DTFH61-12-R-00057.pdf

DTFH61-12-R-00057

PART I

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

The Contractor shall furnish personnel and perform all services necessary to provide non-personal laboratory and technical support for the programs and activities of the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) Pavement Materials Laboratories as described in Section C below. All work shall be performed at the TFHRC in McLean, Virginia, except as otherwise provided in specific task orders (TOs).

The Government contemplates a hybrid contract consisting of a combination of cost reimbursable (CR) and indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract line item numbers (CLINs). Under the ID/IQ CLIN, the Government anticipates awarding CR and firm-fixed-price (FFP) TOs depending on the nature of the requirement, and in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 16.500. It is anticipated that cost reimbursable work under CLINs 0101 – 0106, and 0007 and 0008 may be incrementally funded.

The total potential amount of this contract is $_________; which consists of an estimated cost of $__________ and a fixed fee of $__________.

CLIN 0101 – 0106

The total potential amount of Base Year 1 of this contract is $_________; which consists of an estimated cost of $__________ and a fixed fee of $__________.

CLIN 0201 – 0206

The total potential amount of Base Year 2 of this contract is $_________; which consists of an estimated cost of $__________ and a fixed fee of $__________.

CLIN 0301 – 0306

The total potential amount of Option Year 1 of this contract is $_________; which consists of an estimated cost of $__________ and a fixed fee of $__________.

CLIN 0401 – 0406

The total potential amount of Option Year 2 of this contract is $_________; which consists of an estimated cost of $__________ and a fixed fee of $__________.

CLIN 0501 – 0506

The total potential amount of Option Year 3 of this contract is $_________; which consists of an estimated cost of $__________ and a fixed fee of $__________.

The maximum potential value of all orders placed against this contract shall not exceed $____________ over a 60-month period of performance that includes a two-year base period, and three one-year options. The minimum government obligation under this IDIQ contract is $80,000 for the base year of performance and each option year, if exercised. It is anticipated CPFF TOs may be incrementally funded.

BASE YEAR 1

ITEM SOW

Section Supplies/Services Potential

Proposed Cost

Potential Fixed Fee

Total Maximum Potential

Cost 0101 C.1 Laboratory and technical support services for the Asphalt Binder and Bituminous Mixtures Laboratories. Cost Reimbursable Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing requirements delineated in Sections C.1 and L.10.

0102 C.2 Laboratory and technical support services for the Pavement Test Facility. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing requirements delineated in Sections C.2, and L.10.

0103 C.3 Laboratory and technical support services for the Chemistry Laboratories. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing requirements delineated in Sections C.3 and L.10.

0104 C.4 Laboratory and technical support services for the Coatings and Corrosion Laboratories. CR Labor only in accordance with the Sections C.4 and L.10.

0105 C.5 Laboratory and technical support services for the Aggregates and Petrographic Laboratories. CR Labor only, in accordance with the staffing requirements delineated in Sections C.5

0106 C.6 Laboratory and technical support services for the Concrete Laboratories. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing requirements delineated in Sections C.6

BASE YEAR 2

Section Supplies/Services Potential

Proposed Cost

Potential Fixed Fee

Total Maximum Potential

Cost 0201 C.1 Laboratory and technical support services for the Asphalt Binder and Bituminous Mixtures Laboratories.

CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing requirements delineated

0202 C.2 Laboratory and technical support services for the Pavement Test Facility. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing requirements delineated in Sections C.2, and L.10.

0203 C.3 Laboratory and technical support services for the Chemistry Laboratories. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing

C.3 and L.10.

0204 C.4 Laboratory and technical support services for the Coatings and Corrosion Laboratories. CR Labor only in accordance with the Sections C.4 and L.10.

0205 C.5 Laboratory and technical support services for the Aggregates and Petrographic Laboratories. CR Labor only, in accordance with the staffing

C.5 and L.10.

0206 C.6 Laboratory and technical support services for the Concrete Laboratories. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing

C.6 and L.10.

OPTION YEAR 1

ITEM SOW

Section Supplies/Services Potential

Proposed Cost

Potential Fixed Fee

Total Maximum Potential

Cost 0301 C.1 Laboratory and technical support services for the Asphalt Binder and Bituminous Mixtures Laboratories.

CR Labor Only, in accordance with

0302 C.2 Laboratory and technical support

Facility. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing

0303 C.3 Laboratory and technical support

Laboratories. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing

0304 C.4 Laboratory and technical support

Corrosion Laboratories. CR Labor

0305 C.5 Laboratory and technical support

Petrographic Laboratories. CR Labor only, in accordance with the staffing

0306 C.6 Laboratory and technical support

Laboratories. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing

OPTION YEAR 2

Section Supplies/Services Potential

Proposed Cost

Potential Fixed Fee

Total Maximum Potential

Cost 0401 C.1 Laboratory and technical support services for the Asphalt Binder and Bituminous Mixtures Laboratories.

