R --Advance Research in Transportation Technology

NA The Volpe National Transportation Systems Center intends to award a five-year task order contract to support research in transportation technology, policy, and safety in a wide range of transportation and safety-related programs. Support will involve: the application of advanced/unique computer techniques to air traffic control, traffic management systems, transportation system scheduling and planning, and safety enhancement; use of advanced test facilities for verification of appropriate application of new technologies to transportation systems problems; use of advanced simulators and modeling tools to develop, analyze, and improve transportation safety and planning; and application of state-of-the-art expertise and resources to conduct research on advanced man-machine interfaces in tra nsportation systems and the use information technology to enhance productivity with particular attention concentrated on transportation and logistics. Interested offerors must submit a capabilities package in two copies demonstrating their abilities in each of the following transportation areas: capability to rapidly simulate the operations of a specific airport and provide an assessment of any operational changes on the airport's capacity and delays; capabilities to perform studies and tests in support of various spectrum/frequency issues critical to air traffic control operations; capability to perform quantitative research on human factors in advanced guideway systems; capability to test human subjects at simulated high speeds; capability to conduct research in the simulation and inve stigation of pilot performance using advanced concepts; capability to perform shakedown stress estimation software to conduct research on transportation-related materials; and capability to apply sophisticated visual problem solving and rapid prototyping skills to the problems of imaging visual complexity and the capability to employ advance techniques in information technology to improve safety and efficiency in transportation. Interested parties must respond to this announcement in writing within 15 days of publication. Telephonic requests will not be honored. For Minority, Women-Owned, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises: The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of Small Business and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) has a program to assist minority, women-owned, a nd disadvantaged business enterprises to acquire short-term working capital assistance for transportation-related contracts. Loans are available under the DOT Short Term Lending Program (STLP) at prime interest rates to provide accounts receivable financing. The maximum line of credit is $500,000. For further information and applicable forms concerning the STLP, please call the OSDBU at (800) 532-1169.