DTNH2215R00022_(2).pdf

Questions & Responses for NHTSA Request for Proposal (RFP) Solicitation

DTNH22-15-R-00022

Fatigue in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems

1. Question: Page 15, Section C.3.3, states that the Contractor shall “…bring together a panel of experts …” to investigate the questions to be answered with this project. What does NHTSA consider as an ideal expert panel in terms of size and expert type, as some of the panel representation types are plural (e.g. “Fatigue experts, Physicians with expertise… State and Local EMS medical directors, EMS Administrators,” etc.)?

Answer: It is NHTSA’s expectation that the Offeror propose the makeup of the expert panel.

2. Question: How many days does NHTSA estimate will be needed to convene the expert panel to accomplish C.3.3?

Answer: It is NHTSA’s expectation the the Offeror propose the length of the expert panel.

3. Question: Section C.3.3, does NHTSA expect to provide a stipend or honorarium to each of the expert panelists? If so, what is NHTSA’s suggestion regarding the amount of any stipend or honorarium? If a stipend is to be provided, should the Contractor include these costs in the cost proposal?

Answer: NHTSA will not provide a stipend or honorarium directly to expert panel participants. It is up to the Offeror to propose whether to pay a stipend or honorarium as well as deciding how much to pay. These costs shall be included in the cost proposal.

4. Question: Pertaining to the expert panelists in Section C.3.3, does NHTSA expect to cover related travel costs? If so, should the Contractor include these costs in the cost proposal?

Answer: NHTSA will not directly provide travel costs for the expert panel participants.

The Offeror shall include estimated travel in the cost proposal.

5. Question: Page 16, Section C.3.3, states that the Contractor shall provide training on EBG development to the expert panel and that the training should be carried out by “…an experienced EBG guideline development methodologist…” On page 5, Section B.3, none of the labor category descriptions refer to an EBG guideline development methodologist. Would NHTSA provide a description for the EBG guideline development methodologist labor category?

Answer: The Offeror may propose an additional labor category or use a labor category already present in the RFP if appropriate.

6. Question: Page 16, Section C.3.4, states that the Contractor, “…in consultation with the medical librarian, shall find and review literature….” The medical librarian was not included in the list and descriptions of labor categories in Section B.3, but is listed as an expert panel member. Would NHTSA indicate whether or not this individual is expected to be compensated as part of the Contractor’s staff for this additional effort that is beyond panel participation?

Answer: The Offeror may propose an additional labor category or use a labor category already present in the RFP if appropriate.

7. Question: Page 17, Section C.3.5, does NHTSA expect to provide an honorarium to the panelists and cover their travel costs? If so, should the Contractor include these costs in the cost proposal?

Answer: NHTSA will not provide travel, stipends, or honorariums directly to expert panel participants. The Offeror shall propose whether to pay these expenses as well as deciding how much to pay. These costs should be included in the cost proposal.

8. Question: Page 19, Section C.3.14, states that the Contractor shall perform experimental research to explore the effects of implementing a fatigue management program in optional task 2. Would NHTSA be amenable to using some means of automated survey data collection systems to obtain the data NHTSA is seeking in this optional task?

Answer: The Offeror shall determine and propose what type(s) of experimental design and methodology to use in order to best demonstrate the effectiveness of evidence based fatigue guidelines.