CR Labor Only, in accordance with

0402 C.2 Laboratory and technical support

Facility. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing

0403 C.3 Laboratory and technical support

Laboratories. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing

0404 C.4 Laboratory and technical support

Corrosion Laboratories. CR Labor

0405 C.5 Laboratory and technical support

Petrographic Laboratories. CR Labor only, in accordance with the staffing

0406 C.6 Laboratory and technical support

Laboratories. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing

OPTION YEAR 3

Section Supplies/Services Potential

Proposed Cost

Potential Fixed Fee

Total Maximum Potential

Cost 0501 C.1 Laboratory and technical support services for the Asphalt Binder and Bituminous Mixtures Laboratories.

CR Labor Only, in accordance with

0502 C.2 Laboratory and technical support

Facility. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing

0503 C.3 Laboratory and technical support

Laboratories. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing

0504 C.4 Laboratory and technical support

Corrosion Laboratories. CR Labor

0505 C.5 Laboratory and technical support

Petrographic Laboratories. CR Labor only, in accordance with the staffing

0506 C.6 Laboratory and technical support

Laboratories. CR Labor Only, in accordance with the staffing

IDIQ MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM AMOUNTS

Item Period of Performance

TOs Minimum Amount

Potential Proposed

Cost

Potential Proposed Fixed Fee

Total Maximum Potential

Cost

CLIN 0107

Base Year 1 Pavement Materials Laboratories $80,000

CLIN 0207

Base Year 2 Pavement Materials Laboratories $80,000

CLIN 0307

Option Year 1 Pavement Materials Laboratories $80,000

CLIN 0407

Option Year 2 Pavement Materials Laboratories $80,000

CLIN 0507

Option Year 3 Pavement Materials Laboratories $80,000

OTHER DIRECT COSTS

Item Period of

Performance ODCs Plug-in

Values Potential Proposed

Cost

Proposed Fixed Fee

Total Maximum Potential

Cost

CLIN 0108

Base Year 1 Pavement Materials Laboratories $200,000

CLIN 0208

Base Year 2 Pavement Materials Laboratories $200,000

CLIN 0308

Option Year 1 Pavement Materials Laboratories $200,000

CLIN 0408

Option Year 2 Pavement Materials Laboratories $200,000

CLIN 0508

Option Year 3 Pavement Materials Laboratories $200,000

All travel shall be approved in advance by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and shall be accomplished in accordance with Government Travel Regulations and the travel and per diem clause in Section G.

The Contractor shall obtain approval from the COR before purchasing materials and supplies and scheduling training. The Contractor shall be responsible for registration fees.

NOTE: See Note at L.9 Part I Cost/Price Information on page 132.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

A. BACKGROUND (PAVEMENT MATERIALS LABORATORIES at the TFHRC)

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Infrastructure R&D conducts and oversees research and development programs and projects that address critical highway infrastructure needs and priorities of national importance. Studies focus on the design, materials, construction, operation, and preservation of highway pavements, bridges, culverts, tunnels, and other structures. In addition, the Office of Infrastructure R&D provides expert technical assistance to other FHWA offices, other Federal agencies, State and local transportation organizations, industry and academia.

Through an integrated and interdisciplinary research approach, the Office of Infrastructure R&D provides state–of–the–art knowledge and tools with the goal of improving the safety, performance, and cost effectiveness of the Nation’s highway infrastructure, while minimizing the impacts that highway construction, operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation may have on the environment. The contributions of stakeholders from across the highway infrastructure spectrum in the development and execution of multiyear R&D plans and roadmaps are key to the success of the office.

The work of the Office of Infrastructure R&D is carried out by six teams of highly experienced engineers and scientists. The specific roles and responsibilities of one of these teams, the Pavement Materials Team, and it’s supporting Laboratories (one of which supports the Infrastructure Management Team), are as follows:

The Pavement Materials Team focuses on advancing all aspects of pavement materials technology, including evaluation of both traditional (aggregates, asphalt, and concrete) and innovative materials and additives. The team develops procedures and specifications for materials used in pavement design, maintenance, and rehabilitation, to further improve performance and optimize mixture design.

ASPHALT BINDER AND BITUMINOUS MIXTURES LABORATORIES (ABML) –

CLINs 0101, 0201, 0301, 0401 and 0501

Asphalt Binder Laboratory

Laboratory Purpose:

The Asphalt Binder Laboratory studies the flow and deformation of paving materials. The laboratory's primary mission is to characterize the behavior of paving materials properly such as asphalt binder and fine aggregate mastic.

Laboratory Description:

The Binder Laboratory is equipped to enable evaluation of the strength, stiffness, and ductility of paving materials and emerging test methods and equipment. Work conducted in the laboratory provides the basis for improved material specifications (e.g., the Superpave performance-based binder specifications) that enable improvement of the durability, longevity, quality, and cost-effectiveness of pavements.

Laboratory Capabilities:

The Binder Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art rheology instrumentation and the latest asphalt binder test equipment in order to test binders at various conditions and temperatures.

Cracking of pavements takes place mostly at intermediate ambient and low temperatures, while rutting (permanent deformation) takes place mostly at high pavement temperatures.

