QC and engineering support_ final 7-10.pdf

Solicitation No. DTNH22-08-R-00111 PR No. 08-04313

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

B.1. SUPPLIES/SERVICES

The contractor shall furnish the necessary qualified personnel, facilities, materials, supplies, equipment, and services to accomplish an Indefinite Quantity Contract (IQC), on a Time-and- Materials Basis. The Contractor shall fulfill the work requirements in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW), Section C, and other terms and conditions of the contract. All support services provided to the Government shall be performed by Contractor Employees or personnel otherwise retained by the Contractor. Under this contract, the Government will issue Task Orders to obtain professional and technical services.

B.2. MINIMUM/MAXIMUM OBLIGATIONS

B.3. CONTRACT PRICES

Fixed Price Loaded Hourly Rates Other Direct Costs Travel

B.4. PRICE SCHEDULE DEFINITIONS AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS

Loaded Hourly Rates Regular Loaded Hourly Rates Overtime Task Order Task Order Period of Performance Management Work Plan Deliverable Products Travel Costs

B.4.9. Labor Categories and Descriptions: The following paragraphs define the duties each labor category is responsible for performing. Subject to NHTSA Contracting Officer approval, the government may accept requests to revise the list or labor category descriptions provided.

• Program Manager/Project Director: Responsible for the overall planning, preparation, and completion of Task Orders awarded under this contract. A bachelor degree in engineering or science from an accredited college or university is required. The Program Manager/Project Director shall have a thorough understanding of the interrelationship between engineering and automotive safety.

• Senior Engineer: A master’s degree in engineering or science from an accredited college or university with three years of experience, or a bachelor’s degree with six years of applicable experience, is required. This position requires that the individual have a thorough understanding of the analytical techniques used in engineering as applied to automotive safety.

• Engineer: A bachelor’s degree in engineering or science from an accredited college or university with three year of experience is required. This position requires that the individual have some understanding of the analytical techniques used in engineering as applied to automotive safety.

• Assistant Engineer: A bachelor’s degree in engineering or science from an accredited college or university, or enrollment in a degree program in engineering or science, is required. This position requires that the individual be actively learning the analytical techniques used in engineering as applied to automotive safety.

• Senior Programmer: A master’s degree in computer science or mathematics from an accredited college or university with five years of experience, or a bachelor’s degree with ten years of applicable experience, is required. This position requires that the individual have a thorough understanding of computer programming as applied to automotive safety.

• Programmer: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or mathematics from an accredited college or university with one year of experience is required. This position requires that the individual have some understanding of computer programming as applied to automotive safety.

• Assistant Programmer: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or mathematics from an accredited college or university, or enrollment in a degree program in computer science or mathematics, is required. This position requires that the individual be actively learning computer programming as applied to automotive safety.

• Statistician: A bachelor’s degree in statistics from an accredited college or university with one year of experience is required. This position requires that the individual have some understanding of statistics as applied to automotive safety.

• Senior Research Assistant: A master’s degree in engineering or science from an accredited college or university with five years of experience, or a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science with ten years of applicable experience, is required. This position requires that the individual have a firm understanding of the analytical techniques used in engineering as applied to automotive safety.

• Research Assistant: A bachelor’s degree in engineering or science from an accredited college or university with one year of experience is required. Individual with more than two years of relevant experiences can be qualified for this position. Relevant experience for particular position applied must be demonstrated.

This position requires that the individual have some understanding of the analytical techniques used in engineering as applied to automotive safety.

• Program Analyst: A bachelor’s degree in business or science from an accredited college or university with two years of experience is required. This position requires that the individual have some understanding of computer programming as applied to automotive safety. This position must be able to provide direct support to agency personnel in all aspects of consumer information data management, quality inspection and assurance of consumer information data and deliverables without much assistance.

• Assistance Program Analyst: A bachelor’s degree in business or science from an accredited college or university or more than one-year of relevant experience is required. This position requires that the individual have some understanding of computer programming as applied to automotive safety. This position must be able to provide direct support to agency personnel in all aspects of consumer information data management, quality inspection and assurance of consumer information data and deliverables with some guidance.

• Administration staff: Performs a variety of administrative tasks such as filing, coding, posting, and completing forms. This position requires typing skills sufficient to complete forms, prepare reports, studies, letters, and other materials in which terms are clear and forms follow a standard pattern. This position requires that the individual be familiar with and routinely use a personal computer or terminal to carry out assigned activities.

B.5 PRICE SCHEDULE

B.5. PRICE SCHEDULE – PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES

LOADED HOURLY RATES*

B.5.a The ceiling price for the Base Period is TBD.

B.5.1 PRICE SCHEDULE I

BASE PERIOD YEAR 1 - 12 MONTHS

LOADED

CLIN REGULAR OVERTIME LABOR

STRUCTURE

LABOR CATEGORY HOURLY RATE

HOURLY

RATE

RATE

CLIN 1000 PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL

SERVICES

1001 Program Manager/Project Director 1002 Senior Engineer 1003 Engineer 1004 Assistant Engineer 1005 Senior Programmer 1006 Programmer 1007 Assistant Programmer 1008 Statistician 1009 Senior Research Assistant 1010 Research Assistant 1011 Program Analyst 1012 Assistance Program Analyst 1013 Administrative staff

The offeror may propose additional labor categories it considers necessary to perform the proposed effort.

