DTFH61-13-R-00037.pdf

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD 1. THIS CONTRACT IS NOT A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

RATING

PAGE OF PAGES

1 | 70

2. CONTRACT NUMBER

3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

DTFH61-13-R-00037

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

SEALED BID (IFB)

X NEGOTIATED (RFP)

5. DATE ISSUED

October 11, 2013

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NO.

41-20-13012

7. ISSUED BY CODE HAAM-20 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

Federal Highway Administration Office of Acquisition Management 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E. Rm E 65-101 Washington, DC 20590

Federal Highway Administration Office of Acquisition Management 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E. Rm E 65-101, Washington, DC 20590 ATTN: Adams JeanPierre

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations “offer” and “offeror” mean “bid” and “bidder”

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and 4 copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the depository located in 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, E65-101 until November 12, 2013_ local time _2:30 pm __.

CAUTION LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR A. NAME B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS) C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

INFORMATION

CALL:

Primary Contact: Adams JeanPierre Secondary Contact: Robin Hobbs

AREA CODE

NUMBER

366-2044 366-4004

EXT.

Adams.jeanpierre@dot.gov.

Robin.hobbs@dot.gov.

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

() SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) () SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM 1 X I CONTRACT CLAUSES 42 - 50

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COST 2 - 4 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT 5 - 16 X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 51

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING 17 PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 18 X K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS 52 - 55

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 19 - 20 AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 21 - 26 X L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 56 - 66 X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 27 - 41 X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 67 – 70

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror) NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within _____ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232-8)

10 CALENDAR DAYS

20 CALENDAR DAYS

30 CALENDAR DAYS

CALENDAR DAYS

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

15A. NAME CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN

AND OFFER (Type or print)

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER 15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE 17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

AREA CODE

NUMBER

EXT.

ADDRESS IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE -

ENTER SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

20. AMOUNT

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

10 U.S.C. 2304(c) ( ) 41 U.S.C. 253(c)( )

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS

SHOWN IN (4 copies unless otherwise specified)

ITEM

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) CODE 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

28. AWARD DATE

IMPORTANT – Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

mailto:Adams.jeanpierre@dot.gov mailto:Robin.hobbs@dot.gov

PART I

SECTION B

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B-1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED IN FULL TEXT

MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS (IDIQ)

During the term of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $50,000.00. The maximum amount of all task orders issued against all contracts awarded as a result of this acquisition shall not exceed a ceiling of $2,000,000.00.

(End of clause)

B-2 SCHEDULE OF RATES

Labor skill sets and rate ceilings governing this contract shall conform to the descriptions herein and be listed in the Microsoft Excel format found at Section J.1and apply for each of the described categories for each of the five contract years. The unit of issue (rates) is the fully burdened fixed price hourly rate.

1. Program Manager

The Program Manager shall be responsible for administration, supervision and management of the contract personnel, which shall include coordinating time and travel for the contract personnel. The Program Manager shall be responsible for the submission of all task order proposals, progress reports, final reports and all other deliverables. The Program Manager shall be the point of technical and administrative contact between the Government and the Contractor and shall be responsible for the successful completion of all work required under this contract.

The Program Manager shall have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the management of technical personnel, research, and technology studies of a complex nature. The Program Manager shall have a general understanding of highway construction materials; laboratory and field testing; QA procedures; and statistical analysis; as well as demonstrated communications skills.

NOTE: Offerors shall provide a plan showing how the Program Manager will maintain close contact with the COR through regular, frequent face-to face meetings, email and/or telephone/web-conferencing.

2. Principal Investigator

The Principal Investigator shall conduct research dealing with QA, including specification and acceptance plan evaluation and development; data validation procedures. In addition, the Principal Investigator shall assist in developing webinars; providing training and assistance to contractors and/or State highway agencies; evaluating and developing software; and writing reports.

The Principal Investigator shall have a minimum of 15 years of experience in conducting research studies dealing with highway construction quality assurance. The Principal Investigator shall have an understanding of highway materials and construction; field sampling and testing;

and data collection, organization, and analysis.

3. Quality Assurance Engineer

The Quality Assurance Engineer shall conduct research dealing with QC/QA, including specification and acceptance plan evaluation and development. In addition, the Quality Assurance Engineer shall assist in developing workshops; providing training and assistance to contractors and/or State highway agencies; evaluating and developing software; and writing reports.

