J.6 Task Order 0001.pdf

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Acquisition and Grants Management

Multiple Award ID/IQ: Infrastructure Materials Laboratories (IML) Support Services

Task Order Proposal Request (TOPR) # 0001

HRDI10220008PR

Concrete Laboratory Support Services under IML

Instructions to Offerors

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1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

This TOPR will result in a combination Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) and Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) task order under Infrastructure Materials Laboratories (IML) Support Services. Offers shall be submitted in electronic format to:

Contract Specialist: James Mikell 360.619.7584 James.Mikell@dot.gov

Proposals Due Date: Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with instructions established in

IDIQ RFP 693JJ322R000003.

Proposals are valid for 180 calendar days unless otherwise stipulated by the Offeror.

Hard copies will not be accepted.

In response to this TOPR, the Offeror shall prepare a detailed proposal for meeting all stated requirements and comply with the following limitations and characteristics:

• Do not include marketing materials

• No less than size 11 font shall be used

• Offers shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Word 2016, MS Excel

2016, or in text searchable PDF format, as applicable.

• Section 1 – Technical Proposal is limited to a total of 20 pages. Resumes, if required, are excluded from the Technical Proposal page limitation, but are themselves limited to no more than three pages each.

• Section 2 – Price Proposal does not have a page limitation, but must include attached forms:

a. 0001 Schedule of Services

b. 0001 Level of Effort Estimate in Excel format

• The subject line of your email and all correspondence must include the TOPR number found on the cover page.

2 COMMUNICATIONS AND QUESTIONS

Communications shall be conducted electronically by e-mail to Contracting Officer identified in section 1 above.

Questions concerning this TOPR are due by close of business 4 business days prior to the proposal due date. Questions received after the cut-off date will generally not be considered.

Any information given to one Offeror concerning this requirement will be furnished at the same time to any other prospective Offeror, if that information is necessary in submitting offers, or if lack of it would be prejudicial to any prospective Offeror.

mailto:James.Mikell@dot.gov

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3 PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

Proposal materials will be organized as follows: Section 1 Technical Proposal and Section 2 Price Proposal. All Sections are to be clearly separated from the other (i.e., Separate electronic files). Each Offeror shall provide all price information only in the Price Proposal. The Technical Proposal shall not contain any price information.

To be acceptable, the proposal must meet all of the constraints set forth in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Work (SOW), as applicable.

4 SECTION 1 – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

This volume addresses the technical aspects of the requirement. It shall indicate the Offeror’s capabilities and the means used to satisfy the requirements stated in the attached PWS/SOW. The Offeror is encouraged to propose innovative solutions that meet FHWA’s performance requirements for this procurement. Reference the PWS/SOW section 1.3, Detailed Requirement for specifics of the Government’s requirements for this service.

The Offeror shall describe and provide the following:

1. Describe the Offeror’s Technical approach to performing the work described in Tasks 1 through 5 in the PWS for TO 0001, including how the task order requirements and objectives will be met.

2. The Offeror’s staffing and management approach to performing the work requirements of the PWS, including title and a description of the duties proposed personnel will perform.

3. The Offeror’s proposed Level of Effort table by year for the period of performance (table displaying labor categories, individual names proposed by labor category, and labor hours per year).

4. The Contractor shall provide resumes for key personnel proposed in the Contractor’s submission. Resumes are limited to three pages and must provide detailed information on the background, education, leadership, training, suitability to the proposed position, applicability of related experience, and special or unique qualifications.

Special Note

While preparing your technical proposal if your offer includes additional requirements or adds detail to the PWS/SOW, you are encouraged to edit the document and return it with your technical proposal. For example, the Government will consider additional capabilities and detail with regard to:

• Length and quantity of requirements/deliverables

• Requirement specifications

If you choose to add detail to the PWS/SOW, the Government will not accept reduced capabilities or performance and must be written in the affirmative. We may choose to accept or reject any additional changes based on the original requirement and objectives.

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Additional tasks must be written and priced as optional tasks.

5 SECTION 2 – PRICE PROPOSAL

The Offeror shall provide a price proposal that reflects its proposed solution to the Government’s requirements. The price to perform the work shall be for a base period and any option periods as identified in the Schedule of Services. The Offeror shall submit the TOPR Schedule of Services and Level of Effort Spreadsheet with their 0001 proposal.

Firm Fixed Price:

Provide adequate detail in supporting documentation of how total price was reached (i.e., proposed labor category: proposed hourly price x proposed # hours = subtotal price. Total price = sum of subtotals).

Cost Plus Fixed Fee:

Offeror shall submit a budget summary for the entire period of performance that clearly identifies the following:

• Labor-labor categories, rates and hours for each proposed staff member, and escalation if proposed. Include a complete breakdown by task and labor category. Offeror shall indicate the percentage of time that proposed staff members are committed to other contracts/activities during the period of performance.