Dynamic Shear Rheometers are used for rheological characterization of paving asphalts in the intermediate to high temperatures ranging from 7 degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit) to temperatures approaching 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). The Rotational Viscometer is used to determine the steady-state viscosity of asphalt binders at high temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), such as 115 degrees Celsius (240 degrees Fahrenheit) to 220 degrees Celsius (424 degrees Fahrenheit). The Pressure Aging Vessel is used with the Rolling Thin Film Oven to simulate long-term aging of asphalts and, hence, pavements.

Rheological properties of asphalt binders may thus be measured indicative of pavement conditions after years of service.

The Ductility Meter DDA-3 Instrument is capable of elastic recovery testing as well as determining the strain tolerance of binders at intermediate temperatures with the Double Edge Notch Test (DENT). The binder strain tolerance in the ductile state has been found to be a good indicator for fatigue performance.

The Bending Beam Rheometer and Direct Tension Tester are used both individually and in combination to determine the low-temperature (thermal) cracking temperatures of asphalts. The latest asphalt binder testing equipment, the Asphalt Binder Cracking Device (ABCD), was developed using FHWA's Highways for Life funds. The ABCD is used to determine the low temperature cracking temperature for asphalt binders. The laboratory is accredited by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials for competency in construction materials testing.

Laboratory Equipment:

Dynamic Shear Rheometers, Bending Beam Rheometer, Direct Tension Tester, Asphalt Binder Cracking Device, Ductility Meter DDA-3, Pressure Aging Vessel, Rolling Thin Film Oven, Rotational Viscometer

Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory

Laboratory Purpose:

The Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory specializes in the research of asphalt pavement mixtures.

This laboratory supports FHWA's efforts to develop, evaluate and improve materials, mixture design technology and performance-based tests for asphalt paving mixtures. The laboratory's activities are aimed at extending the life and improving the performance of asphalt pavement, reducing vehicle tear-and wear, and shortening construction delays.

Laboratory Capabilities:

The Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory advanced technology allows researchers to anticipate potential long-term pavement damage and to optimize asphalt mixtures for specific applications.

Accelerated testers, for example, may simulate the distress caused by many years of exposure to traffic and adverse weather conditions within a matter of hours by applying combined load, temperature, and humidity factors on asphalt pavement mixtures. Consequently, mixtures with few or no signs of damage can be selected for reliable, long-term highway use.

Fundamental mechanical testers, on the other hand, allow pavement technologists to optimize the components of asphalt mixtures based on performance prediction models. These testers measure fundamental properties such as strength and stress-strain behavior, which can be used in performance prediction models to define the behavior of asphalt pavements under various loads, traffic speeds, and weather conditions.

The laboratory has the capability of performing mixture designs and testing asphalt mixtures for density, moisture susceptibility, and resilient modulus. Extraction and recovery of asphalt binders and aggregates may be performed on the mixtures. Aggregates can be tested for properties such as gradation, specific gravity, and sulfate soundness. Binders, on the other hand, can be tested and characterized according to standard or Superpave procedures.

The Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory is constantly evaluating new equipment and innovative test procedures used for pavement performance prediction. Definitions of pavement distress include the following:

Rutting. Longitudinal surface depressions running along a pavement's wheel paths. These depressions may be due to deformations in an asphalt pavement layer, an underlying layer, or in multiple layers. Tests used in the Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory evaluate the susceptibility of asphalt mixtures to deform under controlled loads.

Fatigue Cracking. Jagged cracks in an asphalt pavement layer that eventually interconnect to form a pattern often referred to as "alligator cracking." These cracks are caused by repeated traffic loads flexing the asphalt pavement layer.

Thermal Cracking. Transverse and longitudinal cracks caused by the contraction and buildup of stresses in an asphalt pavement layer with decreasing temperature. Most of these cracks are uniformly spaced. (Transverse and longitudinal cracks may be caused by other mechanisms as well.) Cracking may result from temperature cycling or from a single temperature drop, also known as low temperature cracking.

Laboratory Services:

The Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory is used to assist FHWA field offices, State highway agencies, and the pavement community in general in the design of asphalt mixtures, evaluation of in-service asphalt pavement performance and implementation of new technology.

Laboratory Equipment:

SUPERPAVE Gyratory Compactor (SGC) - Simulates the kneading action of rollers used to compact asphalt concrete pavements by applying a vertical load to an asphalt mixture while gyrating a mold tilted at a specified angle. SGC is the new equipment used in volumetric pavement design. Specimens produced by this compactor can be used in the Superpave SST and IDT. (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) T312)

SUPERPAVE Shear Tester (SST) - Used to evaluate permanent deformation (rutting) and fatigue cracking susceptibilities in asphalt mixtures. It provides vertical and horizontal loads to a cylindrical specimen in various confining conditions and at different temperatures. The data is used in models that predict pavement performance. (AASHTO TP7)

SUPERPAVE Indirect Tensile Test (IDT) - Evaluates the thermal cracking susceptibility of asphalt mixtures. It loads a cylindrical asphalt concrete specimen through its diametrical axis, and the resulting deformations are used to determine the viscoelastic material properties used in models that predict pavement performance. (AASHTO TP9)

Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussees (LCPC) Pavement Rutting Tester - Measures the rutting susceptibility of asphalt paving mixtures using a reciprocating, pneumatic rubber tire.

