DTFH61-14-R-00012_RFP_FINAL_012214.docx

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

1. THIS CONTRACT IS NOT A RATED ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

RATING

2. CONTRACT NUMBER

January 21, 2014

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: Carolyn Wilson

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 February 19, 2014_ local time _12:30 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. THIS PROCUREMENT IS BEING ISSUED AS A SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDE.

THIS IS A FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION REQUIREMENT

Primary Contact: Carolyn Wilson Secondary Contact: Robin Hobbs

AREA CODE

NUMBER

366-0867 366-4004

EXT.

Carolyn.Wilson@dot.gov.

Robin.Hobbs@dot.gov.

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

M

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

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.

10 CALENDAR DAYS

20 CALENDAR DAYS

30 CALENDAR DAYS

CALENDAR DAYS

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the

SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN

AND

OFFER (Type or print)

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

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.

DTFH61-14-R-00012

SECTION B

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED IN FULL TEXT

MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNT (IDIQ)

During the term of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $20,000.00 each, to all contract awardees. The amount of all orders issued (all awardees combined) under this contract shall not exceed $12.5 million.

B.2 SCHEDULE OF RATES

Fully burdened ceiling hourly labor rates for the identified labor categories. Rates applicable during the year period when a task order is issued will remain in effect until 12 months after the task order award date before escalating to the next year’s rates.

Reference Section C.8.1

Senior Project Manager (SPM)

Project Administrator (PA)

Project Engineer (PE)

Reference Sections C. 4.1.4.1.1. and C.8.2

Project Engineer (PE)

Senior Laboratory Technician (SLT)

Laboratory Technician (LT)

Reference Sections C.4.1.4.1.2.1. and C.8.3 (Government furnished equipment)

Project Engineer (PE)

Senior Laboratory Technician (SLT)

Reference Sections C.4.1.4.1.2.2. and C.8.3 (Contractor furnished equipment)

Project Engineer (PE)

Senior Laboratory Technician (SLT)

Reference Section C.4.1.4.1.2.3.

Laboratory Technician

Asphalt Materials Data Analyst

Asphalt Materials Engineer

PG Classification (per test)

PG Classification w/ critical cracking temp (per test)

Direct Tension Test (per test)

Bending Beam Rheometer (per test)

Dynamic Shear Rheometer (per test)

Multi Stress Creep and Recovery (per test)

Rolling Thin Film Oven (per test)

Pressure Aging Vessel (per test)

Rotational Viscosity (per test)

Specific Gravity (per test)

Flash Point (per test)

Dynamic Shear Rheometer Torsion Bar – Mastics (per test)

Asphalt Binder Master Curves/Frequency Sweep (per test)

Reference All Sections

Statistician/Experimental Designer

Asphalt Mixture Expert

Asphalt Binder Expert

Asphalt Pavement Structural Design Expert

Asphalt Pavement Modeling Expert

Asphalt Chemist

Quality Assurance/Risk Analysis Expert

Technical Writer/Editor

Reference All Sections

Senior IT Specialist/Programmer

IT Specialist/Programmer

Database Specialist/Programmer

B.3 ESTIMATED LEVEL OF SUPPORT THAT COULD BE ORDERED

(not guaranteed or limiting)

MAMTL Program Staff

a) One Senior Project Manager (SPM)

b) One Project Administrator (PA)

c) Two Project Engineers (PE)

d) One Senior Laboratory Technician (SLT)

e) Two Laboratory Technicians (LT)

ABTL Program Staff

a) One Project Engineer (PE)

b) One Senior Laboratory Technician (SLT)

B.4 DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

B.4.1. Senior Project Manager (SPM)

Duties This individual shall work under very broad supervision in providing management and technical direction to program personnel. The SPM shall regularly exercise independent judgment, as well as a high-level of analytical skill in solving complex technical, administrative and managerial problems. Will be responsible for all aspects of program performance. The individual shall: (1) Be responsible for all aspects of program performance (i.e., technical, contractual, administrative, financial); (2) Manage all aspects of program activity; (3) Provide technical and financial reports in order to show progress to management and customers; (4) Maintain customer contacts to ensure conformity to all contractual obligations; (5) Assume the initiative and provide support to management in identifying future requirements; (6) Develop, maintain, and implement a Program Management Plan that guides the performance of all functional activities performed on the Program.

The SPM shall be responsible for managing the contract personnel and all activities related to this Contract. The SPM shall assist the project engineers (see staffing category below) in preparing work plans, written reports, and delivering presentations. The SPM, in conjunction with the Project Administrator (PA - see staffing category below), shall manage and maintain the inventory of equipment associated with this project. The SPM shall be responsible for the submittal of all work plans, data analysis, and progress report. The SPM shall coordinate and deliver project kickoff and close out presentations. The SPM shall become familiar with emerging asphalt technology as it relates to the contract activities.