• Subcontractors/Consultants and analysis in accordance with FAR 15.404-3.

• Other Direct Costs-provide a breakout of Other Direct Costs by category (travel, equipment, etc.)

• Overhead rates and their application bases.

• Fee/Profit and its equivalent percentage rate and application base.

Material Costs and Travel

Material costs and travel costs proposed shall be supported by explanation of estimating factors and other relevant supporting details. For example, Offerors shall support travel costs with detailed information on the estimated trips, number of travelers, and associated costs for airfare, per diem, other transportation, etc. Per diem for travelers is billable under this task order not to exceed the GSA allowable rate (http://gsa.gov/perdiem) and must be included in the price proposal, but special meals or receptions are not payable items by FHWA under this task order and should not be included in the proposal. All travel requires Government approval/authorization and notification to the COR. The Offeror shall provide detailed descriptions for all other material costs.

The vendor shall provide a hybrid firm fixed price and cost plus fixed fee price proposal, delineating the appropriate labor mix. The Government accepts price discounts on the ID/IQ pricing for this task order. Please annotate the current rate and the discounted rate on the Schedule of Services enclosed in the TOPR. Other Direct Costs shall be included as a part of this http://gsa.gov/perdiem

Page | 4 requirement. The Government anticipates Travel and ODCs in the amount of $200,000 and $1,800,000, respectively, during the life of this task order.

NOTE: Material costs and travel will be reimbursed at cost. Fee or profit will not be accepted.

6 EVALUATION FACTORS

The Government will issue a task order resulting from this TOPR based on a proposal that represents the best value to the Government, considering technical, past performance and cost/price factors. When combined; Technical Approach and Past Performance are approximately equal to Cost/Price.

The following factors will be used to evaluate proposals.

(1) Technical

The Offeror’s approach to performing the requirements and its capability to successfully perform the contract will be evaluated. Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:

Note: All bulleted items noted below are considered equal in the overall evaluation of Technical Capability.

• The Task Order 0001 Proposal demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirements;

• The Task Order 0001 Proposal demonstrates a sound, adequate, and innovative technical and management approach to successfully perform the PWS requirements; and

• The Task Order 0001 Proposal demonstrates a realistic staffing mix and level of effort for the work to be performed.

(2) Past Performance.

(3) Submission of additional Past Performance is not required. The Government, at its sole discretion, may seek additional past performance information from other sources such as the Government’s Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).Price.

The proposed prices will be evaluated but not scored. The evaluation will determine whether the proposed prices are realistic, complete, and reasonable in relation to the solicitation requirements. Proposed prices must be entirely compatible with the technical proposal.

7 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Cost labor categories are intended to show historical need and is used to provide support in the workplan primarily. Complete Attachments 1 and 2.

Labor and Escalation rates must not exceed those submitted with IDIQ proposal Attachment J.1.

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7.1 FUNDS AVAILABILTY

a. Currently, funding is available for payment under this Contract for the FFP estimate.

b. The balance of funding under this Contract will be obligated Subject To Availability of Funds and formal unilateral modification of this Contract by the CO.

c. FAR Part 52.232-22, entitled, "LIMITATION OF FUNDS" applies to this contract.

Any notification required on the part of the Contract shall be made in writing to the Contracting Officer. In the event that the contract is not funded beyond the estimated cost set forth in the schedule, the Contractor shall deliver to the Contracting Officer the data collected and the material produced or in process or acquired in connection with the performance of the project provided herein together with a summary report in five copies of its progress and accomplishments to date.

52.217-5 Evaluation of Options. (Jul 1990)

Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(End of provision)

8 ATTACHMENTS

1. 0001 Schedule of Services

2. 0001 Level of Effort Estimate (Excel) https://www.acquisition.gov/far/17.206#FAR_17_206

0001 SCHEDULE OF

SERVICES

(HRDI10220008PR)

CLIN DESCRIPTION Units (Months)

Price Per Unit

Total Price

0001 The contractor shall provide all CONC Lab Support Services (Core Staff) Base Period:

Pricing: Firm Fixed Price

15 $ $

0002 The contractor shall provide all CONC Lab Support Services (Core Staff) Option Period 1:

Pricing: Firm Fixed Price

12 $ $

0003 The contractor shall provide all CONC Lab Support Services (Core Staff) Option Period 2:

Pricing: Firm Fixed Price

12 $ $

TOTAL FFP BASE: $

TOTAL FFP BASE PLUS OPTIONS $

CLIN DESCRIPTION Estimated Cost Fixed Fee

Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee

0004 The contractor shall provide all CONC Lab Support Services (As-Needed Staff) Base Period:

Pricing: Cost plus Fee

0005 The contractor shall provide all CONC Lab Support Services (As-Needed Staff) Option Period 1:

Pricing: Cost plus Fee

0006 The contractor shall provide all CONC Lab Support Services (As-Needed Staff) Option Period 2:

Pricing: Cost plus Fee

0007 Travel – Cost Reimbursable $200,000.00 N/A $

0008 Materials – Cost Reimbursable $1,800,000.00 N/A $

TOTAL CPFF BASE: $

TOTAL CPFF BASE PLUS OPTIONS: $

Maximum Burdened Rates (CPFF)

