Standards Enforcement Program for FMVSS No. 209, "Seatbelt Assemblies"

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an integral part of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and its mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce economic costs associated with motor vehicle crashes.  As part of its mission to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes, the NHTSA promulgates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).  Manufacturers of motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment are required to certify that each product they sell in the United States meets the requirements of all applicable safety standards.  NHTSA’s Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) is charged with determining whether manufacturers meet the applicable safety standards.  This contract effort will enable the agency to meet its mission by assuring that motor vehicles meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 209, Seat Belt Assemblies.

FMVSS No. 209 establishes minimum performance requirements for motor vehicle Seat Belt Assemblies.  The purpose of FMVSS No. 209 is to minimize the likelihood of occupants being thrown from a vehicle as a result of impact.  The requirements for compliance testing of motor vehicle Seat Belt Assemblies include testing such components to the load test requirements of FMVSS No. 209 as specified in TP-209-08. 

The purpose of this contract is to acquire services associated with the procurement, inspection, compliance testing, and compliance test reporting of Seat Belt Assemblies to assist the Government in its enforcement efforts for FMVSS No. 209.  The information and data produced may be used in lawsuits and therefore must be legally defensible.