and experience in statistics or measurement or related field. Demonstrated experience in statistical study design, data analysis, and report writing. Demonstrated experience in the use of various statistical computer programs including Statistical Analysis Software (SAS).

B.3.5.2 Associate Statistician - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in statistics or measurement or related field. Demonstrated experience applying statistical techniques to analyze experimental performance data. Experience in the use of various statistical computer programs including SAS. Experience in interpreting experimental designs, verifying reduced data, and managing large or multiple data sets.

B.3.6 Medical Support

The unique capability of the NADS to provide a high degree of realism under “safe” and controlled experimental conditions clearly highlights a significant research benefit.

Nevertheless, some research areas (e.g., research involving alcohol use, high stress, etc.) will require medical oversight and participation. Regardless of the nature of the research, emergency services must be readily available to address medical emergencies. Specific tasks may include, but are not limited to the following:

a. Developing “medical” research procedures

b. Safety oversight, including review of research plans involving medical concerns

c. Providing standby availability in case of medical emergencies

d. Providing technical support when developing special population research (e.g., older driver, stroke victims, etc.)

B.3.6.1 Senior Medical Safety Advisor, Human Factors - A Medical Doctor (M.D.) with demonstrated experience in general safety oversight and administration of specific medical procedures during the conduct of a study. Recent experience as a principal investigator for clinical trials or simulator-based research studies. Holds appropriate certification for the prescription and administration of study drugs. Holds additional Board certification or equivalent training, as necessary.

B.3.6.2 Associate Medical Safety Support, Human Factors - A registered nurse (RN) with experience in safety oversight and administration of safety and medical procedures during the conduct of a study. Appropriate certification and experience in the administration of non-controlled drugs, under the supervision of an M.D. Experience in implementing safety protocols during research studies using instrumented vehicles and driving simulators. Holds appropriate certification for dealing with both general and study-specific emergency events.

Preferably holds a certification as a clinical Research Coordinator.

B.3.6.3 Assistant Medical Safety Support, Human Factors - A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with experience and certification necessary to respond to emergency events during the conduct of a study. Experience in administering research protocols under the supervision of other study researchers.

B.3.7 Technical and Administrative Support Staff

As part of the preceding support areas, the contractor may need to include additional administrative staff to carry out associated contract administration, training, communications, and outreach work, such as the following:

a. Tracking of financial data

b. Preparation of monthly reports

c. GFE (Government Furnished Equipment) tracking

d. Preparation of training materials in conjunction with technical staff requirements

e. Coordination and oversight of training both onsite and offsite

f. Preparation of reports, graphics and presentation materials

g. Preparation and delivery of data collection video to the COR (TO)

h. Coordination with outside organizations under contract with NHTSA

B.3.7.1 Program Associate - Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in tracking financial data for multi-faceted large projects, generating multi-level monthly reports for projects involving several subcontractors, and providing project-specific administrative support.

B.3.7.2 Program Assistant - Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, and experience in a research setting. Experience in financial project tracking, monthly reporting, and project-specific administrative support.

B.3.7.3 Editor - Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience and experience in the editing and publication of documents.

B.3.7.4 Editorial Assistant - Associate’s degree with an emphasis in English, Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and experience in document formatting, editing, and publication.

B.3.7.5 Senior Media Specialist - Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, in communications or related field that includes media production.

Demonstrated experience leading the design and development of video, audio, or web-based multimedia productions.

B.3.7.6 Graduate/Undergraduate Research Assistant - Graduate/Undergraduate students with experience and coursework in the area of software development, hardware development, human factors research methodologies, statistics, measurement, management information systems, journalism, or other relevant field. Experience in assisting with general research and development tasks under the supervision of staff developers, engineers, or researchers.

B.3.7.7 Clerical - A combination of clerical office experience and undergraduate college level coursework, or post high school secretarial training. Experience composing correspondence, collecting information, compiling reports, maintaining filing systems, and organizing meetings.

