RFI- DRAFT WORK STATEMENT DEC 2023.pdf

DRAFT WORK STATEMENT (December 2023) Page 1 of 79

DRAFT

WORK STATEMENT

RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TO PROMOTE SAFETY

OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLES, DRIVERS, AND CARRIERS

C.1 INTRODUCTION

The Office of Research within the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking new and innovative ideas to support its Research and Technology (R&T) Program. The agency will consider original and creative solutions to achieve the agency’s goal of reducing commercial motor vehicle (CMV)-related fatalities and injuries.

C.2 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY

The authority for the R&T Program is set forth in 49 U.S.C. 31108 - Motor Carrier Research and Technology Program. FMCSA may fund research, technology, and development projects that improve the safety and efficiency of CMV operations through technological innovation and improvement.

C.3 BACKGROUND

FMCSA’s mission is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.

The mission of FMCSA’s Office of Research is to reduce the number and severity of CMV crashes and enhance the efficiency of CMV operation by (1) providing data, producing statistics, and conducting systematic studies directed toward fuller scientific discovery, knowledge, or understanding, and (2) identifying, testing, and supporting technology transfer activities and deployment of CMV safety technologies. Recognizing that highway crashes often stem from several interrelated factors rather than a single cause, FMCSA has created a comprehensive R&T Program to support its safety mission. The objectives of the R&T Program are:

• Produce Safer Drivers: Develop driver-based safety countermeasures to reduce crashes.

• Improve Safety of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs): Improve truck and motorcoach safety through vehicle-based research and the deployment of CMV safety technologies.

• Produce Safer Carriers: Improve motor carrier safety by compiling and communicating best management practices to motor carriers and working with industry to accelerate adoption of safety-enhancing technology.

• Advance Safety and Research through Information-Based Initiatives: Support Agency research efforts by: (1) evaluating existing research to highlight areas for additional study, (2) investigating the overall business, economic, and technical trends

DRAFT WORK STATEMENT (December 2023) Page 2 of 79 in the CMV industry, and (3) evaluating potential bases for studying crash data and setting safety goals.

• Enable and Motivate Internal Excellence: Ensure the relevance, quality, and performance of research and technology activities and develop efficient methods to respond quickly and flexibly to Departmental and Agency needs.

The R&T activities align with the DOT’s strategic goals (available here), the RD&T Strategic Plan (available here) and the objectives set forth in USDOT’s Innovation Principles (available here), and the National Roadway Safety Strategy (available here). FMCSA research activities advance the DOT strategic goals of Safety, Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness, Equity, Climate and Sustainability, Transformation, and Organizational Excellence. FMCSA’s FY 2024 research portfolio also directly or indirectly supports the principles of the National Roadway Safety Strategy: Safer People, Safer Roads, Safer Vehicles, Safer Speeds, and Post- Crash Care. FMCSA’s research efforts are focused, results-based, measurable, and produce documented findings to support stakeholders involved in improving CMV safety.

The Office of Research conducts a wide range of human factors and related research involving a variety of CMV driver, vehicle, roadway, and environmental issues, including those associated with conventional, advanced, and automated in-vehicle technologies designed to assist drivers and influence their ability to avoid crashes. The Office of Research develops knowledge about how driver characteristics and capabilities interact with vehicle systems, the roadway (e.g., road type and other vehicles) and the environment (e.g., weather, time of day) to influence the safety, effectiveness, and ease of use of these systems. Such research has a broad focus, including experimental studies of driver performance, measurement of on-road driver behavior and performance, driver education and training, evaluating driver behavior and performance in crash-likely situations in simulators, evaluations of the safety benefits and disadvantages of system designs in real-world use, application of cutting-edge technology to address a wide range of traffic safety and related issues, and evaluating policies to improve supply chain efficiency to ensure the safety of motor carriers.

The Office of Research is responsible for the identification and testing of technologies that improve CMV safety and efficiency, along with technology transfer activities for promising technologies. The Office of Research focuses on innovative solutions that assist FMCSA roadside inspectors and safety investigators as they conduct mission-critical enforcement activities in the United States and at international border crossings.

The R&T Program engages in real-world field testing, which offers the best opportunity to assess the costs and potential benefits of new technology solutions. For example, FMCSA has conducted successful field testing of onboard safety systems, truck blind spot detection technology, electronic screening systems for trucks at international border crossings, safety enhancements to large truck stability controls, mobile CMV safety applications for roadside inspectors, wireless roadside inspections, and truck parking availability data dissemination technologies.

https://www.transportation.gov/dot-strategic-plan https://www.transportation.gov/rdtstrategicplan https://www.transportation.gov/priorities/transformation/us-dot-innovation-principles https://www.transportation.gov/NRSS

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The R&T Program completes automated vehicle research data collection and analysis including the ability to provide voluntary best practices to States and industry automated vehicle (AV) implementers, research CMV driver factors and vehicle safety components, develop cybersecurity guidance for CMVs, establish data elements and data sharing guidance to support testing, and engage and communicate with State and industry stakeholders. The R&T Program conducts studies in automated CMV evaluation programs including evaluations of roadside inspections of ADS-equipped CMVs, automated CMV technologies and capabilities (e.g., platooning, advanced driver assistance), in-service training with FMCSA field staff, CMV driver readiness for advanced technologies, and CMV cybersecurity, or through test and evaluation utilizing FMCSA’s three Level 2/3 capable research tractor-trailers.

