Attachment_J.6_Hypothethical_Task_Order_for_RFP_DTNH2217R00003.docx

RFP DTNH2217R00003

Attachment J.6 - Hypothetical Task Order

Interface Metrics for Advanced Technologies

SECTION C: DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

This is a hypothetical Task Order entitled “Interface Metrics for Advanced Technologies” for Solicitation DTNH2217R00003, Vehicle Safety Human Factor Research. The purpose of this hypothetical Task Order is to obtain a technical plan of how the Offeror will complete the order, which includes a discussion of problem identification, study and evaluation techniques, and reporting methodology. The purpose of this hypothetical Task Order is also to obtain a detailed cost proposal to determine the reasonableness of the cost for future Task Orders.

C.1 INTRODUCTION

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation, was established by the Highway Safety Act of 1970, as the successor to the National Highway Safety Bureau, to carry out safety programs under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 and the Highway Safety Act of 1966. The Vehicle Safety Act has subsequently been recodified under Title 49 of the U. S. Code in Chapter 301, Motor Vehicle Safety. NHTSA also carries out consumer programs established by the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1972, which has been recodified in various Chapters under Title 49.

NHTSA is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. This is accomplished by setting and enforcing safety performance standards for motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment, and through grants to state and local governments to enable them to conduct effective local highway safety programs.

NHTSA investigates safety defects in motor vehicles, sets and enforces fuel economy standards, helps states and local communities reduce the threats of drunk drivers, promote the use of safety belts, child safety seats and air bags, investigate odometer fraud, establish and enforce vehicle anti-theft regulations and provide consumer information on motor vehicle safety topics. NHTSA also conducts research on driver behavior and traffic safety, to develop the most efficient and effective means of bringing about safety improvements.

C.2 PURPOSE

The purpose of this hypothetical Task Order is to establish a test/research plan to develop the following:

· A metric (i.e., measure of performance);

· A criterion (a value of the metric that indicates a threshold for passing), and

· A test procedure to evaluate the effectiveness of the driver interface(s) for an emerging crash avoidance technology, Technology Z. Of interest is whether the interface elicits the correct and timely response from drivers.

C.3 BACKGROUND

Crash avoidance technology has advanced over the past decade at an increasing rate. Examples are numerous and include blind spot monitoring, tailgating alerts, night vision assistance, backup assistance, and many others. Each displays information to drivers and many offer driver controls. Information is displayed to the driver through visual, auditory, and often haptic sensory modalities. Controls can consist of different types of button, knob, voice control, and touch screens, for example. Vehicles provide these displays and controls in a variety of locations. Although some research on the effectiveness of these characteristics has been conducted previously (e.g., Advanced Crash Avoidance Technologies Program (ACAT), Crash Warning Interface Metrics Program (CWIM)), specific criteria are needed for an effective driver interface that will elicit a timely and appropriate response from drivers and will not distract drivers from events occurring on the road or reduce their situational awareness.

C.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

In writing its Proposal for the base indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, it is important for the Offeror to submit alternative approaches and incorporate the hypothetical task structure that follows. The Offeror shall include in the Proposal its proposed approach(es) to performing the following tasks, which may be representative of the tasks undertaken in this contract.

The Offeror shall describe its proposed staffing and recommended technical approach(es) for studying the problem. An elaborate literature review is not necessary. Offerors shall include estimated hours for each labor category it finds applicable to this hypothetical task order and shall include hourly labor rates or other costs, necessary to accomplish the requirements of this order.

C.5 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

The outcomes/results to be achieved are included in this RFP. The specific requirements listed below are estimates based on desired outcomes. Final task requirements will depend on the proposals and could vary depending on the approach.

C.5.1 Kickoff Meeting: Within two weeks following award, the Contractor shall meet with NHTSA personnel at DOT Headquarters in Washington, DC to present their approach for conducting the research (as described in their proposal) including plans for carrying out the objectives of the tasks, the schedules of task activities, and the Task Order requirements.

Milestone: Presentation at Kickoff Meeting

C.5.2 Research Plan: The Contractor shall prepare a detailed plan for the research to be conducted (all studies) including, for each study, facilities, equipment, key variables, sample size and how it was determined, the test procedures that will be compared, a detailed analysis plan, and how the specific criterion will ultimately be found. If multiple studies are proposed, the research plan shall describe any dependencies among them, and whether participants or data are used in more than one study. Multiple studies are not required, but are acceptable.

Deliverables: Draft and final (approved) research plan

C.5.3 Preparation: For each study, the Contractor shall describe in detail all preparations including Paperwork Reduction Act clearance (if applicable), Institutional Review Board approval, and pilot testing of procedures.

Milestones: Completion of each preparatory activity

C.5.4 Data Collection: The Contractor shall recruit and screen potential participants to ensure, for each study, that the sample size described in the research plan is obtained. The Contractor shall collect data for each study as described in the approved research plan.

Milestones: Completion of data collection for each study

C.5.5 Data Analysis: After verifying and validating the data for each study, the Contractor shall analyze the data in the manner described in the analysis plan of the approved research plan. If the approved research plan is found to require modification, the Contractor shall submit an altered research plan to the NHTSA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for approval.

Milestones: Completion of data analysis for each study

C.5.6 Reporting: The Contractor shall provide draft and final technical documentation for each study in APA style (American Psychological Association) with sufficient detail for an independent researcher to replicate the study or studies. Following submission of the draft technical report, the Contractor shall schedule and present a briefing to NHTSA in Washington DC that highlights the research methods and findings (i.e., the test procedure and criterion). The Contractor shall provide a draft briefing to the NHTSA COR for approval, at least one week prior to the briefing date. Note that at least two months should be provided for NHTSA review of the technical report.

Deliverables: Draft and final (approved) technical report and briefing

The Contractor shall provide quarterly project status reports to the NHTSA COR by the 15th calendar day of each quarter, following the quarter being reported. The purpose of this report is to describe the status of the technical tasks, costs, and schedule. The reports shall include the following information:

Project Status

· Accomplishments made during the reporting period.

· Preliminary or interim results, conclusions, trends or other items of information that are of interest to NHTSA.

· Plans for accomplishments in the next reporting period.

· Problems that the Contractor has experienced in conducting their services; and specific action that NHTSA should undertake to alleviate a problem.

· Remaining milestones and deliverables, and their status.

· Monthly obligations and cumulative total to date.

SECTION F: DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 Period of Performance

The period of performance of this hypothetical Task Order shall be 24 months from the effective date of issuance. The Offeror may propose an alternative period of performance based on the Offeror’s understanding of the requirements of this hypothetical Task Order.

F.2 Milestones and Deliverables

The schedule outlined in the following table is an estimate. Final milestones and deliverables will depend on the proposals and could vary depending on the approach.