Qualifications The SPM shall have adequate experience and qualifications to successfully execute the duties and responsibilities listed above, including experience in the areas of asphalt mix plant production operations and equipment, asphalt binder and mixture laboratory and performance testing, and the Superpave System. The SPM shall be proficient in the use of computers for data analysis and management. The SPM shall have excellent oral and written communication skills. The SPM shall participate and speak at demonstrations, seminars, and workshops.

B.4.2. Project Administrator (PA)

Duties The PA shall be responsible for the administrative aspects of the contract. The PA shall be responsible for coordinating time and travel for the contract personnel. The PA shall process the required forms and reports associated with travel approval and reimbursement. The PA shall assist the engineer and SPM in preparing written reports by providing grammatical and technical editing of text and graphics to minimize editorial comments by the COR. The PA shall be responsible for compiling and incorporating technical reviews of each report. The PA shall manage the inventory of equipment and expendable items and process the required forms and reports associated with equipment service, maintenance, calibration, upgrade, and replacement.

Qualifications The PA must have adequate experience and qualifications to successfully execute the duties and responsibilities listed above, including computer literacy and excellent oral and written communication skills, and prior experience in administering laboratory support service contracts.

B.4.3. Project Engineer (PE)

Duties The first PE (PE-1) shall be responsible for managing the FHWA mobile asphalt mix testing laboratory (MAMTL) and shall be responsible for asphalt mixture work. PE-1 shall be responsible for the preparation of all reports associated with the project, supervision of the Contractor’s laboratory technicians for the project, preparation and accuracy of work plans, reports, and data analysis, and the progress of MAMTL project work. PE-1 shall maintain complete project notation including overseeing up to date management of the test results and project InfoBase.

The second PE (PE-2) shall be responsible for managing the FHWA asphalt binder testing laboratory (ABTL) and shall be responsible for asphalt binder work. PE-2 shall be responsible for the preparation of all reports associated with the project, supervision of the Contractor’s laboratory technicians for the project, preparation and accuracy of work plans, reports, and data analysis, and the progress of ABTL project work. PE-2 shall maintain complete project notation including overseeing up to date management of the test results and project InfoBase.

The third PE (PE-3) shall work with both the ABTL and MAMTL and shall additionally be responsible for conducting data analysis and reports related to asphalt mixture performance testing, binder performance testing, and coordinating data analysis between the two laboratories as needed. PE-3 shall maintain complete project records of coordinated efforts between the ABTL and MAMTL.

Qualifications

Applicable to all PEs:

Each PE shall show evidence of successful completion of a full four year professional engineering curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in rheology, chemistry, or engineering from an accredited college or university. PEs should ideally have a demonstrated history of professional experience, supplemented by specialized experience relative to asphalt pavement materials, statistics, and material modeling. PEs shall be proficient in the use of computers for data analysis and management and be capable of maintaining complete project notation including up to date management of the project InfoBase. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required and each PE will be required to participate in, and speak at, demonstration projects, seminars, committees, and workshops. Each PE shall have a working knowledge and experience in asphalt pavement design and performance of asphalt materials.

PE-1:

The PE assigned to the mixture work in the MAMTL shall have experience with Superpave mix design, asphalt pavement design, agency acceptance testing, quality control testing, and the required test equipment and procedures.

PE-2:

The PE assigned to the binder work in the ABTL shall have experience with asphalt binder testing equipment and the required test equipment, procedures, and standards. The PE shall be capable of running the required tests in cooperation with SLT testing as work load dictates.

PE-3:

The third PE shall have experience in the fundamentals of both asphalt mix and binder testing, aggregate imaging theory and analysis, and strong skills in statistical data analysis.

B.4.4. Senior Laboratory Technician (SLT):

Duties

SLT-1:

SLT-1 shall be responsible for assisting the PE in the FHWA mobile asphalt mix testing laboratory (MAMTL) and shall be responsible for asphalt mixture testing and performing the activities as listed under the scope of work and approved test plan. The SLT shall have experience with the required asphalt binder test equipment and procedures. The SLT will also be required to participate in demonstrations, seminars, and workshops. The SLT shall be responsible for entering data in the project InfoBase and maintaining up to date information on each project. Responsible for assisting the PE in the MAMTL in maintaining detailed project notation. Responsible for maintaining the general laboratory test equipment and keeping the laboratory current with AMRL accreditation.

SLT-2:

SLT-2 shall be responsible for assisting the PE in the FHWA asphalt binder testing laboratory (ABTL) and shall be responsible for binder testing and performing the activities as listed under the scope of work and approved test plan. The SLT shall have experience with the required asphalt mixture test equipment and procedures. SLT-2 in the ABTL will also be required to participate in demonstrations, seminars, and workshops. The SLT shall be responsible for entering data in the project InfoBase and maintaining up to date information on each project. Responsible for maintaining the general laboratory test equipment and keeping the laboratory current with AMRL accreditation.

