DTFH6117R00037_RFP.pdf

DTFH6117R00037

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B. 1 FIXED PRICE WITH REIMBURSABLE TRAVEL AND OTHER DIRECT COSTS

(ODCs)

The Contractor shall furnish all equipment, travel, materials and personnel necessary to provide the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with a “National Tribal Transportation Assistance Program (NTTAP),” as described in Section C.

This is a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract.

B. 2 FIRM FIXED PRICE

The total amount for the performance of this FFP contract is $4.66 Million.

NOTE: See Exhibit J.1 for the Milestone Payment Schedule.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

C.1 BACKGROUND

In 1991 the Tribal Transportation Assistance Program (TTAP) was created in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) legislation. The TTAP was designated to provide technical assistance to tribal governments. This technical assistance was geared toward building capability within the tribes to manage their highway assets. The tribal road inventory currently consists of approximately 47,900 miles of BIA and Tribally-owned public roads, 101,300 miles of State, county and local government public roads, and 12,500 miles of proposed roads.

FHWA’s congressional charge is outlined in 23 USC 504(b): “to develop and expand expertise in road and transportation areas (including pavement, bridge, concrete structures, intermodal connections, safety management systems, intelligent transportation systems, incident response, operations, and traffic safety countermeasures).” Supporting FHWA in accomplishing this responsibility, federally funded technical assistance centers were established and have been operated for more than 25 years.

FHWA continues to look for ways to strengthen the program by creating capacity, eliminating redundancies, increasing efficiency, and delivering value to the tribes and the government. The FHWA Center for Local Aid Support have the responsibility to provide program oversight, coordinate program activities, increase awareness, and promote collaboration among the TTAP, Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) and other federal programs.

C.2 OBJECTIVE

The overall objective of the TTAP is to deliver a highway curriculum and technical assistance that will provide tribes with tools to build their workforce capacity, means to innovatively address their roadway network challenges, and be reflective of FHWA’s current core areas. The key objectives for the TTAP are as follows:

• Expand Tribal governments transportation knowledge and provide new and innovative approaches for constructing, managing and operating highway systems;

• Administer a program of technical services, which focuses on selected core/high-priority technical areas;

• Support the tribal capacity building in a culturally appropriate manner through training, peer exchanges, communities of practice, and collaboration;

• Respond to the needs of tribal communities and encourage collaboration across government and industry; and

• Identify, collect, and disseminate best practice information and promote its application with the purpose of improving the operational outcomes of Tribal governments charged with the management of road networks.

To fulfill these objectives, the FHWA intends to pilot a National Tribal Technical Assistance Program (NTTAP) Center for two-years. The intent for establishing a National TTAP (NTTAP) Center is to provide better national coverage, achieve deep competence in critical focus areas, centralize subject matter expertise to improve training and shorten problem resolution response times, expedite dissemination of best practices and innovation easier and faster, and create a stronger sense of community among broadly dispersed the tribal transportation workforce.

FHWA will support the NTTAP Center by providing funding, subject matter expertise, and technical assistance. FHWA will have substantial involvement in the direction and redirection of the technical aspects of the program. The NTTAP Center shall work closely with the FHWA, to ensure that the activities carried out strongly reflect tribal needs and FHWA priorities.

C.3 CONTRACT SCOPE

The NTTAP Center shall have the primary responsibility of carrying out the award, providing strategic leadership, collaboration, administering the funding, sustaining a diverse workforce of highway expertise, overseeing the conduct of training and technical assistance in support of the highway program, and providing adequate facilities and equipment for the services requested.

The NTTAP Center shall fulfill all aspects of the TTAP objectives and have the:

1) Expertise to implement a national highway training and technical assistance program to increase tribal workforce capacity,

2) Ability to work within the targeted tribal audiences,

3) Capabilities to respond and address regional highway issues, and

4) A performance record illustrating the ability to ensure coordination and cost effective delivery of the training and technical assistance.

The Contractor shall meet the highest standards of service and delivery to the Tribes and shall demonstrate a proactive and effective approach to performance management. The Contractor shall develop and use an appropriate, comprehensive assessment methodology to underpin an effective performance management culture for the Center. The Contractor shall ensure that all activities carried out at the Center are currently best practices and in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations and ensure that services and support is provided equitably throughout the twelve Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) regions. All FHWA and non-FHWA funded programs managed by the Contractor shall contribute to the TTAP mission, complement and enhance the activities funded under this contract and be approved by FHWA.

Operated under the national center shall be five Virtual Centers of Excellence (VCoE) in each of the following areas:

• Asset & Data Management,

• Planning and Program Management,

• Project Delivery,

• Safety, and

• Operations & Maintenance

The NTTAP Center shall also be responsible for initiating a national Tribal Roads Scholars Certification program that will increase learned skills and proficiency in equipment operation, safety, and road maintenance techniques.

