Sole Source Procurement Continuous Friction Measurement Equipment CFME

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) intends to make a sole source contract award to W.D.M. Limited to provide a single unit Continuous Friction Measuring Equipment (CFME) that utilizes Sideway Force Coefficient (SFC) measuring techniques for the purpose of researching alternative technologies in identifying pavement skid characteristics analyzed at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, VA.  This procurement is Phase II of a broader Pavement Friction Management Program (PFMP) effort established for the purpose of reducing highway crashes and related fatalities where the lack of skidding resistance of the road surface is a contributing factor. 

Phase I of this program resulted in contract DTFH61-11-C-00009 between the FHWA and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI).  VTTI conducted research based on a standard set of criteria, of the known friction measuring techniques available globally for the purposes of identifying the most suitable technology or technologies that offer consistent data favorable to the PFMP's goals.   The research identified 21 known devices using standard criteria including varied force coefficients, equipment configurations, data sampling rates, data storage, travel speeds, macrotexture measurements, global positioning system (GPS) integration, precision (accurateness and repeatability), travel distances and equipment availability.  The VTTI research study identified W.D.M. Limited's CFME device as the most likely product, meeting all necessary requirements, technical specifications and demonstrated performance to advance the PFMP's broader research goals while reducing corresponding performance risk.   

This Phase II procurement leverages the data collection and research conclusions established under Phase I of the program.  

This purchase will be made using Other Than Full and Open Competition as authorized by FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals.  If prospective offerors believe they can meet or exceed the requirements identified for a SFC CFME, please submit a capabilities statement, not to exceed 10 pages, to the Contract Specialist by the response date noted on this announcement.  Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive requirement to obtain a best value for the Government.