B.4 PRICE SCHEDULE

B.4.1 Kick-Off Meeting (Firm Fixed-Price)

The total value of the Kick-Off Meeting under Section C.4.1 is $TBD

B.4.2 Year One (1) Ceiling Amount: $TBD

Firm Fixed Prices provided below shall be in effect during the period from contract award through twelve (12) months thereafter, from September 29, 2025 through September 28, 2026 (“Year One”), and apply to the entire period of performance of any Task Order issued during this time. The “Year One (1) Ceiling Amount” is composed of the base level requirement amount identified under Section C.4.1 plus the estimated maximum total dollar amount for all Firm-Fixed Price and Cost-Reimbursement Task Orders awarded during Year One.

CLIN DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK FIXED HOURLY RATE

1000 National Advanced Driving Simulator

1001 Simulation Development Module (NADS-2) 1002 MiniSim

B.4.3 Year Two (2) Ceiling Amount: $TBD

Firm-Fixed Prices presented below shall be in effect during the period from the end of Year One (1) through twelve (12) months thereafter, from September 29, 2026 through September 28, 2027 (“Year Two”), and apply to the entire period of performance of any Task Order issued during this time. The “Year Two (2) Ceiling Amount” is composed of the estimated maximum total dollar amount for all Firm-Fixed Price and Cost-Reimbursement Task Orders awarded during Year Two.

2000 National Advanced Driving Simulator

2001 Simulation Development Module (NADS-2) 2002 MiniSim

B.4.4 Year Three (3) Ceiling Amount: $TBD

Two (2) through twelve (12) months thereafter, from September 29, 2027 through September 28, 2028 (“Year Three”), and apply to the entire period of performance of any Task Order issued during this time. The “Year Three (3) Ceiling Amount” is composed of the estimated maximum total dollar amount for all Firm-Fixed Price and Cost-Reimbursement Task Orders awarded during Year Three.

3000 National Advanced Driving Simulator

3001 Simulator Development Module (NADS-2) 3002 MiniSim

B.4.5 Year Four (4) Ceiling Amount: $TBD

Firm-Fixed Prices presented below shall be in effect during the period from the end of Year Three

(3) through twelve (12) months thereafter, from September 29, 2028 through September 28, 2029 (“Year Four”), and apply to the entire period of performance of any Task Order issued during this time. The “Year Four (4) Ceiling Amount” is composed of the estimated maximum total dollar amount for all Firm-Fixed Price and Cost-Reimbursement Task Orders awarded during Year Four.

4000 National Advanced Driving Simulator

4001 Simulator Development Module (NADS-2) 4002 MiniSim

B.4.6 Year Five (5) Ceiling Amount: $TBD

Four (4) through twelve (12) months thereafter, from September 29, 2029 through September 28, 2030 (“Year Five”), and apply to the entire period of performance of any Task Order issued during this time. The “Year Five (5) Ceiling Amount” is composed of the estimated maximum total dollar amount for all Firm-Fixed Price and Cost-Reimbursement Task Orders awarded during Year Five.

5000 National Advanced Driving Simulator

5001 Simulator Development Module (NADS-2) 5002 MiniSim

(End of Section B)

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 BACKGROUND

To improve the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) ability to evaluate driver behavior and performance, the agency built a high fidelity driving simulator that is committed to the performance of research on wheeled highway vehicles such as automobiles and heavy vehicles. This simulator became known as the National Advanced Driving Simulator (“NADS” or NADS-1). Accordingly, on March 19, 1993, a Cooperative Agreement was entered into by and between the NHTSA and the University of Iowa (Iowa) to house and operate the

NADS.

With the Cooperative Agreement in place, the NADS became operational in January 2002. The NADS is physically located at the University of Iowa’s Research Park in Iowa City, Iowa. In addition to NADS, NHTSA provided the Simulation Development Module (“SDM” or NADS2).

The SDM is a fixed-based simulator for software development and testing that does not require the full range of motion provided by the NADS. The third component is the MiniSim.

