The Office of Research within the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking new and innovative ideas to support its Research and Technology (R&T) Program. The agency will consider original and creative solutions to achieve the agency’s goal of reducing commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.

FMCSA’s mission is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. The mission of FMCSA’s Office of Research is to reduce the number and severity of CMV crashes and enhance the efficiency of CMV operation by (1) providing data, producing statistics, and conducting systematic studies directed toward fuller scientific discovery, knowledge, or understanding, and (2) identifying, testing, and supporting technology transfer activities and deployment of CMV safety technologies. Recognizing that highway crashes often stem from several interrelated factors rather than a single cause, FMCSA has created a comprehensive R&T Program to support its safety mission. The objectives of the R&T Program are:

• Produce Safer Drivers: Develop driver-based safety countermeasures to reduce crashes.
• Improve Safety of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs): Improve truck and motorcoach safety through vehicle-based research and the deployment of CMV safety technologies.
• Produce Safer Carriers: Improve motor carrier safety by compiling and communicating best management practices to motor carriers and working with industry to accelerate adoption of safety-enhancing technology.
• Advance Safety and Research through Information-Based Initiatives: Support Agency research efforts by: (1) evaluating existing research to highlight areas for additional study, (2) investigating the overall business, economic, and technical trends in the CMV industry, and (3) evaluating potential bases for studying crash data and setting safety goals.
• Enable and Motivate Internal Excellence: Ensure the relevance, quality, and performance of research and technology activities and develop efficient methods to respond quickly and flexibly to Departmental and Agency needs.

The Office of Research conducts a wide range of human factors and related research involving a variety of CMV driver, vehicle, roadway, and environmental issues, including those associated with conventional, advanced, and automated in-vehicle technologies designed to assist drivers and influence their ability to avoid crashes. The Office of Research develops knowledge about how driver characteristics and capabilities interact with vehicle systems, the roadway (e.g., road type and other vehicles) and the environment (e.g., weather, time of day) to influence the safety, effectiveness, and ease of use of these systems. Such research has a broad focus, including experimental studies of driver performance, measurement of on-road driver behavior and performance, driver education and training, evaluating driver behavior and performance in crash-likely situations in simulators, evaluations of the safety benefits and disadvantages of system designs in real-world use, application of cutting-edge technology to address a wide range of traffic safety and related issues, and evaluating policies to improve supply chain efficiency to ensure the safety of motor carriers.

The Office of Research is responsible for the identification and testing of technologies that improve CMV safety and efficiency, along with technology transfer activities for promising technologies. The Office of Research focuses on innovative solutions that assist FMCSA roadside inspectors and safety investigators as they conduct mission-critical enforcement activities in the United States and at international border crossings.

The R&T Program engages in real-world field testing, which offers the best opportunity to assess the costs and potential benefits of new technology solutions. For example, FMCSA has conducted successful field testing of onboard safety systems, truck blind spot detection technology, electronic screening systems for trucks at international border crossings, safety enhancements to large truck stability controls, mobile CMV safety applications for roadside inspectors, wireless roadside inspections, and truck parking availability data dissemination technologies.

The R&T Program completes automated vehicle research data collection and analysis including the ability to provide voluntary best practices to States and industry automated vehicle (AV) implementers, research CMV driver factors and vehicle safety components, develop cybersecurity guidance for CMVs, establish data elements and data sharing guidance to support testing, and engage and communicate with State and industry stakeholders. The R&T Program conducts studies in automated CMV evaluation programs including evaluations of roadside inspections of ADS-equipped CMVs, automated CMV technologies and capabilities (e.g., platooning, advanced driver assistance), in-service training with FMCSA field staff, CMV driver readiness for advanced technologies, and CMV cybersecurity, or through test and evaluation utilizing FMCSA’s three Level 2/3 capable research tractor-trailers.

Future safety-related research will likely extend ongoing work dealing with conventional commercial vehicle safety issues, focus on the integration and development of advanced technologies that can assist drivers in detecting and responding to potential crash situations, and investigate systems that can be used to deter unsafe driving behaviors.

Through its research activities, FMCSA will:

• Better understand the causes and impacts of CMV crashes thereby supporting efforts to develop safety countermeasures to reduce crashes and remove unsafe drivers, vehicles, and carriers from the Nation’s roads.
• Support continued progress in the development and testing of CMV safety technologies including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), driver information systems, driver monitoring technologies as well as advanced braking, tires, steering, lighting, and mirror systems.
• Better understand the safety impacts associated with the adoption of automated CMVs, identify carrier best practices for operating ADS-equipped CMVs, and develop evaluation methods for assessing carrier’s safety plans for operating ADS-equipped CMVs.
• Assess the safety impacts of advance electric and hydrogen-powered CMVs and identify how roadside inspection and evaluation procedures may be impacted.
• Identify, develop, and assess technologies used by auditors, inspectors, and investigators when conducting roadside inspections and investigations to increase efficiency and accuracy of the findings.
• Investigate application of advanced remote and wireless-based concepts for completing vehicle and driver inspections at highway speeds.
• Advance the industry knowledge base related to driver issues impacting safety such as fatigue, distraction, drug and alcohol use, training, overall health and wellness issues, enforcement actions, and issues related to driver compensation.
• Continue to identify and refine carrier best practices for maintaining and operating CMVs and for training drivers and monitoring driver safety performance.
• Assess road network and infrastructure issues impacting CMV safety, including issues related to truck parking and routing.
• Advance the Department’s strategic goals through mission-specific research.
• Better understand global safety programs, regulations, and research efforts designed to improve CMV safety.