The Quality Assurance Engineer shall have a minimum of 10 years of experience in conducting research studies dealing with highway construction quality assurance. The Quality Assurance Engineer shall have an understanding of pavement materials and construction; field sampling and testing; and data collection, organization, and analysis.

4. Pavements /Materials Engineer

The Pavements/Materials Engineer shall conduct research in the construction quality assurance, including pavement performance prediction model development, pavement evaluation, and materials and construction investigations. In addition, the Pavements/Materials Engineer shall assist in developing workshops; providing training and assistance to contractors and/or State highway agencies; evaluating and writing software; and writing reports.

The Pavements/Materials Engineer shall have a minimum of 7 years of experience in conducting research studies dealing with pavement design, pavement materials, and/or pavement construction.

Additionally, the Pavements/Materials Engineer shall have either a minimum of 7 years of field experience in highway design or construction, or hold a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering. The Pavements/Materials Engineer shall have an understanding of State highway agency organizations and functions, pavement management systems, asphalt and concrete technology.

5. Statistician

The Statistician shall be responsible for the application of statistical principles in the development of procedures related to construction quality assurance, setting up experimental designs, and performing statistical analyses.

The Statistician shall have a Doctorate Degree, or a Master’s Degree with a minimum of 3 years of applicable experience.

6. Computer Programmer

The Computer Programmer shall be responsible for supporting the computer programming functions in this contract, and as specified in Task orders issued.

The Computer Programmer shall have a minimum of 2 years of experience in providing computer programming functions for pavement related activities. The Computer Programmer shall be competent in languages such as Excel applications, application development for smart phones and tablets, Visual Basic and C++ and in performing statistical analysis such as Monte Carlo simulations. Additionally, the Computer Programmer shall have demonstrated experience in writing user’s manuals and help files and in applying the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

7. Clerical Support Clerical Support shall be responsible for technical report preparation and assistance with administrative functions.

Clerical Support shall be experienced in providing administrative support to technically focused staff and in preparing technical reports.

SECTION C –DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF

WORK

C.1. INTRODUCTION

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) developed an Infrastructure Research and Technology Strategic Plan and Roadmap to provide direction to its Infrastructure research, development, and technology program and guide the RD&T activities to be undertaken. Objective 4 of the Roadmap is to “Improve the ability of transportation agencies to deliver projects that meet expectations for scope, timeliness, quality and cost.” Several initiatives were developed to help achieve Objective 4. One of these initiatives is to “Develop guidance and tools, conduct program reviews, and deploy effective Quality Assurance plans and best practices.”

This strategy can be regarded as consisting of several RD&T activities, i.e., research task orders, each having specific well-defined objectives. Some examples of the type of potential early quality assurance-related activities that may be undertaken include:

• Evaluation of improved application of F & t-testing for comparing QC and Verification test data (e.g. Excel or simple standalone software program).

• Verification and validation procedures for contractor QC tests used in the acceptance decision for Pavement Smoothness.

• Guidelines for selecting optimum sample size, alpha error, and decision rules for validation of contractor test data.

• Recommended procedures for visual inspection of completed precast concrete elements and potentially Pre-stress inspection guide as part 2.

• Dispute Resolution Best Practices for Materials Testing

• Guidelines for Verification procedures for small quantity items of work. Effective HMA acceptance testing for smaller quantities (e.g. 10,000 tons, 5000 tons, 1000 tons, 500 tons) by optimizing the risk of future performance with the cost of the acceptance.

• Guidelines for recommended procedures for nondestructive testing of completed precast concrete elements.

• Guidelines for conducting data validation on results from test procedures (e.g. Gmm from AASHTO T 209 and Gmb from AASHTO T 166) versus material properties computed from two or more test procedures (e.g., hot mix asphalt air voids, VTM from lab compacted samples and the field density % Gmm.)

• Webinars/Workshops for improved QA practices.

C.2. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this contract is to conduct research and provide technology transfer as needed to advance the state-of-the-practice in construction and materials quality assurance on an as needed basis, in support of the Highway Quality Assurance Program at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC).

C.3. SCOPE OF WORK

Under this contract, the Contractor shall perform research and services as necessary to support the activities of the FHWA related to construction and material quality assurance. Work under the contract shall include the conduct of research; the development and conduct of webinars; the development of educational and training materials; and the delivery of presentations.