Due to the multiple highway focus areas that must be covered under this RFP, the functions of the NTTAP Center and the VCoE can be delivered by one entity or be provided for by a consortium of subject matter experts physically located across the U.S. Physical locations are not required for the VCoE. A VCoE is a team or entity that provides expertise, best practices, support and training for a given focus area.

Delivery of the Tribal Road Scholars Certification program will require a physical location and a variety of equipment, to provide the necessary skill development for the certification. All equipment shall be provided by the Contractor, at minimal or no cost to the Government. The physical location shall include an area for hand-on field training. This program can be co-located with the National TTAP Center or located in another physical location within the U.S. The contract will be managed for a pilot period of two years.

The Contractor shall have administered a highway training program relevant to the selected focus area(s), or have demonstrable expertise in setting up a highway training program that can be adapted to a national tribal audience. A dedicated, full time staff of professionals, trained in critical highway topics, shall be required to ensure sufficient focus and follow through on the responsibilities of the NTTAP Center, VCoE’s, and the Road Scholar Certification program. The Contractor shall provide the experience and specialized in-depth technical knowledge that, when shared with tribes, significantly enhances performance of their organizations. These professionals shall be the go-to resource to help resolve complex transportation issues. Most importantly, the Contractor shall be able to work independently to deliver the scope of work and understand the tribal environment. All professionals providing training shall have or complete the Instructor Development Course through the National Highway Institute (NHI) within six months.

C.4 DETAILED REQUIREMENT

The Contractor shall be responsible for the overall performance and shall ensure that, within the resources available; FHWA fulfills all aspects of its NTTAP mission through the NTTAP Center.

The Contractor shall plan, execute, staff, and manage the TTAP, provide and maintain facilities and services, sustain an expert, diverse workforce, and oversee the conduct of training and technical assistance in support of the highway program. The Contractor shall work closely with the FHWA, to ensure that the activities carried out strongly reflect tribal needs and FHWA priorities. The Contractor shall also ensure that support is provided equitably throughout the twelve Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) regions.

All FHWA and non-FHWA funded programs managed by the Contractor shall contribute to the TTAP mission, must complement and enhance activities funded and approved by FHWA.

The Contractor shall meet the highest standards of service and delivery to the Tribes and shall demonstrate a proactive and effective approach to performance management. The Contractor shall develop and use an appropriate, comprehensive assessment methodology to underpin an effective performance management culture for the Center. The Contractor shall operate and maintain Center facilities, manage the NTTAP Center staff, and shall ensure that all activities carried out at the Center are currently best practices and in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Task 1 – Business and Financial Management

The Contractor shall:

• Provide continued business and financial management throughout the duration of the project. It includes, but is not limited to all work necessary to manage production efforts, coordinate with FHWA, administer this contract and monitor progress.

• Be responsible for all aspects of the business and financial management, including accounting, payroll, travel, information technology, property and reporting, and records management.

• Be expected to operate with integrity, transparency and with a high level of accountability, with careful attention to long-term planning and risk management.

• Be expected to have, in place, an alertness, response capability and processes for ensuring that the organizational agility meets the evolving needs in a constrained budget environment.

• Perform the work described under this task, discussions with FHWA CLAS, Acquisitions as well as other FHWA employees will be required. The Contractor will participate freely in these discussions, answer questions and respond to requests for information. Maintain records of these discussions and keep the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) informed of any pertinent information.

• Be responsible for all actions and performance of subcontractors. The Contractor will continue to manage and meet all requirements even if parts of the work are subcontracted.

Task 1.1 - Program Management Oversight

• Identify the planning project requirements and determine complexity of the work, technical activities, schedules and resources

• Administer contract and monitor progress

• Discuss and coordinate program requirements with the COR

• Prepare and maintain project files and supporting documentation for correspondence and deliverables.

Task 1.2 – Initial Kickoff Meeting

The Contractor shall attend a one day meeting at the NTTAP office within two weeks of the date of award to discuss the proposed work. The Contractor shall prepare an annual work plan, schedule and budget delivered within 30 days of this initial meeting.

Task 1.3 - Develop and Maintain a Project Schedule

• Identify all due dates, milestones, reviews and meetings required that ensure the completion date for each deliverable is met.

• Utilize the project schedule to coordinate activities, meetings, and delivery dates

• Develop, maintain and provide a project timeline, graphically projecting the project schedule, including all activities and milestones

Task 1.4 - Project Coordination

• Meet with or contact the COR at least monthly to discuss project status, strategy and progress

• Prepare and submit discussion notes within seven days

Task 1.5 – Monthly Progress Reports

The Contractor shall provide the following in the monthly progress reports:

• Previous month’s accomplishments including training and technical assistance provided, tasks that are complete and deliverables that have been accepted

• Summary of actual training and technical assistance provided by each VCoE by Bureau of Indian Affairs regions

• Overall progress achieved toward completion of the task order

• Future month expectations

• Any issues or action items that need to be resolved or addressed with FHWA

Task 1.6 - Logistics Coordination

• Manage travel arrangement for NTTAP and VCoE staff

• Manage logistical and administrative duties related to technical assistance and training

Deliverables:

• Project Coordination Discussion Notes

• Initial Kickoff Meeting

• Project timeline, milestones and revised schedules. Develop in Excel format and project graphically.

