S_DTFH61-13-R-00023.docx

The following Synopsis was previously posted under Presolicitation #41-10-13010 This synopsis is issued in accordance with FAR Part 5.203 in response to the mandatory requirement for a 15 day pre-solicitation notification. The purpose of this synopsis is to announce the Federal Highway Administration’s intent to issue a solicitation for a Full and Open Competition to procure the services of an Offeror/Vendor to further validate Fundamental Properties (FP) III products and make modifications, where they may be necessary, to the test methods and protocols.

As a result of this solicitation, the FHWA intends to award one Firm Fixed Price Contract. The anticipated period of performance shall not exceed 18 months. The solicitation will be issued on or about April 27, 2013.

The overall objective of this acquisition is to: validate products developed by Western Research Institute (WRI) with various materials provided by Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC), evaluate and analyze asphalt binders from the accelerated loading facility, and provide evidence for the validity for the sustainable materials as they apply to the test methods and protocols. The objectives should be achieved with the use of sample collections, an extraction process, infrared analysis (IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheology, and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

The scope of work will focus on two topic areas:

1. To test methods and protocols in the field of asphalt binder aging, specifically chemical changes in the binder and how aging influences embrittlement; and

2. A secondary focus that will address sustainable binders including those reclaimed from asphalt pavement (RAP), asphalt shingles (RAS), and extended using recovered engine oil bottoms (REOBs).

The solicitation will be released electronically via this Government Point of Entry (GPE) otherwise known as Federal Business Opportunities or www.fbo.gov. As such, no written, telephonic or other type of request for an advance copy of the solicitation will be entertained at this time. Potential Offerors/Vendors are encouraged to register on www.fbo.gov to receive any further information in reference to the subject action inclusive of any announcements, and/or amendments to the solicitation after its release.

Offerors must have an approved accounting system to be eligible for award of a Firm Fixed Price Contract. This requirement is full and open competition pursuant to NAICS code 541712 with a size standard of 500 employees.

Any questions regarding this synopsis should be directed to Tamiko Aikens, Contract Specialist, via email at tamiko.aikens@dot.gov.