Qualifications

Applicable to all SLTs:

Each SLT must have experience in asphalt material testing and with the Superpave System. Each SLT should be capable of being certified by a nationally recognized organization certifying technicians for the indicated tests. Each SLT must demonstrate good communication skills.

SLT-1:

The SLT-1 assigned to the MAMTL ideally should have a current valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicable to provide legal and safe transport of the MAMTL. If the SLT-1 does not have a CDL, transport of the MAMTL will be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

B.4.5. Laboratory Technician (LT)

Duties LT-1 and LT-2 shall be responsible for assisting the SLT-1 in the FHWA mobile asphalt mix testing laboratory (MAMTL) and shall be responsible for performing the activities as listed under the scope of work and approved test plan. Responsible for maintaining the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester test equipment. Responsible for assisting the PE and SLT in the MAMTL in maintaining detailed project notation. Responsible for running and collecting data from the Aggregate Image Measurement System (AIMS), as well as maintaining the AIMS test equipment. Responsible for maintaining the general laboratory test equipment and keeping the laboratory current with AMRL accreditation.

These LTs shall be required to participate in demonstrations, seminars, and workshops.

Qualifications

Applicable to all LTs:

Each LT should have experience in asphalt material testing. The LT shall be capable of being certified by a nationally recognized organization certifying technicians for the indicated tests and demonstrate good communication skills.

LT-1 and LT-2:

The LTs assigned to the MAMTL ideally should have a current valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicable to provide legal and safe transport of the MAMTL. If the LTs do not have a CDL, transport of the MAMTL will be the responsibility of the Contractor at no cost to the Government.

B.4.6 Subject Matter Experts (SME)

Recognized at the industry level in a technical field or highly specialized engineering or technology area and is proficient in relevant engineering management principles and practices. Applies experience, skills, and expert knowledge within a highly specialized engineering sub discipline to broad, complex assignments. Generates revolutionary concepts as evidenced by synthesis of new products or processes. Creates or uses powerful tools to develop solutions for technical engineering or scientific problems. Utilizes and develops tools, techniques, processes and facilities such as state-of-the-art simulation environments, laboratories, and test facilities. Provides leadership and technical direction for engineering activities in a specialized engineering discipline or technology subject area. Recognized at the industry level, as a key contributor to the technical planning process and for providing technical expertise, management, and guidance with approximately 8 to 15 years of specialized experience.

B.4.7 InfoBase Support

Senior IT Specialist/Programmer

Consults with client or department heads to define need or problem, conducts research, performs studies and surveys to obtain data, and analyzes problems to advise on or recommend solutions, utilizing knowledge of theory, principles, or technology of specific discipline or field of specialization. Requires knowledge in fields defined as information technology, computer programming, computer security, computer systems analysis, database management, information systems, Internet applications and development, software development, and related fields. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. A BS/BA degree (or equivalent) in appropriate specialty with approximately 8 to 15 years of experience in related field.

IT Specialist/Programmer

Conducts research, performs studies and surveys to obtain data, and analyzes problems to advise on or recommend solutions, utilizing knowledge of theory, principles, or technology of specific discipline or field of specialization. Requires knowledge in fields defined as information technology, computer programming, computer security, computer systems analysis, database management, information systems, Internet applications and development, software development, and related fields. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. A BS/BA degree (or equivalent) in appropriate specialty with approximately 4 to 8 years of experience in related field.

Database Specialist/Programmer

Designs and builds relational databases for data storage or processing. Develops strategies for warehouse implementation, data acquisition, and archive recovery. Cleans and maintains the database by removing and deleting old data. May evaluate new data sources for adherence to the organization's quality standards and ease of integration. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks. May lead and direct the work of others. Typically reports to a project leader or manager. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. A BS/BA degree in a related area (or equivalent), with approximately 4 to 8 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 BACKGROUND

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Asset Management, Pavement, and Construction (HIAP-20) oversee the Asphalt Technology Guidance Program (ATGP).

The ATGP is essential in the research and development of new asphalt pavement technologies, material test procedures and design methods be incorporated into best commercial practices. To accomplish this requires continued refinement of these new procedures and methods, and the demonstration and dissemination of information to government and industry personnel. In order to provide a long lasting, safe and efficient highway network, FHWA uses the Asphalt Technology Guidance Program (ATGP) to respond to stakeholder needs (State and local highway agencies, FHWA division offices, and industry), refine, and standardize innovations in the asphalt pavement industry. The ATGP utilizes a series of initiatives and tools to gather stakeholder input and needs, showcase and validate innovative asphalt pavement materials and procedures, perform asphalt material test development, refinement, and validation, and provide demonstration on-site guidance for asphalt mixture production quality control and assurance. This is crucial to the effective implementation, and adoption, of these new and innovative procedures, materials, and evaluation technologies by both industry and agencies.