• Monthly Progress Reports and Invoices

Task 2 – Establishment of the NTTAP and Five VCoEs

• Maintain a fully operational administrative office as the National TTAP Center throughout the duration of this contract

• Be expected to maximize the program’s footprint by operating five VCoEs to provide the training and technical assistance required in this SOW.

• Be responsible for providing Road Scholar Certification facilities that provides for both classroom and hands-on field skill development. This facility shall be fully operational within six months of award.

• Shall provide a physical office for the National TTAP Center and the functional structure for the VCoE’s, which shall be established within 30 days from award of the contract.

o Setup of National TTAP Center administrative office and supporting structure within 30 days of award.

o Set up of facilities to provide a Road Scholar certification program within 6 months of award.

Task 3 - Staffing and Personnel Management

• Be responsible for recruiting, developing and retaining a high-quality technical work force, and administrative and managerial staffs.

• Ensure the staff assembled in NTTTAP center, each of the virtual centers and the roads scholars program are trained in critical highway topics and have the appropriate subject matter expertise (i.e. Asset & Data Management SMEs, Safety SMEs, Project Delivery SMEs, Planning SME, Program Management SMEs and Operations & Maintenance SMEs) to meet tribal needs.

• Consider individuals that have experience working in a tribal environment.

• Ensure that all Contractor professionals providing training have or completed the Instructor Development Course through the NHI within six months of contract award.

Task 3.1 – Staffing Plan

The Contractor shall finalize their staffing plan that includes the Key Personnel identified in their proposal, as identified below. The plan shall be finalized and submitted to the COR 30 days after award of contract. After submission of the finalized plan, the Contractor shall provide the COR with 30 working days’ notice of any changes to the Key Personnel.

The following individuals are considered “key” under this contract and are full-time:

[to be determined – as proposed]

The following individuals are considered “key” under this contract and are part-time:

[to be determined – as proposed]

Task 3.2 – Personnel Policies and Workforce Management Plans

The Contractor shall maintain personnel policies and workforce management plans. These plans shall foster excellence among Center staff and provide opportunities for the development of both technical and business-related skills. The Contractor shall be expected to ensure that staff can effectively communicate information orally to individuals and groups who possess varying levels of technical understanding.

o Staffing Plan o Personnel Policies

Task 4 – Annual Work Plan and Program Assessment Report

• Be responsible for submitting an operating plan to define the structure of the organization; hierarchy, roles and responsibilities.

• Be expected to ensure the annual work plan demonstrates training and technical assistance is the primary focus of the program. Distance learning can be utilized for up to 30% of the training activities.

• Provide participation and support of conferences, symposiums, workshops, and similar work. This shall not exceed 4% (approximately 80 hours per person) of the centers activities in the Annual Work Plan, unless approved by FHWA.

Task 4.1 - Develop, Document and Implement an Annual Work Plan

The Contractor shall provide an annual work plan, in compliance with the all provisions and deliverables under this contract. The annual work plan shall outline the structure of the organization; hierarchy, roles and responsibilities; each virtual center’s training plan and activity milestones; the Road Scholars Certification plan and activity milestones; budget; resource allocation; outreach and communication activities; and the website content management plan. The annual work plan shall include a graphic schedule for all training provide under the Contract and shall include the trainers, recipients, and methods of delivery. The contractor shall also deliver a project organizational chart of the project as a part of the plan.

Task 4.2 - Program Assessment Report

The Program Assessment Report represents the overall output of Center efforts across their training, technical assistance, technology transfer and knowledge sharing roles, and consists of quantitative, output-based data such as training frequency and participation numbers. This data shall be provided by the Contractor and aid both the FHWA and TTAP stakeholders in assessing the performance of the Center and identifying areas for improvement.

o Annual Work Plan submitted within 30 days from contract award.

Task 5 – Training by Virtual Centers of Excellence

• Ensure delivery of training and technical assistance to the tribes.

• Provide training by the Subject Mater Expert’s (SME) in each VCoE.

• Provide both face-to-face and distance learning opportunities associated with the core curriculum areas, given that the tribal program comprises of more than 566 federally recognized tribes across the lower 48 States and Alaska.

• Ensure training is provided by each VCoE in each of the BIA regions.

• Deliver training and technical assistance, which is not focused on development of new materials.

• Provide core content delivery that shall move to 30% distance learning (e-learning) curriculum.

• Provide face to face training. Course length for the core curriculum shall range from a minimum of 3-4 hours to multiple days, as determined by the SMEs, for the topics listed below.

• Be required to organize its services as documented in their annual plan to offer the entire technical curriculum to the tribes nationwide.

• Be aware that local agencies, other Federal government entities, and/or private sector entities may also attend training provided by the Center.

• Employ a no-fee structure for training and training assistance.