Labor Categories

Year 1 Rates

Discount Rates

Year 2 Rates

Discount Rates

Year 3 Rates

Discount Rates

CRM-I

CRM-II

CMRE, Level 5

CMRE, Level 4

CMRE, Level 3

CMRE, Level 2

CMRE, Level 1

CRT, Level 5

CRT, Level 4

CRT, Level 3

CRT, Level 2

CRT, Level 1

GL, Level 3

GL, Level 2

GL, Level 1

SME, Level 5

SME, Level 4

SME, Level 3

SME, Level 2

SME, Level 1

DP

0001 SCHEDULE OF

SERVICES

(HRDI10220008PR)

Office of Infrastructure Research & Development

(HRDI-10)

Performance Work Statement

For

Multiple Award ID/IQ: Infrastructure Materials Laboratories (IML) Support Services

Entitled

“Concrete Laboratory Support Services under IML”

1.0 Overview

This is a non-personal services task order to provide personnel and materials for the operation of the Concrete Laboratory (CONC) at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) and to conduct concrete pavement and structural materials research studies described in this Performance Work Statement (PWS). The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over the contract or task order service providers performing the services herein. Such service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government as defined in this PWS. The Contractor shall perform to the standards herein.

1.1 Background

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Infrastructure Research & Development (HRDI) conducts and oversees research and development programs and projects that address critical highway infrastructure needs and priorities of national importance. Studies focus on the design, materials, construction, operation, and preservation of highway pavements, bridges, and other structures. In addition, HRDI provides expert technical assistance to other FHWA offices, other Federal agencies, State and local transportation organizations, industry and academia.

Research conducted in the CONC addresses the characterization and evaluation of cement-based materials, concretes, and materials in contact with cements and concretes and structures (pavements and bridges) made from these materials. The research program conducts applied and basic research within the identified topic areas looking at innovative materials, designs, construction processes, assessment techniques, and rehabilitation solutions. The CONC at TFHRC has a role to play in these advancements and others through investigation of refined and targeted solutions to address pressing challenges, assessment and prediction of performance, and expert support for deployment of solutions.

Projects conducted in the CONC have typically been applied research at the material scale. This has included material development and assessment in a plastic state and assessment of hardened materials using a range of analytical methods, traditional durability or mechanical testing, and development of new assessment tools and techniques. The outcomes of this research has resulted in advancements in scientific literature, federal documents, and the basis of technical presentations that have impacted the highway community. These have resulted in update to construction specifications, development of standard test methods, and improvement to industry best-practices.

1.2 Objective

The objective of this task order is to provide Concrete Materials, Structural Materials, Pavement Engineering, and other Engineering Technical Support to facilitate advancement of FHWA’s infrastructure materials research program.

1.3 Detailed Requirement

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, other items, and non-personal services necessary to perform work in the following task areas to support the CONC. The work includes Laboratory Management, Operation, and Maintenance (Task 1), Support for the Conduct of Research (Task 2), supporting

FHWA’s role in Technical Assistance Requests (Task 3), Research Communication Support (Task 4), and maintaining the CONC’s AASHTO Accreditation (Task 5).

The task areas are meant to serve as a guide of the general type of work conducted in the CONC and which the Contractor will support.

All work conducted in this task order shall be conducted in accordance with the Concrete Laboratory Safety Plan. Work conducted in other TFHRC facilities or off-site might need to follow additional safety or operational requirements, as outlined by the respective laboratories.

Task 1: Laboratory Management, Operation, and Maintenance Activities in this task area will provide support to the general operation of the CONC at TFHRC and the management of the other associated tasks conducted under this task order. The Contractor shall execute and monitor the contract work. The Contractor shall identify a Laboratory Manager (LM) to supervise the contract progress and serve as the Government’s main point of contact for project management activities.

1.1 Kick-off Meeting

Within 10 business days following award of the task order, the Contractor shall facilitate a kick-off meeting. The meeting should either be held in-person at TFHRC or via video conference. The Contractor shall bring its representatives to ensure all parties have a common understanding of the contract tasks and requirements. The Contractor shall bring, at a minimum, its key personnel to this meeting. The Contractor shall take and submit minutes of the meeting to the Task Order Contracting Officer’s Representative (TOCOR) within 5 business days following the kick-off meeting.