Other Labor Categories (If Applicable)

1011 ________________ $________ $__________ 1012 ________________ $________ $__________ 1013 ________________ $________ $__________

Subcontract Labor (If Applicable)

1014 ________________ $________ $__________ 1015 ________________ $________ $__________ 1016 ________________ $________ $__________

1017 Offeror’s applied Indirect Rate to “Other Direct Costs” (ODCs) if any _______%

1018 Offeror’s applied Indirect Rate to “Travel”, if any _______%

NOTE: No overtime shall be used in the performance of the work without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. If the offeror pays overtime for any of the labor categories as indicated above, then submit evidence (time sheet) with offer and refer to Section B of the solicitation regarding overtime payment.

NOTE: No overtime shall be used in the performance of the work without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. If the contractor pays overtime for any of the labor categories as indicated above, then submit evidence (time sheet) with offer and refer to Section B of the solicitation regarding overtime payment.

B.5.a The ceiling price for the Base Period is TBD.

B.5.2 PRICE SCHEDULE I

BASE PERIOD YEAR 13-24 MONTHS

LOADED

CLIN REGULAR OVERTIME LABOR

STRUCTURE

LABOR CATEGORY HOURLY RATE

HOURLY

RATE

RATE

CLIN 2000 PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL

SERVICES

2001 Program Manager/Project Director 2002 Senior Engineer 2003 Engineer 2004 Assistant Engineer 2005 Senior Programmer 2006 Programmer 2007 Assistant Programmer 2008 Statistician 2009 Senior Research Assistant 2010 Research Assistant 2011 Program Analyst 2012 Assistance Program Analyst 2013 Administrative staff

The offeror may propose additional labor categories it considers necessary to perform the proposed effort.

2011 ________________ $________ $__________ 2012 ________________ $________ $__________

2013 ________________ $________ $__________

2014 ________________ $________ $__________ 2015 ________________ $________ $__________ 2016 ________________ $________ $__________

2017 Offeror’s applied Indirect Rate to “Other Direct Costs” (ODCs) if any _______%

2018 Offeror’s applied Indirect Rate to “Travel”, if any _______%

NOTE: No overtime shall be used in the performance of the work without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. If the offeror pays overtime for any of the labor categories as indicated

B.5.3. PRICE SCHEDULE II

B.5. 3. a The ceiling price for Option Period is TBD.

OPTION PERIOD YEAR 1 - 36 MONTHS (from 24 months through 36 months after award)

PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL

SERVICES

CLIN 3000 REGULAR OVERTIME LOADED

STRUCTURE

LABOR CATEGORY HOURLY RATE

HOURLY

RATE

LABOR

3001 Program Manager/Project Director RATE 3002 Senior Engineer 3003 Engineer 3004 Assistant Engineer 3005 Senior Programmer 3006 Programmer 3007 Assistant Programmer 3008 Statistician 3009 Senior Research Assistant 3010 Research Assistant 3011 Program Analyst 3012 Assistance Program Analyst 3013 Administrative staff

The offeror may propose additional labor categories it considers necessary to perform the proposed effort.

3011 ________________ $________ $__________ 3012 ________________ $________ $__________ 3013 ________________ $________ $__________

3014 ________________ $________ $__________ 3015 ________________ $________ $__________ 3016 ________________ $________ $__________

3017 Offeror’s applied Indirect Rate to “Other Direct Costs” (ODCs) if any _______%

3018 Offeror’s applied Indirect Rate to “Travel”, if any _______%

NOTE: No overtime shall be used in the performance of the work without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. If the offeror pays overtime for any of the labor categories as indicated

NOTE: No overtime shall be used in the performance of the work without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. If the offeror pays overtime for any of the labor categories as indicated above, then submit evidence (time sheet) with offer and refer to Section B of the solicitation regarding overtime payment.

B.5.4. PRICE SCHEDULE II

B.5. 4. a The ceiling price for Option Period is TBD.

OPTION PERIOD YEAR 1 - 36 MONTHS (from 36 months through 48 months

CLIN 4000 REGULAR OVERTIME LOADED

LABOR CATEGORY HOURLY RATE

HOURLY

RATE

LABOR

4001 Program Manager/Project Director RATE 4002 Senior Engineer 4003 Engineer 4004 Assistant Engineer 4005 Senior Programmer 4006 Programmer 4007 Assistant Programmer

4008 Statistician 4009 Senior Research Assistant 4010 Research Assistant 4011 Program Analyst 4012 Assistance Program Analyst 4013 Administrative staff

The offeror may propose additional labor categories it considers necessary to perform the proposed effort.