The ATGP program provides a basis for determining the needs and conducting a national effort in advancing the current state of practice in asphalt pavement materials, asphalt pavement mixture design, and asphalt pavement material testing and evaluation. Activities include materials testing, data collection, data mining and analysis, data statistical evaluations, workshops, training and technical assistance to test, evaluate, validate, showcase, and promote the use of existing, new, innovative, and emerging asphalt pavement materials and technology in the areas of:

· asphalt pavement materials (existing, new, innovative, and emerging)

· asphalt pavement structure (thickness) designs

· asphalt pavement mixture designs

· asphalt pavement distress predictions

· asphalt pavement distress evaluations

· asphalt pavement materials test equipment and procedures

· asphalt pavement quality assurance (quality assurance includes the areas of quality control, acceptance, independent assurance, and risk analysis)

· asphalt pavement troubleshooting and forensics

From 1987 through 1993, the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) conducted a $50 million research effort to develop new ways to specify, test, and design asphalt materials. The final product of the SHRP asphalt research program was a new system referred to as Superpave, which stands for Superior Performing Asphalt Pavements. The Superpave method specified how asphalt could be mixed, designed, and analyzed. FHWA’s Mobile Asphalt Mixture Testing Laboratory (MAMTL) and Asphalt Binder Testing Laboratory (ABTL) were originally developed to showcase Superpave design and volumetric mixture control; it is the essential FHWA program used to implement Superpave across the United States. Implementation has required substantial investments in equipment and training far exceeding the initial research investment. In fact, the implementation process is still ongoing today, 20 years since the conclusion of the research, as the few remaining State agencies move to adopt the design procedure and improvement/refinements are developed.

The ATGP brings technical assistance on-site to contractors and State agencies on various technologies, test procedures, and quality initiatives. Since 1993, the mobile laboratory has traveled to 45 States across every region of the United States to assist State agencies and asphalt contractors in implementing the Superpave mix design system. Equipped with Superpave mixture testing equipment and staffed by technicians with expert knowledge of the Superpave and performance testing protocols, the mobile laboratory helped advance Superpave to many States in its early years, and later help troubleshoot Superpave projects on field sites. The program has continued to evolve and now focuses on assisting State agencies with Quality Assurance[footnoteRef:1] initiatives by providing technical assistance, guidance and training materials for improved State quality assurance programs and adoption of statistically valid acceptance programs. It introduces new concepts for material testing and selection, new test protocols, new equipment, new design methods and new performance testing tools and evaluation and provides technical expertise to facilitate effective use of recycled materials in highway pavements [1: Quality Assurance includes the areas of quality control, acceptance, independent assurance, and risk analysis.

In addition, the mobile lab program actively improves and advances completed research and technologies into common industry practice. It is a well-known and accepted by State DOTs and industry that the adoption, usage, and advancement of most current asphalt technologies used today in the areas of Superpave, Performance Graded binders, Percent Within Limits (PWL) acceptance specifications, multi stress creep and recovery (MSCR), asphalt mixture performance tester (AMPT)[footnoteRef:2], use of high percentages of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), and warm mix asphalt (WMA) would not have advanced as rapidly without the dedicated resources of the mobile lab program. [2: AMPT testing includes dynamic modulus (E*), flow number (Fn), flow time (Ft), and fatigue tests.]

Figure 1: The above map shows the states visited by the ATGP since 2007 Since 2007, the ATGP performed field testing at the following locations. Depending on the request from the State DOT, the objectives of the field visits were to characterize asphalt binder and mixture properties and performance, advance new technologies and best practices, demonstrate the value of good Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Acceptance concepts, and collect inputs for the AASHTOWare® pavement computational software - Pavement ME Design. (formerly DARWin-ME™) These field visits helped the agency and industry participants to see new equipment first hand and provide actual test results and performance to the agency on their own materials. This testing is independent of the project requirements and is well received by both agencies and contractors as an independent evaluation of the project.