Slabs of asphalt concrete can be tested at temperatures ranging from 30° C to 70 °C. Rutting susceptibility is based on pass/fail criteria. This machine is used in France to evaluate mixtures that either have no performance history or will be subjected to heavy traffic.

Hamburg Wheel-Tracking Device - Measures the rutting and moisture susceptibility of an asphalt paving mixture by rolling a steel wheel across the surface of an asphalt concrete slab that is immersed in hot water (generally held at 50 °C.) Susceptibilities to rutting and moisture are based on pass/fail criteria.

Linear Kneading Compactor - Used to compact asphalt paving mixtures into slabs needed for various mixture testing devices. The mixture is placed in a mold and loaded through a series of vertically aligned steel plates that compress the asphalt mixture into a flat slab of predetermined thickness and density.

LCPC Plate Compactor - Uses a reciprocating rubber tire to compact asphalt paving mixtures. It is primarily used to fabricate slabs needed for the LCPC Pavement Rutting Tester.

LCPC Thermoregulated Mixer - Can mix up to 80 kg of asphalt paving mixture in a single batch at temperatures up to 240 °C.

Temperature Stress Restrained Specimen Test (TSRST) - Evaluates the low temperature cracking susceptibility of asphalt paving mixtures. The device cools down a beam specimen while restraining it from contracting. As the temperature drops, thermal stresses build up until the specimen fractures. (AASHTO TP10)

Georgia Loaded-Wheel Tester - Measures the rutting susceptibility of asphalt paving mixtures by rolling a steel wheel across a pressurized hose positioned on top of a beam specimen at 40.6 °C.

Rutting susceptibility is based on pass/fail criteria.

Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussees (LCPC) Gyratory Shear Compacting Press - Used to preevaluate mixtures for resistance to permanent deformation and to evaluate the workability of an asphalt mixture.

Army Corps of Engineers Gyratory Testing Machine (GTM) - It is a combined compactor and plane strain shear testing machine for soils, unbound aggregates, and asphalt paving mixtures. It applies a stress equal to that applied by a truck tire on the pavement while monitoring the shear strain of the material. The data is used for mixture design and evaluation of rutting susceptibility.

(ASTM D 3387)

California Kneading Compactor - Used to fabricate asphalt concrete specimens of various sizes and shapes, including beams for flexural fatigue cracking tests. It simulates the kneading action of pavement rollers by using a steel kneading foot to compact only one portion of the mixture at a time. (ASTM D 1561)

Marshall Mixture Design Equipment - Consists of a Marshall hammer compactor and a Marshall flow and stability testing machine. It has been widely used for more than 40 years to design asphalt mixtures. The procedure is currently being phased out by Superpave. (AASHTO T245)

MTS(r) Servo-Hydraulic Testing System - Performs strength, creep, stress relaxation, and repeated load tests at controlled temperatures. Relationships between mixture properties and pavement distresses can be determined based on the test results. This all-purpose testing system has been fitted recently with a high- pressure triaxial cell that can simulate a pavement's changing stresses as a wheel moves over it.

CS 7600(r) Beam Fatigue Fixture - Used to predict fatigue cracking due to flexure. The MTS(r) is used to apply the loads and acquire the data. (AASHTO TP8)

Laser Particle Size Analyzer - Determines the gradation of materials, such as fine aggregates, that range in size from 0.0001 to 2.0 mm. Material densities are determined using a helium pycnometer.

PAVEMENT TEST FACILITY (PTF) – CLINs 0102, 0202, 0302, 0402 and 0502

Laboratory Purpose:

The PTF uses rapid pavement testing of full scale structures to develop and verify new specifications, designs, and test procedures for rigid and flexible pavements. The facility is used by pavement and highway research engineers to evaluate the durability of both new and existing pavement materials and to help develop smoother and more cost–effective highway systems.

Laboratory Description:

The facility simulates truck traffic with controlled loading and pavement temperatures. In only a few months, the facility’s loading machines can evaluate pavement specifications, designs, test procedures, and durability of both new and existing pavement materials by applying wheel loads corresponding to many years of service. Two machines allow simultaneous testing of two pavement lanes under the same ambient temperature and moisture conditions or at the same pavement age.

Laboratory Capabilities:

35,000 simulated axle passes can be applied per week, and the wheel load can be varied from 33 kN (7,500 lb) representing a light truck to 84 kN (19,000 lb) for simulating a heavily loaded vehicle. The wheels feature programmable lateral wander, and the tire configurations can be interchanged such as standard dual or super single. The wheel speed can be varied up to 18 km/hr (11 mi/hr). Radiant heaters are used to control the pavement temperature; temperatures as high at 74°C can be generated to accelerate asphalt rutting and during the fall, spring and winter the heaters are used to maintain an intermediate ambient temperature. Each full–scale test lane is 14 m by 4 m (46 feet by 14 feet) which can be further subdivided into 4 sites for a total of 48 test locations on the facility grounds. A supplemental three–cell test pit and reaction frame allows water table to be controlled with additional flexibility in testing for unbound pavement layers and other pavement structures.

