RFP_SB1341-13-RP-0080.pdf

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD 1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

RATING

PAGE OF

PAGES

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER 4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION 5. DATE ISSUED 6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

SB1341-13-RP-0080 SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

NB731050-13-00220

NB731050-13-00220

7. ISSUED BY CODE 000SB 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

NATIONAL INST OF STDS AND TECHNOLOGY

100 BUREAU DRIVE STOP 1640

BUILDING 301 ROOM B129

GAITHERSBURG MD 20899-1640

NATIONAL INST OF STDS AND TECHNOLOGY

BUILDING 301 SHIPPING AND RECEIVING

100 BUREAU DRIVE

GAITHERSBURG MD USA

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if handcarried, in the depository located in NIST until 12:00

PM ET

local time AUG 01, (Hour) (Date)

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawls: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR

INFORMATION CALL

A. NAME

DIVYA SONI

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)

301-975-6394

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

divya.soni@nist.gov

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGES(S) (X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART 1 - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM 1 - 1 X I CONTRACT CLAUSES 36 - 52

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 2 - 8 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT 9 - 21 X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 53 - 84

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING 22 - 22 PART IV - PRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 23 - 23 X K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER 85 - 94

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 24 - 24 STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 25 - 27 X L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 95 - 102

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 28 - 35 X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 103 - 109

OFFER

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all itmes upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232-8)

10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) CALENDAR DAYS (%)

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER

15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS OF

OFFEROR

DUNS: (Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS DIFFERENT FROM

ABOVE - ENTER SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

See Schedule

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

10 U.S.C 23004(c) ( ) 41 U.S.C 253(c) ( )

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

ITEM

24. ADMINISTERED BY CODE 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER(Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice. (Must be fully completed by offeror)

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

SCHEDULE Continued

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

PAGE 2 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract in support of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction (NEHRP) Program and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The Government will utilize FAR Parts 12, 15 and 16.5 procedures. The IDIQ will be a labor-hour contract and both firm-fixed-price and labor-hour task orders may be issued against it.

0001 Base Period: One year from date of award

Contractor shall provide support and technical services to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) in accordance with the Statement of Work in Section C.1.

1.00 YR

0002 Option Period One

Contractor shall provide support and technical services to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

0003 Option Period Two to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

0004 Option Period Three to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

0005 Option Period Four to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

Table of Contents

PAGE 3 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

SECTION B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B. 1 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

B. 2 1352.216-75 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS (APR 2010)

B. 3 Pricing

SECTION C DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

C. 1 Statement of Work

SECTION D PACKAGING AND MARKING

D. 1 1352.246-70 PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE (APR 2010)

SECTION E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E. 1 52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES--FIXED-PRICE (AUG 1996)

SECTION F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F. 1 52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER (AUG 1989)

F. 2 52.242-17 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984)

F. 3 1352.270-70 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (APR 2010)

F. 4 52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JUL 1990)

SECTION G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G. 1 1352.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER?s AUTHORITY (APR 2010)

G. 2 1352.201-72 CONTRACTING OFFICER?s REPRESENTATIVE (C0R) (APR 2010)

G. 3 ADDENDUM TO 1352.201-72 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPR

G. 4 1352.216-76 PLACEMENT OF ORDERS (APR 2010)

SECTION H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H. 1 1352.208-70 RESTRICTIONS ON PRINTING AND DUPLICATING (APR 2010)

H. 2 1352.209-72 RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (APR 2010)

H. 3 1352.209-73 COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS (APR 2010)

H. 4 1352.209-74 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (APR 2010)

H. 5 1352.216-74 TASK ORDERS (APR 2010)

H. 6 1352.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (APR 2010)

H. 7 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY

H. 8 HOLIDAYS

H. 9 NON-PERSONAL SERVICES/NON-INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL

H. 10 FLOWDOWN AND SUBCONTRACTS

SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I. 1 52.202-1 DEFINITIONS (JAN 2012)

I. 2 52.203-3 GRATUITIES (APR 1984)

I. 3 52.203-5 COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES (APR 1984)

I. 4 52.203-6 RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE GOVERNMENT (SEP 2006)

I. 5 52.203-7 ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (OCT 2010)

I. 6 52.203-8 CANCELLATION, RESCISSION, AND RECOVERY OF FUNDS FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY

(JAN 1997)

I. 7 52.203-10 PRICE OR FEE ADJUSTMENT FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY (JAN 1997)

I. 8 52.203-12 LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (OCT 2010)

I. 9 52.203-13 CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (APR 2010)

PAGE 4 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

I. 10 52.204-7 CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (DEC 2012)

I. 11 52.209-6 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT`s INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTORS

DEBARRED, SUSPENDED, OR PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT (DEC 2010)

I. 12 52.215-2 AUDIT AND RECORDS--NEGOTIATION (OCT 2010)

I. 13 52.215-8 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE--UNIFORM CONTRACT FORMAT (OCT 1997)

I. 14 52.215-14 INTEGRITY OF UNIT PRICES (OCT 2010)

I. 15 52.219-8 UTILIZATION OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS (JAN 2011)

I. 16 52.219-14 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING (NOV 2011)

I. 17 52.219-28 POST-AWARD SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATION (APR 2012)

I. 18 52.222-3 CONVICT LABOR (JUN 2003)

I. 19 52.222-21 PROHIBITION OF SEGREGATED FACILITIES (FEB 1999)

I. 20 52.222-26 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (MAR 2007)

I. 21 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS. [SEP 2010]

I. 22 52.222-36 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (OCT 2010

I. 23 52.222-37 EMPLOYMENT REPORTS VETERANS (SEP 2010)

I. 24 52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (FEB 2009)

I. 25 52.223-6 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (MAY 2001)

I. 26 52.223-18 ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICIES TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING (AUG 2011). 37

I. 27 52.225-13 RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PURCHASES (JUN 2008)

I. 28 52.227-1 AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT (DEC 2007)

I. 29 52.227-2 NOTICE AND ASSISTANCE REGARDING PATENT AND COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT (DEC 2007)

I. 30 52.232-1 PAYMENTS (APR 1984)

I. 31 52.232-8 DISCOUNTS FOR PROMPT PAYMENT (FEB 2002)

I. 32 52.232-17 INTEREST (OCT 2010)

I. 33 52.232-23 ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS (JAN 1986)

I. 34 52.232-25 PROMPT PAYMENT (OCT 2008)

I. 35 52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER--CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (OCT

2003)

I. 36 52.233-1 DISPUTES (JUL 2002)

I. 37 52.233-3 PROTEST AFTER AWARD (AUG 1996)

I. 38 52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM (OCT 2004)

I. 39 52.242-3 PENALTIES FOR UNALLOWABLE COSTS (MAR 2001)

I. 40 52.242-13 BANKRUPTCY (JUL 1995)

I. 41 52.243-1 I CHANGES--FIXED-PRICE (AUG 1987)--ALTERNATE I (APR 1984)

I. 42 52.244-6 SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEC 2010)

I. 43 52.246-25 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY--SERVICES (FEB 1997)

I. 44 52.249-2 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT (FIXED-PRICE) (APR 2012)

I. 45 52.249-14 EXCUSABLE DELAYS (APR 1984)

I. 46 52.253-1 COMPUTER GENERATED FORMS (JAN 1991)

I. 47 52.215-19 NOTIFICATION OF OWNERSHIP CHANGES (OCT 1997)

I. 48 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)

I. 49 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

I. 50 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

I. 51 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I. 52 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

I. 53 52.219-9 II SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (JAN 2011)--ALTERNATE II (OCT 2001)

I. 54 52.219-16 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES--SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (JAN 1999)

I. 55 1352.235-70 PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS (APR 2010)

I. 56 1352.235-71 PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS -- EXEMPTION (APR 2010)

I. 57 1352.235-72 PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS - INSTITUTIONAL APPROVAL (APR 2010)

PAGE 5 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

I. 58 52.227-14 RIGHTS IN DATA--GENERAL (DEC 2007)

I. 59 52.227-17 RIGHTS IN DATA--SPECIAL WORKS (DEC 2007)

I. 60 ADDENDUM TO 52.227-17 RIGHTS IN DATA - SPECIAL WOR

I. 61 52.227-18 RIGHTS IN DATA--EXISTING WORKS (DEC 2007)

SECTION J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J. 1 PAST PERFORMANCE

J. 2 Subcontracting Plan Sample Template

J. 3 Task Order 1 Statement of Work

J. 4 HISTORICAL TASK ORDER SUMMARIES

J. 5 HISTORICAL TASK ORDER A - LABOR SUMMARY

J. 6 HISTORICAL TASK ORDER B - LABOR SUMMARY

SECTION K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K. 1 52.203-11 CERTIFICATION AND DISCLOSURE REGARDING PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL

TRANSACTIONS (SEP 2007)

K. 2 52.222-38 COMPLIANCE WITH VETERANs` EMPLOYMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (SEP 2010)

K. 3 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (APR 2010)

K. 4 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEC 2012)

K. 5 52.219-1 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (APR 2012)

K. 6 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB 1999)

SECTION L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L. 1 52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (JAN 2004)

L. 2 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

L. 3 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L. 4 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L. 5 1352.215-72 INQUIRIES (APR 2010)

L. 6 1352.233-70 AGENCY PROTESTS (APR 2010)

L. 7 PROPOSAL PREPARATION/SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

L. 8 Instructions for hand-delivery of proposals

SECTION M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M. 1 1352.215-74 BEST VALUE EVALUATION (APR 2010)

M. 2 EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M. 3 EVALUATION RATINGS

PAGE 6 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

SECTION B

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B. 1 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of Provision)

B. 2 1352.216-75 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS (APR 2010)

During the term of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $130,000.00 . The amount of all orders shall not exceed $9,900,000.00 .

