Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Contracts and Procurement (NAD-30), 400 Seventh St., S.W., Room 5301, Washington, D.C. 20590

A -- PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AS REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE RESEARCH AND TESTING ACTIVITIES OF THE NHTSA VEHICLE RESEARCH AND TEST CENTER AT EAST LIBERTY, OHIO SOL DTNH22-97-R-08001 POC Contact Doris E. Medley, Contract Specialist, (202) 366-9560, or Janice Flemming, Contracting Officer, (202) 366-9564 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) intends to negotiate with the Ohio State University Research Foundation (OSURF), Columbus, OH to provide for the continuation of support services for the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) at East Liberty, OH. VRTC formulates and conducts in-house activities to support NHTSA requirements for scientific and technical bases for Federal motor vehicle safety standards and the existence or non- existence of safety-related defects. VRTC personnel plan and monitor interactive, long-term and/or quick reaction projects for the general advancement of the state-of-the art understanding of motor vehicle and traffic safety. For the past twenty years, the Ohio State University has functioned as a Center of Excellence in motor vehicle safety. Its close proximity to the VRTC has promoted effective interaction between research personnel and efficient laboratory and facilities utilization. The OSURF provides (1) significant teaching and research programs through graduate level in a wide variety of academic disciplines; (2) broad engineering programs encompassing most of the engineering fields, with the recognized capability to support engineering test and analysis of possible automotive defects; (3) a medical college to support a biomechanical research program; (4) an active bequeathal program to permit cadaver research, with an established institutional review board to ensure protection of human subjects in research design and conduct, and the ability to respond within a one-hour mandatory time frame upon notice of availability of a cadaver; (5) major computing capability and computer training; and (6) large library facilities. An initial two-year contract term is contemplated, with three, one-year options, to provide for a maximum five (5) year effort. The contract effort will include professional, technical and general administrative personnel, supplies and materials, and facilities and equipment support to provide both long-term and quick response research and testing capabilities, on a Task Order completion basis, as may be identified as a requirement by the VRTC. Participation among multiple disciplines may be required in the conduct of a single task. In addition, the work requirements involve some efforts for which an ''organizational conflict of interest,'' as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5, is of concern in terms of contractor objectivity. Interested firms having the ability to provide the necessary support are requested to provide written notification to the procuring office within 15 calendar days from the date of publication of this notice. The written response must furnish detailed information concerning their capabilities which specifically addresses each of the six (6) elements required above. In addition, interested firms must demonstrate that their objectivity has not been impaired as a result of previous experience, or because of any related past, present, or planned interest, financial or otherwise, in organizations regulated by DOT, or in organizations whose interests may be substantially affected by the results of this study. Expressions of interest without sufficient detail to permit evaluation of capability or organizational conflict of interest will not be considered. Oral expressions of interest will not be considered. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals nor is a solicitation document currently available. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive acquisition. In the absence of responses from interested firms demonstrating their capability and lack of conflict of interest, NHTSA intends to request a proposal from the Ohio State University Research Foundation, Columbus, OH on a noncompetitive basis for the work described. This requirement is subject to the availability of appropriations in Fiscal Year 1997. (0272)

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