Laboratory Equipment:

12 full scale pavement test lanes; 2 Accelerated Loading Facility machines; a falling–weight deflectometer and portable seismic pavement analyzer (PSPA) used for nondestructive pavement testing, dynamic cone penetrometer, instruments, sensors and equipment to measure load– associated pavement response (stress, strain, and deformation), pavement performance distress measurements (rut depth, cracking severity and extent, and roughness), and environmental effects (temperature and moisture), which include: a state–of–the–art multichannel data acquisition system to collect pavement instrumentation response data, electronic temperature control and data acquisition to show and record pavement temperatures at various locations in real time; a semi–automatic laser surface profiler to measure both transverse and longitudinal pavement surface profiles; a layer deformation measuring system to monitor vertical compressive strain and rutting in each layer of pavement, computer workstations and software to perform advanced pavement analysis and material modeling, as well as, mechanistic design, relational databases developed to provide customers with a variety of data from pavement testing experiments, especially pavement response and performance data.

CHEMISTRY LABORATORIES (ChemLab) – CLIN 0103, 0203, 0303, 0403 and 0503

Laboratory Purpose:

The purpose of the Chemistry Laboratory is to conduct fundamental research into pavement materials, to provide unbiased forensic testing and to provide technical support and assistance to FHWA Division Offices, State DOTs other Federal agencies and other Industry Partners.

Laboratory Description:

The general Chemistry Laboratory is used for the preparation and analysis of various highway materials using organic reactions and traditional chemical methods.

The Spectroscopy Laboratory is used to measure many chemical and physical properties of materials. Capabilities include the identification and quantification of functional groups, quantification of volatile components, determination of the elemental composition of materials and the determination of mass and compositional changes as a function of temperature.

The Microscopy Laboratory contains a scanning electron microscope which is used for detailed examination of paving materials and in forensic investigations of premature pavement failures.

Research into cement hydration kinetics in the presence of large additions of fly ash will soon be possible with the addition of an X-Ray Diffractometer.

Laboratory Capabilities:

Research and development projects performed in-house cover a range of activities in the area of pavement materials characterization of asphalt, concrete and alternative paving materials. Within the realm of asphalt activities are asphalt modification (e.g. poly-phosphoric acid), crumb rubber asphalt and polymer modification, asphalt aggregate adhesion and environmental effects including moisture damage and oxidative aging.

Typically there are several in-house research projects in progress at any given time.

The Chemistry Laboratory provides forensic investigations in response to requests from other FHWA offices or state DOTs. These investigations typically include examination of concrete or aggregates, characterization of materials, and testing for concrete mechanical properties or durability.

Forensic toolbox- development of new test methods to aid State agencies in quality control procedures and forensic investigations of premature pavement failures

The laboratories occasionally participate in round-robin testing programs sponsored by various agencies.

As needed, the laboratories provide tours, demonstrations and training for various groups.

Laboratory Equipment:

The Spectroscopy Lab consists of equipment for characterizing coatings and paving materials (concrete and asphalt). The equipment includes: Thermogravimetric Analysis (TA Instruments), Laser Raman Spectrophotometer (Jasco), FTIR Spectrometer (Digilab), Ion Exchange Chromatograph (Dionex), Elemental Analyzer (Thermo Electron), Iatroscan MK6, X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (Panalytical) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Perkin Elmer).

The Materials Characterization Laboratory contains equipment for imaging and analyzing (composition mapping) materials and is equipped with Optical Microscopes (Nicolet and Leica) and a Scanning Electron Microscope (Amray) fitted with an energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometer. Other equipment include: Silverson blenders for preparing modified asphalt binders, specialized equipment for evaluating moisture susceptibility of asphalt binders, and an environmental conditioner (Q-Sun) for researching damage to asphalt binders and mixes induced by moisture and actinic light.

Laboratory Services:

The technology and data generated in these laboratories, as well as the expertise of the staff, are being used by State transportation agencies and industry to enhance the durability of highway materials and to reduce operating costs.

COATINGS AND CORROSION LABORATORIES (CCL) – CLINs 0104, 0204, 0304, 0404 and 0504

Laboratory Purpose:

The mission of the Coatings and Corrosion Laboratory is to develop and analyze the effectiveness of innovative coatings test procedures while evaluating the durability of new coating systems, especially environmentally compliant materials for the corrosion protection of steel bridges.

Laboratory Description:

The Coatings and Corrosion Laboratory tests numerous durable and environmentally compliant bridge coatings using both accelerated laboratory tests and natural outdoor exposure. The laboratory also develops innovative cyclic laboratory test methods for evaluating bridge coating performance and highly reproducible techniques for evaluating coating failures. In addition, it assists State departments of transportation (DOTs) to solve a variety of bridge coating problems and recommends appropriate coatings for different environmental conditions.

Laboratory Special Capabilities:

The Coatings and Corrosion Laboratory performs the following types of activities:

Produces essential bridge coating performance data for DOTs.

Develops reliable laboratory test methods to study the performance of various bridge coatings.

Develops rapid forensic analytical techniques for identifying bridge coating type and determining causes of field coating failures.

Develops easy-to-use and quantitative methods for measuring coating failures.

Measures coating mechanical properties by various physical test methods.

Characterizes paint composition using various wet chemistry methods, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive analysis and other spectroscopic techniques.

Performs American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO) standard paint tests.