(End of clause)

PAGE 7 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

B. 3 Pricing

Each offeror shall propose a fully burdened fixed labor rate that includes wages, overhead, profit, and general and administrative expenses for each labor category the offeror proposes to perform the requirements of the Statement of Work. When submitting a quotation or proposal for a task order under this contract, the Contractor must propose a fully burdened hourly labor rate that does not exceed the ceiling labor rate proposed for the corresponding labor category. The government may request that, and the Contractor may offer the Government discounted labor rates from the rates proposed for the contract. However, the rates listed below may not be exceeded. When preparing a quotation or proposal for a task order under this contract, the Contractor shall apply a rate not exceeding the ceiling fully burdened hourly labor rates associated with the period of the IDIQ contract during which the work will be performed. Should the period of performance of a task order cross over between two or more periods of the IDIQ contract, the Contractor may propose multiple rates for separate periods within the task order period of performance.

BASE PERIOD

LABOR CATEGORY FULLY BURDENED

FIXED LABOR RATE $

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

OPTION PERIOD ONE

LABOR CATEGORY FULLY BURDENED

FIXED LABOR RATE $

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

OPTION PERIOD TWO

LABOR CATEGORY FULLY BURDENED

FIXED LABOR RATE $

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

OPTION PERIOD THREE

LABOR CATEGORY FULLY BURDENED

FIXED LABOR RATE $

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

PAGE 8 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

OPTION PERIOD FOUR

LABOR CATEGORY FULLY BURDENED

FIXED LABOR RATE $

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

PAGE 9 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

C. 1 Statement of Work

PAGE 10 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH

FOR REDUCING RISKS DUE TO EARTHQUAKES

AND OTHER EXTREME HAZARDS

STATEMENT OF WORK

1. BACKGROUND

Damaging earthquakes occur infrequently, but they strike with little or no warning, with potentially catastrophic consequences. Recent major earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, New Zealand, and Japan have killed thousands and caused many billions of dollars in losses, serving to re-emphasize the potential impacts of such events in the U.S. During the recorded history of the U.S., earthquakes of magnitude 6.5 (M6.5) or greater have occurred in Alaska, California, South Carolina, the Intermountain West, the Central U.S., and New England.

Earthquakes as large as M9 have occurred in the Pacific Northwest. A 2008 US Geological Survey (USGS) news release (Reference a) stated that there is a 46% probability of the occurrence of an earthquake with M7.5 or greater, and a near 100% certainty of the occurrence of an earthquake of M6.7 or greater, in the next 30 years somewhere in California.

A 2003 Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) report (Reference b) stated that a single large earthquake in a major U.S. urban area could easily result in direct and indirect economic losses between $100B and $200B. The EERI report noted that economic and population growth, and increased societal interconnectedness that is largely due to increased urbanization, have led to greatly increased risk for lives and infrastructure. The report also explained that U.S. model building codes largely emphasize occupants ’ l ife safety, with little consideration given to limiting economic losses. This was early recognition that the nation s’ earthquake preparedness should extend beyond immediate life safety, to providing local, state, and national resil ience to earthquakes.

Since the late 1970 s, the federal responsibility for supporting U.S. earthquake hazard’ assessment and risk reduction has rested with the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). NEHRP is a statutory cooperative partnership of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the US Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Congress most recently passed the NEHRP Reauthorization Act of 2004, Public Law (PL) 108 360– (http://www.nehrp.gov/about/PL108-360.htm), which the President signed into law on October 25, 2004. PL 108 360 directed that NEHRP activities be designed to develop– effective measures for earthquake hazard reduction; promote the adoption of earthquake hazards reduction measures by government agencies, standards and codes organizations, and others involved in planning and building infrastructure; improve the understanding of earthquakes and their effects through interdisciplinary research; and, develop, operate, and maintain both the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) http://earthquake.usgs.gov/monitoring/anss/ ) and the George E. Brown, Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/nees/about.jsp. PL 108 360 also directed that– NEHRP support development and application of performance-based seismic design (PBSD).