· Oregon DOT QC/QA project on Corridor X; Portland, OR

· Colorado DOT warm mix asphalt project on I-70E; Dillon, CO

· FHWA WFLHD warm mix asphalt project; Yellowstone National Park, WY

· Minnesota DOT acid modified binder project on MnROAD, Maple Grove, MN

· Kansas DOT high RAP project on US-83; Oakley, KS

· Delaware DOT high RAP project on I-95; Wilmington, DE

· Minnesota DOT high RAP project on MnROAD; Rogers, MN

· Texas DOT warm mix asphalt project on US-190; Woodville, TX

· Pennsylvania DOT warm mix asphalt project on SR-2006 & SR-2012; Pleasant Gap, PA

· Missouri DOT warm mix asphalt project on I-55; Sikeston, MO

· Louisiana DOT warm mix asphalt and latex modified project on LA-116; Alexandria

· Wisconsin DOT high RAP project on I-39; Stevens Point-Wausau, WI

· Indiana DOT warm mix asphalt project on US-41; Veedersburg, IN

· New Hampshire DOT high RAP project on I-93; Woodstock-Lincoln, NH

· Montana DOT warm mix asphalt project on I-15; Lima-Monida, MT

· Maryland SHA warm mix asphalt project on MD-25; Cockeysville, MD

· Minnesota DOT high RAP project on US-14; St. Charles-Winona, MN

· New Mexico DOT warm mix asphalt & high RAP project on I-25; Truth or Consequences, NM

An on-site project closeout for every visit is conducted with the State DOT and FHWA Division staff summarizing the test results, evaluation, and materials performance for each project. A final project report is created and provided to the State DOT with detailed documentation, results, and most importantly, recommendations.

C.2 SCOPE

The scope of this contract is to provide for personnel, engineering, and other technical services to deliver and support the ATGP. Under this contract, the Contractor shall perform all services necessary to support the activities of the FHWA related to delivering, refinement, and improvement of the ATGP including operation of the mobile asphalt mixture testing laboratory (MAMTL) trailer, provide asphalt binder testing laboratory (ABTL) testing capabilities, provide engineering analysis and reporting, provide technical training and presentations.

C.3 OBJECTIVES

The ATGP brings technical assistance on-site to contractors and State agencies on various technologies, test procedures, and quality initiatives. The program has continued to evolve and now focuses on assisting State agencies with Quality Assurance initiatives by providing technical assistance, guidance and training materials for improved State quality assurance programs and adoption of statistically valid acceptance programs. It introduces new concepts for material testing and selection, new test protocols, new equipment, new design methods and new performance testing tools and evaluation and provides technical expertise to facilitate effective use of recycled materials in highway pavements.

C.4 REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Task Requirements

The Contractor shall provide the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities to perform the requirements in this work statement, as ordered on separate task orders. Individual task orders will be managed, monitored and evaluated by the COR or Federal Task Manager.

4.1.1. Identify and Analyze Project Information and Data

The Contractor shall work directly with the FHWA to identify and collect asphalt pavement materials test results and previous ATGP project data generated as a result of the FHWA Asphalt Testing Laboratory (ATL) Program. Since 1998, the ATL program has generated test results and project data on over 150 asphalt pavement construction projects located across the United States. The data has been entered and stored in a Microsoft Access based Informational Database (InfoBase) program. The InfoBase program and data will be provided by FHWA. The goal of this task is to identify and aggregate the data generated on these projects; analyze the results and data in order to develop and report recommendations on how the test results and data can be used to benefit the industry. Note: Test data may include data from constituent materials such as liquid asphalt binder, aggregates, mineral fillers, liquid and non-liquid additives or modifiers; or data from a combination of these constituent materials represented as asphalt mixture.

Examples of test data collected on projects (not all inclusive):

Asphalt Binder Tests:

a) Asphalt Specific Gravity Test.

b) Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) Asphalt Binder Specification Tests: Dynamic Shear Rheometer, Bending Beam Rheometer, Direct Tension Test, Rolling Thin Film Aging and Pressure Aging of Asphalt Binder.

c) Asphalt Viscosity using the Rotational Viscometer.

d) Binder performance grade per AASHTO M320 and AASHTO MP19.

e) Torsional beam testing with the Dynamic Shear Rheometer.

f) Multiple Stress Creep Recovery with the Dynamic Shear Rheometer.

g) Frequency sweep for binder master curve development.

Asphalt Mixture Tests:

a) Flow and stability.

b) Maximum specific gravity of bituminous mixtures.

c) Extraction and recovery of asphalt from bituminous paving mixes.

d) Shear data collected during compaction with the Superpave gyratory compactor

e) Bulk specific gravity of compacted bituminous mixtures.

f) Aggregate gradations, specific gravities, absorption, (including CoreLok, SSDetect, and Gilson SG-4 equipment among other traditional methods)

g) Aggregate shape, form, and texture (including x-ray tomography and Pine Aggregate Image Measurement System (AIMS) equipment)

h) Asphalt stripping and water sensitivity tests of compacted bituminous paving mixtures.

i) SHRP Volumetric Mix design for Asphalt Paving Mixes.

j) Asphalt Mixture Performance Test (AMPT): including dynamic modulus, flow number, flow time, master curve development, S-VECD fatigue

k) Texas overlay test fatigue

l) Hamburg wheel track test rutting and stripping

4.1.1.1. Populate and Maintain InfoBase

The Contractor shall populate and maintain the InfoBase with the data identified and collected in Section 4.1.1. and on future FHWA projects as identified by the COR. Historically, FHWA collects data from four to eight construction projects annually.