Future safety-related research will likely extend ongoing work dealing with conventional commercial vehicle safety issues, focus on the integration and development of advanced technologies that can assist drivers in detecting and responding to potential crash situations, and investigate systems that can be used to deter unsafe driving behaviors.

Through its research activities, FMCSA will:

• Better understand the causes and impacts of CMV crashes thereby supporting efforts to develop safety countermeasures to reduce crashes and remove unsafe drivers, vehicles, and carriers from the Nation’s roads.

• Support continued progress in the development and testing of CMV safety technologies including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), driver information systems, driver monitoring technologies as well as advanced braking, tires, steering, lighting, and mirror systems.

• Better understand the safety impacts associated with the adoption of automated CMVs, identify carrier best practices for operating ADS-equipped CMVs, and develop evaluation methods for assessing carrier’s safety plans for operating ADS-equipped CMVs.

• Assess the safety impacts of advance electric and hydrogen-powered CMVs and identify how roadside inspection and evaluation procedures may be impacted.

• Identify, develop, and assess technologies used by auditors, inspectors, and investigators when conducting roadside inspections and investigations to increase efficiency and accuracy of the findings.

• Investigate application of advanced remote and wireless-based concepts for completing vehicle and driver inspections at highway speeds.

• Advance the industry knowledge base related to driver issues impacting safety such as fatigue, distraction, drug and alcohol use, training, overall health and wellness issues, enforcement actions, and issues related to driver compensation.

• Continue to identify and refine carrier best practices for maintaining and operating CMVs and for training drivers and monitoring driver safety performance.

• Assess road network and infrastructure issues impacting CMV safety, including issues related to truck parking and routing.

• Advance the Department’s strategic goals through mission-specific research.

• Better understand global safety programs, regulations, and research efforts designed to improve CMV safety.

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Specific examples of past and ongoing studies include:

• Examining the Seizure Standard for CMV Drivers This study addressed five key questions on the risk of seizure recurrence over time for individuals who have or have had unprovoked seizures, provoked seizures, a seizure caused by stroke, epilepsy, or surgery for epilepsy. The study also addressed commercial driving requirements for each State in the United States and driving requirements generally for select other countries regarding seizures. A medical expert panel addressed questions concerning recommendations for the current processes to address seizures among potential CMV drivers. The final report for this study is available here:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/67563.

• Effect of the Length of Medical Certification on Safety The objective of this study was to assess whether there is a relationship between the duration of CMV driver medical certification (the maximum 24 months versus less than 24 months) and driver safety performance in terms of crashes and inspection violations.

Analyses were presented for commercial driver’s license (CDL) drivers and non-CDL drivers (but not combined). Overall, 26 million (83 percent) of the MEC records in the analysis dataset were from CDL drivers (17 percent were non-CDL drivers). In general, the study found that the longer the MEC length, the less likely drivers are to have a crash or driver-related violation. The final report for this study is available here:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/66620.

• Naturalistic Driving Data Baseline for Automated Driving System-Equipped CMVs To accurately determine the impact of ADS- equipped CMVs on the transportation system, commonly accepted benchmarks or baselines are needed to evaluate their safety.

One natural baseline is the current safety performance of human drivers. The purpose of this study was to establish baselines for human CMV drivers in order to compare the performance of human drivers with platooning CMVs and ADS-equipped CMVs. These truck-related baseline rates of driving performance are unique to this study and these data are the first of its kind in the public domain. The final report for this study is available here: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/57506.

• Analysis of Naturalistic Driving Data to Assess Distraction and Drowsiness in Drivers of CMVs The objective of this study was to reduce and analyze data from previously collected heavy-vehicle naturalistic data to better understand crashes involving heavy-vehicle drivers and the efficiency of CMV operations. Two key elements of this study were to investigate driver distraction and the role it plays in CMV operations and to answer critical questions related to hours of service (HOS) regulations and fatigue. Key findings from the study showed an overall decrease in cell phone used compared to previous research. Hands-free cell phone use was found to be protective as it likely helps drivers alleviate boredom, while hand-held cell phone use was found to be risky as it takes the driver’s attention away from driving tasks. Additionally, the 8th driving hour showed the https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/67563 https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/66620 https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/57506

DRAFT WORK STATEMENT (December 2023) Page 5 of 79 highest rate of safety critical event occurrence. This study provides needed insight into motorcoach and truck operations. The final report for this study is available here:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/57153.

