Construction Material Testing & Inspection Based on Risk Levels

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is seeking a research project to conduct a comprehensive review of its construction material testing and inspection program using a risk-based analysis. The primary objective is to evaluate the current testing and inspection processes, focusing on directing resources to areas that provide the most value and reduce risks related to time, cost, safety, quality, and scheduling. Proposers must submit a detailed research proposal addressing the problem statement, background, objectives, research plan, products, implementation strategy, benefits, time schedule, staffing, facilities, and budget. The proposal must be submitted electronically as a PDF not exceeding 14MB to andy.vandel@state.sd.us and danny.doorn@state.sd.us by 5:00 pm CDT on September 27, 2024. Evaluation will be conducted by a technical panel knowledgeable in the problem area, assessing proposals based on interpretation of the RFP, understanding of the problem, feasibility of the research plan, qualifications of the research team, and overall proposal quality. The research should specifically examine advancements in technology and software that can improve the efficiency of construction material testing and inspection, building upon a previous research project completed over 30 years ago.

The contract opportunity does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. The project is focused on Harding County and the broader South Dakota transportation infrastructure, with an available funding amount of $160,000 for an anticipated 18-month project starting January 15, 2025. Proposers must comply with SDDOT's non-discrimination policy and provide certifications related to prohibited entities and compliance with state regulations. The payment structure will be based on a deliverables-based schedule, with percentages of the total project cost paid upon satisfactory completion of specific tasks. Researchers must use the imperial system of units as the primary measurement system, with metric units provided in parentheses. SDDOT reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and may negotiate with the selected proposer to address any proposal weaknesses before finalizing the contract. The successful contractor will be expected to provide a comprehensive analysis that improves the department's construction material testing and inspection processes using current and emerging technologies.