FINAL_RFI_HF_On-Site_Support_Services.doc

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION / MARKET RESEARCH for

“Human Factors On-Site Support Services”

1. SUBMITTAL INFORMATION

ISSUE DATE:

NOVEMBER 26, 2012

DUE DATE FOR RESPONSES:

DECEMBER 14, 2012

SUBMIT RESPONSES TO:

JENNIFER.JOHNSON@DOT.GOV

SUBMIT QUESTIONS TO:

JENNIFER.JOHNSON@DOT.GOV OR

(202) 366-0904 See below Section 5 entitled “REQUESTED CONTENT OF RESPONSES TO THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)” for submittal content instructions.

2. INTRODUCTION

This is a Request for Information (RFI). This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information, for planning purposes, regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified sources to perform the work described below; and (2) the size classification of the available and capable sources relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method. The NAICS code for this planned acquisition is 541690, Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (size standard is $7 Million).

Pursuant to 48 C.F.R. Part 10, the Government is conducting market research to:

· Determine what sources exist that are capable of satisfying the Government’s requirements listed below,

· Determine the capabilities of potential contractors,

· Determine the size and status of potential sources, and

· Determine the level of competition (i.e. 8(a), set-aside or full and open).

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) intends to establish a five-year Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF), or hybrid CPFF and FFP contract for transportation safety technical experts to assist the FHWA with respect to the technical support requirements described herein.

See below Section 5 entitled “REQUESTED CONTENT OF RESPONSES TO THIS RFI” for submittal content instructions.

3. BACKGROUND

The FHWA Office of Acquisition Management contemplates a single award of a five-year cost reimbursement contract in support of the FHWA’s Office of Safety R&D. The purpose for this RFI is to conduct market research to identify potential offerors having an interest in, and the resources to support this requirement. Consideration will be given to identifying small business concerns, including the sub-categories of SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), SDB and woman-owned. The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement.

This document contains a list of specific technical skills necessary for successful performance of activities in support of FHWA’s program. Your firm’s response regarding these skills addressing your firm’s experience and capabilities will be used to determine the availability of potential businesses, both large and small, and their current capabilities. Respondents are encouraged to respond to each skill listed. (See below Section 5 entitled “REQUESTED CONTENT OF RESPONSES TO THIS RFI” for submittal content instructions including list of skills.)

The following section describes the specific task areas contemplated. FHWA anticipates seeking offerors with demonstrated understanding of each task area and an ability to provide functional capabilities for the majority of the technical task areas.

Note: Currently the subject work is being performed under the following existing contract, which currently ends on March 31, 2013. This market research announcement is issued in support of the planned re-compete of the following contract.

· Contract No. / Title: DTFH61-08-C-00006 / “Support Services for Human Centered Systems”

· Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation

· Total Potential Value: $9,359,940

4. DRAFT SCOPE OF WORK

Overview The FHWA Office of Safety R&D, Human Factors Team is the lead organization responsible for human factors activities in the safety and operations program areas. To fully meet its research responsibilities in a timely and effective way, the Human Factors Team requires both technical and administrative support.

The Human Factors Team is seeking support in human factors and transportation engineering to address complex technical program issues. This prospective contract will provide support to FHWA with the administration and execution of its research studies, under Government oversight. Some FHWA research entails close cooperation with state, local and private entities. The Contractor must be able to provide objective, independent, technical support, be free from any competitive threat to FHWA’s program partners, and adequately assure these partners that proprietary information will remain confidential.

Specific technical capabilities will be required of the Contractor. In particular, detailed knowledge of and practical experience in human factors and behavioral research concerning transportation safety; human factors and behavioral research concerning transportation operations; and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).

All full-time Contractor staff shall be located at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) in McLean, Virginia.

Human Factors Research Resources Located at TFHRC

1. Highway Driving Simulator (HDS): The HDS is fully interactive highway driving simulator and it is used for a variety of behavioral studies related to safety and operations conducted for FHWA and other stakeholders. The simulator consists of a full automobile chassis surrounded by a semicircular projection screen. Five projectors render a seamless 240-degree view (motorists’ field-of-view) of high-fidelity, computer-generated roadway scenes. HDS was recently upgraded to enhance the motion base, from 3 to 6 degrees of freedom. This improvement makes the motion and vestibular feedback much more realistic. Although HDS is serviced and operated by a separate contract, the Contractor under this prospective contract shall be able to perform technical and administrative support for the HDS as requested by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

2. Field Research Vehicle (FRV): FRV is an instrumented 2007 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Sport Utility Vehicle. FRV has being outfitted with equipment to record GPS position, vehicle speed, and vehicle acceleration. FRV is also equipped with an eye-tracking system that consists of two infrared (IR) light sources and three face cameras mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle.

3. Sign Design and Research Facility: This facility, known as the “Sign Lab,” consists of a 60in. LED/LCD Hi-definition TV connected to a computer control center enables researchers to present traffic signs to participants in a controlled environment. In the development of new traffic signs, it is important to determine the maximum distance at which the sign can be recognized as well as a participant’s comprehension. To this end, signs are displayed as small distant objects and are enlarged such that their appearance approximates that of driving towards the sign at a specified speed. The size of the image at the moment the sign is recognized is then used to approximate the sign's recognition sight distance. Precise control of sign display duration, image size, and the measurement of participant reaction time are achieved through computer control. Sign comprehension is generally recorded using open-ended questions relating to a participant’s understanding of a traffic sign.