4011 ________________ $________ $__________ 4012 ________________ $________ $__________ 4013 ________________ $________ $__________

4014 ________________ $________ $__________ 4015 ________________ $________ $__________ 4016 ________________ $________ $__________

4017 Offeror’s applied Indirect Rate to “Other Direct Costs” (ODCs) if any _______%

4018 Offeror’s applied Indirect Rate to “Travel”, if any _______%

NOTE: No overtime shall be used in the performance of the work without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. If the offeror pays overtime for any of the labor categories as indicated

NOTE: No overtime shall be used in the performance of the work without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. If the offeror pays overtime for any of the labor categories as indicated above, then submit evidence (time

B.5.5. PRICE SCHEDULE II

B.5. 5. a The ceiling price for Option Period is TBD.

OPTION PERIOD YEAR 1 - 36 MONTHS (from 48 months through 60 months

CLIN 5000 REGULAR OVERTIME LOADED

LABOR CATEGORY HOURLY RATE

HOURLY

RATE

LABOR

5001 Program Manager/Project Director RATE 5002 Senior Engineer 5003 Engineer 5004 Assistant Engineer 5005 Senior Programmer 5006 Programmer 5007 Assistant Programmer 5008 Statistician 5009 Senior Research Assistant 5010 Research Assistant 5011 Program Analyst 5012 Assistance Program Analyst 5013 Administrative staff

The offeror may propose additional labor categories it considers necessary to perform the proposed effort.

5011 ________________ $________ $__________ 5012 ________________ $________ $__________ 5013 ________________ $________ $__________

5014 ________________ $________ $__________ 5015 ________________ $________ $__________ 5016 ________________ $________ $__________

5017 Offeror’s applied Indirect Rate to “Other Direct Costs” (ODCs) if any _______%

5018 Offeror’s applied Indirect Rate to “Travel”, if any _______%

NOTE: No overtime shall be used in the performance of the work without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. If the offeror pays overtime for any of the labor categories as indicated

NOTE: No overtime shall be used in the performance of the work without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer. If the offeror pays overtime for any of the labor categories as indicated above, then submit evidence (time

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/ SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

The objective of this contract is to provide engineering support services under four (4) automotive engineering services. The contractor shall provide program management, technical services, automotive engineering and analysis services, child restraints evaluation services, and general administrative support for four (4) program tasks.

C.1. BACKGROUND

NHTSA is statutorily vested with the responsibility of improving motor vehicle safety. One aspect of this responsibility, under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act, is to provide vehicle safety performance information to consumers. The agency collects this information either from its own testing or from vehicle manufacturers directly through agency information requests.

The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), a vehicle testing program, is one of NHTSA’s most popular and successful vehicle safety consumer information programs. NCAP testing meets the requirements of the Cost Savings Act (Part C of Subtitle VI of Title 49 USC 32302) to provide consumers with crashworthiness data on motor vehicles. The agency provides NCAP information through a number of means including the distribution of brochures, video news releases, public service announcements (including theater placement), and exhibits.

NHTSA continues to expand its efforts to provide helpful vehicle safety information to consumers. On-going efforts in this area include the possibility of providing consumers with passenger vehicle rollover ratings and a comparison of passenger vehicle braking distances. In addition, technical advances in vehicle safety need to be correctly evaluated in future NCAP ratings. Advances in frontal air bags, side air bags, vehicle structural stiffness, and child restraints, to name a few recent improvements in vehicle safety, require further investigation and understanding so that the NCAP process continues to provide valuable information to the general public.

C.2. PURPOSE

The purpose of this effort shall be to provide a full range of automotive engineering services to the Office of Crashworthiness Standards. These services shall include research, planning, development, and evaluation for complex automotive engineering issues and the extrapolation of new automotive safety technology to predict its impact on NCAP and automotive safety in general. If necessary, these services may require that the contractor work on-site at NHTSA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

C.3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

This contract will be used to support the Office of Crashworthiness Standards on an as needed basis through the generation of task orders for specific automotive engineering studies. For each specific effort, a task order will be prepared specifying the requirements of the needed work.

These requirements may include any or all of the activities outlined above. NHTSA will establish the specific objectives to be accomplished in each task, and any specific requirements.

The contractor will perform the work within a specified time frame after receipt of the Task Order Request.

The contractor shall have the capability to perform tasks and functions in the following general areas.

C.3.1. RESEARCH

Automotive safety research shall be provided as required. Research may consist of literature reviews, data and information collection from common automotive safety sources, analysis by standard engineering methodologies, and summation of findings in a technical report. Generally, the research will be stated in specific terms. However, the research may be stated in terms of general goals if several different approaches might be pursued. In collecting information at common automotive safety sources, the contractor may be asked to travel to manufacturing facilities or to testing laboratories to collect information about safety devices in vehicles.

C.3.2. PLANNING

The safety information program for consumers is constantly changing, both domestically and worldwide. The NHTSA must take steps—often a year or two ahead of time—to seamlessly incorporate these changes into the NCAP program. Automotive safety planning shall be provided as required. Planning may consist of literature reviews focusing on the specific changes, delineation of consumer safety organizations that have already incorporated the changes, specification of problems facing the NHTSA, and formation of a plan to incorporate the specific changes into the NCAP program.

C.3.3. DEVELOPMENT

Development of new injury assessment approaches and overall safety rating methodologies shall be provided as required. Development may consist of literature reviews focusing on injury assessment or overall rating methodologies, delineation of consumer safety organizations that have similar injury assessment or rating methodologies, specification of engineering problems facing the NHTSA, and formation of documents that detail the injury assessment approach or the overall rating methodology. In developing the approach or the methodology, the contractor may be asked to travel to dummy manufacturing facilities, to testing laboratories, or to other safety organizations to collect engineering information.

