DOT, Fed Hwy Admin, Office Of Acquisition Management, 400 7th St, SW, Room 4410, Washington, DC 20590

A -- CORROSION COSTS AND PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES SOL DTFH61-99-X-00004 DUE 122198 POC Behrooz Behpoory, 202-366-4224 WEB: click here, http://www.FHWA.DOT.GOV. CORROSION COSTS AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES A. Background and Objectives This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) identifies the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) need for carrying out a systematic paper research study to estimate the total economic cost of metallic corrosion in the United States. In addition, the study will provide cost-effective rational strategies to minimize the impact of metallic corrosion. This study has been congressionally mandated in the TEA-21 bill. In 1975, Battelle Columbus Laboratories carried out a somewhat similar study on the economic effects of metallic corrosion but did not provide any detailed preventative strategies to reduce the estimated $82 billion/ year corrosion costs. (4.9% of the Gross National Product (GNP). The same organization updated it's findings in 1995 and very roughly estimated the total cost of corrosion to be $300 billion per year which represented 4.2% of the GNP. Hence, it appears that some reduction based on the GNP was achieved in the last20 years. The 1975 study included more than 130 economic sectors such as motor vehicles, electric power, energy, materials, aircrafts, ships, etc. and provided a breakdown of avoidable and unavoidable corrosion costs. As an example, present corrosion related damage to the nation's concrete bridges is estimated to be $25 billion and increasing at an annual rate of about $0.5 billion. As a preventive strategy, the chemical industry spends $2 billion per year in chemicals and corrosion inhibitors to save an estimated $17 billion per year in equipment deterioration and production down-time caused by corrosion. Corrosion is defined as particular material losing its virgin properties when exposed to the environments attending its application. Classically, these materials are metal, but in the last two decades or so plastic/polymer/composite materials have replaced numerous metallic components for a variety of applications. They also deteriorate (corrode) with time. This BAA shall provide a realistic estimate of the total corrosion losses supported by pertinent data /information with adequate cost/benefit analysis modeling, if recommended preventative strategies are employed. The study, besides evaluating corrosion losses in general for all sectors, will put major emphasis on transportation infrastructure and to a lesser degree, to the various types of conveyance utilizing it for carrying goods and traffic. Examples of transportation infrastructure are: bridges (steel, concrete, cable- stayed, suspension, etc.), tunnels, railroads, airports, piers, pipelines (underground, carrying natural gas) etc., and conveyance types are: motor vehicles, aircraft, ships, trains, etc. B. Requirements The scope of this announcement is very broad; to invite innovative approaches and to provide FHWA the flexibility to accomplish its missions and goals. In keeping with FHWA's desire for innovation and flexibility, the specific approaches in the applications will vary. However, the applicant's effort shall include, but not be limited to, the following components: 1. A thorough review of the previous studies and other related data which establishes the state of knowledge and experience relative to the proposed study. 2. A detailed discussion and initial evaluation of the previous models and approaches taken for estimating the economic offset of corrosion as monetary loss to the economy plus the cost of the facilities; equipment,etc. 3. A detailed approach for carrying out the missions, goals and objectives of this study. Note: The applicant is responsible for identifying and developing various necessary tasks in the proposed work plan to meet study objectives.C. Deliverables: The reciepiant shall provide as a minimum: 1. A quarterly progress report. 2. A comprehensive draft and final report. 3. A draft and final condensed version of the final report containing pertinent data/graphs showing a clear and concise approach taken for estimating the total economic effects of metallic corrosion and preventative strategies for its reductionin the future. The report shall include life cycle cost analysis on preventative strategies and a set of recommendations for implementing the findings of the study nationwide. The total length of the condensed version of the report will not exceed 60 pages. 4. A draft and final executive summary not to exceed 10 pages. 5. In addition to hard copies of the reports, they should also be coded to an Hypertext Mark up Language (HTML) 3.2 Standard. Graphics shall be submitted either as JPEG file or a GIF file. 6. Any software developed. D. Cooperative Agreement period -- 24 months E. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS -- Responding to this BAA must be valid for 180 days, and may be funded at any time during that period. Ten copies of the proposal should be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. EST December 21, 1998 at the: Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Room 4410, Washington, D.C. 20590, Attention: Behrooz Behpoory. Please show BAA number DTFH61-98-X-00004 and closing date on the forwarding envelope. Late applications will not be considered. F. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF APPLICATIONS -- The application package shall be submitted on OMB Standard Form 424 (Rev. 4-88, including 424A and 424B), with the required information filled in and the certified assurances included. These these forms may be obtained at the FHWA webpage (WWW.FHWA.DOT.GOV) In responding to this announcement, please prepare your applications in two parts, as follows: 1. TECHNICAL -- A work plan shall be submitted that reflects a review of pertinent studies in the proposed area that describes in detail how the applicant will proceed if awarded a Cooperative Agreement. Detail the tasks envisioned for the study, the approach, the methodology, the data collection techniques, analysis, modeling, other investigation tools to be employed, and the amount of time necessary to perform each task. Resumes of key personnel shall be included as attachments. A separate Statement of Work, detailing the technical tasks to be accomplished and suitable for contractual incorporation, shall be included with the proposal. Note: The technical part shall not exceed 100 single-sided, 8.5 x 11 inch pages. Text shall be in 12 pitch or larger type, double-spaced. The page limit includes all information, i.e.; workplan, facilities, resumes, charts, illustrations, attachments, etc. 2. COST -- the cost or price breakdown shall be submitted utilizing Standard Form 424A together with supporting detailed, complete cost data. Include a person-hour breakdown by task. G. Evaluation of Applications and Award Evaluation Criteria The primary basis for selecting an application shall be the technical factors. Cost sharing is strongly urged only to the extent that it enhances the applicant capabilities to provide a superior study results. Technical merit will be evaluated on the following criteria having equal importance: 1. Work plan (completeness, adequacy, implementability, innovativeness, and approach). 2. Organization qualifications (technical management, know how, and database in the area of metallic corrosion, recognized leader in corrosion area, ability to disseminate the findings quickly and efficiently, resources and facilities). 3. Qualification and experience of Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, and other team members (knowledge and experience in the field of corrosion, metallurgy, chemistry, engineering, economics, computer software, infrastructure, statistics, various modes of transportation, and more importantly past experience in the proposed area, and others as appropriate). The FHWA reserves the right to select for award any, all, part or none of the applications submitted.H. Eligibility All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the FHWA. The government anticipates that a total of $ 900,000 will be dedicated to this BAA (FY1999 -$450,000. And FY2000 -- $450,000), subject to the availability of funds. It is anticipated that only a single Cooperative Agreement will be awarded. Posted 11/03/98 (W-SN267591). (0307)

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