4.1.2. Technology Transfer, Training, Demonstration, Technical Review, Technical Assistance, Subject Matter Expertise

The Contractor shall be responsible for assisting in the technology transfer, training, demonstration, technical review, and technical assistance activities, as identified by the FHWA, to the asphalt pavement community. Activities shall be in the form of, but not limited to:

a) Preparation and/or delivery of presentations to highway agency, industry, and stakeholder audiences at all levels from technicians to executive level management.

b) Preparation of display and/or promotional materials (including but not limited to brochures, videos, and interactive CD ROM software) for use at conferences and workshops.

c) Participation in technical meetings, workshops, conferences, and/or seminars.

d) Participation in field construction site visits to assist with trouble shooting and technical issues related to asphalt pavement design, production, construction, quality assurance, and testing.

e) Coordination of workshops and/or conferences pertaining to asphalt pavements.

f) Provide technical assistance to local, state, and government agencies. Technical assistance can range from answering questions thru email and phone calls to detailed engineering analysis and forensics.

g) Provide literature based on requests for information within the scope of the project.

h) Ship equipment to requesting agency and provide hands-on training.

i) Develop and prepare technical publications. Provide professional quality technical articles suitable for publication, journals, newsletters, briefing papers, brochures, and develop workshop modules.

j) Update or develop training materials and publications, and conduct training classes and workshops for various stakeholders.

4.1.3. Deployment Feedback

Based on all items associated with this contract the Contractor shall determine deployment needs, technical training needs, equipment demonstration needs, and other technical issues associated with asphalt pavement materials, testing equipment, standards, technologies, etc. These should be determined with an emphasis on State Highway Agency (SHA) and FHWA Division Office (DO) needs and priorities related to asphalt pavements. Provide feedback to the FHWA, FHWA expert task groups and technical working groups, and the AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials and Subcommittee on Construction. This feedback will summarize the type and extent of questions and their resolutions received from SHAs and DOs requesting assistance. The Contractor shall document the deployment, training, equipment, technical and other feedback for each two (2) month period in a report and submit to the COR.

4.1.4. Laboratory and Field Services

The Contractor shall provide sufficient manpower to perform all asphalt pavement material related tests on active project sites throughout the United States as specified in the testing plan developed by the Contractor and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Field work may be located in remote geographical locations and may require work during the night and during weekends to coincide with project construction activities.

Note: To facilitate this effort, FHWA operates and maintains asphalt binder testing laboratory (ABTL) capabilities and a mobile asphalt mixture testing laboratory (MAMTL) trailer which targets a significant number of government and industry engineers and technicians. The effort will first conduct a thorough evaluation of new testing, calibration, performance monitoring equipment, and techniques developed from research. Then, the program will refine and promote this technology for use by a wide audience throughout the United States. Central to this effort is assisting the State and Federal agencies in evaluating new equipment and test procedures on active construction project sites throughout the United States.

4.1.4.1. Laboratory

4.1.4.1.1. MAMTL

The Contractor shall operate the MAMTL Program with contractor staff at Government provided tractor trailer mobile lab/office space with Government furnished equipment. Testing equipment, computers, printers, office supplies, etc. required to operate the equipment and document and maintain the test data, and populate and maintain the InfoBase will be provided by the Government to the contractor staff for this option.

4.1.4.1.2. ABTL

4.1.4.1.2.1. The Contractor shall operate the ABTL Program with contractor staff at a Contractor provided office and laboratory space with Government furnished equipment. The Contractor provided space shall meet all applicable regulations associated with operating an asphalt binder testing laboratory and be AMRL accredited for all tests conducted. The space and location must be authorized by the COR. Testing equipment, computers, printers, office supplies, etc. required to operate the equipment and document and maintain the test data, and populate and maintain the InfoBase will be provided by the Government to the Contractor staff for this option.

4.1.4.1.2.2. The Contractor shall operate the ABTL Program with contractor staff at a Contractor provided office and laboratory space with Contractor furnished equipment. The contractor provided space shall meet all applicable regulations associated with operating an asphalt binder testing laboratory and be AMRL accredited for all tests conducted. The space and location must be authorized by the COR. Testing equipment, computers, printers, office supplies, etc. required to operate the equipment and document and maintain the test data, and populate and maintain the InfoBase will be provided by the Contractor for this option.