C.4. TASK AREA REQUIREMENTS

C.4.1. Tasks Order Specific Requirements

When ordered, the Contractor shall provide the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities to perform the requirements in this work statement, as ordered in separate task orders. Individual task orders will be managed, monitored and evaluated by the federal employee assigned by the office requiring support services.

The Contractor Shall Conduct Quality Assurance Research This requirement includes providing research services to address specific needs identified by FHWA in construction and material quality assurance. The objectives of the research are to: (1) create science-based quality assurance systems, (2) provide guidance for more effective contractor and agency quality control/verification practices, (3) instill greater uniformity among construction specifications and acceptance plans, (4) attain a better understanding of construction quality.

The Contractor shall conduct technical workshops and training

The Contractor Shall conduct Quality Assurance Webinars/Workshops The Contractor shall plan, develop, organize, schedule, and deliver webinars/workshops to: (1) identify research and development needs related to construction and material quality assurance,

(2) examine and discuss agency and contractor quality control/quality assurance practices, and

(3) obtain feedback on research products and concepts established under this contract. The Contractor shall provide all technical and administrative functions associated with arranging and coordinating webinars, including arranging web connections, contacting participants, developing online scheduling. For workshops the Contractor shall provide all technical and administrative functions associated with arranging and coordinating, including arranging meeting location, contacting participants, securing lodging and meeting space, developing schedules, obtaining miscellaneous equipment and expendable supplies, and other workshop support functions.

Workshops may range in length from 4 to 12 hours of contact time and be presented at one or more times and/or places.

The Contractor Shall Provide Quality Assurance Training and Assistance Work in this area includes providing training and assistance as needed to help State highway agency and construction contractor personnel with the development and effective use of specifications and/or with other products resulting from this contract. The training and assistance shall be on site, either at the construction project or the agency headquarters or field offices.

Coordinating with the COR and the State highway agency prior to each visit, to establish a plan and schedule for the training and assistance to be provided. Each visit shall be individualized to meet the specific needs of the requesting State highway agency.

The Contractor shall provide technical assistance in convening meetings

Work under this area includes making all travel arrangements for non-Federal workshop participants. Arrangements will include transportation reservations and tickets; hotel reservations;

local transportation between transportation terminals and hotel and, if relevant, between hotel and meeting site; and other arrangements necessary to the successful travel and room and board for participants. The Contractor shall be responsible for the travel costs associated with non-federal workshop participants who qualify for invitational travel. (Invitation travel means non-federal individuals who are providing a direct service to the agency, such as making a presentation or advising in an area of expertise.)

The Contractor shall Provide Quality Assurance Software This includes evaluating, making recommendations for, and improving or expanding existing software programs related to construction quality assurance. An example of existing programs that may be addressed through Task Orders are programs used for buyer/seller risk analysis, selection of optimum construction target values, and development of performance-related specifications (PRS). Each Task Order will be for one software program only.

Also included is developing new software programs related to construction and material quality assurance. An example of new programs that may be addressed is the development of a standalone program that uses industry standard software such as Microsoft Excel and or similar platforms.

All software deliveries, preliminary and final, shall include as a minimum, in addition to the executable version, well-documented source code in electronic readable format, overall software architecture documentation, overall and individual module interface documentation, other support and library files, and a user’s operations manual. The source code and support files included shall be in its entirety so that they can be compiled and linked using off the shelf software to recreate the executable version of software in its entirety. All hardware deliveries will include all documentation necessary to reproduce (assemble) and operate the delivered hardware system(s).

The Contractor shall provide technical presentations

The Contractor Shall Provide Quality Assurance Presentations Work includes the preparation and delivery of PowerPoint presentations when requested.

Presentations shall cover Task Order objectives, progress, results, findings, conclusions, and recommendations up to the date of the presentation. The principal investigator shall conduct the presentation.

C.5 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

C.5.1 Employee Standards

All Contractor employees shall meet the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity. Standards of professionalism include competency, training, appearance, and behavior.

The Contractor shall perform pre-employment suitability checks for all employees and prospective employees. The Contractor shall take disciplinary action against employees who disregard those standards.

The Contractor shall ensure all personnel complete all annual security awareness training. The Contractor shall ensure all required personnel complete all annual specialized security training.

