B -- USING FALLING WEIGHT DEFLECTOMETER DATA WITH MECHANISTIC-EMPIRICAL DESIGN AND ANALYSIS

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has a requirement to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) data analysis and interpretation to support and enhance its use in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) developed under the NCHRP 1-37A project. The evaluation should include 1) reviewing the current state of the practice and art in routine backcalculation of FWD data; 2) developing recommendations for advancing FWD data analysis and interpretation; 3) developing best practices guidelines for analyzing and interpreting FWD data for project level analyses with particular emphasis on the effective and efficient use of FWD data with the MEPDG; and 4) addressing FWD data analysis and interpretation of flexible, rigid and composite pavement structures. This effort will likely require expertise in the areas of pavement design, structural analysis, material testing and modeling. It is anticipated that work under this contract may take place at a variety of locations, including Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, field locations, and the Contractor’s facility. The Government anticipates award of a cost reimbursable contract. However, other contract types may be proposed. A solicitation will be issued on or about June 21, 2006, and will be available on FedBizOpps, at www.fbo.gov or http://www.Fedbizopps.gov. It is anticipated that proposals will be due 30 days from issuance of the solicitation, with an estimated award date of September 15, 2006. The NAICS code for this solicitation is 541330, with a Small Business size standard of $4.5 million. All responsible parties are encouraged to submit an offer. The solicitation, all related documents and amendments, if any, will only be released and available electronically through the FedBizOpps posting system listed above. Select the "Vendors" option, followed by Department of Transportation (DOT). No written, telephonic, facsimile or e-mail requests for the solicitation package will be honored. Interested parties can register at the aforementioned site to receive procurement announcements by e-mail. Since this solicitation will only be available electronically, it is solely the responsibility of interested parties to monitor the FedBizOpps website for any solicitation amendments. NO OTHER PROCUREMENT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.