In 2008, the NEHRP agencies released the 2009-2013 NEHRP Strategic Plan (Reference c), which outlined a number of high priority activities and presented a vision of future national

PAGE 11 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

earthquake resilience. In 2010, the National Research Council, commissioned by NIST as the lead NEHRP agency, released a 20-year research, implementation, and outreach roadmap (Reference d) of high priority activities for the NEHRP partner agencies. In 2013, the Building Seismic Safety Council, commissioned by NIST, released a measurement science research and development roadmap for future NIST earthquake engineering research (Reference e). In Presidential Policy Directive 8 (Reference f), the present Administration has recognized that national resilience in the face of earthquakes and other hazards is a vital challenge for the nation s future. ’

NIST earthquake engineering research is conducted under the auspices of NEHRP. NIST also serves as the statutory NEHRP Lead Agency. This research complements FEMA NEHRP research implementation, codes and standards development, education, and outreach activities. Some of the NIST NEHRP research also links the results of fundamental ( basic )“ ” research that has been completed through NSF grants to universities with FEMA s’ implementation efforts. This linkage role is a primary function of the NIST earthquake engineering program within NEHRP. A 2003 report (Reference g) identified the technology transfer gap between NSF and FEMA work as a serious national deficiency that hampers“ ” the transfer of new technologies into the design and construction communities. The report also outlined a series of broad proposed NIST research and development program areas that would, over time, fill the gap.“ ”

NIST earthquake engineering research activities are performed by the NIST Engineering Laboratory (EL), which has a long history of serving the measurement science needs of the building and fire safety industries. In this service, NIST EL conducts applied, problem-focused structural engineering research related to buildings, lifelines (excluding transportation systems), and other structures. Key areas of NIST EL structural engineering research include risk assessment and mitigation (including performance prediction and evaluation) for natural and man-made hazards: earthquakes, extreme winds, floods, storm surge, fires, disproportionate/progressive collapse, explosions, and projectile impacts.

NIST EL research supports the development of national model building codes, standards, guidelines, enabling tools, and industry practices. There are numerous measurement science shortcomings that impede this development: accurate prediction of structural performance to failure; prediction of the ability of structures and lifelines to withstand earthquake-induced motions; provision of cost-effective earthquake performance improvement for structures and lifelines; provision of performance-based engineering methodologies that are more cost-effective than current prescriptive procedures; and facilitation of lessons learned from actual earthquakes.

Addressing these shortcomings requires the concentrated and integrated efforts of experts in earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, nonlinear structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, and seismology. Expertise in both engineering practice and in cutting edge basic and applied research is required to fill the technology transfer gap that has been identified“ ” (reference g). The NIST earthquake engineering research program develops solutions via a unified in-house and extramural research approach, in which in-house and extramural projects are closely coordinated to achieve required goals. The extramural capability provides the broad and deep technical expertise that integrates basic and applied research with practical

PAGE 12 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

application across the earthquake engineering community that is needed to address the complex issues mentioned above.

In addition to the major NEHRP role it serves, NIST EL conducts structural engineering research related to wind and coastal inundation engineering under the auspices of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP), fire resistance design and retrofit of structures, and prevention of progressive/disproportionate structural collapse in support of improving safety in mid-rise and high-rise buildings. In these technical areas, NIST also requires the partnership of leading structural engineering practitioners together with basic and applied researchers who have expertise in in the dynamic and nonlinear behavior of structures.

2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this contract is to provide technical support to NIST EL s NEHRP’ Secretariat, as outlined herein, through an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) type contract for one (1) twelve-month base period plus four (4) one-year option periods. Firm-fixed-price and labor-hour task orders shall be issued under the IDIQ.

The Contractor shall perform specified research, knowledge development, synthesis, and technology transfer required to transition fundamental earthquake engineering, structural engineering, seismology/geotechnical engineering, lifeline engineering, and wind and coastal inundation (including both storm surge and tsunami) engineering research to forms usable by engineering practitioners. Products from the work outlined herein may take the form of recommended national model building code provisions, design and construction standards, design guidelines, performance prediction and evaluation tools, and technical briefs that synthesize design and construction practices into clear and succinct volumes. The Contractor shall provide integration of the above-mentioned technical activities such that final research products provide strong consensus solutions to the measurement science requirements specified in individual task orders. The integration shall consider different disciplines that are required for problem-solving, provide consensus building needed for developing building codes and standards, and address as appropriate geographical and jurisdictional differences that impact engineering practice across the U.S.

This measurement science will require detailed, expert working knowledge of design and construction practitioner needs, model building code and standards development, nonlinear and dynamic structural analysis methods, and experimental and theoretical research in the earthquake, wind, storm surge, geotechnical and structural engineering fields. It will also require performance of both analytical and experimental research in those fields. The Contractor shall utilize both practitioner and basic researcher expertise as appropriate in work that is performed. It is anticipated that most task orders will be most effectively accomplished with an integrated combination of practitioner and researcher expertise. In general, Task Orders will specify that the Contractor shall ensure that professional peer review of all products is provided. At times, research performed may involve complementary research activities among NIST researchers and Contractor personnel.

3. CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide integrated earthquake science, earthquake engineering, lifeline engineering, geotechnical engineering, and general structural engineering (including wind

PAGE 13 OF 109 SB1341-13-RP-0080

engineering, storm surge, fire effects, and disproportionate/progressive collapse) experience and expertise in the following areas, as appropriate to satisfy the requirements of each individual task order:

a. Technical Support for Engineering Practice and Codes and Standards Development:

Provide practitioner-directed technical support for earthquake and structural engineering practice, the national model building code and standards development process, and the non-transportation lifeline systems standards development process.

FEMA has developed a comprehensive process that engages the earthquake engineering community in the derivation and adoption of new model building code and standards provisions, and this technical support will directly tie to that process.

This support will consist of short-term, practical, applied research projects, performed by knowledgeable engineering researchers and practitioners who are engaged in the development of national model building codes and standards for seismic design of buildings and other structures (including both structural and geotechnical engineering), lifeline design and construction (excluding transportation structures), and general structural engineering design of buildings and other structures (including wind engineering, storm surge, fire effects, and disproportionate/progressive collapse). This measurement science research requires detailed, expert working knowledge of design and construction practitioner needs, development of seismic and wind provisions in national model building codes and standards (particularly the American Society of Civil Engineers, ASCE, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, ASCE/SEI 7; the American Society of Civil Engineers Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings, ASCE/SEI 41; and corresponding material-specific standards published by the American Concrete Institute, ACI, American Institute of Steel Construction, AISC, and American Forest and Paper Association, AF&PA), nonlinear and dynamic structural analysis methods, material-specific performance under extreme loads, and experimental and theoretical research in the earthquake, structural engineering, seismology/geotechnical engineering, and lifeline engineering fields. The overall objective of these studies will be to improve the performance of buildings and other structures that are designed using the prescriptive provisions of national model building codes and standards. Key to the success of such studies will be integration of recent basic research advances with applied research and practitioner experiences, consideration of regional differences in seismicity and construction practices, and effective communication of research outputs and outcomes, all of which result in practitioner adoption and implementation.

b. Performance-Based Engineering Support: Perform problem-focused, practitioner-directed research to develop the technical basis for Performance-Based Seismic Engineering (PBSE) or other, similar, performance-based structural engineering (e.g., disproportionate collapse mitigation measures) principles, for use in performance-based design and construction standards. The Contractor shall apply these performance-based engineering principles to both new and existing buildings, as well as non-transportation lifelines. Research may include nonstructural components that are permanently attached to building structures for their supports and attachments.

Existing buildings research includes developing cost-effective techniques for evaluating and mitigating risks.

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This research supports the efforts of FEMA and others to develop, recommend, and implement improved, performance-based model building standards, code provisions, and guidelines. It is anticipated to be longer-term in nature (extending over multiple years) and may involve both analytical and experimental research.

Analytical research will require thorough Contractor knowledge of available non-linear dynamic finite element and structural analysis techniques, as well as Contractor access to computational facilities capable of supporting the analyses. Software used in task orders shall be appropriate for the tasks at hand and may include both commercially available software and software that is tailored for research use.

Experimental data on the performance of structures and their component assemblies to failure are limited. To support anticipated experimental research that develops such data will require ready Contractor access to appropriate experimental facilities, such as the George E. Brown, Jr., Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES), as well as proven Contractor experimental research expertise.

The Contractor shall, as appropriate to the requirements of each task order, integrate experimental and analytical research results with practitioner experience. The Contractor shall also provide technical expertise on improving societal resilience through advancing performance-based engineering so as to impact practitioner approaches to design as well as improvements to relevant codes and standards.

c. Problem-Focused R&D: Perform problem-focused research and develop technical resources (e.g., guidelines, manuals, cost estimation methods) to improve earthquake, structural, and lifeline engineering practice. This work largely involves linking“ ” fundamental (i.e., basic) research knowledge produced from work sponsored by NSF and earthquake hazard assessment information from USGS with continuing FEMA efforts to develop and implement technical resources, thus enhancing the technical basis for those resources. The work may also involve the post-event analysis of structures that have been subjected to the effects of extreme events, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricane winds and storm surge, and fires. This work will require the Contractor to apply and integrate the same research and practitioner capabilities as those listed above in support of performance-based engineering support and model building codes and standards development.

d. Technology Synthesis and Presentation: Evaluate and synthesize available earthquake and other extreme risk mitigation data, information, and technology. Following this synthesis, publish clear, practical, and succinct information summaries that can be used by practitioners in the structural and geotechnical engineering design and construction communities. Such summaries are anticipated to be produced in the form of technical briefs. These “ ” techbriefs address single, focused topics and have clear, actionable guidance for designers or construction professionals. In developing techbriefs, the Contractor shall retain specific technical experts who understand fully the design and construction issues associated with the topic area, as well as leading researchers who have developed the most up-to-date technologies and knowledge relevant to the topic area. Techbrief length is typically 30 to 40 pages and should generally not exceed those limits. The Contractor shall follow content and editorial formatting of previously published techbriefs found at www.nehrp.gov/library.