Upon request, the Contractor shall submit all course certificates to the COR within 24 hours of request.

C.5.2 Employee Identification

All Contractor personnel must be recognizable as such while on any activity or work effort performed under this contract. This shall be accomplished by issuing badges and/or name tags that contain the Contractor’s company name and employee’s full name. The Contractor shall furnish badges or nametags for his/her employee at the Contractor’s expense prior to contract performance. All employees shall wear the identification in a conspicuous place on exterior clothing. The Contractor shall ensure that Contractor personnel identify themselves as Contractors when attending meetings, answering Government telephones, providing any type of written correspondence, or working in situations where their actions could be construed as official Government acts.

To ensure the requirements of FIPS 201, Personal Identity Verification (PIV) of Federal Employees and Contractors, are met, refer to Section H of this solicitation for more information on HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE-12 (HSPD-12)

C.5.3 Government Printing Requirements

Printers Dummy

As final copy, the Contractor shall prepare a full-sized (or 90 percent-sized) dummy of the document, showing pagination, colors used, photo placement, and placement of text and all other visual elements.

Printers Disks

The final electronic files for printing shall be delivered to the FHWA on CD-ROMs, or other acceptable media. The disk shall include all necessary files for producing the printed document, and be accompanied by the standard GPO Form 952, Desktop Publishing----Disk Information. If the Contractor fails to provide explicit instructions and all needed files and information with the final deliverables (printers dummy and printer’s disks) the printing process will be delayed until the FHWA receives corrected files or information from the Contractor. The FHWA is not responsible for any additional costs, which may be incurred as a result of missing or incomplete information provided by the Contractor.

C.5.4 GENERAL SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall establish appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect any and all Government data, to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of government data. As a minimum, this shall include provisions for personnel security, electronic security and physical security as listed in the sections that follow:

C.5.5 DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION/PUBLISHING

There shall be no dissemination or publication, except within and between the Contractor and any Subcontractors or specified Integrated Product/Process Team (IPT) members who have a need to know, of information developed under this contract or contained in the reports to be furnished pursuant to this contract without prior written approval of the CO. FHWA approval for publication will require provisions which protect the intellectual property and patent rights of both FHWA and the Contractor.

C.5.6 DATA RIGHTS

The Government will retain unlimited rights to all intellectual property and technical data produced in the course of developing, deploying, training, using and supporting FHWA or other Federal agencies under this contract. All modifications to Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) or Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software, middleware, hardware, or source code will be the sole property of the Government. The Contractor will be required to negotiate agreements with commercial system vendors relating to non-disclosure of vendor-proprietary information.

Except as noted above, all software and data rights developed or provided under this Work Statement (WS) will be provided to the Government for any intended use by the Government.

The Government will not authorize the Contractor to assert Copyright in data first produced in the performance of this contract.

C.5.7 Government Furnished Equipment/Information/Property

Government furnished equipment/information/property will be specified in individual task orders.

When furnished, the Contractor shall maintain a detailed inventory accounting system for GFE/Material or Contractor Acquired Property (CAP). The inventory accounting system must specify, as a minimum: product description (make, model), Government tag number, date of receipt, name of recipient, location of receipt, current location, purchase cost (if CAP), and contract/order number under which the equipment is being used. The Contractor shall either: a) attach an updated inventory report to each Monthly Progress Report, or b) certify that the inventory has been updated and is available for Government review. In either case the Contractor’s inventory listing must be available for Government review within one business day of COR request.

C.5.8 CONTRACTOR LIABILITY

The Contractor shall protect, defend, indemnify, save, and hold harmless the United States Government and its employees or agents, from and against any and all claims, demands, expenses, causes of action, judgments and liability arising out of, or in connection with, any negligent acts or omissions of the Contractor, its agents, Subcontractors, employees, assignees, or anyone for whom the Contractor may be responsible. The Contractor shall also be liable for any and all costs, expenses and attorney’s fees incurred as a result of any such claim, demand, cause of action, judgment or liability, including those costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees incurred by the United States Government and its employees or agents. The Contractor’s liability shall not be limited by any provision or limits of insurance set forth in the resulting contract.

