MODIFICATION
B -- On-board Safety Systems Trucking Industry Demographics
- Notice Date
- 7/30/2007
- Notice Type
- Modification
- NAICS
- 541710
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Contracting Office
- Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Headquarters FMCSA, 400 7th Street SW MC-MBA, Washington, DC, 20590, UNITED STATES
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- DTMC75-07-R-00006
- Response Due
- 8/20/2007
- Archive Date
- 9/4/2007
- Point of Contact
- Mark Crawford, Contract Specialist, Phone 202 385-2318, Fax 202 385-2333,
- E-Mail Address
-
mark.crawford@dot.gov
- Description
- This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation DTMC75-07-R-00006 is a request for proposal (RFP) and includes FAR provisions and clauses in effect through FAC 2005-18 Effective on June 30, 2007. Line Item 0001 1 Lot In accordance with attached Performance Statement of WorkPerformance Statement of Work for On-Board Safety System Deployment and Industry Demographics Analysis GENERAL Background Safety is at the heart of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) mission. Working together with the trucking industry, FMCSA envisions a future of smart technologies that support the expanding role of the trucking industry to safely, securely, and efficiently transport the nation's goods and products. One way to save lives and reduce the number of injuries on the nation??s highways is through the expanded use of on-board safety systems, such as lane departure warning systems, stability control systems, and collision warning systems. Although these systems are being deployed by some carriers, information from carriers of different sizes will be valuable in advancing further use of these systems in the trucking industry. For instance, preliminary research indicates that the largest segment of the industry, small fleets and owner-operators, face severe economic pressures and safety challenges. Consequently, on-board safety technologies might provide smaller carriers with the safety returns on investments (ROI) that large carriers reap from more extensive safety initiatives. Yet, few carriers in this group appear willing or able to invest in safety technologies. As a result, research is needed to understand different trucking industry segments and their deployment of on-board safety systems. Purpose The purpose of this contract is to conduct a trucking industry demographics analysis relating to the use of on-board safety systems and various carriers?? operating characteristics and financial and safety requirements. Definition of a Performance Requirement Performance requirements are described as performance objectives, measures, and standards in the following manner: Performance Objective - A statement of the outcome or results. Performance Measure - The critical characteristics of the objective that will be monitored by the Government. Performance Standard - The targeted level or range of levels of performance measure, relating to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) for the objective. Use of Measure and Standards Not every performance objective in this contract has a related performance measure or performance standard. However, every performance objective is a contractual requirement. For those performance objectives that do not specify a measure or standard, the measures and standards are in accordance with standard commercial practices. Applicable Clauses and Documents Appendix A contains a list of Contract clauses incorporated by reference. Appendix B contains a list of applicable documents that govern performance under this contract. CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS For this effort, the contractor shall conduct research on carrier issues, operating characteristics, and financial and safety requirements related to the deployment of on-board safety systems, as well as develop different, concurrent, and equally effective strategies for increasing deployment by addressing these unique stakeholder needs and issues. Trucking Industry Demographic Data and On-board Safety System Evaluation The trucking industry is relatively homogenous in its organizational design related to functional roles of personnel; however, firm size typically dictates the number of different functional roles for any one person. For example, larger firms have dedicated staff in charge of individual functions such as maintenance, safety, investment, and staffing, whereas smaller firms may have a single individual who is responsible for a combination of these functions. This project will focus on an analysis of different carriers?? internal safety and financial roles and requirements related to the adoption of on-board safety systems: lane departure warning systems, stability control systems, and collision warning systems. Performance Objective 1 ?V The contractor shall identify economic (i.e. financial requirements, limitations, and investment thresholds), safety, and operational characteristics, as well as individual personnel functions for the following carrier sectors: small carriers (1-20 trucks), medium carriers (21-100 trucks), and large carriers (over 100 trucks). Then, the contractor shall document the impact of these different industry characteristics and personnel functions for each sector of carriers that influence on-board safety technology adoption decisions across and within carrier sectors. The contractor shall include an analysis of characteristics that distinguish technology adoption by carriers and their drivers who are new to the industry, or have specific traits or histories that place them in a ??high-risk?? category for future crashes. The contractor shall specifically identify the economic pressures and safety challenges of small trucking fleets and owner-operators. Performance Objective 2 ?V Using information obtained in performance objective 1, the contractor shall develop different, concurrent, and equally effective strategies for increasing the deployment of on-board safety systems by addressing unique stakeholder needs and issues among the different segments of the trucking industry. The contractor shall specifically address the issues related to the continued use of these systems as they trickle down to the carriers who purchase used trucks with these systems. Performance Objective 3 ?V For performance objectives 1 and 2, the contractor shall collect data from both industry databases and carrier interviews/surveys. The carrier demographics shall include existing on-board safety system users and non-users. To collect this information, the contractor shall interview key organizations and personnel across a representative sample of fleet sectors and sizes. All appropriate FMCSA and other Government approval processes and procedures must be in place prior to data collection. Prior to proceeding with data collection, the contractor shall prepare and review a data collection plan that includes all information