C.3.4. EVALUATION

Various types of engineering evaluations may be required. Other safety organizations or the automotive manufacturers may propose changes in standard NCAP testing or safety rating procedures. Evaluation shall be provided, as required, to evaluate the engineering soundness of the proposed changes. Evaluation shall be provided, as required, to assess the impact the proposed changes will have on the NHTSA.

C.4. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR FOUR TASKS

C.4.1. Task 1 – Background

NHTSA, through its NCAP program, provides national leadership in planning, developing and initiating new and innovative consumer information programs that are based upon laboratory or full-scale crash tests. These programs generate market forces, which encourage the production of improved passenger motor vehicles and/or occupant protection systems.

NCAP also conducts a variety of research projects, demonstration programs, technical analyses, and engineering studies to assess the crashworthiness of new vehicles to fulfill the provision of Title II of the Motor Vehicle Information Cost Savings Act. The engineering test procedures, crash data, and test results also are used to develop and disseminate information mandated by the Consumer Information Regulations of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. The primary objective of this effort is to develop and coordinate the dissemination of consumer information on any aspect of motor vehicle and occupant protection systems that may induce market forces to enhance occupant protection through the production of improved motor vehicles and associated equipment.

NCAP formulates, develops, and executes studies to achieve agency requirements in the areas of human impact tolerance, human crash kinematics, and anthropomorphic dummy development.

The studies include interpreting the results of vehicle crashes to assess the risk of human injury.

The studies are used for (1) defining, developing, and implementing improvement in existing programs of consumer information and (2) realistically assessing the results of new vehicle crashes for consumer information.

NCAP often conducts special studies for analyzing vehicle testing results. The agency has the signals and technical information from crash tests in the Vehicle and the Biomechanics Data Base. These vehicle crashes have Hybrid III test dummies positioned in the vehicle or sled buck.

These dummies are instrumented with devices such as accelerometers and force gages. In addition to the digitized signals, high-speed films and test reports are stored in the database associated with the vehicle and sled tests.

Based on NCAP information, NHTSA often establishes consumer information notices and rulemaking, which are dependent on understanding real world conditions. The agency uses information from the Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN), National Automotive Sampling System (NASS), Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), and National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) in this regard.

C.4.2 Task 1 – Requirements

C.4.2.1 Subtask 1

The contractors shall assist NCAP engineers in support of the model year (MY) 2007 frontal and side NCAP testing programs. The list of MY 2007 vehicles to be tested is not yet available.

However, Table 1 shows the list of vehicles selected for MY 2006, New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). NCAP plans to select similar number of vehicles and types of models for MY 2007 NCAP testing.

The contractor shall conduct quick-look quality inspections on vehicle test results. The labs, conducting vehicle testing for NCAP, will provide quick look results via email a day after each vehicle testing. Subsequently, labs will provide data tapes and preliminary reports in CDs within a week. The contractor shall check the information for data accuracy, photo qualities, any safety anomalies, and validation of safety rating. Any problem shall be informed to NCAP staff immediately with a concise problem description and including any necessary data. Examples for frontal and side quick quality control (QC) inspection will be provided by the COTR. All deliverables must be submitted to COTR within two days after receipt of the labs’ deliverables, The contractor shall conduct QC inspections on preliminary laboratory test reports submitted from frontal and lateral impact crash tests. TOAD software shall be used to ensure all necessary information (i.e. Make, Model, Year, Test Weight, & NHTSA Number) is the same in both the preliminary laboratory test report (maybe paper or CD format) and the database. PlotBrowser software shall be used to ensure that the ‘Dummy Injury Criteria Values Data Sheet’ numbers match the numbers generated from the signals, as well as those in the preliminary laboratory test report & the data tape. Upon completion of the QC inspection, the contractor shall inform the COTR, in writing, of any suspected flaws in the preliminary laboratory test report. Completed QC on preliminary laboratory test reports are due to the COTR at the DOT office one day after receipt of vehicle testing done by NHTSA testing contractors.

As part of the QC process, the contractor shall examine the high-speed films on a digital film analyzer. This work requires that the contractor develop a spreadsheet to monitor and check the quality of data in the Vehicle or Biomechanics Data Base. QC inspections shall include an evaluation of film quality, film counter, completeness of film coverage, and quality of duplications. Certain parameters such as film quality and accuracy of view will be recorded as established by viewing the high-speed film.

As part of the post QC process, one of the essential functions at NCAP is to timely distribute technical information to public. The contractor shall assist the NCAP staff in reviewing, receiving, and distributing NCAP data from crash test to consumers. This job includes dissemination of test reports, films and various other forms of data from the test laboratories to different parts of the agency, other NCAP’s, consumer groups and manufactures. Timely coordination of distributing technical information to designated interested parties is important.

Working closely with NCAP personnel is necessary.