C.5.9 Place of Performance

Specific location information will be provided in each individual task order. On-site and off-site support on the part of the Contractor shall be required. Most work will be required at the TFHRC located at 6300 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101. Performance of technical services at an off-site location, including telework and field work, must be approved by the Federal Task Manager and COR. Regular meetings with HRDI or other meetings with FHWA staff at the TFHRC facility will be required regardless of place of performance.

C.5.10 Hours of Work

The workweek and daily hours of work for the services tasks defined in this work statement shall be in accordance with the requirements provided in each individual task order. All staff shall be available to the Government during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Work hours for the Contractor personnel shall not exceed 40 hours per week without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. Overtime will not be authorized under this contract except by prior approval of the Contracting Officer

C.5.11 Contractor Required Licenses/Certifications

Any required licenses and certifications will be specified in the individual task orders issued under this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing appropriately qualified personnel.

C.5.12 Training

The Contractor shall be responsible for any special training, licensing and certifications of Contractor personnel necessary to provide the necessary expertise in specialized scientific or data analysis topics to meet Government requirements.

C.5.13 Travel

The Contractor shall be responsible for coordination of travel in support of Government requirements. The Contractor shall be required to invoice in accordance with FAR 31.205-46, Travel Costs, and Federal Travel Regulations, and must submit documentation of all travel costs.

The Government will specify the travel dates and location in individual Task Orders for required local, domestic, and international travel.

C.5.14 Direct Labor Rates

Direct Labor rates under this contract includes Contractor employee labor, Sub-Contractor employee labor and Consultant labor. The direct labor rates are fully burdened with all proportional overhead, fringe, profit/fee, G&A, etc. Maximum direct labor rates are identified in Section J.1.

C.5.15 Exit Interviews

The Contractor shall conduct exit interviews with all departing Contractors and return Government-issued identification badges and Government-issued equipment to the COR.

C.6 REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTING SECTION 508 STANDARDS

All Information Technology deliverables shall conform to the Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility Standards. See http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm for more information

Preparation of Technical Reports or other documents that FHWA plans to post on a website.

In addition to the work requirements specified in this statement of work, vendors must ensure that all electronic documents that they prepare will meet the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. The act requires that all electronic products prepared for the Federal Government be accessible to persons with disabilities, including those with vision, hearing, cognitive, and mobility impairments. Vendors can view Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm) and the Federal IT Accessibility Initiative (Home Page) (http://section508.gov/) for detailed information.

The FHWA has determined that the accessibility requirements contained in the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards, Section 1194.22, “Web-based intranet and internet information and applications,” apply to this work. The standards are available at www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm.

The following paragraphs summarize the requirements for preparing FHWA reports in conformance with Section 508 for eventual posting by FHWA to an FHWA-sponsored website.

If you have further questions, please contact the FHWA contracting officers technical representatives listed in this statement of work.

Electronic documents with images http://www.access-board.gov/508.htm

Provide a text equivalent for every non-text element in all publications prepared in electronic format. Use descriptions (such as, "alt" and "longdesc") for all non-text images or place them in element content. For all documents prepared, one text format that includes descriptions for all non-text images must be prepared. “Text equivalent” means text sufficient to reasonably describe the image. For example, an image that is merely decorative requires only a very brief “text equivalent” description. However, if the image conveys information that is important to the content of the report, then text sufficient to reasonably describe that image and its purpose within the context of the report must be provided.

Electronic documents with complex charts or data tables When preparing tables that are heavily designed, provide adequate alternate information so that assistive technologies can read them out. Identify row and column headers for data tables.

Provide the information in a non-linear form. Markup shall be used to associate data cells and header cells for data tables that have two or more logical levels of row or column headers.

Electronic documents with forms When electronic forms are designed to be completed on-line, the form shall allow people using assistive technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.

C.6.1 Other Section 508 Requirements

All electronic and information technology (EIT) procured through this Contract must meet the applicable accessibility standards at 36 CFR 1194, unless an agency exception to this requirement exists. (36 CFR 1194 implements Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and is viewable at http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/508standards.htm - PART 1194).

The following standards have been determined to be applicable to this contract:

______1194.21 Software applications and operating systems.

______1194.22 Web-based intranet and internet information and applications.

______1194.23 Telecommunications products.

______1194.24 Video and multimedia products.

______1194.25 Self contained, closed products.

______1194.26 Desktop and portable computers.

The standards do not require the installation of specific accessibility-related software or the attachment of an assistive technology device, but merely require that the EIT be compatible with such software and devices so that it can be made accessible if so required by the agency in the future.