• Analysis of Variability in Heavy Truck Braking Systems This study analyzed stopping distances for trucks of varying weight, length, and brake type to produce findings relevant to safe truck platooning. It provides a starting point for further research and a rough baseline for how much braking performance varies between configurations and for individual trucks. The full system brake performance data examined in this study differs from “normal” platoon operations braking performance, but these data can still inform platooning research because rare edge-case emergency situations may require full system brake performance from trucks operating in a platoon.

Because platooning capitalizes on the reduced drag associated with close following distances, truck sequencing and following distances must account for variability in stopping distance performance, particularly the effect of brake type. The final report for this study is available here: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/54556.

• Electric Drive Vehicle Systems: Suggested Changes to Large Truck and Motorcoach

Regulations and Inspection Procedures This report provides recommendations for changes to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), North American Standard (NAS) inspection procedures, and Out-of-Service (OOS) criteria that are needed to accommodate and facilitate the use of commercial vehicles with high-voltage electric drive systems. Such vehicles include battery-electric vehicles, vehicles with hybrid-electric drive systems (including plug-in hybrids), and vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell engines. The purpose of this project was to identify necessary changes to the current FMCSRs and inspection procedures, if any, to address the unique safety requirements associated with high-voltage vehicle systems, and to improve the overall safety of commercial vehicle operations by ensuring that commercial vehicles with high-voltage drive systems meet appropriate safety criteria while operating on public roads. The final report for this study is available here: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/211.

• Automated CMV Evaluation (ACE) Program: Testing and Demonstration Activities

The goal of the project was to plan and conduct ADAS and ADS testing, data collection and analysis, and stakeholder outreach activities, such as vehicle demonstrations and conference exhibits in conjunction with FMCSA’s ACE Program. The ACE test trucks are used in FMCSA research initiatives and demonstrations to understand the safety and effectiveness of automation in CMVs and to engage stakeholders. FMCSA has three Class 8 tractors and trailers that have been upfit with SAE automation Level 2 and 3 technologies. As FMCSA considers the growing use of ADAS and ADS by commercial fleets and drivers, it is critical to understand the parameters under which these systems can be used safely, along with limitations imposed by associated human factors.

• ADAS Crash Safety Analyses via Onboard Monitoring System (OBMS) Data This research project evaluated OBMS data from ADAS-equipped CMVs to determine https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/57153 https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/54556 https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/211

DRAFT WORK STATEMENT (December 2023) Page 6 of 79 the safety impacts of ADAS. The study used a dataset with billions of miles, thousands of trucks with and without ADAS, and tens of thousands of crashes that provided empirical data on ADAS safety effectiveness. It can be used by fleets and State/Federal public sector decision makers.

• Impact of Driver Detention Time on Safety and Operations The objectives of this project are to 1) collect data on CMV driver detention time that is representative of the major segments of the motor carrier industry and analyze it to determine the frequency and severity of detention time, 2) assess the utility of existing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technology solutions to measure detention time, and 3) offer strategies to reduce detention times. The goal is to better understand the relationship between detention time and CMV safety. Collecting and analyzing data on detention time can contribute to a more complete understanding of these issues and facilitate private sector decisions that lead to reductions in detention time and improvements in safety and supply chain efficiency.

• FMCSA Data Repository: The goal is to create a permanent, secure Data Repository for data collected during FMCSA research and technology studies. FMCSA has ongoing and future studies that result in datasets that can be used for future analysis. In addition, FMCSA requires a public-use dataset as a result of these studies. This expanding rich data repository is very potent for further research by external researchers. Researchers are required to follow access and security procedures to use the data for their studies.

FMCSA’s data repository can be found here: https://fmcsadatarepository.vtti.vt.edu/.

C.4 PURPOSE

The purpose of this solicitation is to establish a multiple award Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite- Quantity (IDIQ) contract between FMCSA and qualified contractors (or contractor teams) to support safety research in the following eight (8) Research Areas:

1. CMV Test Track and On-Road Testing Expertise

2. CMV Driving Simulator Facilities and Expertise and Associated Driving-Related Human

Research

3. Broad-Based Laboratory Testing and Facilitation Capabilities (includes testing of electronic logging devices [ELDs], different from driving simulators)

4. Cybersecurity

5. CMV Safety Data Research and Analysis (Includes Data Management and Systems, Software and AI, CMV Safety Data Research and Analysis, Data Integration and Geospatial Analysis)