1.2 Quality Control Plan

The Contractor shall develop and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The QCP serves to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The QCP for this task order shall include, but is not limited to:

• Ensuring accuracy of time and attendance for all staff;

• Ensuring smooth phase-in/phase-out;

• Project scheduling to ensure full utilization of all staff;

• Peer review of work before sending to the Government for review;

• Management, storage, and disposal of materials and test specimens;

• How to manage irreplaceable specimens and ensure they are tested as intended;

• Safe use and operation of equipment such as, but not limited to forklifts, hydraulic systems, dynamic vapor sorption analyzers, x-ray fluorescence equipment, etc.;

• Ensuring competency of test equipment operators;

• Collection and management of data; and

• Templates of the Safety and Near Miss Incident Report and the Equipment Damage

Report.

The Contactor shall submit a Draft QCP with 15 business days of the kick-off meeting, and the Final QCP within 10 business days following receipt of comments from TOCOR.

1.3 Progress Meetings and Monthly Reports

To monitor work progress, the Contractor will host weekly meetings with all on-site Contractor staff and the TOCOR to report the substantial accomplishment(s) that have been made on all active tasks and alert the TOCOR to any delays or difficulties with any of the tasks on this TO.

As a monthly deliverable, the Contractor shall deliver a Monthly Report, which includes the minutes of the weekly meetings held during the prior month. The Monthly Report shall also include a summary of the ODC and travel expenses from the prior month, and clearly identify the Task Area or Work Plan to which the individual costs are associated.

On an annual basis, typically the first week of May, or as requested by the TOCOR, the Contractor shall provide a Task Area Review. The Review will consist of a PPT slide deck delivered in a meeting-style format that highlights significant findings, lessons learned, challenges encountered, and next steps on the activities in the Task Areas in which the Contractor is working.

This delivery can also serve as a strategic planning session for goals and objectives for the coming year. It is expected that the Review should be completed in a 90-minute period, or less.

1.4 Safety Program

The Contractor shall develop and maintain an appropriate safety program for the CONC and develop a safety-focused working atmosphere. All work on this task order is expected to be conducted in accordance with the Concrete Laboratory Safety Plan. As part of this task, the Contractor shall:

• Maintain the Safety Plan for the CONC. Annual updates shall be submitted by January 15th of each calendar year.

• Conduct hazard analysis/inspection before the Safety Plan is updated and, at a minimum, on an annual basis. The hazard analysis shall be submitted to the TOCOR.

• Hold safety meetings for their staff, where the staff is expected to read the safety plan prior to the meeting. Written minutes of the topics discussed and the signatures of those attending shall be provided to the TOCOR following the meeting. These should be held, at a minimum, on an annual basis.

• Maintain laboratory spaces, equipment, and inventory in accordance with the CONC Safety Plan.

• Report injuries and near-misses immediately to the Government (Federal Lab Manager, TOCOR, and Infrastructure Materials Team Leader). Within 2 days following an injury or near-miss, the Contractor shall submit a detailed Safety Incident Report to the TOCOR.

1.5 General Laboratory Support

General laboratory support activities will be conducted by the Contractor. As part of this effort, the Contractor shall:

• Operate the equipment in the CONC in accordance with manufacturer instructions and industry best practices.

• Identify needs; develop criteria; and gather pricing information and procure materials, electronic parts, instrumentation, and equipment as needed.

• Develop specification(s) for new equipment and instrumentation. Procure and install equipment as needed.

• Upon procurement of equipment, provide Equipment Turnover Package, that shall include, at a minimum, invoices and receipts, owner and operator manuals, maintenance schedules, and warranty information. The Equipment Turnover Package shall also be maintained in electronic form.

• Pick up or arrange delivery of orders.

• Participate in conference calls, meetings, and virtual meetings as needed.

• Initiate and process emails, phone calls, and messages– daily, initiating and responding as needed.

• Attend workshops, conferences, and/or training.

• Conduct laboratory tours or demonstrations as needed.

1.6 General Laboratory Maintenance

The operational capacity of the CONC and its associated equipment will be maintained by the Contractor. The Contractor shall:

• Maintain laboratory and office spaces in a presentable and professional state. Maintain orderly, organized, and clean tools and equipment. On a weekly basis, schedule a one-hour long housekeeping session.

• Conduct maintenance and updates to CONC facilities and infrastructure and liaise with TFHRC facilities management for more involved needs (such as electrical or plumbing needs).

• Dispose and surplus materials, specimens, and equipment no longer needed or usable in accordance with TFHRC policies.

• Maintain certifications and calibrations, conduct maintenance, and update equipment and instrumentation systems.