Developed by the University of Iowa as a desktop simulator, the MiniSim can be used to review test scenarios or perform low-fidelity data collection. All are available to NHTSA for development and/or testing under this contract. The following is a description of each simulator:

1. The NADS (also known as NADS-1) is the world’s most advanced motion base simulator, allowing for motion and experience that simulates being in a real vehicle on a real road with many of the same sensory cues a driver would experience while driving. As such, studies that would be very difficult or impossible to conduct on actual roads or test tracks can be conducted on the NADS. Another benefit of the realism of the NADS-1 is the drastic reduction in simulator sickness found in many other driving simulators, which often can affect the validity of the results. In addition, the NADS-1 is a valuable tool to allow for exact control of scenario conditions so that each driver can experience exactly the same crash scenario to better understand safety implications of new technologies and driver states.

2. The System Development Module (also known as NADS-2) is a fixed-based simulator for software development and testing that does not require the full range of motion provided by the NADS. The high definition widescreen viewing capabilities make this simulator appropriate for studies that do not need the full motion base of the NADS-1 but need a more realistic in-vehicle environment and forward field-of-view than the Minisim provides. This simulator can also be used to investigate lighting and visibility issues, for example, which often do not require a motion base but do require realism in the environment.

3. The Minisim is a desktop simulator that can be used to review test scenarios or perform lowfidelity data collection. The Minisim is also a useful tool to develop scenarios before they are run on NADS-1.

Each individual Task Order requirement may use one or multiple types of simulators in order to successfully conduct research, and each simulator provides a different level of driving immersion and value to the overall results.

C.2 OBJECTIVE

This contract shall provide for the government’s use of the NADS System hardware platforms, software routines and simulations, data analysis and to allow a broad range of technical and administrative support for NHTSA sponsored research to be conducted, and to provide NHTSA with access to and support for research using the NADS System.

C.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

To accomplish the work to be performed under this contract, Task Orders will be issued. Task Orders will be of variable scope and duration with the potential that multiple Task Orders will be issued and operate simultaneously. The primary focus of these efforts will be to make use of the unique features of the NADS system that permits placing drivers in experimental situations not possible using test tracks or open road driving (e.g., imminent collision or distracted driving situations).

Selection of subjects will be a key element of implementing human factors studies using NADS.

In this regard, the Contractor shall ensure subject selection procedures and criteria are specified clearly for each Task Order, as appropriate. The Contractor shall further provide the capability for access to populations of subjects outside of the immediate geographic area, including subjects from the surrounding states, as dictated by the availability and appropriateness of local subjects for specific research, as well as specific Task Order requirements. Specific requirements will be provided at the Task Order level.

The Task Orders shall require the University of Iowa to ensure the protection of human subjects per the University of Iowa’s Institutional Review Board’s requirements and the requirements of 49 CFR Part 11 governing the protection of human subjects in connection with all proposed research activities. Additionally, such protection shall be in accordance with NHTSA Order 700- 5, which sets forth the Agency’s policies and procedures for the protection of human subjects participating in research supported directly or indirectly by NHTSA, including through contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements.

The requirements of 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), Part 11 may be accessed at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/49cfr11_06.html. The Task Orders shall identify specific requirements for NHTSA review of materials related to the protection of human subjects as appropriate. Any consent or release forms used by the Contractor or its agents must receive prior written approval by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) before being used.

Once a project is identified by the agency, the scope of each Task Order will be defined within the respective Task Order statement of work (SOW) to detail the specific requirements of the program. The Contractor shall adhere to the requirements of the labor categories, descriptions, and qualifications as outlined in the SOW.