• Deliver training in multiple locations across the 12 BIA regions1.

• Provide specific training and education areas outside of the core curriculum will be identified by the FHWA annually.

• Provide training sessions hosted in conjunction with conferences, symposiums, workshops, forums, colloquiums, seminars, and summits must be approved, in advance, by the COR, if they are to be considered training.

NOTE: All training and distance learning content shall remain the intellectual property of the government.

Task 5.1 –VCoE Training

The Contractor shall deliver the following training topics for up to 30 participants per class. The Contractor shall be responsible for all needed printed training materials, and must include in these materials in the budget. The Contractor shall use a mix of classroom training methods, including presentations, reading materials, practical application opportunities, case studies and facilitated group discussions. Topics should be covered in face to face sessions that are no less than 3-4 hours in length and the exercises performed during the training should enable the participants to repeat the skills on their own. The core curriculum for each VCoE is presented below and should be presented in basic to advanced levels to build a strong tribal network of roadway knowledge.

Basic training provides a fundamental understanding of the topic. Advanced training is geared towards experienced personnel and provides a more complex level detail to sharpen skills and expand knowledge.

1 BIA Regions defined at https://www.bia.gov/cs/groups/webteam/documents/document/idc1- 028635.pdf and https://www.bia.gov/WhoWeAre/RegionalOffices/

Task 5.1.1

The Contractor shall provide a minimum of 75 hours per month per VCoE for face to face and distance learning training of which 30% can be delivered as distance learning. (see task 6.4).

Project Delivery:

o Getting Your Project Started o Developing a Statement of Work for A&E Consultant Contracts o Contract Management for A&E and Related Services Contracts o Environmental Requirements for Transportation Projects o Environmental Permits, Certificates and Licenses o Storm Water and Erosion Control o Procedures for Right-of-Way Acquisition o Utility Coordination o Construction Contract Administration o Cost and Schedule Management o Quality Assurance/Quality Control o Project Completion and Closeout o Force Account Work o Emergency Relief Projects o Introduction to Highway Construction Inspection

Maintenance & Operations o Maintenance Administration o Developing Operational Budgets and Resource Allocation o Maintenance Condition Assessment o Bridge Inspection o Bridge Maintenance o Pipe Installation and Maintenance o Sign Maintenance and Management o Gravel Road Maintenance and Design o Stabilization and Dust Abatement o Roadside Maintenance o Pavement Preservation Strategies o Guardrail Installation, Maintenance and Repair o Work Zone Safety o Elevation and Grade Instruments and Use o Installation and Maintenance of Erosion Control Devises o Temporary Traffic Control o Winter Weather Operations

Safety o Safety Plan Development o Improving Safety at Intersections o Improving Safety at Railroad Crossings o Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian o Road Safety Audits/Assessments o Worker Safety o Access Control: Intersections, railroad grade crossings and driveways o Safety Data: What data do I need and how do I collect it.

o Crash Data Analysis o Low Cost Safety Improvements o Signalized Intersections o Roundabouts

Planning & Procurement o Introduction to Planning o Developing your Transportation Improvement Plan o Long Range Transportation Planning o Data Collection and Use o Public Involvement o Financial Planning/Fiscal Constraint o Project Prioritization o Single Audit o Procurement 101 o Procurement Planning o Procurement Process - Solicitation thru Contract Award o Evaluation and Selection of Consultants o Cost Estimating o Contract Cost Negotiations o Contract Execution and Other Considerations o Contract Specification Writing o Alternative Delivery Methods

Asset & Data Management o Foundation for Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) o GPS Data Collection and Asset Management o Developing an Inventory of Highway Features o Objective Prioritization of Needs o Understanding Life Cycle Costs and Optimum Treatment Types

Task 5.1.2

The Contractor shall consider local issues and problems of their audience in delivery. The Contractor shall also ensure the incorporation of new innovative technologies and practices into their curriculum (EDC, SHRP, etc.), and the documentation of such activities.

Task 5.1.3

Within six months of award, the Contractor shall ensure that all Subject Matter Expert’s (SME’s) delivering training, have completed the National Highway Institute (NHI) Instructor Development Course2.

https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/training/course_search.aspx?tab=0&key=420018&course_no=420 018&res=1 https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/training/course_search.aspx?tab=0&key=420018&course_no=420018&res=1 https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/training/course_search.aspx?tab=0&key=420018&course_no=420018&res=1

Task 5.1.4

The Contractor shall provide training evaluation surveys, which shall be completed by course participants after each course. Surveys and summary shall be provided electronically to the COR quarterly after completion of the training.

o A minimum of 75 hours per month per technical center of face to face and 30% distance learning training.

o Delivery of face to face training in all 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs regions for all focus areas o Core curriculum delivered annually in each BIA region2 o All SMEs show proof and/or receive NHI Instructor Development Course3 within six months o Provide quarterly training participant evaluation surveys and summary o Provide summary of activities in monthly status report

Task 5.2 – Training Resources

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing the training venue and any equipment that is needed. Government or free venues should be sought when available to reduce cost. Training shall be provided in all 12 BIA regions by each VCoE. Training shall be provided in multiple location in each BIA region. The use of the same location repeatedly shall be limited unless approved by the COR.