• Repair and/or replace malfunctioning laboratory equipment and instrumentation systems.

• Maintain an Equipment Repair Log that provides the date of repair or maintenance action, a description of the action, and the performing party. The Equipment Repair Log shall apply to capital equipment with a value of $5,000 or greater.

• Notify the TOCOR of broken or malfunctioning equipment and/or infrastructure within a two-day time period by submitting an Equipment Damage Report.

• Maintain an inventory of FHWA-inventoried equipment (updated at least annually by December 1st) and liaise with the TFHRC Property Accounting Officer upon request (an approximate annual basis) to ensure an accounting of FHWA inventoried equipment.

• Coordinate with other support service groups for certification, repair, fabrication, and installation of laboratory equipment.

• Maintain redundant backup of computers used by staff and within the laboratory spaces.

Computers on the Research Network (RN) shall be backed-up to the RN network drive at least once quarterly (every three months).

• Maintain laboratory computers, associated software, and software licenses used within the CONC. Engage the Research Technology Support Center (TFHRC Help Desk) to troubleshoot equipment problems.

Task 2: Support for the Conduct of Research The TOCOR will work with the Contractor to identify activities under this Task. For each activity, the Contractor will be responsible for developing a work plan to describe the specific steps and actions that will be taken and how the work will be conducted.

The work plan serves as a document that the TOCOR can use to assess the Contractor’s understanding of the goals of activity, means and method to accomplish the activity, and the planned outcomes resulting from the activity. The work plan shall succinctly describe:

• Necessary background to show the context of the research problem.

• Goals, objectives and/or research questions.

• The test matrices, equipment and space needs within the TFHRC facilities.

• Estimated timeline.

• Planned deliverables.

A draft work plan can include multiple project phases where the early phases contain the necessary details and where subsequent phases (that often rely on knowledge and experience gained in the early phases) are outlined but remain at a high level. A work plan is not expected to be longer than five pages. After the TOCOR has reviewed the draft work plan, the Contractor shall address any comments and submit a final work plan. If the TOCOR agrees to the final work plan, they will provide, in writing, that the Contractor may proceed to execute the work plan.

As data is gathered in the conduct of a work plan, there is a high likelihood that the work outlined in that plan could be modified to take advantage of new knowledge and better understanding of the research problem or techniques being employed. As such, either the Contractor or TOCOR may suggest a revision to the work plan.

2.1 Concrete Materials Research

This task area will conduct basic and applied engineering research in support of FHWA initiatives in concrete materials. Activities in this task area can be conducted on constituent materials, the composite materials properties in a fresh or hardened state, and the general engineering performance of the materials.

Activities in this task area can include, but not be limited to:

• Advance the state-of-the-art in the use of traditional and non-traditional concrete binders, admixtures, and additives for highway applications.

• Explore techniques to quantify and mitigate unwanted volume instability and premature cracking due to drying, hydration and chemical reactions, response to loading (creep), and temperature changes.

• Assess the workability, castability, finishability, rheological properties and other fresh properties that can impact the final appearance and performance of a concrete material.

• Develop and improve techniques to assess the degree of curing provided to a fresh concrete in an effort to ensure property development.

• Explore the role of production variation on the fresh and hardened properties of a concrete material.

• Develop and advance the assessment of transport and durability properties and their use in construction specifications.

• Advance the understanding and quantification of the chemical and physical deterioration of concrete highway infrastructure.

• Assess the properties of additive manufactured materials for highway construction.

• Improve assessment, evaluation, and quantification of the sustainability of cement-based highway construction materials.

• Advance the state-of-the-art and state-of-the-practice in assessment techniques, by developing test methods, participating in interlaboratory studies, and working with standards organizations.

2.2 Concrete Pavements Research

This task area will conduct basic and applied engineering research in support of FHWA initiatives on concrete pavements. Activities in this task area can be conducted on the constituent materials, the engineering performance of the materials in a concrete pavement system, and the response of the concrete pavement system to environmental and mechanical loading.

Activities in this task area can include, but not be limited to:

• Support FHWA’s efforts in the area of Performance Engineered Mixtures for Concrete Pavements.

• Understand the response of pavements to extreme weather events and changing climatic conditions and advance design and operational methodologies to address the resilience of concrete pavement infrastructure.

• Advance the knowledge of how pavement stresses and loading spectra can be combined to improve opening criteria for pavements and pavement patches.

• Investigate alternative pavement joint designs to increase load transfer efficiency and reduce premature deterioration.

• Understand the interaction of mass loss, volume stability (due to drying, self-desiccation, and temperature) and how improvements in this area can lead to changes in pavement design methodologies and better performing pavement systems.

• Pavement rehabilitation and repair techniques and specifications that can support accelerated construction windows, quick opening times, and optimum long-term performance.