The standards are available at http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/index.htm.

The following paragraphs summarize the requirements for preparing final technical deliverables in conformance with Section 508 for eventual posting by USDOT to a USDOT-sponsored Web site. If you have further questions, please contact the USDOT COR listed in this contract.

C.6.2 SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE

On August 7, 1998, President Clinton signed the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, which includes the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain or use electronic and information technology (EIT), they shall ensure that this technology allows:

- Federal employees with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency, and

- Individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to the public who are not individuals with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities may have a range of functional limitations. These include upper and lower mobility limitations, manipulation limitations, blindness or low vision, deafness or hearing limitations, and speech or cognitive limitations.

In Section 508, and consistent with the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996, EIT is defined to include any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or information. It includes computer hardware, software, networks, telephones, copiers, fax machines and peripherals as well as many electronic and communications devices commonly used in offices. Video and multimedia products are also covered.

Application

The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain or use EIT.

Inaccessible technology interferes with an individual's ability to obtain and use information quickly and easily. Section 508 was enacted to eliminate barriers in information technology, to make available new opportunities for people with disabilities, and to encourage development of technologies that will help achieve these goals.

Section 508 (29 U.S.C. § 794d) requires Federal agencies to ensure that their EIT allows employees and members of the public with disabilities to have access to and use of information and data which is comparable to access by those without disabilities. The requirements of section 508 have been implemented through the promulgation of technical and performance standards by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) who were charged with developing technical and functional provisions to establish a minimum level of accessibility.

Standards

The standards define the types of technology covered and set forth provisions that establish a minimum level of accessibility. The application section (1194.2) outlines the scope and coverage of the standards. The standards cover the full range of electronic and information technologies in the Federal sector, including those used for communication, duplication, computing, storage, presentation, control, transport and production. This includes computers, software, networks, peripherals and other types of electronic office equipment. The standards define EIT, in part, as "any equipment or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment that is used in the creation, conversion, or duplication of data or information."

The functional performance criteria in Subpart C of the Access Board’s standards are intended for overall product evaluation and for technologies or components for which there is no specific requirement under the technology-specific provisions in Subpart B. These criteria are designed to ensure that the individual accessible components work together to create an accessible product.

They cover operation, including input and control functions, operation of mechanical mechanisms, and access to visual and audible information. These provisions are structured to allow people with sensory or physical disabilities to locate, identify, and operate input, control and mechanical functions and to access the information provided, including text, static or dynamic images, icons, labels, sounds or incidental operating cues.

Subpart D of the provisions addresses access to all information, documentation, and support provided to end users (e.g., Federal employees) of covered technologies. This includes user guides, installation guides for end-user installable devices, and customer support and technical support communications. Such information must be available in alternate formats upon request at no additional charge. Alternate formats or methods of communication can include Braille, cassette recordings, large print, electronic text, Internet postings, TTY access and captioning and audio description for video materials.

Maintenance/Support for Legacy Systems

New maintenance and support contracts on legacy systems do not require the previously owned EIT to meet the technical provisions of Subparts B or C of the Access Board's standards.

However, the newly acquired help desk services, training and product support documentation must meet Subpart D of the Access Board's standards.

EIT Acquired by a Contractor Incidental to a Federal Contract

In accordance with paragraph 1194.3 of the standards, "General Exceptions", Section 508 does not apply to EIT that is acquired by a Contractor incidental to a contract. That is, the products a Contractor develops, procures, maintains, or uses, that are not specified as part of a contract with a Federal agency are not required to comply with Section 508. For example, if a firm is contracted to develop a web site for a Federal agency, the web site created must be fully compliant with Section 508, but the firm's own web site would not be subject to Section 508.

To help ensure full compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the law, Contractors may wish to consider in-house activities such as:

- Coordinate and assure education and awareness of all employees within the company assigned to work covered by Section 508,

- Monitor the Access Board (www.access-board.gov) and GSA (www.section508.gov) web sites for new guidance and training opportunities.

- Develop and implement methods for monitoring adherence to Section 508 policies and procedures.

- Coordinate with personnel and training to add disability awareness and accessibility training into company training programs.

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) is hosting a template on their site (www.itic.org) which will allow vendors who choose to participate, the ability to download the document and complete it to describe how a particular product or service they offer complies with Section 508 Access Board standards.