Deliverable:

o Secure/setup facilities and equipment

Task 5.3 – Motor Vehicle Injury Prevention Program (Formerly Tribal Safety Circuit Rider Program)

The Contractor shall provide three full time Injury Prevention Specialists providing nationwide training and technical assistance in motor vehicle injury prevention related to child passenger safety and seat belt use.

Task 5.3.1

The Contractor shall provide technical assistance to the tribes on child passenger safety and seat belt use in the areas of planning, implementation, partnership development, education, resource identification and evaluation of strategies. Technical assistance associated with proven strategies shall include:

Data collection/analysis, Implementing interventions;

Conducting evaluations of intervention(s);

Building partnerships;

Developing Motor Vehicle Inspection Program (MVIP) safety messages

Resources for the MVIPP are NHTSA’s Countermeasures That Work http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/812202-countermeasuresThatWork8th.pdf

CDC’s Tribal Motor Vehicle Injury Prevention Best Practices Guide https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/native/best_practices_guide.html

Task 5.3.2

The Contractor shall provide training sessions that shall be a major component for the Injury Prevention Specialists using both face to face and distance learning. The core training curriculum under the MVIP component will target proven strategies for child passenger safety and restraint use. The core curriculum will include the following:

Strategies to Increase Restraint Use

Basic Child Passenger Safety Awareness Course;

Prioritizing MVIP interventions;

National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification Course;

Car Seat Checkpoint;

IHS Level 1 Injury Prevention

IHS Level 2 Injury Prevention

Task 5.3.3

The Contractor shall provide dissemination of information to ensure targeted support to tribes implementing evidence based MVIP strategies.

Task 5.3.4

The Contractor will annually evaluate the outcomes of the MVIP program within the tribal community. Program objectives and measures will be provided by the COR at the start of contract and reviewed annually for any necessary modifications.

Task 5.3.5

The Injury Prevention Specialists shall complete the following courses:

• IHS Injury Prevention Training Level 1: Introduction to Injury Prevention

• IHS Injury Prevention Training Level 2: Intermediate Injury Prevention

• NHI - Instructor Development Course

Task 5.3.6

The Injury Prevention Specialists shall take one elective course per year to enhance skills in injury prevention. This course must be approved in advance by the COR. Course examples include:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/812202-countermeasuresThatWork8th.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/native/best_practices_guide.html

• National Safety Council Defensive Driving 8/6: 8 or 6-hour classroom

• National Safety Council Alive at 25: 4-hour classroom

• National Child Passenger Safety Technician Training

Task 5.3.7

The Contractor shall develop and submit tribal best practices and/or success stories to FHWA on a quarterly basis. The Contractor shall also provide a bi-annual summary of noteworthy practices (template will be provided by COR).

Task 5.3.8

The Contractor shall summarize MVIP activities monthly (template will be provided) and provide an annual report of all activities due September 30th of each year.

Task 5.4 - Distance Learning

The Contractor shall provide all distance learning as web-based, interactive trainings and tutorials. The Contractor shall be expected to employ an interactive blended learning strategy.

This blended learning strategy shall include incorporating job aids, simulations, skill practice, case studies, and opportunities to ask questions or chat during training.

Task 5.4.1

Distance learning shall be recorded and made available for download on the TTAP website, by the Contractor.

Task 5.4.2

Contractor shall be able to provide both online and portable products. Portable product will be in the form of thumb drive or similar media storage device designed to be used by persons with limited internet connectivity.

Task 5.4.3

The Contractor shall provide accountability of registrations, attendance, marketing statistics and any potential issues that need to be addressed.

Task 5.4.4

The Contractor shall provide training evaluation surveys, which shall be completed by course participants after each course. Surveys and summary shall be provided electronically to the COR quarterly after completion of the training.

o Up to 22 hours per month per technical center of distance learning training.

o Provide quarterly training participant evaluation surveys and summary

Task 5.5 – Technical Assistance

The Contractor shall anticipate that 20-30% of each SMEs time will be allocated to technical assistance to the tribes in their respective focus area. Technical assistance (TA) is the process of providing targeted support to a tribe with a developmental need or problem. It is commonly referred to as coaching and would frequently occur one on one between the SME and the requesting tribe. Technical assistance may be delivered in many ways, such as one-on-one consultation, small group facilitation, or through a web-based interaction.

Task 5.5.1

The Contractor shall include, in their monthly status report, a summary of each VCoE technical assistance activities. Technical assistance reporting shall include the need or problem statement, date submitted to the center, assistance provided, outcome or resolution, and date completed or resolved. If the issue is left unresolved, a potential remedy and resolution date shall be included or proof that the issue has been forwarded and accepted for action by another organization or agency.

o 20-30% of each SMEs time will be allocated to technical assistance

Task 6 – Establishment of a National Tribal “Roads Scholar” Certification Program

• Be expected to develop and maintain a program that provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date skill development on heavy equipment operation including Motor Graders, Skidsteers, Backhoes, Forklifts, Excavators, Loaders, Haul Trucks and Rollers.