• The role of fiber reinforcement in pavement applications and opportunities for targeted application that could lead to optimized property development.

• Pavement and vehicle interaction and how improvement and assessment of material properties can lead to safer, more economical, and more sustainable pavements.

• Investigate and advance alternative and novel pavement structural systems (e.g., two-lift pavements).

• Advance the state-of-the-art of roller compacted concretes and permeable pavement systems.

2.3 Concrete Structures Research

This task area will conduct basic and applied engineering research in support of FHWA initiatives on concrete bridges and structures. Activities in this task area can be conducted on the constituent materials, the engineering performance of the materials in a concrete structural system, and the response of a structural element or system to environmental and mechanical loading.

Activities in this task area can include, but not be limited to:

• Better prediction of corrosion propensity and the remediation of corrosion of in-service structural concrete elements.

• The application of additive manufacturing to the bridge engineering realm, including potential changes to design methodologies of structural elements and evaluation of performance of elements at a structural scale.

• Conduct research to advance the state-of-the-art in concrete structures rehabilitation technologies, including but not limited to surface preparation technologies, cast and spray-on remediation systems, and sealers.

• Conduct research to advance the state-of-the-art in concrete bridge rehabilitation and preservation techniques, include the use of deck overlay technologies (cementitious and non-cementitious based overlays), cement-based girder repairs, and the use of link slabs.

• Conduct research to investigate the performance of structural systems that might contain metallic, polymeric, or other materials embedded into or otherwise in contact with concrete.

• Conduct research to advance the state-of-the-art in ultra-high performance concrete and other high performance fiber reinforced concretes. This may include but is not limited to mix design development, fresh property assessment, hardened property assessment, novel test method development, and construction methodology refinement.

• Conduct research to advance the state-of-the-art in interface bond and transport behaviors at construction joints where fresh concrete cures against a hardened concrete.

• Conduct research to advance the state-of-the-art in dimensional stability of concretes, its evaluation, and impact on the design of structural elements.

• Conduct research to develop innovative solutions to long-standing challenges in the concrete infrastructure realm, including bridge deck deterioration, field-cast material consistency and robustness, post-tensioning system filler and grout performance, cracking propensity of concrete, and sustainability of concrete.

Task 3: Technical Assistance Requests Activities on this task will support FHWA’s role in the appropriate resolution of highway infrastructure-related failures, deficiencies, investigations, and technical assistance requests. HRDI is commonly engaged to assist and supplement the technical expertise of a State transportation department or other agency in evaluation of concrete materials and related distress. These investigations and service activities cannot be predicted in advance. FHWA often needs to react quickly by engaging the applied engineering capabilities of TFHRC laboratories and staff expertise, which includes the CONC.

Activities in this task area can include, but not be limited to:

• Field assessment of structures, laboratory testing of evidence, execution of research related to specific performance attributes of highway infrastructure.

• Conduct forensic tests as approved by the TOCOR and requested by Local, State, Tribal and Federal agencies.

• Support FHWA Office of Infrastructure Research and Development efforts conducted in other laboratories, when needs arise.

• Support other FHWA Offices and Programs including the Mobile Concrete Technology Center, the Sustainable Pavements Program, and Division Offices.

Task 4: Research Communication Support Activities on this task will support the creation, development, approval, and distribution of material intended to convey the capabilities of the CONC, research motivations related to ongoing and planned research activities, and research findings of ongoing and recently completed research activities. At the direction of the TOCOR, deliverables under this task shall comply with FHWA and US DOT requirements for the public release of documents, including but not limited to the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center R&D Communication Reference Guide1, Agency Guidance on Section 5082, proper permission of copyright, and other requirements outlined by the Office of Corporate Research, Technology, and Innovation Management – Marketing and Communication Team, and other criteria as outlined by the target audience.

The deliverables shall be of sufficiently-high quality such that they reflect well on FHWA and shall undergo no more than three review cycles between the TOCOR and Contractor before being submitted to the Marketing and Communication Team for editorial and agency review.

Additional activities in this task area are indented to adapt outcomes from Task 2 and Task 3 to create and develop:

1 https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/general/15058/index.cfm

2 https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/508/ https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/general/15058/index.cfm https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/508/

• Documentation and delivery of technical results in a format consistent with the planned audience.

• Development of alternate captions of images, graphics, and figures and formatting of documents.

• Preparation of technology transfer materials in interactive, web-based formats.

• Development of videos and related B-roll.

• Relevant pictures of ongoing research and development of graphics that convey research motivations, approaches, and findings.

• Development of presentations and slide decks for broader FHWA use.

• Delivery of TechBriefs, TechNotes, and FHWA Research Reports highlighting ongoing and recently completed research.

• Development brochures, one-pagers, and Research Notes highlighting CONC capabilities and ongoing research.