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/49cfr11_06.html

C.3.1 Research Subject Areas

The Contractor shall provide support services in the areas of human factors, engineering, systems and operations, vehicle dynamics, data reduction and analysis, medical expertise, and technical and administrative support, as deemed appropriate within individual Task Order agreements issued under this contract. Subject areas that may be addressed for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks or heavy-duty trucks may include, but are not limited to (in no particular order):

a. Driving Automation Systems

b. Advanced technology (ITS)

c. Vehicle handling & dynamics

d. Braking (e.g., ABS)

e. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)

f. Usability/acceptability issues

g. Driver-vehicle interfaces

h. Driver emergency response

i. Alcohol and drug impairment

j. Driver distraction

k. Driver workload

l. Novice drivers

m. In-vehicle information systems

n. Test track or field testing to complement simulator-based data collection

o. Older drivers

p. Vulnerable Road Users

q. Accessibility-related issues

m. Drowsy drivers

n. Ergonomics

o. Electronic stability systems

p. Driver behavior, driver risk taking, speeding

q. Weather/environmental issues

r. Heavy vehicle issues

s. Visibility

t. Vehicle sensors

u. Displays and controls

v. Simulator research and support, including validation and scenario development

The above research subject areas may be the focus of various Task Orders that are envisioned as part of this IDIQ contract. Depending on the individual requirements of each Task Order, each requirement could use one or more of the various simulators at NADS (described under C.1 above).

C.4 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Although each individual Task Order awarded under this contract will include specific requirements that apply to that unique Task Order, the following requirements apply to this IDIQ contract and will throughout its duration:

C.4.1 Kick-Off Meeting

Immediately, following Contract Award, the Contractor shall coordinate with the COR and begin preparatory activities for the Kickoff Meeting. Within one (1) month of contract award, NHTSA and Iowa shall schedule and conduct a Kick-off meeting. The Contractor’s key personnel shall meet with the NHTSA Contracting Officer, NHTSA COR, and other appropriate NHTSA staff, via video conference online or in person. The purpose of the initial “kick off” meeting shall be to:

a. Review any contractual matters, including the terms and conditions of the contract and the manner Task Orders will be issued and administered under the contract;

b. Review and discuss Section C (Statement of Work) of the contract to ensure a common understanding of the specific requirements; and,

c. Discuss questions from the Contractor concerning any other part of the contract and any technical questions relating to any issued or impending Task Orders. The Contractor’s questions shall be resolved to the satisfaction of both the Contractor and the NHTSA CO and NHTSA COR.

C.4.2 Monthly NADS Schedule

Upon execution of the contract (and as long as there are Task Orders being performed), on the first business day of every calendar month, at a minimum, the Contractor shall update its Schedule Website so that NHTSA can view the committed hours for NADS-1, by NHTSA Task Order. In the event NHTSA priorities change such that a shift in the schedule is desired, the NHTSA COR shall contact the Contract Project Manager to discuss the proposed change. The Contract Project Manager will then document the impact, including costs and potential delays, and submit the document to the NHTSA COR for review. If the changes are mutually approved, the NHTSA CO will modify the affected Task Order(s) to reflect such approval(s) accordingly.

The Contractor shall update its Schedule Website to include the schedules for the SDM and MiniSim only when requested by the NHTSA COR.

C.4.3 Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Program

To ensure quality while completing work under the contract Task Order the Contractor shall, at a minimum:

1. Use a software program to identify and track defects, issues and bugs pertaining to NADS system hardware and software and direct resolution through a workflow process. The software program also shall maintain a database of these problems for reference and trending.

2. Establish committees for more serious problems, consisting of the Contractor’s internal management and other representatives from specific relevant groups. The committee shall work to develop solutions for identified problems, disseminating the information to NADS users in a timely manner.

3. Write a scenario specification document prior to the finalization of any scenarios being used for a Task Order. The scenario specification document will detail each event and provide a list of performance measures associated with each event.

4. Follow the specifications of the performance measures when reducing data. Data reduction

(code and or scripts) will be authored and ready before the first pilot study is executed. If performance measure variables are added to the standard library of NADS data variables in support of a specific Task Order, these variables will be validated prior to study data collection under the Contractor’s predefined, controlled conditions. A data reduction section will be added to the scenario specification that will specify the output format of the data.