• Provide skill development, which shall include their applications, attachments, operating controls, preventive maintenance requirements, and basic operating techniques, emphasizing safe operation of the equipment.

• Provide heavy equipment skill development consisting of approximately 50% classroom to 50% field training.

• Include, within the skill development curriculum, construction theory topics such as grade calculation, staking and reading, basic plan and blueprint reading, GPS setup and operations, compaction erosion and sediment control program, materials, roadway, work zones, utility lines, loading trucks and stockpiles.

• Be expected to provide a certification program Classroom sessions shall range from 4 hours to multiple days depending on subject matter and will be determined by the

SME.

• Provide highly interactive, with significant opportunity to develop the skills by application.

Task 6.1 - Training

The Contractor shall offer Tribal Road Scholars Certification Program that includes an on-line preparatory course, classroom training, hands on field equipment skill development, examination, recertification and retesting. The core curriculum is provided below.

Level 1 Certification o RS-1 Basics of a Good Road o RS-2 Signing, Pavement Markings & MUTCD o RS-3 Stormwater Fundamentals and Inspection o RS-4 Roadway Drainage o RS-5 Asphalt Pavement Maintenance Practices o RS-6 Gravel Road Maintenance Practices o RS-7 Flagger Training o RS-8 Maintenance Math & Plan Reading o RS-9 Equipment Preventative Maintenance and Daily Inspection o RS-10 Introduction to Basic Heavy Equipment Operation and Safety (Motor Graders, Backhoe, Forklift, Haul Truck and Roller)

Level 2 Certification o RS-11 Workplace Safety Training o RS-12 Road Stabilization and Dust Abatement Practices o RS-13 Work Zone Traffic Control o RS-14 Roadway Safety Fundamentals 1 o RS-15 Roadway Safety Fundamentals 2 o RS-16 Emergency Response Operations o RS-17 Bridge Inspection, Maintenance and Repair o RS-18 Winter Road Maintenance o RS-19 Paving Materials

Task 6.1.1

The Contractor shall provide certification classes throughout the year. A minimum of 48 hours of on-site instruction shall be provided.

Task 6.1.2

The Contractor shall utilize distance learning as part of the delivery method. A minimum of 24 hours of distance learning webinars per month shall be provided.

Task 6.1.3

The Contractor shall measure proficiencies after each class by utilizing pre-and post-tests.

Individual attainment shall be calculated at minimum score of 75% on post-test for each course.

Certification shall require a passing score for each class.

Task 6.2 - Marketing

The Contractor shall provide marketing and promotion via the TTAP website and list serve to enroll tribal participants.

Task 6.3 - Program Reporting

The Program Assessment Report represents the overall output of Center efforts across their training, technical assistance, technology transfer and knowledge sharing roles, and consists of quantitative, output-based data such as training frequency and participation numbers. This data will aid both the FHWA and TTAP stakeholders in assessing the performance of the Center and identifying areas for improvement.

The Contractor shall provide annual reporting for the Program Assessment Report which shall include performance metrics, as follows:

• Number individuals taking curriculum

• Number of successful completions per course offered

• Workers who have advanced in their organization due to skill development

• Number of workers who have been retained due to skill development

• Job performance evaluation

• Baseline data shall be the number of recipients who start the program compared to recipient completions for each area

• Additional reporting criteria will be discussed at the kick-off meeting

Task 6.4 - Monthly Report

The Contractor shall provide a summary of training and certifications in a monthly status report.

o Advance and maintain a Road Scholars Certification Program o Create and maintain national database of certified Road Scholars o Summary of performance metrics o Monthly summary

Task 7-Training Curriculum Database o Provide a curriculum database which shall define the audience, content, and delivery within a context of training objectives for the target audience.

o Provide a database that shall also facilitate future modernization of training and shall allow the FHWA to tie all course development and modernization efforts to defined learner job tasks.

Task 7.1- Training Database

The Contractor shall develop and maintain a database of the TTAP training curriculum to provide organization and structure for tribal training efforts nationwide. The database shall be developed using commercially available, off the shelf software, that is designed to define, create, query, update and administer. The database information shall be integrated into a National database of training by FHWA.

Task 7.2 - Training Review

The Contractor shall support FHWA in a review capacity for new training as FHWA and Tribal needs evolve annually. It is estimated that this shall be a limited role of less than 80 hours annually.

o Develop and Maintain Training Curriculum Database o Limited review of new materials

Task 8 – Outreach and Promotion of Program

• The Contractor shall assist FHWA in the promotion of the TTAP.

• The outreach and promotional activities must be strategic in nature, with clear goals, and be integrated with FHWA CLAS activities.