C.4.2.2 Subtask 2

The contractor shall assist in providing error-free consumer safety rating information for placement on the agency’s World Wide Web site. This effort includes coordinating with the Office Crash Avoidance (OCA), Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC), the Office of Communication and Consumer Information (OCCI), and the Office of the CIO (CIO), along with the test laboratories. The contractor shall make sure that all data appearing in the NCAP database is accurate with no error. The contractor shall have the ability to use various databases and spreadsheet software, like Microsoft Access and Excel. Producing error-free data and the ability to coordinate with many different offices and personnel is essential to this effort.

C.4.2.3 Subtask 3

The contractor shall assist in providing error-free safety information for the ‘Buying a Safer Car’ and the ‘Buying a Safer Car for Child Passenger’ brochures. This task includes collecting and coordinating large volumes of data from the vehicle manufactures and NCAP testing to assist in the production of these safety brochures. The contractor shall assist NCAP staff in producing these annual brochures for the agency.

C.4.2.4 Subtask 4

NCAP receives numerous phone calls from public. With guidance from NCAP staff, the contractor shall provide consumer and technical information to the general public in response to these phone calls. The contractor shall provide routine consumer questions as well as basic technical information regarding crash testing. The contractor shall alert NCAP engineers if there are any difficult specific technical questions. In addition, contractors shall answer e-mails from the Crash Test mailbox (located on the NHTSA web site). Consumers who have visited the NCAP website send questions via email to the mailbox. On average, NCAP has received 80 or more emails per week, inquiring about star ratings, testing status, and specific crashworthiness and crash avoidance information. These questions shall be answered correctly and expeditiously.

C.4.2.5 Subtask 5

The contractor shall provide engineering analysis of child restraint systems tested in NCAP.

Since 2001, per TREAD Act, NCAP has worked to understand child occupant protection in vehicle crashes. The task will focus on Hybrid III ten-year-old dummy. The contractor shall develop a testing procedure, testing matrix plan, analysis approach, and a set of testing goals.

Also, if requested in the task order, the contractor shall assist the agency with any rulemaking efforts related to child dummies and/or child safety seats. The contractor shall provide a thorough analysis including documenting and summarizing any relevant technical reports. The contractor shall develop a NCAP CRS lab procedure that includes a ten-year-old sitting position with and without booster seat. (NHTSA-1999-4962-308 U.S. DOT/NHTSA - Report: Child Seat New Car Assessment Program Testing Procedure) The procedure shall consider the same important factors presented in the 3-year-old procedure. These include but are not limited to calibration procedure, dummy drawing, and instrumentation types.

C.4.2.6 Subtask 6

The contractor shall provide engineering analyses in automotive crashworthiness testing. During NCAP frontal and side testing, safety concerns or anomalies often occur during the test and the testing data requires an in-depth investigation. If such event occurs, the contractors shall examine safety concerns and/or discrepancies such as fuel leaks, unlatched doors, and high injury readings. For each investigation, the contractor shall provide data analysis and support to the agency. Specifically, the contractor shall provide, at the minimum, the following: (1) all relevant data gathered including pictures from the laboratory, (2) a quick summary of the identified problem, (3) travel to the test site where necessary, (4) a power point presentation of the investigation, (5) and an additional written report detailing the investigation. If requested, the contractor also shall do on-site physical inspection of subject vehicles and/or additional testing.

C.4.2.7 Subtask 7

The contractor shall provide engineering service in support of side air bag out of position testing Task Working Group (TWG). NCAP is currently evaluating TWG on previously crashed NCAP vehicles. The result is published in the Buying a Safer Car (BSC) brochure. The contractor shall prepare for testing plan, testing schedule, data analysis, and quality control of TWG testing for the MY 2007 testing program. As part of the preparation, the contractor shall develop a new test matrix that covers more diverse vehicle types and dummy sizes. If required, the contractor also shall update the testing procedure and detail to the agency any proposed changes. As a final product, the contractor shall prepare the finding as a technical paper or other publication. If requested, the contractor also shall do physical inspection of subject vehicles and/or additional testing.

C.4.2.8 Subtask 8

The contractor shall provide engineering service for upgrading side NCAP testing. The agency is currently working on a rulemaking that revises a federal motor vehicle safety standard FMVSS 214 like NCAP side testing. The contractor shall formulate ways to upgrade the side NCAP rating system to reflect the agency’s revised FMVSS. Upon the publication of the revised FMVSS, the contractor shall review the rule and update the NCAP procedure, if necessary. Prior to developing any draft revision, the contractor shall study the trend of side impact NCAP, IIHS side program, rationale for the rating system, and possible methodologies for upgrading the side NCAP program. The contractor also shall study IIHS seating procedure, which is based on University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) occupant seating study.

C.4.2.9 Subtask 9

The contractor shall provide engineering service for upgrading frontal NCAP. In MY 2007, the current NCAP procedure will become FMVSS No. 208 testing. In December 2005, the agency published the plan for upgrading frontal NCAP. In the notice, the agency announced that the agency has found insufficient scientific basis to propose any revisions to the frontal NCAP. The agency plans to do further research and analysis on this issue. The agency has initiated a comprehensive review of entire NCAP. The contractor shall assist the agency in researching and developing a new testing type or method that would satisfy the requirements and purpose of frontal NCAP testing. If requested, the contractor shall perform independent studies relevant to frontal NCAP testing that includes performing real world analyses (including vehicle testing) and/or a comprehensive review of various testing procedures or consumer rating systems. The contractor shall document any such analyses and work in a technical report.