4. MiniSimTM Driving Simulator: In partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the MiniSimTM is a part-task simulator consisting of a quarter cab set up that includes an adjustable driver's seat, driver controls, and meter cluster. Recently, MiniSimTM was upgraded to three 42" forward display LCD TVs, as well as software upgrades, and computers for generating driving scenes and controlling vehicle dynamics. This tool is useful for evaluating driver performance in simpler environments.

5. Data Analysis Facility: This facility is used for the review and analysis of analog and digital imagery and data recorded during behavioral research experiments. The facility uses customized video analysis software and high-end video capture and data recording devices.

6. Photometric and Visibility Laboratory (PVL): The PVL enables researchers to evaluate the photometric and colorimetric properties of signing and marking materials, including fluorescent materials. Human factors studies related to visibility issues are also performed in this laboratory.

Draft Descriptions of Task Areas The Contractor shall, at a minimum, provide technical services and administrative support to accomplish a variety of tasks:

Technical Support

1. Provide support for FHWA initiatives in the development of research programs for the Human Factors Team:

a. Within the broad program requirements and objectives, define specific objectives; develop flow charts, schedules, and estimate costs;

b. Provide full and detailed program descriptions, including summaries of each study within the program, how the work will be coordinated with other federal programs, and potential benefits of the research; and

c. Provide supporting program documentation, as required by the FHWA.

2. Conduct empirical and analytical in-house research studies:

a. Prepare administrative study documentation and research work plans;

b. Perform literature reviews;

c. Interface with other researchers conducting joint efforts with FHWA;

d. Prepare experimental designs;

e. Participate in peer review of work plans for in-house studies;

f. Prepare and test experimental apparatus and equipment;

g. Obtain, transport, and pay research subjects;

h. Train, instruct, and prepare subjects for experimental procedures;

i. Obtain subjects’ informed consent;

j. Collect data;

k. Conduct statistical or other analyses on obtained data;

l. Prepare draft and final reports of study results; and

m. Present research findings to senior FHWA staff and others.

3. Provide support to research activities:

a. Research, document, and design upgrades to apparatus in the Human Factors Laboratory

b. Implement enhancements to equipment as required by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR);

c. Provide input to periodic reviews of scientific equipment needs and other technical issues;

d. Provide technical support for the Human Factors Laboratory as required by the COR;

e. Provide maintenance support for the Human Factors Laboratory and the PVL;

f. Manage participant payments; and

g. Provide other laboratory support as required by the COR.

4. Provide support in contract research activities:

a. Prepare draft procurement documentation and draft statements of work for contracts, to be considered and used by FHWA;

b. Perform literature reviews, produce annotated bibliographies, and develop state-of-the-art synthesis reports on topics;

c. Conduct technical reviews of work plans and other documents submitted for contract research activities;

d. Meet with research contract staff to conduct technical reviews of ongoing or planned research;

e. Perform technical review and editing of Technical Summaries, Executive Summaries, interim draft reports, and final Technical Reports;

f. Provide support in the preparation of report publication documents and forms;

g. Provide support in the processing of reports through the review, approval, and publication cycles;

5. Provide other technical support to FHWA’s Human Factors Program as required by the COR.

Administrative Support

The Contractor shall:

1. Provide support on program outreach activities;

2. Provide support on technical conferences and meetings, including travel to Government designated meetings, conferences, symposia, etc., for the purpose of disseminating information and obtaining information required by program and/or research study activities;

3. Establish and maintain updated computer and paper files for efforts, staff studies and program related items (e.g., updated status synopses, budget information, etc.);

4. Prepare visual aids and support in writing reports and presentations;

5. Provide support in the preparation of letters or other materials for use by FHWA in responding to congressional and other inquiries;

6. Provide administrative support for the Highway Driving Simulator as required by the COR;

7. Assist in the management activities of pooled fund studies; and

8. Provide other administrative support as required by the COR.

On-Site Professional Staffing Requirements Due to highly specialized technical nature of the work performed under this prospective contract, the Contractor is required to provide the following professional staffing positions:

1. Project Manager: Oversee the support service staff and to work with the Human Factors Team Leader/COR in carrying out FHWA’s mission.

2. Research Psychologists/Human Factors Specialists: Manage and conduct behavioral research in one or more program areas.

3. Transportation Engineer: Manage and conduct research in one or more program areas.

4. Electronics Technician: Assist with a variety of technical activities related to the Human Factors Team.

6.

Research Assistants/Associates: Provide support to behavioral research in one or more program areas.

7. Administrative Assistant: Provide word processing, fiscal record management, and other assistance as assigned by the Human Factors Team.

5. REQUESTED CONTENT OF RESPONSES TO THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Interested parties, who consider their firms qualified to perform the above-listed services, are invited to submit responses to this RFI.

PAGE LIMIT: Responses shall not exceed 10 pages in length with font size twelve or larger.

Responses shall clearly identify:

1. Name, Address, Point of Contact;

2. Size Standard under NAICS code 541690, Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (size standard is $7 Million);

3. Identify all applicable classifications for your organization, such as:

a. Small Business?

b. Woman-owned business?

c. 8(a) business?

d. Large business

e. Small disadvantaged business

f. HUBZone business?

g. SDVOB business?

h. Non-profit?

4. Description of technical capabilities and relevant experience to perform the work described in Section 4 of this document; and

5. Description of possible planned staffing.

6. NOTES

PARTICIPATION IN THE MARKET RESEARCH IN NO WAY INFLUENCES THE SOURCE SELECTION FOR THESE SERVICES.

This RFI is not to be construed as a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to directly pay for any information or responses submitted as the result of this Sources Sought Notice.

As a result of this Market Research, FHWA intends to issue a solicitation at FedBizOpps.gov.

Thank you for participating in US DOT’s market research.

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