• The outreach and promotional activities should, further, actively support the FHWA Office of Innovative Program Delivery’s strategic goal of improving transportation performance by driving innovation into action through partnerships, technology deployment and capacity building.

Task 8.1 - Communications & Marketing Plan

The Contractor shall develop a communications and marketing plan within 60 days of award.

Task 8.2 - Information Sharing

The Contractor shall manage the marketing and promotion of the training, using electronic promotional material set out via the list serve and used on the TTAP website. All promotional material will be approved by the COR o Communication Plan o Electronic Promotional Materials

Task 9 – TTAP Website

• Be responsible for maintaining an informational website for the NTTAP Center’s activities.

• Ensure the website features information from each of the VCoEs, provides a calendar event which includes training, announcements, descriptions and contact information for all staff, and includes various transportation resources to make the site useful to tribes.

• Ensure potential users of the website have three primary needs -fast access to the website itself, reliable access and ease of access to items on the website.

• Provide software and/or licenses for software necessary to meet the contract specifications.

o The Contractor will not design, implement, or maintain any customized or proprietary software, applications, or other functionalities without prior approval in writing from the COR.

o The Contractor will receive prior approval, in writing, from the COR before introducing any new Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) products or proprietary utilities.

• Perform application monitoring, performance assessment, benchmarking, and testing of applications on an ongoing basis.

• Ensure all applicable applications and tools function correctly under commonly used user agents and platforms, such as Internet Explorer, Navigator, Mozilla, Google Chrome, Opera, AOL, and Safari on Windows and Macintosh platforms.

• Minimize measurable degradation in Website performance due to increases in data or user volumes. This includes support of high volumes of concurrent users. This includes benchmarking of access and load times during regular business hours on a weekly basis.

• Provide maintenance support, technical updates and support as necessary to keep the website fully functional at least 20 hours per day, 7 days per week.

• Not use any work first produced in the performance of this agreement or the contract for purposes other than the performance of the contract, nor shall they release, reproduce, distribute, or publish any such work, nor authorize others to do so, without written permission of the COR.

• Not use Government publication or other Government printed matter, prepared or produced with either appropriated or non-appropriated funds or identified with an activity of the Government, shall contain any advertisement inserted by or for any private individual, firm, academic institution or corporation; or contain material which implies in any manner that the Government endorses or favors any specific commercial product, commodity, or service.

The Contractor shall employ the following cost efficiency when developing the website and its content:

• Reduced creation costs, due to data re-use

• Lower document distribution costs, multiple methods of delivery available

• Lower footprint costs, e.g. warehousing, multiple methods of delivery available

• Increased operational readiness, through more focused maintenance

• Increase in data integrity and the generation of better quality documents, through data integration and data module concept

Task 9.1 - Design, develop, and maintain a TTAP website

The Contractor shall develop and document processes used in the development of the site and the content.

Task 9.1.1

The Contractor shall ensure the website hosts content that is useful to the desired end-users, including, but not limited to; email newsletter, social media, info-graphics, leave-behinds, videos, discussion forums, case studies promoting promising practices and support the review and download of distance learning webinars/modules. The website shall provide the functionality below from its go live date and continue to provide with 90% reliability for the user.

• Ease of use for the end user

• Relatively flat structure of content – items available in two or three clicks.

• Single User Interface, eases end user acceptance

• Fast up and down load, no timeouts during peak hours

• Available to public at large

• Homepage consisting of slideshow boxes, events, what’s new, publications, opportunities, etc.;

• Top bar should show all the different things the program engages in, without having to click and look at a drop-down menu, “issue areas”;

• “About the Center”, opportunities, issue areas, etc. should all have different weight;

• The site should not use redundant sub-menus;

• The site should not use list format for listing events and announcements: the site needs to be able to prominently promote multiple things simultaneously. Information about events should be visible (not just a list view, but a more appealing lay out, since events are often what draws people to the website. The events section should also have a search function that allows searches by date, topic, location, etc.);

• The site should have intuitive navigation, concise messaging, and compelling visuals.

• User interface should present comprehensive information in a readily accessible, searchable format;

• The site should be supported by a good content management system: consolidate all published documents in one documentation center with an advanced and intuitive search function for publications;

• The site should provide all training course available and provide easy access to on-line training modules;

• The site should provide an advanced search function (site-wide);

• Information uploaded on one part of the website should be available and cross-referenced in multiple locations;

• Content management should facilitate frequent updates of events and cross-postings.

• Information uploaded on one part of the website should be available and cross-references in multiple locations;

• New web-based tools should be used to deliver timely and relevant answers to audiences’ questions;

• Homepage should generate traffic, better reaching the tribal audiences.

• Promote involvement through focus areas, training and events; and

• Provide regular news updates that keep people coming back.

• Website must be safe and secure using HTTPS and a hardened CMS.

• Website should work well on mobile devices and tablets using best practices of responsive design.

• Website should comply with accessibility standards and best practices to ensure that people with disabilities can use the website.