C.7 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES

Unless specified otherwise, technical reports under this contract shall be prepared in accordance with the latest version of the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center’s (TFHRC) Communications Reference Guide (FHWA-RD-03-074), available at http://www.tfhrc.gov/qkref/qrgmain.htm.

All fonts used in the documents must be supplied on the disk so the document will print as it appeared on the contractor’s equipment. Files must be included in the programs of origin, such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc., so these files can be modified or corrected and re-imported into the full text document. Graphics should be created as separate elements and imported into the text file. An electronic file of each imported graphic shall be delivered. Graphic must be produced in a program that can export an interchange file format that can be imported into the full text. Photos must be in TIF or EPS (GIF and JPEG are acceptable for electronic publishing) with on-screen preview and with line screen appropriate for printing. Files should be provided in a manageable size of 3 Mb or less.

Except as specified in this section for contract level reports, all reports and other data items required for each individual task order will be defined at the task order level. Contract level reports incorporate all issued task orders, performance and problems, and are required in accordance with the requirements specified herein.

C.7.1 Progress Reports

The Contractor shall prepare and submit a Quarterly Progress Report detailing significant events, accomplishments, and issues. The Quarterly Progress Report shall describe the task orders awarded during the performance period and the status of all task orders, both prior and current.

C.7.2 Financial Reports

The Contractor shall prepare and submit a contract Financial Report monthly using the format in J.2. Financial Reports shall identify each task order, the price or negotiated amounts by cost category, the cost incurred to date by cost category, the current estimated cost required to http://www.access-board.gov/ http://www.section508.gov/ http://www.itic.org/ http://www.tfhrc.gov/qkref/qrgmain.htm complete the task by cost category, the difference between the negotiated cost and the total of the cost incurred to date, and cost estimated to complete the task based on the current status of the task. The difference between the negotiated cost and the combination of the cost incurred to date and required to complete the task will indicate the need for additional obligations or the anticipated cost savings. The Contractor shall project, for time-and-material or labor hour task orders, the percentage of completion based on the current obligation/cost amount provided in the task order and furnish the Government a timeframe for which the 85% of ceiling price as specified in FAR 52.232-7 will be incurred. The report shall include a brief summary of activity under the base contract, including short statements on the project’s objectives, scope, methodology, information obtained, and conclusions. It shall also identify accomplishments, and pending issues and comments for the contract. The report shall also include any additional information¬–including findings and recommendations–that may assist the Government in evaluating progress and managing activities under this contract.

C.7.3 Annual Report

The Contractor shall prepare and submit an Annual Report, based on the Government's fiscal year, by the 10th of October of each year the contract is active. The annual report shall be a consolidation of the reports above. Contractors shall also provide a description of the accomplishments, lessons learned, and recommendations on the contract. The Government will notify the Contractor if there are any discrepancies in the settlement amount provided by the Contractor.

C.7.4 Schedule of Deliverables

The contractor shall prepare and submit the deliverables as required and defined in this work statement in accordance with the delivery schedule, in Section F.

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 PACKAGING

Preservation, packing, and packaging of items for shipment shall be in accordance with commercial practice and adequate for acceptance by common carrier for safe transportation at the most economical rates.

D.2 SHIPPING AND MARKING

D.2.1 SHIPPING

The Contractor shall use the U.S. Postal Service standard delivery for delivery of materials, equipment, or required hardcopy documents. The COR must approve all exceptions to this requirement.

Shipment of deliverable items, other than reports, shall be as follows:

Ship to:

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

HRDI - 20

6300 Georgetown Pike McLean, VA 22101 Mark for: (TBD)

The Contractor shall mark each shipment with the company name, this Contract number, the item identification, quantity of items, and notice of partial or final delivery.

D.3 F.O.B. POINT

The F.O.B. point for all items, unless otherwise directed by the Government, shall be:

FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION

HRDI - 20

6300 Georgetown Pike McLean, VA 22101

All items shall be shipped F.O.B. destination unless otherwise specified in task orders.

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

52.246-2 INSPECTION OF SUPPLIES – FIXED PRICE (AUG 1996)

52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES – FIXED PRICE (AUG 1996)

52.246-5 INSPECTION--TIME-AND-MATERIAL AND LABOR-HOUR (MAR 2001)

52.246-16 RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPPLIES (APR 1984)

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

All work hereunder shall be subject to review by the Government. The COR specified in the COR appointment letter(s) is responsible for inspection and acceptance of all incoming shipments, documents, and services.