collection techniques and instruments with FMCSA to receive FMCSA approval to proceed. Performance Objective 4 ?V The contractor shall provide a copy of all data collection results and analyses to FMCSA for performance objectives 1-3 in a preliminary draft report. The contractor shall prepare a draft written report with the findings of performance objectives 1-3 that will include data collection results and analyses. Case Studies Documenting detailed case studies from current users about their own decisions to adopt on-board safety systems and their experiences using them can provide insight into the effectiveness of the on-board safety systems. Performance Objective 5 ?V The contractor shall conduct a minimum of six case studies focusing on different carriers?? decision-making processes to adopt on-board safety systems and their experiences using them, as follows: ?X Two small carriers/fleets (1-20 trucks) - one fleet using stability control systems and one fleet using collision warning systems and/or lane departure warning systems. ?X Two medium carriers/fleets (21-100 trucks) - one fleet using stability control systems and one fleet using collision warning systems and/or lane departure warning systems. ?X Two large carriers/fleets (over 100 trucks) - one fleet using stability control systems and one fleet using collision warning systems and/or lane departure warning systems. The contractor shall ensure that the set of case studies includes all of the following technologies from as many different vendors as feasible: lane departure warning systems, roll stability control systems, electronic stability control systems, and collision warning systems. Prior to proceeding with the data collection, the contractor shall provide preliminary information about potential carriers (i.e., fleet size, typical operations, typical length of haul, commodities hauled, and fleet vehicle characteristics) agreeing to provide information for the case studies and all data collection questions and techniques for FMCSA review and approval. The case study protocol shall be conducted in the following systematic way: ?X Develop the research questions related to the use of on-board safety systems and the resulting safety benefits ?X Select the cases and determine data gathering and analysis techniques to ensure that each case study is well constructed to ensure validity and reliability ?X Collect data ?X Evaluate and analyze the data In each case study, the contractor shall document the carrier??s decision making in the purchase and acquisition of on-board safety systems, their expected and actual return on investment timelines, and their changes in crash rates before and after the deployment of these systems in each of the fleets participating in each case study. The contractor shall document issues from each carrier regarding safety impacts, reliability, and validity of the safety technologies, which may include information about false positives and problems with different warning technologies. In each case study, the contractor shall cite additional information about each specific carrier??s experience using these systems that highlights the key steps and elements of safety technology installation, testing, maintenance, training, and usage. The contractor shall focus on the training costs, requirements, and supports in place for drivers using the technologies; maintenance staff performing upkeep maintenance; and managers analyzing the data for each carrier. The contractor shall provide information about the collection and use of data from these on-board safety systems by each carrier, including how the data is handled and potential future uses of the data. The contractor shall include information on technology acceptance at all levels, from drivers through upper management, necessary for successful implementation and use of safety technologies for each carrier. The contractor shall also document any additional challenges, issues, and processes relating to the use of the systems by each individual carrier in each case study. The contractor shall analyze, validate, and compare the information collected from the case studies with the larger population of carriers in each segment. In addition to providing information about the relationship between on-board safety systems and highway safety, the contractor shall include information in these case studies that can provide the basis for relaying positive aspects about safety-conscious carriers. Performance Objective 6 ?V The contractor shall add the six case studies to the report prepared in performance objective 4 in a second version of the draft report. Safety Technology Expert Panel Utilizing a safety technology expert panel would allow FMCSA to gather expert opinions about safety technology deployment and adoption issues in a diverse industry with varying issues and requirements. Performance Objective 7 ?V The contractor shall create a credible expert panel of safety technology users and stakeholders for information collection and sharing about safety technology deployment and related initiatives. The major duties of this panel will be to provide real world input into key safety technology issues relating to the objectives in this statement of work. The panel could meet via telecons, webcasts, and at annual industry meetings. Key experts shall include, but not be limited to: FMCSA, industry associations (i.e., ATA, state trucking associations, National Private Truck Council [NPTC], Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association [OOIDA]), motor carriers (small, medium, and large), insurance companies, and industry suppliers (original equipment manufacturers [OEMs], and safety technology manufacturers). It is anticipated that the expert panel would meet a minimum of twice a year. Prior to proceeding with the finalization of the panel members, the contractor shall receive FMCSA approval to proceed. Performance Objective 8 ?V The contractor shall prepare a list of invited experts, invitation notices, meeting agendas, and discussion topics for approval by FMCSA prior to the notification of each expert panel meeting. Performance Objective 9 ?V The contractor shall coordinate the meetings; contact and invite stakeholder representatives to the meetings; develop the meetings?? formats; provide background material; serve as a liaison for requests for information; lead and facilitate discussions; coordinate the presentation of material at the meeting; and record comments of the presented material. Cumulative Project Report Performance Objective 10 ?V The contractor shall build upon the draft report created for performance objectives 4 and 6 and synthesize the findings in performance objectives 1-9 in a Cumulative Project Report. The purpose of the Cumulative Report is to merge, consolidate, and analyze the documentation and results of the surveys, interviews, case studies and expert panels related to industry use and perspectives of on-board safety