5. Perform sanity checks, i.e., look for extraneous or otherwise errant data, during all data collection. The sanity checks shall consist of boundary conditions for each variable being reduced and plot of selected variables. In addition, manual verification will be performed on selected measures for randomly chosen subsets of data. Finally, it will be verified that the data reduction documentation is consistent with the output of the data reduction.

6. Provide the NADS Scenario Specification (including the data reduction specification) as an additional deliverable to NHTSA with the final technical report for each Task Order.

7. For each Task Order issued under the contract, the Contractor shall identify in its proposal the person responsible for the Quality Assurance/Quality Control program.

(End of Section C)

NEW IDIQ 2021

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Preservation and packaging of all shipments or mailing of all work delivered under this contract shall be done in accordance with good commercial practices and to insure acceptance by common carrier (if applicable) and safe transportation at the most economical rate(s).

Any deliverables required by this contract shall be submitted to the applicable personnel identified in Section F of this contract. Due to security concerns, deliverables transmitted via regular U.S. Mail experience significant delay in reaching an intended destination and, as part of the screening process, may be damaged. For these reasons, the U.S. Mail should not be used to transmit deliverables. Rather, the contractor is encouraged to use electronic mail to the maximum extent possible.

D.2 FORMATTING TEXT AND IMAGE DELIVERABLES

For those deliverables submitted electronically as text or image files, the following specifications apply.

D.2.1 Text

Text files shall be delivered in Microsoft WORD format. Font type of Times New Roman with a font size of 12 shall be used throughout the document. The Contractor shall minimize additional formatting as much as possible (e.g., avoid use of columns; avoid using any design/layout elements (however, see D.2.2, D.2.3, and D.2.4 below)).

D.2.2 Charts and Graphs

The Contractor shall develop charts or graphs using Microsoft EXCEL or similar format and shall insert these in the appropriate places within the text document. The Contractor shall also provide the Microsoft EXCEL source file from which charts or graphs were developed.

D.2.3 Illustrations

NHTSA’s Office of Communication Services is responsible for developing or acquiring most illustrations found in NHTSA publications. These illustrations can take two forms:

a. Graphics – In the majority of cases, the Office of Communication Services will develop any needed graphics in collaboration with the COR. The Contractor shall provide text, graphs, and charts following the guidelines stipulated in Sections D.2.1 and D.2.2 above. In some cases, the Contractor may be required to develop graphics. In these cases, the Contractor shall use only software approved by the U.S. Government Publishing Office (e.g., Adobe Illustrator.)

b. Photographs – When photos are used in Agency publications, the Office of Communication Services typically uses existing photos or photos purchased through royalty-free sources. In the event the Contractor must supply photos for use in a publication, the photos must be high resolution images at least 300 dpi at the size used in the publication. Photos shall be supplied on a CD or DVD in either .tif format (for scanned images) or .jpg (for images downloaded to the CD or DVD directly from the digital camera.).

NOTE: If a photograph is supplied by an outside source (Contractor, grantee, national organization, etc.), a release form must accompany the photo indicating that the human subjects in the photo authorize NHTSA to use the photo in its publications and on its Internet site. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that the necessary arrangements have been made with the photographer and the subjects in the photo to ensure that NHTSA has unlimited rights to use the images in print and on the web. The Contractor shall obtain, and provide to NHTSA, a written statement indicating that NHTSA has unlimited, unrestricted rights to the use of the photos.

D.2.4 WEB-BASED IMAGES

Occasionally, web-based images may be used in NHTSA publications. The Contractor is cautioned that copyright laws restrict use of many of these images even if this is not expressly indicated at the website.

Additionally, the resolution of most web-based images is not high enough to provide a clear image when published. For these reasons, web-based images should not be used.