6. Basic and Applied CMV Industry Research (Information Gathering, Analysis, and Presentation)

7. Survey Methodology

8. CMV Demonstration Testing, Maintenance, and Logistics Support https://fmcsadatarepository.vtti.vt.edu/

DRAFT WORK STATEMENT (December 2023) Page 7 of 79

In its response to this solicitation, an offeror may submit proposals in one or more of the Research Areas (up to all eight) listed above. Offerors shall designate in their technical proposal which Research Areas they are proposing to qualify for and provide supporting details in separate sections for each Research Area (i.e., Understanding of the Research Area, Technical Approach, and Organizational Approach). For each Research Area Offerors intend to qualify for, the principal investigators, research engineers, program managers, assigned personnel, and subcontractors must have a thorough understanding of the key scientific, engineering, and technical issues related to that area.

NOTE: If an Offeror is interested in qualifying for multiple research areas, the Offeror must only submit ONE Technical Proposal that covers all the relevant research areas in that proposal.

It should be emphasized that no single organization is expected to have expertise in all relevant subject areas.

C.5 RESEARCH AREA DESCRIPTIONS

1. CMV Test Track and On-Road Testing Expertise

Research will focus on exploring multiple assessment methods including closed course testing and on-road naturalistic testing.

Examples of work to be performed include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Instrument CMVs to measure driver performance in test track and on-road, real-world settings.

• Instrument CMVs with data acquisition systems to continuously record data such as GPS coordinates, headway, speed, six-axis acceleration, and videos of the forward roadway, the driver’s face, an over-the-shoulder view of the driver’s hands and lap area, a view of the footwell, and the instrument cluster.

• Assess the costs and potential benefits of new technology solutions via real-world field testing.

• Assess the safety impacts of advance electric and hydrogen-powered CMVs and identify how roadside inspection and evaluation procedures may be impacted.

• Collect human behavior and performance data using on-road instrumented vehicles to explore, clarify or resolve human factors and other safety issues. The type of data needed may include estimates of the prevalence and operational features of subsystems that drivers choose to use, comparisons of driver behavior and performance when performing specific maneuvers using vehicle systems, naturalistic driving assessments, and assessments of driver preferences for vehicle design features.

• Perform field evaluations to measure driver behavior and performance while using specific technologies on the road, in a real-world, “naturalistic” setting.

• Perform field demonstrations of a new technology or the implementation of a new systems evaluation tool.

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• Develop and implement various human factors test procedures (e.g., evaluation protocols) or systems (e.g., ITS devices) for demonstration to FMCSA staff and other designated personnel such as roadside inspectors and other roadside CMV enforcement personnel.

• Perform research to enable the safe operation of highly automated commercial vehicles on the Nation’s transportation system to improve safety, prevent crashes, and efficiently move passengers and commerce.

Examples of capabilities needed:

• Ability to use hardware and software for automated data collection, analysis, storage, and retrieval.

• Capability for wireless transmission of data, status, and control/update functions for remote data acquisition systems (e.g., instrumented vehicles).

2. CMV Driving Simulator Facilities and Expertise and Associated Driving-Related

Human Research

Under this Research Area, researchers will collect human behavior and performance data using advanced truck driving simulators and simulation. Using the collected data, researchers will explore, clarify, or resolve human factors and other safety issues identified by the agency. Examples of work to be completed under the Research Area include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Develop simulator research and provide simulator research support, to include scenario development, research protocols, data collection and analysis, and data validation.

• Conduct simulator evaluations (may include measurement of driver behavior and performance under high demand settings).

• Evaluate driver behavior and performance in crash likely situations in simulators.

• Conduct research activities utilizing simulation tools, such as TruckSim.

Offerors interested in this Research Area must have access to the following:

• Readily available CMV simulators that permit a wide range of studies that cannot be safely carried out on the open road.

• Data acquisition systems to continuously record data from the simulator.

3. Broad-Based Laboratory Testing and Facilitation Capabilities (includes testing of

ELDs, different from driving simulators)

The Offeror shall have readily available and be familiar with the use, maintenance, and application of facilities and equipment necessary to support the work specified herein. Where appropriate, this would include fabrication of necessary hardware/instrumentation and development of supporting software. Examples of such facilities and equipment include but may not be limited to:

DRAFT WORK STATEMENT (December 2023) Page 9 of 79

• Facilities to design and create instruments for measuring driver performance in on-road, real-world settings.

• Facilities to mock-up test apparatus, such as vehicle bucks, roadway objects, mirror configurations, and lighting systems.

• Laboratory facilities for testing subjects under highly controlled conditions.

• Vehicle skid pads as well as other driver-related training systems.

4. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity research involves safety risk management associated with potential intentional manipulation of software, hardware, sensors, and associated communication networks on-board the vehicle by malicious actors. While no crashes or fatalities have been directly attributed to a vehicle cybersecurity incident, the potential for large scale cyberattacks on vehicles is well-recognized, and as such, this risk warrants pre-emptive and proactive attention. Examples of work to be performed under this Research Area include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Complete research to support enhanced reliability and resiliency of vehicle electronics, software, and related vehicle control systems to both mitigate safety risks associated with failure and/or cyber compromise of such systems, but also so that such concerns do not pose public acceptance barriers for proven safety technologies and driving automation systems.

• Determine methods for assessing the functional safety and reliability of safety-critical subsystems including, but not limited to steering, braking, propulsion, perception, prediction, and decision-making systems.

• Determine methods for assessing safety risks associated with potential intentional manipulation of software, hardware, sensors, and associated communication networks on-board the vehicle by malicious actors.

5. CMV Safety Data Research and Analysis

This Research Area includes data management and systems, software and artificial intelligence, CMV safety data research and analysis, data integration and geospatial analysis. Offerors should have familiarity with safety datasets, including FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS), the Driver Information Resource (DIR), the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the Crash Report Sampling System (CRSS), and other relevant safety or transportation datasets. Examples of work to be conducted in this Research Area include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Conduct research to determine the causes and impacts of CMV crashes.

• Coordinate special data collection activities with state and local officials, develop the needed data collection instruments, perform the necessary training, and assemble and evaluate collected data. These activities may include reviewing police reports as well as analysis of collected crash data.

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• Analyze data from MCMIS, CDLIS, DIR, PSP, FARS, CRSS, and other datasets, using advanced statistical techniques.

• Integrate data from multiple sources, both governmental and non-governmental, to produce datasets for CMV safety research.

• Complete large-scale data analysis and design and implement databases for future use of the data.

• Use geographic information system (GIS) tools to map, analyze, and display geospatial data for identification and analysis of CMV safety issues.

• Employ data visualization tools to create dashboards and display and analyze integrated and geospatial data sets.

• Use AI/machine learning techniques to analyze data collected from studies to make predictions or classifications or uncover data-driven insights. Combine data and algorithms to predict patterns and classify data sets, evaluate the accuracy, and then fit the data points into the model.

Offerors interested in this Research Area must have the ability to store, retrieve, process, and analyze large volumes of data (petabytes).

Offerors must have demonstrated experience completing Information Collection Requests. This entails all aspects of the process, including writing the supporting statements, writing Federal Register notices, responding to comments from all reviewers, and compiling comments from the public.

6. Basic and Applied CMV Industry Research (Information Gathering, Analysis, and

Presentation)

Conduct empirical and analytical human factors and behavioral research on vehicle and roadside systems and other issues of interest that may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Automated Vehicle Technologies Automated Driving Systems Antilock Brakes Electronic Stability Control Vehicle Sensors Vehicle Rollover In-Vehicle Information Systems Event Data Recorders/Black Boxes Electronic Logging Devices Vehicle Suspension Vehicle Handling Tires Braking including Automatic Emergency Braking Truck Ergonomics

Driver Response Measurement and Instrumentation Driver Fatigue Monitoring Driver Distraction Monitoring Sleeper Berth design Advanced Technologies Simulator Research and Support (e.g., Validation, Scenario Development) Technology Assessment Device Acquisition, Demonstration and Preliminary Evaluation

- Interactions with automobiles

- Infrared-based screening systems

- Electronic screening systems

- Virtual weigh stations

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Global policies, regulations, studies, and programs on CMV driver and CMV Safety

Auditor, Investigator, and Inspector staff efficacy and safety CMV driver mental health and suicide

Examples of work to be completed under this Research Area include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Work with the industry and standards-setting organizations to explore methods and tools for assessing the safety of ADS and ADAS-equipped vehicles.

• Perform literature reviews to assess the current state of knowledge.

• Conduct meta-analysis of the literature.

• Collect data needed to answer the research questions.

• Analyze datasets using appropriate statistical methodology.

• Be familiar with the current CMV industry standards.

• Conduct industry studies on the CMV market and regulations.

• Conduct expert panels.

• Interview experts systematically and report results.

• Select, test and recruit subjects for testing.

• Review relevant FMCSA regulations.

• Complete regulatory and economic analyses to support rulemaking and development of international standards.

• Research State and international policies and regulations related to the CMV industry.

• Investigate global policies, regulations, programs, and research on CMV driver and CMV safety trends.

• Design and implement websites.

• Support efforts to improve carrier safety by applying safety management principles, promoting data driven research into carrier intervention selection and processes, compiling best management practices, communicating best practices, and supporting the Agency's enforcement of carrier-related regulations.

• Conduct studies of technologies used by auditors, inspectors, and investigators when conducting roadside inspections and investigations to increase efficiency and accuracy of the findings.