technologies in the different segments of the industry. By consolidating the data for examination and analysis, the relationships and factors involved in the selection, use, and effect of on-board safety technologies shall be identified in the different industry segments. Performance Objective 11 ?V The contractor shall prepare and make a presentation of the synthesis report to FMCSA. A copy of the Powerpoint presentation shall be provided to FMCSA at least two weeks prior to the final presentation in Washington, DC. Comments from the attendees at this meeting shall be incorporated in the Final Cumulative Project Report on performance objective 10. DEDUCTIONS The contractor shall be assessed a deduction in an amount equaling to a one-time 2% amount of the total price based on the price billed for each deliverable when products are ??returned for correction?? and/or not delivered on schedule to the Contracting Officer responsible for the work. Application of Deduction: The agency will review all requirements that are required to be completed in accordance with Contract Performance Monitoring Section. If the contractor meets the requirement for a deduction (the company has not met the deliverable requirements/milestones), an amount equaling the deduction, upon approval by the Contracting Officer, will be subtracted from the next invoice. Additionally, an amount equaling the deduction will be withheld from the last invoice prior to contract completion in the event that a deduction is earned on the last deliverable. The Contracting Officer will use its discretion in applying some or all of the percentage indicated. Specific deliverables are identified in the Deliverables Section. DELIVERABLES Item Performance Objectives Due date: # of months after the effective date Draft Data Collection Plan Report 3 3 months Final Data Collection Plan Report 3 4.5 months Preliminary Draft Written Report - Trucking Industry Demographic and On-board Safety System Data Collection 1-4 7 months Draft Written Report with the incorporation of FMCSA comments - Trucking Industry Demographic Data and On-board Safety System Data Collection 1-4 9 months Expert Panel Meeting Preparation and Conduct 7-9 Approx. every 6 - 8 months from the initiation of the project Draft Data Collection Plan Report ?V Case Studies 5 10 months Final Data Collection Plan Report ?V Case Studies 5 11.5 months Preliminary Draft Written Report - Case Studies added to the Trucking Industry Demographic and On-board Safety System Data Collection 5-6 15 months Draft Written Report with the incorporation of FMCSA comments - Case Studies added to the Trucking Industry Demographic and On-board Safety System Data Collection 5-6 17 months Draft Cumulative Report 10 20 months Cumulative Report Presentation 11 21 months Final Cumulative Report with the incorporation of FMCSA comments 10 22.5 months Final Section 508 version of the Cumulative Report with the incorporation of FMCSA comments 10 24 months Monthly Progress Reports 10th day of the month following the reporting period AppendixA Applicable Documents General references identified below will be made available to the Contractor. Additional references may be identified during the course of performance. 1. Websites: a. http://www.transtats.bts.gov/ b. http://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/mcspa.asp c. http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/facts-research/research-technology/mission/ra.htm d. http://www.its.dot.gov/ivi/reports.html e. http://dmses.dot.gov/submit/DataQualityGuidelines.pdf f. http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/inforeg/infocoll.html 2. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 3. Title 29, U.S. Code, Section 508, Standards 4. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 5. Transportation Acquisition Regulations (TAR) 6. Transportation Acquisition Manual (TAM) 7. Joint Federal Travel Regulation (TFJR) Provisions 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial, and 52.212-2 Evaluation?Commercial Items (Jan 1999) (a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: Technical Capability 1. Experience and Capability: The vendor shall describe its expertise in conducting research related to the trucking industry and commercial vehicle on-board safety systems. The vendor shall also describe its proven demonstrated ability to successfully recruit diverse trucking industry participation in research and to collect extensive, in-depth information directly from the trucking industry, i.e. carrier safety managers, drivers, financial officers, and insurance company managers. Specific examples of previously conducted research involving trucking industry contacts and the extent of the industry contacted and information collected should be cited. (7 page limit) 2. Approach: The vendor shall submit a valid approach to how it specifically will complete the contractor requirements for each performance objective. (8 page limit). 3. Resumes of individuals performing the work. Price and Past Performance from completed attached Past Performance Questionaire relevant to the Performance Statement of Work. Technical and past performance, when combined, are more important than price. (b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer?s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award. (End of provision) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications?Commercial Items (Nov 2006) 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items 52.212-5 and Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items apply to this order. The following FAR clauses from paragraph (b) of FAR Clause 52.512-5 are incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items. 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755). 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2006) (E.O. 13126). 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999). 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246). 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Sept 2006) (38 U.S.C. 4212). 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer?Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332). 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a). (TAR) 48 CFR1252.237-70 Qualifications of Contractor Employees (Apr 2005) (TAR) 48 CFR1252.237-73 Key Personnel (Apr 2005) (TAR) 48 CFR1252.242-73 Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (Oct 1994) (TAR) 48 CFR1252.242-72 Dissemination of Contract Information (OCT 1994) The General and Administrative Requirements, Appendix B Report Structure and the Past Perfomance Questionnaire may be obtained by contacting the Point of Contact.
- Place of Performance
- Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC
- Zip Code: 20590-0001
- Country: UNITED STATES
- Zip Code: 20590-0001
- Record
- SN01356185-W 20070801/070730220620 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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