• Delivery of articles for a broad readership, e.g., Public Roads or Concrete International.

• Submission of peer-reviewed Journal Papers and response to comments from peer-reviewers.

• Development of Virtual Laboratory Tours and Virtual Demonstrations.

• Updates to the FHWA’s Concrete Laboratory website and online project database.

Task 5: AASHTO Accreditation Activities in this task area will serve to maintain the AASTHO Accreditation of the CONC. The AASHTO Accreditation Program formally recognizes the competency of testing laboratories to perform specific tests on construction materials. 23 CFR § 6373 requires that testing used in an acceptance decision on a federally funded highway project be conducted by an AASHTO accredited laboratory. Given the possibility that HRDI conducts testing to assist a State transportation department in making an acceptance decision, the CONC is required to maintain AASHTO accreditation. The scope of the accreditation shall be limited to testing and test methods the CONC would conduct to help a State transportation department make an acceptance decision on a concrete material, specifically Concrete Laboratory Testing, or to items necessitated by the Accreditation Program. This shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:

• ASTM C39: Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens.

• ASTM C469: Static Modulus of Elasticity and Poisson's Ratio of Concrete in Compression.

• ASTM C496: Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens.

• AASHTO T358: Surface Resistivity Indication of Concrete’s Ability to Resist Chloride Ion

Penetration.

3 Laboratory and sampling and testing personnel qualifications, 23 C.F.R. § 637.209 (2021). Available online at:

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-637, accessed Dec. 27, 2021.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-637

The requirements of AASHTO Accreditation are outlined by AASHTO re:source4 and the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory – Concrete5, which use guidelines established in AASHTO R 186 and ASTM C10777.

As part of this task, the Contractor shall, in accordance with the AASHTO R 80, ASTM C1077, and the relevant standard test methods:

• Conduct training and verification of its testing personnel.

• Maintain an electronic Quality Management System.

• Maintain properly calibrated and verified equipment, tools and molds, with records of verification, calibration, and maintenance.

• Coordinate the biennial on-site inspection of the CONC by the Cement and Concrete

Reference Laboratory.

• Implement changes, address deficiencies, and respond appropriately based on items noted in the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory inspection.

• Conduct the required tasks for and participate in the annual Cement and Concrete

Reference Laboratory proficiency sample program.

1.4 Staffing Levels

Core Staff are considered full time and shall be provided in accordance with Firm-Fixed Pricing at the level of effort hours shown in Exhibit 4. For continuity of operations, the contractor shall provide for coverage of Core Staff positions, unless otherwise agreed to by the COR, during periods of leave. Except when the COR agrees that coverage is not needed, the Contractor shall provide a substitute for the time the Core Staff is on leave. In some instances, COR Staff coverage may be temporarily filled by staff meeting the requirements up to two labor categories lower, but not to exceed 30 days. For example, the CRT-3 Core Staff could temporarily be filled by a CRT- 2 or CRT-1.

Surge support may be utilized to accomplish the work outlined in Work Plans. A Cost + Fee structure shall be utilized for the level of effort hours shown in Table 4. The Contractor shall not proceed with Cost + Fee level of effort until authorized in writing by the TOCOR.

4 http://www.aashtoresource.org/aap/overview

5 http://www.ccrl.us/Lip/LipProgramDescriptions.html

6 AASHTO R 18. “Standard Recommended Practice for Establishing and Implementing a Quality Management System for Construction Materials Testing Laboratories” (2018). American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington D.C.

7 ASTM C 1077. “Standard Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for Testing Agency Evaluation” (2017). ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA.

http://www.aashtoresource.org/aap/overview http://www.ccrl.us/Lip/LipProgramDescriptions.html

1.5 Data Management

The Contractor shall maintain an accessible primary copy of data for active activities on the Concrete Lab Operations SharePoint (MS Teams accessible) site. Data can include, but is not limited to: raw data, MS Word files, MS PowerPoint files, MS Excel files, MS Publisher files, computer-aided drafting files, photos, and videos. Once an activity has been completed with concurrence from the TOCOR, the associated data can be moved and maintained on the concrete lab network drive hosted at TFHRC.

Any data or process files used on Research Network (RN) machines at TFHRC shall be backed-up quarterly (every three months) to the RN network drive.

2.0 Period of Performance

The period of performance shall be for one (1) base period of fifteen (15) months, and two (2) option periods of twelve (12) months.

3.0 General

3.1 Hours of Operation

Under this task order, the Contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 5:30 am and 6:30 pm, Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government-directed facility closings. The CONC shall be unlocked and “lights-on” by 7am and not be “lights-off” before 3:30pm, on business days the TFHRC facility is open. The Contractor must maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of tasks within this PWS. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

3.2 Place of Performance

The work performed under this task order will primarily be at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center at 6300 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA, 22101. Some work may be performed off-site; however, the Contractor must alert the TOCOR as to the nature of off-site work as it arises in the duration of the task order.