• Develop and implement studies to better understand, document, and deploy global innovative truck safety programs and technologies.

• Develop and implement studies on how to effectively deploy and utilize Federal investigative staff to maximize FMCSA’s safety outcomes.

• Complete studies related to driver health and wellness in the short- and long-term and its impact on safety.

• Organize, implement, and evaluate focus group sessions directed at understanding CMV driver attitudes towards advanced display/control and advanced technology systems in commercial vehicles.

• Promote research and present findings at conferences.

• Collect and analyze roadside observational data to determine the frequency with which various commercial vehicle technologies are used/present.

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• Develop research methodologies and models to conduct applied CMV driver research.

Identify the hypotheses to test.

• Conduct systematic research to support development and/or validation of FMCSA regulations, standards, and guidelines (e.g., related to driver information systems, driver qualifications, etc.).

• Develop and evaluate outreach and educational materials designed to convey research findings and to change behaviors of motor vehicle drivers.

• Secure data from third parties to better understand the safety impact of new technologies.

7. Survey Methodology

Under this Research Area, researchers will create and administer surveys and analyze the collected data. Offerors interested in this Research Area must have expertise in sampling and data collection such as non-response or potential research biases. Additionally, Offerors must have the ability to use a variety of methods including email, short message service (SMS), in-person interviews, mail-in forms, or other unique methods to collect data. Examples of work to be completed under this Research Area include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Create survey questions and test them to ensure that they're reliable, valid, appropriately formatted with the correct question type (e.g., multiple choice vs. matrix vs. check all that apply), and easy for individuals to understand.

• Design survey instruments.

• Conduct pilot tests and refine survey instruments as appropriate.

• Use statistical software and techniques to perform data analysis.

• Administer surveys.

• Coordinate and delegate tasks for data collectors.

• Present summaries of the data, including graphs, fact sheets, and tables.

• Assess survey performance and survey methods to make improvements for future studies.

Offerors interested in this Research Area must have demonstrated experience completing Information Collection Requests. This entails all aspects of the process including writing the supporting statements, writing Federal Register notices, responding to comments from all reviewers, and compiling comments from the public.

An example of this work is to develop, implement, and evaluate surveys directed at determining operational aspects of the motor carrier industry, and the acceptability of various new systems, including advanced automotive technologies.

8. CMV Demonstration Testing, Maintenance, and Logistics Support

FMCSA has three class 8 tractors and trailers and a motorcoach (i.e., vehicles) that have been equipped with SAE automation Levels 0 to 3 technology. They will be used as test vehicles for FMCSA research opportunities as part of the ACE Program. Capabilities in this area include support services to conduct vehicle testing and evaluations and/or provide transportation, storage, and maintenance of the test vehicles. Support for CMV tests and demonstrations will

DRAFT WORK STATEMENT (December 2023) Page 13 of 21 include assistance with data collection, video footage capture and production, and testing support (e.g., troubleshooting vehicle technology components). Storage capabilities shall include the ability to store the test vehicles, and, periodically, vehicles such as Federal Highway Administration AV passenger vehicles that may be part of any research, test and/or evaluation.

General routine maintenance and repair of the test vehicles shall include periodic inspection to ensure safe operations; general vehicle maintenance per manufacturer’s guidelines by contractor personnel or independent sub-contracted maintenances service mechanics; and maintenance and repair of automation sensors and, if needed, coordination with automation upfit providers.

Logistics support shall include capabilities to transport the test vehicles to trade shows, demonstrations, and outreach events.

C.6 SCOPE OF WORK

The Scope of Work may relate to the following issues and subject areas: large truck and bus crash causal factors, driver performance, driver fatigue, driver training, driver impairment; driver distraction; vehicle handling and braking; vehicle dynamics; advanced driver-assisted/automated vehicle systems; and other vehicle characteristics that influence driver behavior, performance and response patterns, including possible synergistic effects associated with combinations of advanced technologies and implications for systems design. Other, related areas may be added as required. Research may incorporate various survey, testing, and experimental approaches which can provide information. Methods to be used for studies may or may not be specified by FMCSA. However, when methodologies are not specified by FMCSA, the contractor shall make recommendations subject to the approval of FMCSA. When methodologies are specified by FMCSA, the contractor shall provide an independent assessment of the proposed approach(es).

The Task Orders issued against the resultant IDIQ Contract will be of variable scope and duration and will likely require concurrent efforts.

C.7 CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

C.7.1 BASELINE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL CONTRACTORS

To support the various types of experimental and human factors studies to be conducted under this contract, all contractors must have proficiency and capability in the following areas:

1. Construct well-designed table shells prior to data collection.

2. Design final report lay-out by chapters along with appropriate tables.

3. Report study progress and results, orally and in writing.

4. Design and produce all components of the Information Collection Requests required under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

5. Select, test and recruit subjects for testing.

6. Collect data needed to answer the research questions.

7. Analyze data to answer the research questions using appropriate statistical methodology.

8. Review and understand regulations and policies.

9. Collaborate with other stakeholders such as industry.

10. Utilize sound research methodologies.

11. Conduct literature searches and critical reviews.

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12. Conduct meta-analysis of the literature.