(End of Section D)

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=/browse/far/52

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clauses:

52.246-2 Inspection of Supplies - Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

52.246-5 Inspection of Services - Cost-Reimbursement (APR 1984)

52.246-16 Responsibility for Supplies (APR 1984)

E.2 INSPECTION AND/OR ACCEPTANCE

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) as designated in this contract will be responsible for the overall administration of this contract. Each Task Order under this contract will identify a COR Task Order, COR (TO). The COR (TO) will be responsible for performing the inspection of all supplies or services rendered under the Task Order. This includes recommending acceptance or replacement/correction of services or materials that fail to meet the contract and/or Task Order requirements to the contracting officer.

The COR (TO) will also be responsible to the Contracting Officer for recommending acceptance or replacement/correction of nonconforming supplies or services that fail to meet the Contract requirements.

Rejection of a final report will delay final payment of costs incurred under a Task Order. The most common causes for rejecting final reports are:

• Incomplete description of the work objective and its relationship to other work performed in the area.

• Inadequate description of methodology.

• Insufficient or inconsistent technical information to support the findings or conclusions.

• Poorly conceived graphs, charts, and displays.

• Incorrect spelling and grammar.

(End of Section E) https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=/browse/far/52

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address:

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clauses:

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989) (Applies to FFP Task Orders) Alternate I (APR 1984) (Applies to CPFF Task Orders)

52.247-35 F.o.b. Destination, Within Consignees Premises (APR 1984)

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

All work required hereunder, including preparation, submission, review of any and all reports, shall be completed within sixty six (66) months after the effective date of the Contract from 29 September, 2026 through 28 March, 2032.

Any Task Order issued prior to the expiration date of the contract, and not completed within that timeframe, shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified under the Task Order provided that it does not exceed the performance period under Section I.3.4, FAR 52.216-22, Indefinite Quantity (OCT 1995).

The Contractor is required to abide by the terms and conditions of the contract until the conclusion of the Task Order performance period.

The period of performance for each Task Order will be specified within the Task Order.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The work performed under this contract and any Task Orders issued under this contract shall be accomplished at the Contractor’s facility.

F.4 DELIVERABLES / MILESTONES

F.4.1 Deliverables/Milestone Schedule:

The Contractor shall furnish the following deliverables under the contract. Additional deliverables and milestones will be specified for each Task Order.

Item No.

Section

No.

Deliverables (D) / Milestones (M)

Due Date

1 C.4.1 Kick-off Meeting (M) Within 30 days after the date of contract award.

2 C.4.2 Monthly NADS Schedule (D) 1st day of the month following the date of contract award.

3 C.4.3 Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Program and Task Order Plans for QA/OC (D)

Within 30 days after the date of contract award and as separately specified in each individual Task Order.

4 F.4.3 Face-to-Face Meetings, Conferences, and Conference Calls

Specified in each individual Task Order.

5 F.4.4 Quarterly Teleconference / Meeting (M)

On a quarterly basis after the date of contract award.

6 F.4.5 Task Order Progress Reports (D)

Specified in each individual Task Order.

7 F.4.6 Government Furnished Property (GFP) / Contractor Acquired Property (CAP) Report (D)*

Within 30 days after the date of contract award, and on September 15 of each year thereafter.

*The Contractor must still acknowledge receipt of GFP in accordance with contract provisions in Section H.

8 F.4.7 Annual Statement of Capabilities (D)

Within 30 days after the date of contract award and annually updated on this date thereafter.

9 F.4.8 Draft and Final Technical Reports (D)

Specified in each individual Task Order.

F.4.2 Place of Delivery

Unless otherwise specified, all deliverables shall be delivered electronically, under transmittal letter, to the assigned COR at the following address:

Item No.

Address

2, 3, 7, 8, 9

Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NSR-310)

ATTN: TBD

Telephone: TBD E-mail: TBD

Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NFO-300)

ATTN: TBD

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.

Washington, DC 20590 E-mail: TBD

Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COR) Task Order (TO) TBD (Name and Address to be provided in each awarded Task Order)

F.4.3 Face-to-Face Meetings, Conferences, and Conference Calls

It is envisioned that during the performance of this contract, a number of face-to-face meetings, conferences, and conference calls (and/or a combination thereof) between NHTSA and the Contractor will be required. Through mutual agreement, when possible, the NHTSA CO and COR shall coordinate with the Contractor such face-to-face meetings, conferences, and conference calls, as deemed appropriate. Specific requirements will be presented in each individual Task Order.