3.3 Physical Security

The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all Government equipment, information, and property provided for Contractor use. At the close of each work period, Government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

3.4 Special Qualifications

To accomplish the work expected to be conducted on this task order, FHWA anticipates some labor categories to have special qualifications. The Contractor shall provide staff with the following special qualifications:

Technician Staff All technician staff shall have the following competencies:

• Trained powered industrial truck (i.e. forklift) operator in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.178;

• Concrete construction skills i.e. cutting and tying rebar, building formwork, and placing and finishing fresh concrete, Additionally, the aggregate competencies of all technician staff shall have the ability to:

• Conduct ASTM C39, ASTM C469, ASTM C496 and AASHTO T 358 for concrete materials.

• Conduct ASTM C1856 for ultra-high performance concrete.

• Conduct chloride content analysis using an automated titration machine.

• Operate a Struers Axitom 5 cutoff machine.

Research Engineer Staff The aggregate competencies of all engineer staff shall have the ability to:

• Operate a Dynamic Vapor Sorption Analyzer, an X-ray Fluorescence analyzer, and the Isothermal Calorimeter, and Environmental Control Units (manufactured by Darwin and Thermotron).

• Develop technical drawings, schematics, and 3D models.

Subject Matter Experts The aggregate competencies of all Subject Matter Experts shall have the ability to:

• Develop videos and take pictures and video b-roll.

• Ability to develop communication products (e.g., slide decks) that incorporate adult learning principles.

• Understand chemical and physical degradation and distresses of cement-based materials.

• Apply the use of numerical tools to understand the response of a concrete structure to mechanical or environmental loading and the mass transport in porous media, for example, finite element methods.

3.5 Periodic Progress Meetings

The contractor agrees to attend progress meetings. The Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Task Order Contracting Officer’s Representative (TOCOR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the Contractor to review the Contractor's performance. At these meetings, the CO will apprise the Contractor of how the Government views the Contractor's performance and the Contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues.

3.6 Identification of Contractor Employees

All contractor personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their Contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by Contractors are suitably marked as Contractor products or that Contractor participation is appropriately disclosed. Contractors working under this task order will be required to obtain and wear an “active” Government issued PIV badge during the performance of this service.

3.7 Contractor Travel

The Contractor may be required to travel (locally, domestically and/or internationally) during the performance of this task order to attend meetings, conferences, and/or conduct field testing services. All travel must be in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations and requires Government approval/authorization. The Contractor shall send notification to the TOCOR at least 10 days in advance of travel. The cost of travel shall not exceed the amount listed in the Exhibit 3 during the period of performance.

3.8 Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

The Contractor will have to procure materials to operate the Concrete Laboratory. Examples of Other Direct Costs may include consumables for conducting experimental testing, experimental specimens, shipping of materials, equipment procurement and repair, and specialized software for operating lab equipment or supporting the research. Since the quantity of ODCs is undetermined, they are limited to a value not to exceed the amount listed in the Exhibit 3 during the period of performance. All ODC purchases exceeding $300 need authorization from the TOCOR. The authorization request must outline the need, intended use, and technical specifications of the items being purchased.

3.9 Organizational Conflict of Interest

Contractor and subcontract personnel performing work under this award may receive, have access to, or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.), or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI) as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the CO immediately whenever he/she becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI, and may merit the submittal of a plan to the CO to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. This mitigation plan would be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the CO, and in the event the CO unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may affect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

3.10 Phase-in Period

The CONC is currently operated under task order Contract 693JJ318F000011 set to expire on November 30, 2022. There will be an approximate one-month overlap period between contracts.

Within this overlap period, the Contractor is expected to phase-in their new staff, to learn from the existing staff the existing state of the lab including: equipment inventory and functionality, specific research project status, and operation of specialized testing equipment. During the phase-in period, the Contractor shall be provided a period to on-board (i.e. hire and get through required background investigations) any additional on-site staff members required for this task order.

4.0 Government Furnished Equipment and Services

4.1 Services

Defined in ID/IQ.

4.2 Facilities

Defined in ID/IQ.

4.3 Materials

Defined in ID/IQ.

5.0 Applicable Publications (Current Editions)

The Government will provide a copy of:

Concrete Laboratory Safety Plan.5.1 Applicable Clauses

52.217-8 Option to Extend Services The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within the task order period.

52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor any time prior to contract expiration, provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend any time before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 45 months.

52.232-22 Limitation of Funds. (Apr 1984)

(a) The parties estimate that performance of this task order will not cost the Government more than (1) the…