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e. Project and Program Planning: Provide expert, integrated engineering planning for research programs and projects in Technical Support for Engineering Practice and Codes and Standards Development, Performance-Based Engineering Support, Problem-Focused R&D, and Technology Synthesis and Presentation. Such planning may include coordinating, planning, and conducting technical workshops, forums, and meetings that assemble subject matter experts and Government employees to address these topics.

f . External Peer Review: Engage technical expert peer review panels to provide technical support for NIST projects related to earthquake engineering, lifeline engineering, and general structural engineering. These panels will complement NIST projects by providing, where needed, guidance to improve project technical detail, quality, and outcome; and to provide technical support on specific topics. Peer reviewers shall be highly qualified technical experts, both practitioners and researchers, who have extensive proven experience in the field being peer reviewed.

g. Knowledge Transfer and Outreach: The Contractor shall develop and maintain a web page on its web site with a brief description of each Task Order and its current status.

The Contractor shall also provide appropriate knowledge transfer and outreach materials for each Task Order, as specified in each Task Order Statement of Work (SOW). Such activities may include preparing technical articles for peer-reviewed journals, presentations for national and international conferences, electronic articles (e.g., NEHRP SeismicWaves at http://www.nehrp.gov/library/success.htm) for use on the NEHRP web site or other electronic media, and posters or other such brochures.

For each Task Order, the Contractor shall provide recommendations for additional research or implementation activity that was identified during Task Order accomplishment. If specified in individual Task Orders, the Contractor shall provide research results and appropriate data to the NEES operations manager for inclusion in the NEES data repository

h. NEHRP Lead Agency and Program Management Support: The Contractor shall provide technical and administrative support needed by NIST to support the NEHRP in fulfilling its Lead Agency responsibilities assigned by P.L.108-360 to close the research-to-implementation gap and accelerate the use of new earthquake risk mitigation technologies based on the earth sciences and engineering knowledge developed through the efforts of all NEHRP agencies. While specific requirements will be delineated in each individual Task Order, this support may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) Provide project management support, to include GANTT charts (compatible with

Microsoft Project) that document program task orders, projects, milestones, schedules, dependencies and costs;

(2) Gather information for, and write, edit, proof and prepare specific portions of the NEHRP annual report as assigned. Complete strategic plans, reports and outreach materials in draft and final format for inclusion on web sites, program brochures, and other documents and communication vehicles.

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(3) Attend, facilitate, manage or lead high-level interagency workshops and/or meetings for earthquake-related topical areas that involve two or more NEHRP agencies, as requested.

In performing Task Orders, the Contractor may also be required to provide strategic planning; performance management and measurement; program analysis; information support;

product development and dissemination; and development of specific public outreach materials. Specific requirements will be specified in Task Order statements of work. Reports produced in Task Orders shall be provided in electronic form -Word (docx), Adobe Portable Document (PDF) and Adobe In-Design (INX) formats; printed form and web-based. All task order products shall be developed using consistent technical and format style in conformance with the American Society of Civil Engineers style as supplemented by The Chicago Manual of Style (Reference h.), GPO style manual, or other agreed-upon standard. Provide professional technical writing, proofreading, and editing for all task order products to produce products that are well organized, attractive, and free of typographical (including equations and formulas), spelling and grammatical errors.

When tasked, the Contractor shall interact with representatives of NIST and the other three NEHRP agencies, as well as representatives of Federal, State, and local government agencies;

national standards and model code organizations (e.g. ASCE, Building Seismic Safety Council, ACI, AISC, American Iron and Steel Institute, and AF&PA); practicing architects and engineers; building owners; and others with roles in planning and constructing buildings, other structures, and lifelines.

4. Task Order Project Meetings

a. The Contractor shall notify NIST at least 30 calendar days in advance of all contractor- scheduled Task Order project meetings, in addition to any NIST-required project review meetings that are specified in Task Order statements of work, both face-to-face and teleconference, in order to provide NIST representatives sufficient time to request approval to participate and prepare travel arrangements, if needed. Scheduling of face-to-face project meetings of single and multiple Task Orders shall be coordinated so that efficient scheduling of NIST and Contractor travel to these meetings can be accomplished.

b. The Contractor shall provide the video-conferencing capability as specified below for use for Task Order technical and progress review meetings, to assist NIST in complying with Presidential Executive Order 13589, which mandates that all Federal agencies reduce their administrative costs. The NIST Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will notify the Contractor regarding the need for video-conference setup at least seven calendar days in advance of each scheduled meeting.

