A --RESTRAINT SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS AND RELATED STUDIES

NA The Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) has a requirement for a Task Order contract for restraint systems effectiveness and related studies. The primary purpose of the research is to evaluate the potential effectiveness of vehicle occupant restraint systems, including seat belts, air bags and other safety features during highway vehicle crashes. This shall be accomplished by any or all of the following means: (a) development and extension of vehicle and occupant simulation models, including the representation of vehicle structural components, restraint systems and occupant body segments; (b) parametric analyses utilizing occupant simulation models; (c) sled tests utilizing anthropomorphic dummies; (d) experimental determination of mechanical properties of restrain t system components; (e) analysis of effectiveness of existing and proposed occupant crash protection; and, (f) evaluation of other vehicle safety features relevant to occupant crash protection. Knowledge and facilities related to these areas and capabilities in engineering, biomechanics, and instrumentation shall be required for the performance of tasks defined in the Task Orders. A Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) task order type contract is anticipated for a four (4) year period. The Contracting Officer is utilizing policies and procedures prescribed in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15. As set forth in the FAR, Part 16.504(c)(ii)(B)(4), the Contracting Officer has determined that only one contract award will result from this procurement. The applicable NAICS code is 541990. All responsible sources may submit a proposal. The solicitation and any documents related to this procurement will be available on the Internet; these documents will be available in text format and reside on a WWW server, which may be accessed using Web browsers. The WWW address, or URL, of the Volpe Center Acquisition Management Division home page is: http//www.volpe.dot.gov/procure/index.html. Offerors desiring to receive electronic notification of the solicitation’s posting and availability for downloading may register at the Volpe Center site. Contractors are warned that when they register to receive solicitations, amendments and other notices, the responsibility for providing the Government with an accurate and complete e-mail address lies with the Contractor. The Government will make no additional efforts to deliver information when the system indicates that transmissions cannot be delivered to the e-mail address provided. Paper copies of the solicitation WILL NOT be issued. ATTENTION: Minority, Women-owned, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). The Department of Transportation (DOT), Short-Term Lending Program (STLP) offers working capital financing in the forms of lines of credit to finance accounts receivable for transportation related contracts. Maximum line of credit is $500,000 with interest at the prime rate. For further information, call (800) 532-1169. Internet address: http://osdbuweb.dot.gov.