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

Certification by the Government of satisfactory services provided is contingent upon the Contractor performing in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract, any task orders issued, and all amendments.

GOVERNMENT ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

The COR will have thirty (30) calendar days to review draft deliverables and make comments.

The Contractor shall have five (5) workdays to make corrections and return the corrected deliverable to the government.

Upon receipt of the final deliverables, the COR will have ten (10) workdays for final review prior to acceptance or providing documented reasons for non-acceptance. When the Government fails to complete the review within the review period the deliverable will become acceptable by default.

The COR will have the right to reject or require correction of any deficiencies found in the deliverables that are contrary to the information contained in the Contractor’s accepted proposal or this Statement of Work.

In the event of a rejected deliverable, the Contractor will be notified in writing by the COR of the specific reasons for rejection. The Contractor shall have ten (10) workdays to correct the rejected deliverable and return it per delivery instructions, at no additional costs to the Government.

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER (AUG 1989)

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER (AUG 1989) – ALTERNATE I (APR 1984)

52.247-34 F.O.B. DESTINATION (NOV 1991)

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance of this Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract (for the purpose of placing orders) is four (4) years from the date of award. There are no option periods under the contract. Options may be used for task order performance.

F.3 METHOD OF DELIVERY

Electronic copies shall be delivered using Microsoft Office suite of tools (for example, MS WORD, MS EXCEL, MS POWERPOINT, MS PROJECT, or MS ACCESS format), unless otherwise specified by the COR. Electronic submission shall be made via email, unless otherwise agreed to by the COR.

F.4 DELIVERABLES

F.4.1 DELIVERY SCHEDULE ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations are used in the delivery/deliverable schedule:

Abbreviation Definition CO Contracting Officer COR Contracting Officer's Representative Days Calendar Days unless otherwise specified E Electronic Copy H Hard Copy NLT Not Later Than WDA Working Days After

F.4.2. DELIVERABLE/DELIVERY SUMMARY

Deliverable PWS Reference Delivery Date Format Receipient Progress Reports C 7.1 By the 10th of

January, April, July, October

E CO, COR

Financial Reports C 7.2 By the 7th of every month

E CO

Annual Report C 7.3 By the 10th of October

E CO, COR

F.4.3 TASK ORDER DELIVERABLES

Task orders will identify task specific deliverables and performance standards required in the performance of each order. Deliverables may range in a variety of formats and types consistent with the task areas described in paragraph C.4.

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

The Contractor shall provide sufficient management to ensure that this contract is performed efficiently, accurately, on time, and in compliance with the requirements of this document.

Specifically, the Contractor shall designate a single manager to oversee this contract and supervise staff assigned to this contract.

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely in the Contracting Officer. In the event the contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price.

Contracting Officer’s Address:

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Room: E65-101 – Mail Code: HAAM-20B Washington, DC 20590

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

(a) The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) may be changed at any time by the Government without prior notice to the contractor by unilateral notice or unilateral modification to the contract. The COR is located at:

* The name and address of the COR will be designated at the time of contract award

(b) The responsibilities and limitations of the COR are as follows:

(1) The COR is responsible for the technical aspects of the contract and serves as technical liaison with the contractor. The COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract.

(2) The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government or authorize any changes which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any contractor request for changes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer directly or through the COR. No such changes shall be made without the express written prior authorization of the Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer may designate assistant or alternate COR(s) to act for the COR by naming such assistant/alternate(s) in writing and transmitting a copy of such designation to the contractor.

(c) Any action(s) taken by the Contractor, in response to any direction given by any person acting on behalf of the Government or any Government official other than the Contracting Officer or the COR acting within his or her appointment, shall be at the Contractor’s risk.

G.4 TASK ORDER PROCEDURES

(a) All funds expended under this contract shall be incurred and accounted for under individual Task Orders.

(b) If a multiple award contract, fair opportunity for task orders will be given to all awardees unless an exception applies in accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(2).

(c) The Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist will issue Task Order Proposal Requests (TOPR) to the Contractor.

(d) The TOPR may be placed by written communications or…