This project support will permit the NIST COR and other NIST-specified NEHRP agency attendees to attend meetings remotely. The Contractor video-conferencing“ ” system shall be compatible with NIST conference facilities and TelePresence systems, and shall have similar capabilities that include live streaming video coverage of meeting participants, audio coverage of meeting participants, and capture and sharing of presentation materials, document and/or application sharing, and other meeting attributes.

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This video-conferencing requirement may be satisfied through use of installed or portable video-conferencing equipment, or use of a commercial video-conferencing facility.

The contractor video-conferencing system shall meet or exceed all of the following minimum specifications:

(1) Network standard: H.323 and SIP.

(2) Video standards and protocols:

• H.264 (ISO/IEC standard for MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding)

• H.263+

• H.263

• H.261

(3) Video Features:

• Native 16:9 widescreen resolution;

• Contrast ratio greater than 2000:1; and,

• Picture-in-Picture (PIP) to display both parties and shared documents.

(4) Camera:

• Auto-focus;

• Pan, tilt, and zoom capable, remotely controlled;

• Wide-angle horizontal field of view to encompass all meeting participants.

(5) Video Resolution:

• 720p at 30fps;

• 720p at 60fps; or,

• 1080p at 30 fps

(6) Audio standards and protocols:

• G.722

(7) Audio features:

• Acoustic echo cancellation

• Automatic or manual gain control

• Automatic noise reduction/suppression

(8) Content Video Resolution (application and document sharing):

• XGA (1024 x 768) to 1080p (1920 x 1080)

(9) Security Features

• Embedded encryption using NIST-validated AES

• Management via HTTPS or Secure Shell (SSH)

Examples of acceptable video conferencing systems are the Cisco TelePresence SX® , MX, TX or C Series, Tandberg MXP series, Polycom HDX® or QDX Series, or ® ® LifeSize 220 series . Other systems with capabilities equivalent to these systems will also be™ acceptable.

Software-based teleconferencing solutions that use a desktop or laptop computer with external monitor(s), camera and microphone and meet or exceed the above minimum specifications (e.g. Cisco Jabber Video for TelePresence or LifeSize Connections ) ® ® ™ are also acceptable.

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Consumer-grade video chat programs that use sub-high definition (HD) webcam systems and/or a single microphone without audio gain control or echo cancellation (e.g. Skype or Google+ Hangout using a laptop w/integrated camera and microphone) will not meet this requirement and are not acceptable solutions for video-conferencing systems.

In addition to providing the necessary hardware and/or software required for a high-quality video teleconference, the Contractor shall also use a network connection that provides the following capabilities:

Bandwidth-- is the fundamental requirement that there be enough space in a network path for all video and audio packets to proceed unimpeded. In all cases, whether hardware or software based, the contractor shall ensure the Internet connection to the video conferencing system provides adequate bandwidth to sustain an HD video teleconference. The bandwidth provided by the Internet Service Provider (e.g hotel, conference center, office Internet service) shall be rated to provide at least 2 Mbps downstream/upstream.

Packet loss-- is when packets fail to arrive correctly. This can be due to insufficient bandwidth along the path (when congestion occurs, routers will drop packets), or perhaps errors in transmission. Errors occur most commonly on wireless links such as microwave, satellite or local wireless Ethernet. They can however also occur on copper and even fiber links. Packet loss results in effects such as "tiling" within the video window, missing pieces or blank areas within the video window, and/or disruptions in audio. The acceptable average video packet loss shall be less than 5 percent of the total packet throughput.

Jitter-- is the random variation in latency due to things like competing processes running on the terminal (for example on your desktop PC), other traffic temporarily blocking the path through routers along the way, or even the network path changing during a videoconference.

This random variation is one of several things that cause packets to arrive out of order from their transmitted order. Jitter results in uneven and unpredictable quality within a videoconference and the end station client will try to compensate for it by buffering the traffic up to some finite time, before playing it out to you. During the video conference call, the average video and audio jitter rate shall be less than 25 milliseconds.

5. GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

NIST will facilitate a two-way video conference test of the contractor s video conferencing’ system at a designated location to verify the system and available bandwidth, packet loss, and jitter fall within the stated limits.

Each individual Task Order will list any appropriate Government-furnished data or information.

6. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DELIVERABLES

Specific additional deliverables and dates will be specified in each individual Task Order when they are issued. For all Task Orders, the following minimum deliverables shall be required:

a. Quarterly progress reports summarizing milestones and activities, identifying and describing action items. Commencing no later than 90 days following the effective

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date of award of a Task Order, the Contractor shall submit to the Government a milestone and activity progress report on that Task Order every third month thereafter during the Task Order s period of performance. Each Task Order progress report’ shall describe the work completed during the performance period and the work forecast (including milestones) for the following month. The report shall also include any additional information, including findings and recommendations that may assist the Government in evaluating progress under this contract. The first report for a Task Order shall also include a detailed work outline for the Task Order and the Contractor s planned phasing of work by reporting period. ’

b. General Requirements for Reports . The Contractor shall provide thorough professional technical writing, proofreading, and editing for all reports, ensuring that they are well organized, attractive, free of technical errors (including figures, tables, equations and formulas), and free of typographical, spelling and grammatical errors.

The Contractor shall be responsible for translating, if requested and approved by NIST COR, any foreign engineering data, findings, conclusions, or recommendations, to English prior to including in a draft or final report. Specific language translation requirements will be specified in individual Task Orders, as required. The Contractor shall obtain written permission from each owner of all photos, drawings, images, or copyrighted material used in all final reports, if those items were not developed by the Contractor, and the Contractor shall provide NIST COR with a signed written statement that all written permissions were received.

(1) Draft Reports. At least 90 calendar days prior to the completion of each Task Order s specified performance period, the Contractor shall submit to the’ Government a comprehensive draft report containing the Contractor s findings,’ conclusions, and recommendations. The report shall conform to the requirements of each specific Task Order and shall include all data and exhibits to support the findings and recommendations. The report shall include a brief executive summary, including short statements on the Task Order s objectives, scope,’ methodology, information obtained, and conclusions and recommendations.

Additional report formats may be specified for each individual Task Order. The Government will review the draft report and return it to the Contractor within 15 calendar days of receiving it from the Contractor, with comments.

(2) Final Reports. The Contractor shall incorporate Government review comments into the final report. The Contractor shall produce this final report prior to the end of the individual Task Order period of performance. Upon Task Order completion, the Contractor shall provide printed copies of the final report as specified by the Task Order. This will typically involve furnishing the Government with a minimum of 50 printed copies, unless specified otherwise in each individual Task Order, and may involve a number of copies to be distributed by the Contractor. The Contractor shall furnish electronic copies of the final report in Microsoft Word (docx), Adobe Portable Document (PDF), and Adobe In-Design (INX) formats. All final work products, printed and in electronic form, are the property of the Government.

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c. Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles and Conference Presentations. Since knowledge transfer is an essential part of the NIST measurement science R&D activity, unless otherwise stated in each individual Task Order, the Contractor shall produce at least one draft written (Microsoft Word format) peer-reviewed journal article and proof of an abstract submission for one professional conference presentation based on the Task Order work, for each Task Order that is awarded.

7. PROGRESS REVIEWS

a. As a point of information, each Task Order will require the Contractor to provide NIST with comprehensive semi-annual progress reviews, commencing approximately six months following each task order award. During each year of the contract performance period, at least one of these reviews will be conducted in person at NIST in Gaithersburg, MD, while the other reviews may be conducted either remotely or at a location (if face-to-face) that is mutually agreeable to the Contractor and to NIST.

Times for these reviews will be agreed upon mutually by both the Contractor and NIST. Specific requirements for these reviews will be included in each respective Task Order SoW.

b. Each progress review will cover progress since the last progress review, specifically presenting the status of all Task Order milestones. Each progress review will also document outputs, outcomes, and impacts (defined below) for each Task Order since the last progress review as well as cumulative since contract award.

• An output is a major milestone or result reflecting completion of specific and substantial efforts within a Task Order activity. Examples are publications, reports, workshop and conferences, staff recruitment and development, equipment design, establishment and/or conduct of specific research collaborations with external entities, issuance and/or completion of grant and contract awards, and establishment of personnel exchanges.

• An outcome is a substantial, positive change directly enabled by, or due to Task Order outputs resulting from Task Order activities. Examples include a draft of new and/or improved standards and code provisions; new tools (e.g., software, guidelines, database) for use in practice; new measurement services; new knowledge for specific end-use applications; measurement science R&D plans or roadmaps;

new technical expertise or capabilities (e.g., instrumentation).

• An impact is a substantial, positive change directly enabled by, or due to, Task Order outcomes, including impacts on industry, other agencies, or society.

Changes are the result of adoption or use by external entities, not internal to the Task Order or NIST. Examples include adoption/use of new or improved standards, codes, and regulations; changes in industry practice; improved industry competitiveness; economic impacts or societal benefit;…