C.4.2.10 Subtask 10

The contractors shall provide administrative support services to the Office of Associate Administrator for Rulemaking and Crashworthiness and Crashavoidance divisions within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The contractors must ensure that the practices and procedures used by administrative staffs in subordinate offices are consistent with those of the Associate Administrator’s office. Typical tasks are to 1) screen all calls and visitors, answering most questions and completing most business involving established policy or routine matters without referring people to the Associate Administrator, 2) analyze incoming directives, policy changes, regulatory and procedural changes, etc., for potential effect on the Associate Administrator’s objectives, 3) alert the Associate Administrator of potential impact and arranges for any necessary follow-up technical review by the appropriate segment of the organization, 4) Identify trends that may have a significant effect on operations, administrative practices, and communication, 5) handle to completion a wide variety of administrative projects, performing necessary coordination, making contacts, obtaining comments from management officials concerned, and preparing correspondence, 6) edit and critiques internal management documents, pointing out aspects such as lack of clarity and questions on substantive content, 7) manage the preparation, submission, and monitoring of an annual plan for employee development, 8) receive and read all incoming mail and correspondence for the Associate Administrator and refers only that which requires personal attention, together with all information and background material, 9) conduct a thorough substantive review of all correspondence and action documents prepared for the signature of the Associate Administrator by subordinate offices to ascertain that they conform to established NHTSA policy and to the expressed views of the Associate Administrator, as well as for adequacy and clarity of information, 10) maintain a running interim balance of travel money available and a final balance upon voucher payment; reviews travel orders and vouchers for accuracy and compliance with directives, and 11) monitor travel within budget restrictions; handles international travel requests reviewing for proper preparation and coordination; distributes allotments among Safety Performance Standards program offices based on their proposed travel plans, modifying through the year as necessary by working with the Budget Office in order to maintain a balanced budget.

C.4.2.10 Subtask 11

The agency requires in-depth research for any rulemaking it undertakes. Under this task, the contractor is responsible for assisting the agency in the execution of data analyses, trend analyses, statistical analyses and real world studies in support of new rulemaking initiatives. In addition, the contactor shall assist the agency in summarizing any public comments it receives in response to its rulemakings or the public meetings it holds. Specifically, under this task, the contractor shall provide engineering services that support standards such as FMVSS 208 (Occupant Crash Protection), FMVSS 214 (Side Impact Protection), and FMVSS 213 (Child Restraint Systems). At the beginning of the task, in consultation with the COTR, the contractor shall submit a research plan. This plan shall reflect the need to adhere to all agency objectives and internal deadlines.

Table 1. 2007 Frontal, Side and Rollover NCAP Vehicle Selected for NCAP Tests.

Make Model Body Style Frontal Side Rollover

BMW 3 Series 4dr Yes YES Yes Buick Lucerne 4dr Yes Yes Yes Cadillac CTS 4dr Yes Co Co Cadillac DTS 4dr Yes Yes Yes Chevrolet Aveo 4dr Co Yes Yes Chevrolet Cobalt 2dr Co Yes Yes Chevrolet Colorado PU Yes Co Co Chevrolet Colorado 4dr PU Yes Co Co

Chevrolet Express Passenger 1500 Van Yes N/A Yes

Chevrolet HHR SUV Yes YES Yes Chevrolet Impala 4dr Yes Yes Yes Chevrolet Monte Carlo 2dr Yes Yes Yes Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT SUV Yes N/A Yes Chevrolet Uplander Van Co Co Yes Dodge Caliber (2007) 4dr Yes YES Yes Dodge Caravan-SWB Van Co Co Yes Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4dr PU Co Yes Co Ford Expedition SUV Co N/A Yes Ford Explorer SUV Yes Yes Yes

Ford Freestar Van Co Opt. Co Ford Fusion 4dr Yes YES Yes Honda Civic Coupe 2dr Yes YES Yes Honda Civic Sedan 4dr Yes Yes Yes Honda Element SUV Co Co Honda Odyssey Van Co Opt. Co Honda Pilot SUV Co Co Yes Honda Ridgeline PU Opt. Opt. Opt.

Hummer H3 SUV Yes Yes Yes Hyundai Accent 4dr Yes Yes Yes Hyundai Azera (TG) 4dr Yes YES Yes Hyundai Sonata 4dr Yes Yes Yes Hyundai Tucson (JM) SUV Yes Yes Yes Jeep Commander SUV Yes N/A Yes Kia Rio 4dr Yes Yes Yes Kia Sedona Van Yes YES Yes Kia Sorento SUV Co Co Yes Lexus ES330 4dr Yes Co Co Mercedes- Benz ML-Class SUV Yes Yes Yes Mitsubishi Lancer 4dr Yes Co Co Nissan Armada SUV Yes N/A Yes Nissan Frontier 4dr PU Co Co Yes