4.1.4.1.2.3. The Contractor shall operate the ABTL Program by providing testing of asphalt binder materials on a test by test basis and engineering and analysis as needed and requested by the COR. Examples of such test include, but are not limited to:

a) PG Classification

b) PG Classification w/ critical cracking temp

c) Direct Tension Test

d) Bending Beam Rheometer

e) Dynamic Shear Rheometer

f) Multiple Stress Creep Recovery

g) Rolling Thin Film Oven

h) Pressure Aging Vessel

i) Rotational Viscosity

j) Specific Gravity

k) Flash Point

l) Non Standardized Testing and other Standardized Testing

m) Testing Supplies & Expendables, Other Direct Costs

n) Engineering Analysis and Reporting

o) Dynamic Sheer Rheometer Torsion Bar Test (mastics)

4.1.4.2. Test Plan

The Contractor shall develop a test plan based on the testing needs of the COR and the requesting agency where the field work is to be performed. The details of the testing plan will require the Contractor to discuss and coordinate the specific testing needs over the telephone, via email, and may require a visit to the requesting agency’s place of business. Upon written approval of the test plan by the COR, the Contractor shall ensure that all equipment required in the test plan is calibrated, in working order, and available for use. The scheduled start of field work shall be mutually agreed upon by the COR and requesting agency. As a minimum each test plan should include the following routine asphalt pavement materials tests:

Asphalt Mixture Tests:

a. Flow and stability.

b. Maximum specific gravity of bituminous mixtures.

c. Asphalt binder content utilizing the Ignition Oven

d. Compaction of bituminous paving mixtures utilizing the Standard Marshall Hammer, Modified Marshall Hammer (with rotating base), Texas Gyratory Compactor, or the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC).

e. Bulk specific gravity of compacted bituminous mixtures.

f. Aggregate gradations, specific gravities, absorption, (including CoreLok, SSDetect, and Gilson SG-4 equipment among other traditional methods)

g. Aggregate shape, form, and texture (including x-ray tomography and Pine Aggregate Image Measurement System (AIMS) equipment)

h. Asphalt stripping and water sensitivity tests of compacted bituminous paving mixtures.

i. SHRP procedure for aging test on bituminous paving mixtures.

j. SHRP Volumetric Mix design for Asphalt Paving Mixes.

k. Superpave Asphalt Binder and Mix project InfoBase.

l. Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) procedures and equipment

Asphalt Binder Tests

m. Asphalt Specific Gravity.

n. Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) Asphalt Binder Specification Tests:

Bending Beam Rheometer, Dynamic Shear Rheometer, Direct Tension Test, Pressure Aging of Asphalt Binder, and Asphalt Viscosity using the Rotational Viscometer.

o. Superpave Asphalt Binder and Mix project InfoBase.

p. Torsional beam testing with the Dynamic Shear Rheometer.

q. Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery with the Dynamic Shear Rheometer.

r. Frequency sweeps to generate master curves.

s. Asphalt Binder Cracking Device (ABCD)

4.1.4.3. Project Coordination

The Contractor shall make all necessary arrangements, in a professional manner, with the requesting agency, asphalt mixture supplier, and field project prime contractor concerning schedule and activities. The Contractor shall also maintain a log of all verbal and written communications with requesting agencies. The Contractor shall provide a detailed itinerary to the COR 14 days prior to departure of the mobile asphalt mix testing laboratory (MAMTL) for a project. The Contractor shall be aware that other contractors at the project location are engaged in similar work at the same time, requiring close cooperation and coordination with all parties involved. The Contractor shall cooperate with all other project contractors and adjust the work schedule to avoid conflicts with the other contractor’s performance and work schedules, while maintaining the testing schedule and test plan.

4.1.4.4. Transport of MAMTL to/from Project

The Contractor shall prepare and transport the MAMTL trailer using the tractor truck provided by FHWA to the field projects. Field projects may be located in remote geographic areas throughout the United States. The MAMTL is a tractor trailer configured mobile laboratory and office with trailer dimensions of 48 foot length x 10 foot width x 13.5 foot height and a GVWR of 60,000 pounds. The MAMTL is considered an “Oversized Load” due to the width. The Contractor shall obtain all necessary permits and adhere to all Federal and State regulations concerning the transport of the MAMTL. All drivers must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicable to provide legal and safe transport of the MAMTL.

4.1.4.5. Testing and Evaluation

The Contractor shall coordinate its activities with all parties involved with the project and perform all testing included in the approved testing plan. Field testing and evaluation may require night and weekend work in order to coordinate with project activities. The Contractor shall perform all asphalt tests in accordance with applicable American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) procedures and standards. Neither the Contractor nor its employees shall release information obtained during the testing without the express written permission of the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall demonstrate and explain any test procedure conducted during the project to the requesting agency on an as needed basis or as requested basis. The Contractor shall hold a close out meeting with the participating agency to review the results of the testing performed and recommendations to the agency, based on the testing results, no later than 45 days after the MAMTL departs the field project job site.