Determines toxicities of bridge coatings and their disposal options.

Detects early coating failures using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques.

Determines chloride concentrations on steel and coating surfaces.

Investigates wetting properties of paint materials on substrates using contact angle measurement system.

Determines presence and rate of corrosion, and moisture content of coating prior to corrosion using nondestructive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Laboratory Services: The Coatings and Corrosion Laboratory performs the following services:

Assist State DOTs in selecting durable coatings that perform well in different environmental conditions.

Recommend rapid and effective physical and chemical techniques to State DOTs and industries to identify causes for coating failures.

Serve on the quality assurance/quality control team for the AASHTO/NTPEP.

Serve on task group "Scanning Techniques" in the ASTM D01.25 subcommittee on

Evaluation of Weathering Effects.

Present up-to-date coating research to the Society for Protective Coatings conference, AASHTO/National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) Steel Bridge Collaboration meeting, and Transportation Research Board meeting.

Assist in solution preparations and sample analyses for other groups within TFHRC.

AGGREGATES AND PETROGRAPHIC LABORATORIES (APL) – CLINs 0105, 0205, 0305, 0405 and 0505

Laboratory Purpose:

The Aggregate and Petrographic Laboratory at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) provides facilities for the preparation and testing of aggregate samples for concrete, asphalt mixtures, and granular base course applications. The APL provides petrographic sample preparation and petrographic analysis of concrete, aggregates, and other construction materials for both research and forensic studies.

Laboratory Description:

Facilities are available for characterizing highway aggregate materials using both routine and research testing and evaluation methods. Included are - methods for: sieve analysis; minus No.

200 materials characterization; particle shape, angularity, and texture; compaction control; and petrographic analysis of minerals and rocks in aggregates. The APL also does various tests and microscopical petrographic analyses to aid in accomplishing both research objectives and understanding why service performance of materials was different than expected through forensic investigations.

Laboratory Capabilities:

Aggregate preparation, evaluation, and sizing.

Working in conjunction with the other laboratories (Chemistry, Asphalt Binder and Bituminous Mixtures, Pavement Test Facility, Coatings and Corrosion Laboratories, and the Concrete Laboratories) aggregate physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties can be assessed. In addition the APL has the capability of providing petrographic sample preparation and petrographic analysis of concrete, aggregates, and other construction materials using several types of microscopical methods.

Laboratory Equipment:

Equipment includes rock crusher, pulverizer, screening, and washing equipment, and full sets of certified standard and intermediate size sieves for coarse, and fine aggregates and for the sizing of minus No. 200 micro-fine materials using sieves, hydrometer, and laser analysis. Various methods of shape, angularity, and texture analysis are available including the AIMS II device as well as Superpave methods and petrographic analysis. Durability and compaction equipment include the Micro-Deval device for fine and coarse aggregate degradation in wet exposures and standard and modified proctor testing and permeability equipment.

Laboratory Services:

Testing, characterizing, and preparing aggregate materials for evaluation in concrete, asphalt, and granular base course mixtures as well as trouble-shooting and forensic investigation of performance in pavement and structures applications.

CONCRETE LABORATORIES (ConcLab) – CLINs 0106, 0206, 0306, 0406 and 0506

Laboratory Purpose:

Researchers in the Concrete Laboratories identify and evaluate new test methods, identify and conduct concrete materials research, develop mixture design and analysis procedures for concrete pavements, and provide concrete forensics.

Laboratory Description:

This laboratory is comprised of five components. These include an Aggregate Materials and Sample Preparation room, and a Curing Room as well as facilities for evaluating plastic concrete properties along with rheology, setting, and calorimetry; concrete curing and volume change;

concrete durability, including freezing and thawing and alkali-silica reaction; and mechanical properties, including strength and modulus of elasticity.

Laboratory Capabilities:

Facilities exist for the preparation of aggregate samples for concrete and the preparation of hardened cement paste, mortar, or concrete specimens for testing and analysis, for batching and mixing cement paste, mortar, and concrete; and for performing tests on fresh (plastic) cement paste, mortar, and concrete.

A Curing Laboratory is available for curing of concrete specimens under standard or other controlled conditions and assessment of curing-related properties, such as degree of hydration, maturity, and shrinkage.

The Concrete Durability Laboratory provides facilities for investigating the effects of chemical and environmental exposure on concrete. It is equipped to assess, alkali-aggregate reaction;

sulfate attack; chloride penetration; freezing, thawing, and thermal effects.

The Mechanical Properties Laboratory provides facilities for testing the mechanical properties of concrete, steel, and composites.

A Petrographic Laboratory is available for preparing and conducting petrographic and microscopic investigations of aggregate, Portland cement concrete, and asphalt concrete. The laboratories are inspected by the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory and accredited by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Materials Reference Laboratory both located at National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Laboratory Equipment:

The Aggregate Materials and Sample Preparation Laboratory equipment includes: two rock crushers, a pulverizer, a vibrating screen, a Gilson TestMaster, standard sieves, a Videograder (for automated sizing and shape analysis of aggregate), two water-cooled saws, lapping wheels, a lathe for profile grinding, and a muffle furnace.