Task 9.1.2

The Contractor shall manage the TTAP Website requests from the user community, provide technical assistance and support services.

Task 9.2 - Web Development and Support

The Contractor shall use non-proprietary, Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) or open source based software. Any additionally created code (beyond COTS) should be documented so that a knowledgeable professional can read and understand it.

Task 9.2.1

The Contractor shall utilize standard naming conventions for documents, which shall be used and approved by the COR.

Task 9.2.2

The Contractor shall ensure that the website can link with source data and other Government sponsored websites.

Task 9.2.3

The Contractor shall ensure that the system focus be on load, storage, search, library, and access functions; the system focus is not on analysis of users, documents, etc.

Task 9.2.4

The Contactor shall provide updates to website coding and other scripting to enhance aesthetic display, update navigation, integrate graphics and tables, and / or address internal / external linking, as agreed upon by the COR.

Task 9.3 – Website Functions

All functions shall exist in the Contractors software.

Task 9.3.1

The Contractor shall provide a website that tags documents and feeds that information into a tag cloud and/or other search tools. Prior to release, the Contractor shall ensure that all documents, including graphic elements and integrated videos, are compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C.794d).

Task 9.3.2

Items from the portal calendar shall be downloadable and importable into Outlook (or other common formats) calendar. All calendar events should be exportable to the FHWA CLAS national calendar.

Task 9.3.3

The Contractor should ensure that users can start a new discussion, or forum, or topic. All members of discussion groups should be notified if a new thread is posted.

Task 9.3.4

Video and audio meeting shall be posted on the TTAP website. The Contractor should ensure that video and audio can be streamed from the website.

Task 9.3.5

The Contract shall develop a Tribal list serv. The listservs on the website should be accessed from within the without going to a different website. Subscribing to listserv be simple; i.e., click on a checkbox. The Contractor will moderate messages sent to the listserv via outlook/email without the need to login into the listserv management.

Task 9.3.6

The Contractor shall ensure that the search function looks at all public pages within the website.

The Search should look at both the Meta data and the full text of the documents. The Contractor shall ensure there is a Tag Cloud linked to the search/documents (for the ease of looking up information). The website should include a decision tree or other mechanism where the users are guided to find the information useful to them.

Task 9.4 - Software Licenses

The Contractor shall financially support and manage any licenses required for the Website and its functions. The contractor shall maintain/ redistribute/ or expand as appropriate any required licenses.

Task 9.5 - Transition of Website

In the event that FHWA requires transition services from an incumbent Contractor to a successor Contractor, the incumbent shall be responsible for providing all materials developed in furtherance of this website; all algorithms, source code files, scripts, and graphic image files including PSD or any template associated files must be provided as part of the deliverables and to remain property of the Government.

o Website (described above) – Interim site available for go live date of 60 days after award of contract and fully functioning within 4 months from date of award.

o On-going maintenance and development

Task 10 – Innovative Case Studies/Best Practices

Task 10.1 - Inventory of Practices

The Contractor shall collect, create and maintain an inventory of innovative practices or technologies being utilized/implemented by tribes throughout the nation in Asset & Data Management, Planning and Program Management, Project Delivery, Safety, and Operations & Maintenance.

Task 10.2 - Cases Studies

The Contractor shall be responsible for the development and finalization of one case study per quarter to be published by FHWA. The topic should be approved by FHWA prior to development.

Task 10.3 - BABM Competition

The Contractor will host a Build a Better Mousetrap (BABM) Competition for tribes based on FHWA BABM Guidance. The top entries shall be submitted to FHWA in each category for the national competition.

o Create tribal inventory of innovative practices o Tribal innovative case study – One per quarter o Host annual BABM Competition - Submission to FHWA by 1st of July of each year.

Task 11 – Tribal Toolkit

The Contractor shall provide a Tribal Toolkit that shall be an electronic collection of materials, which shall provide many resources that shall assist tribes in increasing awareness of tools, templates, standard specifications, standard plans and shop drawings usefully in day to day delivery of the highway program.

Task 11.1 - Toolkit

The Contractor shall collect a variety of technical assistance tools/resource kits to help tribes deliver their transportation program. The tools collected shall be made available on the TTAP and/or FHWA CLAS website.

Deliverable:

o Collection and posting of information for Tribal Toolkit

Task 12 – TTAP Newsletter

The Contractor shall provide a TTAP Newsletter that:

• Is a communications tool and is used to disseminate information to the tribes. This newsletter shall inform, announce, remind, advise, instruct, advertise, and communicate.

• Shall be attractive to catch the eye and make individuals want to read it without laying it down.

• Shall be accurate, factual, brief and impartial.

• Shall and can be shared electronically.

• Shall be one to several pages in length.

Task 12.1 - Newsletter

The Contractor shall publish a quarterly electronic newsletter. The newsletter shall contain content such as program updates, program highlights, articles on successful program implementation or use of new innovations, upcoming events, frequently asked questions, event recaps, and new tools.