4.1.4.6. Field Reports

The Contractor shall submit a draft report to the COR no later than 15 days after completion and delivery of the close out meeting. Each report shall contain as a minimum the following information:

a. The participating agency and location where the field work was conducted.

b. List of personnel and contact information from participating agency directly involved with field work.

c. Overview and scope of project.

d. Dates and time spent at the location and resources utilized.

e. Problems encountered during the project assignment and how they were resolved and recommended solutions to prevent future problems from occurring.

f. Work conducted, tests performed and results obtained.

g. Evaluation of asphalt material performance and aggregate test results.

h. Recommendations to improve the equipment and test procedures.

i. Graphical plots representing test results and discussion of data analysis.

j. Conclusions.

k. Appendix including the asphalt mix design, raw test data, and detailed calculations or computations.

After receipt of the draft report from the Contractor, the COR will review the draft report and provide written comments back to the Contractor within 15 days. The Contractor shall revise the draft report to incorporate or address the COR’s comments and submit as a final report for acceptance by the COR. The final report shall be submitted to the COR no later than 10 days after receipt of the COR written comments.

4.1.4.7. Kickoff & Closing Presentations

The Contractor shall make all necessary arrangements with the requesting agency, field project prime contractor, asphalt mixture supplier, and State asphalt pavement association to schedule and provide kickoff and closing presentations.

Kickoff Presentation: Either the Senior Project Manager (SPM) or the Project Engineer (PE) shall develop, attend, and deliver the kickoff meeting held for each project. For this kickoff, the contractor shall develop a presentation for use at the kickoff meeting. The presentation (MS PowerPoint or equivalent) shall provide an overview of the program goals, and the specifics of the individual project, including overview of tests to be performed and equipment to be used.

Closing Presentation: Either the Senior Project Manager (SPM) or the Project Engineer (PE) shall develop, attend, and deliver the closing presentation held for each project. The contractor shall develop a closing presentation (MS PowerPoint or equivalent) which provides project results, data analysis, and interpretation.

Presentations shall be submitted to the COR for review and comment a minimum 10 days prior to the scheduled presentation date.

4.1.4.8. InfoBase

The Contractor shall continue to populate and maintain the InfoBase with the data identified by the COR. (Historically, FHWA collects data from four to six construction projects annually).

4.1.4.9. AASHTO and ASTM Standards and Specifications Review

The Contractor shall monitor changes and updates to the AASHTO and ASTM test procedures, standards, and specifications required for the testing performed and shall identify conflicts and provide recommendations for improvement, changes, additions, modifications, clarifications etc. to the COR on an as needed basis.

4.1.5. Additional Development Assignments

The contractor shall provide technical support to additional development assignments envisioned to occur within the duration of the contract. These types of assignments may involve, but are not limited to, the following categories of work:

Evaluation of mechanistic-empirical pavement analysis as part of National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) project initiatives or AAHSTOWare PavementME deployment.

a) Determine sensitivity of various factors related to asphalt materials on the structural response in all levels (Level 1, 2 and 3) of pavement design.

b) Use measured binder and mixture stiffness (dynamic modulus) data from testing performed in Level 1 and 2 design analyses.

c) Generate analyses of pavement distress using the PavementME design software, based on materials test data from the MAMTL and site specific design data from certain State projects as part of evaluation. When applicable, these analyses shall be incorporated as part of MAMTL close-out meetings with State highway agencies.

InfoBase Modifications and Updates

a) Update InfoBase to reflect advances in asphalt technology. Examples of some additions include changes related to improved binder specifications issued by the FHWA Expert Task Groups (ETG), aggregate properties (i.e., texture, angularity, three-dimensional shape) as measured by aggregate imaging systems, and measured inputs required by asphalt mixture performance models.

Performance Models

a) Evaluate the emerging mixture performance models as part of the assessment of emerging asphalt performance prediction technology. Examples of such models include the Hirsch model, Witczak model, and the University of Florida fracture energy model. Utilize performance test data obtained in the MAMTL and ABTL in order to verify and refine prediction models as related to various testing methodologies.

Support AASHTO and NCHRP

a) Participate and support the FHWA Expert Task Groups (ETG) and Technical Working Groups (TWG) by conducting tasks involving the testing of asphalt pavement materials

b) Participate and support NCHRP and AASHTO projects by conducting tasks involving the testing of asphalt materials or by incorporating prototype software, equipment, standards, and specifications into the laboratory for testing and evaluation.

4.1.6 Care and Maintenance

The Contractor shall make sure ALL the vehicles, equipment, and systems are clean, maintained, calibrated, and operating.

The Contractor shall…