The Plastic Concrete Laboratory has two drum mixers and a two-cubic-foot pan mixer for mixing concrete, mortar and paste planetary mixers, a high shear paste mixer, VeBe, Air Void Analyzer, DSR rheometer, semi-adiabatic calorimeter and isothermal calorimeter.

The Concrete Curing laboratory equipment includes three heated curing tanks, two walk-in environmental chambers [8ft by 8 ft], and [50 gallon] water bath.

The Concrete Durability Laboratory equipment includes an automated freeze-thaw, chamber with the capacity for 17 specimens, thermal coefficient of expansion test frames (both developed in-house and commercial units) and bath, and computer-controlled chloride penetration test equipment.

The Mechanical Properties Laboratory equipment includes three servocontrolled universal testing machines with capacities ranging from 267 kN to 1,780 kN (60,000 lbs. to 400,000 lbs.), a 4,448 kN (1,000,000-lb.) compression testing machine, a compressometer/extensometer, and four creep frames.

Laboratory Services:

The Concrete Laboratories provide support in the following areas: investigating the properties and performance of Portland cement concrete (and alternative cementitious composites) and their component materials (cement, aggregate, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) admixtures, etc.); evaluating and developing new or improved equipment and procedures for assessing properties and performance of Portland cement concrete (and alternative cementitious composites) including practices for materials selection, mixture proportioning, and construction of Portland cement concrete (and alternative cementitious composites); mixing, casting, and testing of Portland cement concrete (and alternative cementitious composites) test specimens in support of other researchers at TFHRC; specialized testing and forensic investigations on Portland cement concrete (and alternative cementitious composites) to assist State departments of transportation in research and troubleshooting problems with existing pavements and structures.

B. OBJECTIVE (PAVEMENT MATERIALS LABORATORIES at TFHRC)

The Office of Infrastructure (R&D) at TFHRC in McLean,Virginia has the need for technical support Contractor that shall provide laboratory and technical services to support the following FHWA Pavement Materials Laboratories:

Asphalt Binder and Bituminous Mixtures Laboratories (ABML) – CLINs 0101 thru 0501 Pavement Testing Facility (PTF) – CLINs 0102 thru 0502 Chemistry Laboratories (ChemLab) – CLINs 0103 thru 0503 Coatings and Corrosion Laboratories (CCL) – CLINs 0104 thru 0504 Aggregates and Petrographic Laboratories (APL) – CLINs 0105 thru 0505 Concrete Laboratories (ConcLab) – CLINs 0106 thru 0506

Services required shall include the overall management and operation of each laboratory listed above, daily operation and maintenance of laboratory test equipment, specimen preparation and logging, materials testing and evaluation, data acquisition, data scrutiny, data analysis, and documentation including reporting of findings, analysis, and recommendations.

C. GENERAL LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS – STATEMENT OF WORK

(Applies to each of the SPECIFIC LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS in C.1 thru C.6)

The following general requirements apply to all laboratory operations covered by this RFP.

Specific requirements for each laboratory are described in the next section entitled “Specific Laboratory Requirements – Statements of Work”.

Program Manager (PM):

Offerors shall have up to two (2) PM(s) for the entire contract. The PM shall perform the duties listed below for all labs covered by this contract. Hours for the PM shall be billed by CLIN.

The PM shall be responsible for all aspects of contractual performance. The PM will serve as the primary point of contact for the COR and shall be responsible for responding to submission of progress reports. The PM shall be responsive to the government’s need for excellent communication and quality customer service. The PM shall also be responsible for the cross-utilization of staff between laboratories as appropriate.

Project Work Plans:

For all laboratories listed above, the Contractor shall be responsible for developing and delivering a work plan for each project assigned by the COR. This may include project number, sampling and testing methodology, data storage and analysis method, and target deliverable such as a presentation, draft FWHA report or journal article. These work plans shall be developed in close coordination with the federal personnel. Work plans may be altered as needed.

Data Scrutiny:

The Contractor shall ensure that generated data are reviewed and scrutinized for quality. Scrutiny mechanisms should allow feedback from ongoing and completed tests to dynamically adjust laboratory operations ensuring appropriate corrections to the test program are made or additional tests are repeated as necessary. The Contractor shall follow a planned process addressing how data is managed at certain instances in data life (such as inception to reduction to analysis) and minimum time to allow between instances. The plan should include decisions regarding repeating, approval for data reduction, storage and labeling, and retrieval for analysis.

Ultimately, the Contractor is responsible for producing quality sets of data, minimizing delays in completing a test matrix due to unavoidable or unforeseen obstacles and finally analyzing and reporting while eliminating confusion about what tests have been completed or still needed.

Routine back-up of data:

The Contractor shall ensure that a procedure is in place to back-up all data on a routine basis as prescribed by each Federal Lab Manager (FLM)..

Equipment Inventory:

The Contractor shall facilitate the accounting for laboratory and other equipment by helping to maintain the FHWA computer inventory database for laboratory equipment and property. New equipment shall be added to the inventory within 7 days of receipt.

Equipment Maintenance, Calibration and Repair:

The Contractor shall ensure that lab equipment is in proper operating condition, that equipment is operated correctly, and that equipment is cleaned promptly after use. The Contractor shall perform simple routine maintenance tasks as set forth in equipment manuals.

