EAR_Broad_Agency_Announcement_DTFH6114R00017_-_Amendment_2.pdf

Amendment No. 2, Page 1

Exploratory Advanced Research Program Broad Agency Announcement

DTFH6114R00017

Amendment No. 2

Amendment No. 2 provides responses to questions received through March 31, 2014. If duplicates questions were received, a response is provided once in this amendment.

1. On Topic 2, does new data need to integrate with HSIS at the crash level or can they be at different geographic scales?

1. Response - The data could connect at different scales. FHWA is interested in integration of data that expands the understanding of crash behavior including contextual information. Investigators should have a clear hypothesis of how data that link at larger scales relate to highway safety.

2. On Topic 2, would being able to extract information from narrative data in HSIS count for one of the two disparate data sets?

2. Response - FHWA is seeking methods for data analytics and data integration that improve the understanding and analysis of roadway safety. An investigator could include new methods for creating information from within HSIS as one of the sources if the data currently are not being used as an analysis factor and if the approach could be used more broadly outside of HSIS to improve understanding of roadway safety.

3. On Topic 4, should focus be on the creation of new datasets and data models only, or is it also advisable to also propose novel load scheduling/routing solutions for the trucking industry based on the new datasets? We think that proposing new solutions is a key in the bargain of obtaining real-time operational data from independent trucking companies, and so we hope it's the latter.

3. Response- FHWA is seeking under Topic 4, Freight Data Development and Enhancement to Support National Freight Transportation Analysis, Modeling and Forecasting Practices, new data that when integrated with current data could result in breakthroughs in the quality and coverage of national freight analysis, modeling and forecasting. Although FHWA is not seeking methods for shippers to improve loading, scheduling, or routing, the ability to use data for multiple purposes has merit. FHWA understands that new data also could be of great use to shippers, carriers and our public sector partners.

4. Topic 4, does FHWA foresee this topic (no. 4) as encompassing performance measures?

4. Response - FHWA could see innovative methods and tools to collect, develop, and integrate freight related data as benefitting performance management in the longer-term.

5. Does cover/transmittal letter(s) count against the page count stipulated in the RFP.

Amendment No. 2, Page 2

5. Response - The cover page does not count against the page limit for Volume I.

6. For an offeror that is other than a small business, is a Small Business Subcontracting Plan required if the offeror is proposing on two topic areas that singly do not exceed $650,000 but in combination do exceed $650,000?.

6. Response –An offeror shall submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan for each proposal that exceeds $650,000.

7. On Topic 3: Behavioral based National Freight Demand Modeling, please confirm that the initial phase does not require a working model. Please clarify what is expected for the draft concept as the deliverable for this phase.

7. Response - For Topic 3, Behavioral based National Freight Demand Modeling, FHWA is not necessarily seeking a working model at the end of the initial phase. Rather, FHWA seeks a sound theoretical background and application concept that would include but not be limited to the following elements: model concept and its requirements including for data, hardware, and software; model architecture including inputs, outputs, and internal processes; and a description of anticipated end users.

8. Page 17 of the RFP: Can you clarify if SF1411 is not required in the submission for both proposed subcontractors and offeror, or is not required for only proposed subcontractors but is required by the offeror?

8. Response – The SF1411 is required for the prime contractor, not subcontractors.

9. It looks that the cost information required to be included in Volume II is for cost-reimburse type contract. Can contractors also propose a time and material contract or a fixed-price contract?

9. Response – Offerors may propose alternate pricing arrangements. However, all cost/price proposals shall be detailed enough to determine fair and reasonable of the cost/price.

10. Shall the contractor indicate whether its proposal is for “contract” consideration or “cooperative agreement” consideration? Is this selection to be entirely left for FHWA’ decision?

10. Response—Cooperative Agreements requires specific documents identified in the BAA. When these documents are submitted, FHWA will assume the offeror is proposing a cooperative agreement.

FHWA will make the final determination on the award type.

11. What intellectual property rights will the contractor be entitled to under an FHWA EARP contract or cooperative agreement?

11. Response—FHWA anticipates unlimited rights in accordance with FAR 52.227-14. This may include source code produced under resulting awards.

Amendment No. 2, Page 3

12. Will the contractor be allowed to apply for patents for the research products under an FHWA EARP contract or cooperative agreement?

12. Response—Generally, the Contractor would have the first right to patent an invention developed under an award. If the Contractor does not choose to patent an invention, the government may step in and apply for a patent. On a case-by-case basis, FHWA may negotiate for additional rights. FHWA will usually include FAR 52.227-11 in resulting contracts.