13. Develop software to support data collection, analysis, and presentation.

14. Prepare Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and gain IRB approval.

15. Develop presentations for FMCSA staff covering literature reviews, research plans, status, and preliminary and final study results. Final reports are expected to be of high quality requiring only limited light editing. The contractor shall distill complex methodologies and analyses for appropriate executive audiences.

16. Produce reports, briefs, presentations, study documentation, and other materials in accordance with FMCSA guidelines and standards.

17. Design databases to store and analyze data.

C.7.2 OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB) & INSTITUTIONAL

REVIEW BOARD (IRB) REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall comply with all Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Paperwork Reduction Act requirements for the collection of survey information or other data. If required, the contractor shall submit the proposed research to an IRB that has been formally designated to approve, monitor, and review biomedical and behavioral research involving humans. The IRB process is based on rules and regulations for federally funded research, primarily the provisions of Protection of Human Subject in the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46).

C.7.3 PUBLICATION GUIDELINES

All Deliverables are at the Task Order Level and the contractor shall ensure that each Task Order Final Report is ready for publication by FMCSA. It shall not contain any errors. It shall be formatted according to FMCSA publication guidelines. The guidelines will be provided to the contractor. The final reports for any task shall be Government Printing Office (GPO) style manual compliant. The final report shall comply with US Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Access Board Standards, available for viewing at http://www.section508.gov. The contractor shall be required at the discretion of FMCSA to have each task peer reviewed at the beginning and end of the project. Specific peer review requirements shall be set forth in individual Task Orders.

C.8 CONTRACTOR STAFF QUALIFICATIONS (LABOR CATEGORIES)

The following defines the duties each labor category may be responsible for performing. This list, however, is not to be considered all inclusive.

a. Senior Technical Program Manager: Education and demonstrated experience in conducting and managing experiments and tests with human subjects. In addition, the senior technical program manager shall have recent experience as a principal investigator in the conduct of driver performance/behavior measurement studies involving vehicle safety, driver assistance, vehicle control, and crash warning/avoidance systems, using on-the-road vehicles, driving simulators, and other field or laboratory equipment. The senior technical program manager must possess current knowledge of system reliability, cybersecurity, and vehicle control systems (such as batteries and automation), and the http://www.section508.gov/

DRAFT WORK STATEMENT (December 2023) Page 15 of 21 ability to formulate and answer relevant technical and performance questions through research.

b. Senior Technical Director: Experience providing overarching technical guidance, strategic advice, and expertise to program and project staff that meets overall program goals. Experience recommending methodological and other improvements to projects.

Demonstrated experience working with the program sponsor to solve mission-critical challenges or issues as they arise.

c. Experimental Psychologist / Human Factors Engineer: Experience in conducting applied human factors research. Experience in experimental design, statistical data analysis, and report writing. Demonstrated experience and capabilities in using various statistical techniques to analyze experimental data, in performing literature searches and in critically reviewing previous research methodologies and findings.

d. Mechanical Engineer: Experience in mechanical engineering, and experience in developing and testing of hardware and software. Experience interpreting systems specifications and coding software using a variety of languages and software tools.

Demonstrated experience assisting with the design, construction, and testing of hardware devices.

e. Electrical/Electronics Engineer: Experience in electrical/electronics engineering, and experience in developing and testing of hardware and software. Experience interpreting systems specifications and coding software using a variety of languages and software tools. Demonstrated experience assisting with the design, construction, and testing of electronics systems and devices.

f. Systems Engineer: Experience developing and testing hardware and software systems including experience interpreting systems specifications and coding software using a variety of languages and software tools. Experience designing, developing, and integrating complex work systems at every stage of a lifecycle.

g. Statistician: Experience in applying statistical techniques to analyze experimental performance data. Experience in the use of various statistical computer programs including SAS. Experience in interpreting experimental designs, verifying reduced data, and managing large or multiple data sets.

h. Computer Programmer/Software Engineer: Experience in developing and testing of software for reduction, analysis, and presentation of research data. Fluency in computer languages and familiarity with computer hardware and software, including that associated with data acquisition and remote sensing.

i. Software Developer: Experience in developing software web services. Experience creating software to meet user needs by employing diagrams and models, writing code, and ensuring overall functionality. Experience designing and implementing a full front end software architecture and back end architecture using standard coding practices and

DRAFT WORK STATEMENT (December 2023) Page 16 of 21 modern software libraries.