Nissan Frontier

PU

Excab Yes Yes Yes

Nissan Murano SUV Yes Co Co Nissan Titan 4dr PU Co N/A Yes

Nissan Titan

PU

Excab Yes N/A Yes

Nissan Xterra SUV Co Co Yes Pontiac G6 2dr Co Yes Yes Pontiac Grand Prix 4dr Opt. Co Co Saab 9-2X SW Co Co Yes Scion xB SW Yes Yes Yes Subaru B9 TRIBECA SUV Yes YES Yes Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV Yes YES Yes Toyota 4Runner SUV Yes Co Co Toyota Prius 4dr Yes Co Co Toyota RAV4 SUV Yes Yes Yes Toyota Tacoma 4dr PU Yes Yes Yes Toyota Tacoma PU Co Co Yes Toyota Tundra 4dr PU Co Co Yes Toyota Tundra PU Co Co Yes Volkswagen Passat 4dr Yes Yes Yes

C.5.1. Task 2 – Background

On August 30, 2005, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register that proposed to reform the structure of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program and proposes to establish higher CAFE standards for model year (MY) 2008–2011 light trucks. (70 FR 51414). In conjunction with this notice, NHTSA also published a request for comments notice, which seeks information on manufacturers’ future product plans that will assist NHTSA in its analysis of the maximum feasible light truck CAFE standards for MYs 2008-2011 (70 FR 51466).

Based on the comments, information and analysis received, NHTSA will conduct a technical analysis of the maximum feasible light truck fuel economy and will publish a final rule for light truck CAFE standards for MYs 2008-2011 during FY 2006. Accompanying this proposed rule will be an Economic Assessment and an Environment Assessment.

Due to the importance of the CAFE program to the agency and to the Bush Administration, there is a need for assistance with the many work products that will be needed. These work products will be provided to others within the agency and the administration, often times under tight deadlines. To assist the Fuel Economy Division with meeting these deadlines and with work product preparation, there is a need for additional support.

C.5.2 Task 2 – Requirements

C.5.2.1 Subtask 1

The contractor will assist the Fuel Economy Division with in preparing Rulemaking and other packages, according to established standard operating procedures, for circulation and signature approval for all levels of NHTSA management. The contractor will assist the Fuel Economy Division with the development and dissemination of presentations, memos, notices, handouts, etc., as needed to support the needs of the Division and the secretarial staff.

C.5.2.2 Subtask 2

The contractor provides assistance to the Fuel Economy Division personnel in all aspects of data/information management and quality assurance. The staff assists in the quality inspection and distribution of Fuel Economy Division products, assists in maintaining all CAFE databases, assists in coordinating with the Division to distribute CAFE program work products to agency and administration personnel in both print and electronic formats. The staff assists in responding to electronic correspondence addressed to the CAFE program.

C.5.2.3 Subtask 3

The contractor assists the Fuel Economy Division with data analysis using Microsoft Excel. The staff should have some familiarity with Microsoft Access. Assignments will involve assistance in developing evaluations and recommendations to support the Fuel Economy Division’s analyses for presentations, notices, and other documents. Assists in preparing the visual presentation of the data, including but not limited to charts, graphs and reports. All tracking must be done both Microsoft and proprietary (MS Access based) software systems to generate data, analysis, and information. Training will be given on the proprietary While general guidance is provided, guidelines are not always wholly applicable to the problem requiring solution, therefore judgment is required in their selection, application and extrapolation in preparing support documentation, analysis, papers, findings, recommendations, etc.

C.5.2.4 Subtask 4

The contractor shall provide assistance in tracking, updating, maintaining, revising and reporting projects via the project management system, including updating data as packages flow through the office. The contractor also shall provide assistance in generating standard and custom reports and analyzing the performance of projects and programs against established milestones. The staff assists in reviewing public comments, assists in tracking all incoming and outgoing correspondence for the office and assists in filing and maintaining correspondence records.

C.5.2.5 Subtask 5

The contractor assists in tracking, updating, maintaining, revising and reporting via the project management system, including updating data as packages flow through the office, assists in generating standard and custom reports, assists in analyzing performance of projects and programs against established milestones. Program manager will provide guidance regarding milestones.

C.6.1. Task 3 – Background

In January, 2001, NHTSA created its first Crash Avoidance New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). This program provides vehicle-comparison information to new car buyers. In 2003, the agency initiated its second Crash Avoidance NCAP program, called Dynamic Rollover. In 2005, the agency moved its dynamic rollover program to a new facility, in a warm weather location, allowing year-around testing. Concurrently, Congress, in the Safety, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005: Legacy for Users (SAFETY-LU), required the agency to implement a regulation and a program requiring NCAP data to be put on the labels of new vehicles before they are sold.

In conjunction with these activities, the agency requires assistance to develop and document Crash Avoidance NCAP program improvements.

C.6.2 Task 3 – Requirements

1. Assist in preparing the annual Manufacturer Information Requests

Before the beginning of each automotive model year, the agency writes the major vehicle manufacturers several information requests. These requests ask for vehicle configuration information, to help the agency with two aspects of the NCAP program: vehicle selection and consumer safety equipment information. The contractor shall assist the agency in the preparation of these information requests.