F.4.4 Quarterly Teleconference/Meeting

On a quarterly basis after contract award, the Contractor shall arrange with the NHTSA COR a teleconference or video conference. The Contractor shall establish the agenda for this meeting, including, but not limited to, the following topics: overview of NHTSA activities, updates to the NADS hardware or software, upcoming issues that may impact future research, and potential research ideas.

F.4.5 Monthly Task Order Progress Reports (This work applies to each individual Task Order)

The Contractor shall transmit Monthly Task Order Progress Reports to the Contracting Officer’s Representative, Task Order, (or “COR(TO)”) and the Contract Specialist, on or before the due date specified in each individual Task Order. Each progress report shall be transmitted via e-mail and shall be prepared as a letter-type report (indicating Contract Number and Title, Task Order Number and Title, and the time period covered for the Task Order), to include, at minimum, the following:

F. Accomplishments made during the preceding month for the Task Order issued.

2. Funds status by major cost element, month’s obligations, cumulative obligations, estimated cost to complete, and percent of cost expended versus percent of completion.

3. Plans for accomplishments in next reporting period.

4. Preliminary or interim results, conclusions, trends or other items of information that the Contractor believes are of interest to NHTSA.

5. Problems or delays that the Contractor has experienced and specific actions that the Contractor proposes to undertake to alleviate the problems and/or delays.

6. Specific actions the Contractor requires of NHTSA.

F.4.6 Acknowledgement of Receipt and Reporting Requirements for Government Furnished Property (GFP)/ Contractor Newly Acquired Property (CAP)

The Contractor shall adhere to Contract Clauses H.3, Government Furnished Property (GFP)/Contractor Acquired Property (CAP), and Transportation Acquisition Regulation (TAR) 1252.245-70, Government Property Reports (OCT 1994), as such clauses relate to the manner in which GFP and CAP will be provided, acquired, and accounted for under this contract.

All submissions shall be transmitted electronically, unless otherwise directed by the NHTSA

CO.

After the initial Contractor’s accounting for GFP and CAP has been reviewed and accepted by the NHTSA CO and NHTSA COTR, beginning TBD or within 30 days of the contract award date, and every calendar year thereafter on the same day* of the contract’s period of performance, the Contractor shall submit to the NHTSA Contracting Officer an annual report of all GFE and CAP in its possession and in the possession of its subcontractors.

Said report shall be prepared utilizing Form DOT F 4220.43, Contractor Report of Government Property, which has been included as an attachment as indicated under Section J, List of Attachments, of the Schedule.

*When INSERT DATE falls on a non-business date, the required inventory of all GFP/GFE and CAP shall be provided to the NHTSA CO and NHTSA COR on the very first business day following September 15.

F.4.7 Annual Statement of Capabilities Update (This task applies to the contract only)

The Contractor completed and submitted a Statement of Capabilities to NHTSA on August 25, 2006. This document detailed the minimum capabilities that the Contractor will maintain regarding hardware, software and other resources. Specifically, the Statement of Capabilities describes the level of capacity NHTSA researchers can expect from the NADS system and, to a lesser extent, from the University of Iowa. The intended audience to benefit from this submission is researchers new to the NADS system for use when developing research plans.

As part of this contract, the Contractor shall update the Statement of Capabilities within 30 days of contract award and provide additional updates on an annual basis corresponding with the effective date of the contract award.

F.4.8 Prepare and Submit Draft and Final Technical Reports (This work applies to each Individual Task Order)

This section outlines the review process for Technical Reports for which the Contractor shall be responsible as required under an individual Task Order. The Contractor shall follow the reporting format requirements provided in Section F.5., as applicable, unless otherwise directed in an individual Task Order, to ensure a consistent level of quality in all reports and…