j. Research Assistant: Experience in collecting human factors or other experimental or test data.

k. Research Associate: Experience assisting in the conduct of experiments, performing literature searches, developing and using experimental equipment, and performing computer programming in support of human factors or other research.

l. Instrumentation Engineer: Experience in developing and using human factors or other data collection instrumentation and performing computer programming related to data collection and analysis.

m. Electronics Technician: Experience developing, testing, and maintaining hardware systems. Demonstrated experience assisting with the construction, integration, calibration, and maintenance of hardware devices in support of human factors or other experimental research.

n. Engineering Technician: Experience in engineering, computer science, or related field, and experience assisting in the development, testing, and maintenance of hardware systems.

o. Senior Medical Doctor: Medical doctor with experience designing and executing research projects. Serves as senior technical medical expert.

p. Clerical: Experience composing correspondence, collecting information, compiling reports, maintaining filing systems, and organizing meetings.

q. Technical Editor: Experience editing reports, briefs, and other communication materials associated with complex research efforts. Experience implementing appropriate style guides and publication standards. Experience producing accurate communication of scientific and technical information to expert and other interested audiences.

r. Senior Training and Curriculum Specialist: Experience developing and implementing curricula and training programs (both in-person and virtual) for diverse audiences, including but not limited to CMV drivers, motor carriers, and enforcement staff.

C.9 DELIVERABLES & MILESTONES

Specific deliverables, milestones, and reporting requirements shall be set forth in individual Task Orders. At a minimum, each Task Order shall include the following deliverable items.

C.9.1 PROGRESS REPORTS

The Contractor shall submit to the Government a progress report by the 10th day of each month.

The Contractor shall prepare a progress report advising of the work completed during the previous month, and the work forecast for the following period. The report shall include a Gantt

DRAFT WORK STATEMENT (December 2023) Page 17 of 21 chart and a project schedule update. The report shall also include any additional information --including findings and recommendations -- that may assist the Government in evaluating progress under this contract. For cost reimbursable task orders, it shall include a recapitulation of the amount of hours expended by each of the Contractor’s employees, including officials of the Contractor. The first report shall include a detailed work outline of the project and the Contractor’s planned phasing of work by reporting period.

C.9.2 INVOICES

The Contractor shall submit to the Government an invoice by the 10th day of each month. More information about invoices can be found in Section G.

C.9.3 KICK-OFF MEETING

For each Task Order, the contractor shall provide an initial briefing within 20 working days after award unless the task order PWS specifies otherwise. The Kickoff Meeting may be held virtually or in person at FMCSA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

C.9.4 FINAL BRIEFING MEETING

The contractor shall give a final project briefing, at FMCSA Headquarters or virtually, covering the study’s objectives, methodology, and results. The contractor shall be prepared with briefing materials such as presentation slides or handouts. The briefing shall occur not later than 7 days prior to the Task Order completion date unless the task order PWS specifies otherwise. The contractor shall provide electronic copies of all briefing materials to FMCSA at the time of the final briefing including presentation slides and one (1) copy of any video or audio recordings used in the final briefing.

C.9.5 FINAL REPORTS

Within 30 days prior to the Task Order scheduled completion date unless the task order PWS specifies otherwise, the Contractor shall submit a comprehensive draft final report containing the Contractor’s findings and recommendations, if applicable. The report shall conform to the requirements of the contract, and include all necessary data, maps and exhibits to support findings and recommendations. The report shall include a no more than five-page executive summary highlighting the specific findings, detailed information on the project’s objectives, data collection efforts, results, limitations, and the contractor’s conclusions based on the data collected during the study. The final report shall be ready for publication by FMCSA. It shall not contain any errors.

To the extent practicable, understanding the technical nature of FMCSA’s research work, the report shall be written in plain language. The Government’s plain language guidelines are available here: https://www.plainlanguage.gov/guidelines/

DRAFT WORK STATEMENT (December 2023) Page 18 of 21

The final report shall be readable by a technical manager with all complex formulas, discussions, and detailed mathematical explanations in the appendices of the document. These appendices will be referenced in the main document (e.g., “for more detail, see Appendix C”).

The Government will review the draft and return it to the Contractor within twenty-one (21) days after receipt with comments and instructions for a format to be used in the preparation of the final report. The Contractor shall incorporate the comments into a final report that will be delivered to the Government.

The contractor shall also submit a research or technology brief—a 2-page summary report that summarizes the project’s objectives, data collection methods, and results. It shall be formatted according to FMCSA publication guidelines. The guidelines will be provided to the contractor.

C.9.6 ELECTRONIC FILES

Electronic files containing final reports required under this contract shall be provided in accordance with the following:

Report Format:

- Font: 12-point Times New Roman font or equivalent font shall be used throughout the report.

- Page Margins: Left, Top,…