2. Assist in preparing the New Year Vehicle Selection Report

Before the beginning of each automotive model year, the agency determines what vehicles will be tested during that year. Testing decisions are based on information provided by vehicle manufacturers in the spring of each automotive model year. The contractor shall assist the agency in producing a report that outlines test vehicle selections for each testing program.

3. Assist in preparing press releases

The agency releases its testing plans and test results to the public through press releases. The contractor will assist the agency in drafting these press releases.

4. Assist in editing the agency publication “Buying a Safer Car”

The contractor will assist with editing and producing the agency’s annual publication titled “Buying a Safer Car.” This publication, directed at consumers interested in purchasing a new car, discusses vehicle safety options, and presents the NCAP data for new vehicles.

5. Prepare responses to NCAP-related correspondence and E-mails The contractor shall assist the agency in drafting responses to letters and e-mails it receives from the public.

6. Assist with technical writing for the website

The contractor shall assist the agency in updating its NCAP website. This work shall include drafting technical information that is added to the website that provides updates on NCAP testing and programs.

7. Produce in-house special reports and briefings

The contractor shall assist the agency in drafting reports and briefings to support the NCAP program. These documents shall include, but are not limited to, procedural documents, special event reports, program development recommendations, program progress reports, and program results reports.

C.7.1. Task 4 – Background

In 2001, Congress required NHTSA, under the TREAD Act, to establish a child restraint safety rating consumer information program to provide practicable, readily understandable, and timely information to consumers for use in making informed decisions in the purchase of child restraint systems (CRS). In response, the agency produces the ease of use (EOU) rating system. This task requires the Contractor assist the agency in reviewing and rating CRS.

C.7.2 Task 4 – Requirements

C.7.2.1. Subtask 1

The contractor shall obtain all child restraint systems (CRS) necessary for testing and provide for their storage. The location of testing must be less than about 50 miles from the DOT headquarter. The agency will provide a list of all CRS that must be obtained before the initiation of testing. The agency expects to provide rating information for 100-120 CRS. Subject to providing a cost estimate to the agency for CRS purchases and that receives approval by the CO prior to making any purchases, the Contractor will be reimbursed for the actual cost of the CRS purchases. The contractor shall provide a temperature controlled storage facility that can hold at least 100-120 child restraints and maintain a temperature of 70 degrees (+/- 5 degrees). The storage facility also shall be large enough to accommodate individuals needing access to rate the child seats.

C.7.2.2 Subtask 2

The contractor shall provide four evaluators (two groups of two) for approximately eight weeks to conduct child restraint ease of use ratings. The contractor may be required to increase the number of evaluators if additional testing is required. Attached to this contract is the rating form used in this evaluation process. Each evaluator shall have full understanding of this form and the required procedure before beginning the rating process. The agency will provide contractor staff with instruction on how to conduct the rating process. Each CSR will be evaluated by each group of evaluators. The contractor shall compile the results of the ratings on scoring forms (provided by NHTSA). The contractor shall provide the NHTSA COTR with two copies of the ratings and scoring forms prepared by each group of evaluators. For each CRS, the contractor shall measure physical size and weight. Physical size shall be measured in inches with an accuracy of 0.1 inch.

Weight shall be measured in pounds with an accuracy of 0.1 lbs. Measurement devices shall be calibrated after 10 measurements. In addition, the contractor shall provide photos (front, side, and bottom) of child seats. The NHTSA COTR will send copies of the ratings to each of the manufacturers for review. Manufacturers may provide comments in response to the rating information. The contractor shall assist the agency in responding to any manufacturer comments. The contractor shall enter rating results data into the NHTSA website database. The contractor also shall provide a photo of each child restraint, such as currently provided on the NHTSA website http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/CPS/CSSRating/Index.cfm

C.7.2.3 Subtask 3

The contractor shall examine the current EOU rating categories and provide recommendations on how the current categories could more accurately reflect child seats currently on the market.

Recommendations shall focus on various designs of soft and hard lower anchors (as part of the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system) in all child seat types.

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Preservation, packaging, and packing of all shipments or mailing of all work delivered under this contract shall be done in accordance with good commercial practices and to insure acceptance by common carrier (if applicable) and safe transportation at the most economical rate(s).

Any deliverables required by this contract shall be submitted to the applicable personnel identified in Section F of this contract. Due to increase security concerns, deliverables transmitted via regular U.S. Mail experience significant delay in reaching its intended destination and, as part of the screening process, may be damaged. For these reasons, the US Postal Service should not be used to transmit deliverables. Rather, the contractor is encouraged to use electronic mail to the maximum extent possible.

D.2 PRINT-READY DELIVERABLES: For those items that must be ready for printing, the following NHTSA guidelines shall be used:

D.2.1 TEXT

Text files shall be provided in Microsoft Word format on a CD using the fewest number of formatting tools as possible (i.e. avoid columns, multiple fonts, etc.) Avoid using any design/layout elements. If the publication has charts and graphs, the contractor shall insert the chart or graph (produced preferably in Microsoft Excel) at the appropriate locations in the publication.

D.2.2 CHARTS AND GRAPHS

Charts and graphs should be provided in 2 forms.