The Contractor shall maintain a list of equipment requiring calibration, to include, as a minimum, type of equipment, manufacturer, model, and serial number, date of last calibration, calibration interval, and contact information for qualified calibration company or individual (an inventory database or calibration database may be used to create this list). When calibration is needed, the Contractor shall notify the FHWA Lab Manager at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the current calibration.

If equipment is not operating correctly, the Contractor shall notify the FHWA Lab Manager as soon as possible. The Contractor shall accurately document the problem in writing and perform rudimentary troubleshooting. The Contractor shall arrange for diagnosis and repair by either in-house or outside personnel. The Contractor shall coordinate as required with the TFHRC

Facilities Management Staff, other support labs at TFHRC (electronics, machine shop), and the TFHRC computer help desk, as appropriate, for assistance in diagnosing problems and repairing equipment.

All costs associated with repair, maintenance, special training, and calibration shall be borne by FHWA except in cases where the need for maintenance or repair is caused by negligence on the part of the Contractor’s employees. For maintenance, calibration, special training, or repair, the Contractor shall provide the COR with necessary information (nature of work needed, name of company to do work, phone number, estimated cost) in writing. Upon receiving approval from the FHWA Lab Manger and the COR, the Contractor shall schedule the calibration, maintenance, special training, or repair. For smaller, emergency or urgent repair parts, materials, or incidental supplies the Contractor may, after obtaining the approval of the COR, purchase the item or items.

The Contractor shall maintain an equipment repair and maintenance log. This log may be incorporated into an Equipment Inventory Database or Equipment Calibration Database.

Supervision and Scheduling of Technicians:

The Contractor shall designate a supervisor in each laboratory responsible for safety and security, day-to-day oversight of the work and technicians according to applicable standards (ASTM, AASHTO, ACI, or other) or standards defined for the project.

The designated supervisor shall assign work tasks and shall see that work is completed in a timely manner and in accordance with project requirements. The designated supervisor shall consult with the FLM regarding prioritization of work tasks.

The Contractor shall provide any training necessary to ensure that the contract requirements are met. This includes general training and certification as well as project-specific direction, oversight and training (for example, showing a technician how to use standard laboratory equipment or showing a technician the proper format for a graph or table).

Safety and Security:

The supervisor shall also take necessary safety measures to ensure work is performed in a safe manner using appropriate safety precautions and safety equipment (e.g., safety goggles, ear protection, gloves). The Contractor shall ensure that first aid and safety supplies are kept in each lab and shall notify the FLM promptly in writing when first aid or other safety supplies are needed. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) shall be kept on file and prominently displayed for all activities and materials used or stored in the laboratory. Information technology (IT) system security is addressed in Section H. Physical security, controlling physical access, and other security measures for the laboratories shall be maintained by the Contractor. Finally, the Contractor shall comply with all other applicable safety and health standards and best commercial practices.

Records and Reporting:

The Contractor shall establish and maintain organized central files and computerized files in each laboratory. These files shall contain information necessary for operation of the laboratory facilities and documentation for projects (e.g., data sheets, lab notebooks, diskettes, CDs).

Identification of samples for testing and subsequent test data results should be compatible with the Research Management System (also known as the laboratory information management system) an in-house database for tracking and storing data.

The Contractor shall assign a unique project number for each project undertaken in the laboratories. This includes not only in-house research but also specific testing requests, or other assistance to FHWA offices or states.

The Contractor shall maintain complete, up-to-date logs for the following:

Equipment repair and maintenance, including maintenance performed and dates, person performing maintenance, operational problems, repairs needed, date repairs performed, repair company contact information, and other relevant information.

Projects and tasks assigned within projects, including date assigned, work required, personnel assigned, scheduled completion date, actual completion date, any comments (problems encountered, decisions made, etc.), and other relevant information.

All material and test specimens fabricated in the laboratory or received from an outside source – including type of specimen, source, project, size, condition, storage location, and other relevant information.

All data and test results from tests performed.

Progress Reports:

The Contractor shall submit progress reports every two months to the COR and the contract administrator (CA) by e-mail, on or before the 15th of the month following the 2 month period being reported. Each report shall be divided by Lab and shall contain concise statements covering the activities during the reporting period relevant to the requirement, including:

Description of work accomplished on each project including:

Assigned staff Types of tests completed Qualitative summary of findings from data analyses A description of any tests and samples discarded problems encountered, or anticipated that will affect the completion of the effort within the timeframe and fiscal constraints as set forth in the contract, together with recommended solutions to such problems; or, a statement that no problems were encountered. Include any troubleshooting performed and by whom.

Supplies and materials purchased Training taken as a result of government requirement A tabulation of the planned, actual and cumulative person-hours expended by the

Contractor personnel.

A chart showing current (reporting period) and cumulative expenditures.

Completed deliverables Expected future actions and deliverables Travel taken Efforts to incentivize and reward employees.

Efforts to recruit new hires to fill vacancies.

Materials, Supplies, and Incidental Parts and Equipment:

The Contractor shall make arrangements to obtain and properly store asphalt concrete-making materials and other needed supplies and incidental parts and equipment.