Safety research will be conducted in the following eight (8) Research Areas:

1. CMV Test Track and On-Road Testing Expertise
2. CMV Driving Simulator Facilities and Expertise and Associated Driving-Related Human Research
3. Broad-Based Laboratory Testing and Facilitation Capabilities (includes testing of electronic logging devices [ELDs], different from driving simulators)
4. Cybersecurity
5. CMV Safety Data Research and Analysis (Includes Data Management and Systems, Software and AI, CMV Safety Data Research and Analysis, Data Integration and Geospatial Analysis)
6. Basic and Applied CMV Industry Research (Information Gathering, Analysis, and Presentation)
7. Survey Methodology
8. CMV Demonstration Testing, Maintenance, and Logistics Support

RESEARCH AREA DESCRIPTIONS

1. CMV Test Track and On-Road Testing Expertise

Research will focus on exploring multiple assessment methods including closed course testing and on-road naturalistic testing. 

Examples of work to be performed include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Instrument CMVs to measure driver performance in test track and on-road, real-world settings.
• Instrument CMVs with data acquisition systems to continuously record data such as GPS coordinates, headway, speed, six-axis acceleration, and videos of the forward roadway, the driver’s face, an over-the-shoulder view of the driver’s hands and lap area, a view of the footwell, and the instrument cluster.
• Assess the costs and potential benefits of new technology solutions via real-world field testing.
• Assess the safety impacts of advance electric and hydrogen-powered CMVs and identify how roadside inspection and evaluation procedures may be impacted.
• Collect human behavior and performance data using on-road instrumented vehicles to explore, clarify or resolve human factors and other safety issues. The type of data needed may include estimates of the prevalence and operational features of subsystems that drivers choose to use, comparisons of driver behavior and performance when performing specific maneuvers using vehicle systems, naturalistic driving assessments, and assessments of driver preferences for vehicle design features.
• Perform field evaluations to measure driver behavior and performance while using specific technologies on the road, in a real-world, “naturalistic” setting.
• Perform field demonstrations of a new technology or the implementation of a new systems evaluation tool.
• Develop and implement various human factors test procedures (e.g., evaluation protocols) or systems (e.g., ITS devices) for demonstration to FMCSA staff and other designated personnel such as roadside inspectors and other roadside CMV enforcement personnel.
• Perform research to enable the safe operation of highly automated commercial vehicles on the Nation’s transportation system to improve safety, prevent crashes, and efficiently move passengers and commerce.

Examples of capabilities needed:

• Ability to use hardware and software for automated data collection, analysis, storage, and retrieval.
• Capability for wireless transmission of data, status, and control/update functions for remote data acquisition systems (e.g., instrumented vehicles).

1. CMV Driving Simulator Facilities and Expertise and Associated Driving-Related Human Research

Under this Research Area, researchers will collect human behavior and performance data using advanced truck driving simulators and simulation. Using the collected data, researchers will explore, clarify, or resolve human factors and other safety issues identified by the agency. Examples of work to be completed under the Research Area include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Develop simulator research and provide simulator research support, to include scenario development, research protocols, data collection and analysis, and data validation.
• Conduct simulator evaluations (may include measurement of driver behavior and performance under high demand settings).
• Evaluate driver behavior and performance in crash likely situations in simulators.
• Conduct research activities utilizing simulation tools, such as TruckSim.

Offerors interested in this Research Area must have access to the following:

• Readily available CMV simulators that permit a wide range of studies that cannot be safely carried out on the open road.

• Data acquisition systems to continuously record data from the simulator.

1. Broad-Based Laboratory Testing and Facilitation Capabilities (includes testing of ELDs, different from driving simulators)

The Offeror shall have readily available and be familiar with the use, maintenance, and application of facilities and equipment necessary to support the work specified herein. Where appropriate, this would include fabrication of necessary hardware/instrumentation and development of supporting software. Examples of such facilities and equipment include but may not be limited to:

• Facilities to design and create instruments for measuring driver performance in on-road, real-world settings.
• Facilities to mock-up test apparatus, such as vehicle bucks, roadway objects, mirror configurations, and lighting systems.
• Laboratory facilities for testing subjects under highly controlled conditions.
• Vehicle skid pads as well as other driver-related training systems.

1. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity research involves safety risk management associated with potential intentional manipulation of software, hardware, sensors, and associated communication networks on-board the vehicle by malicious actors. While no crashes or fatalities have been directly attributed to a vehicle cybersecurity incident, the potential for large scale cyberattacks on vehicles is well-recognized, and as such, this risk warrants pre-emptive and proactive attention. Examples of work to be performed under this Research Area include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Complete research to support enhanced reliability and resiliency of vehicle electronics, software, and related vehicle control systems to both mitigate safety risks associated with failure and/or cyber compromise of such systems, but also so that such concerns do not pose public acceptance barriers for proven safety technologies and driving automation systems.

• Determine methods for assessing the functional safety and reliability of safety-critical subsystems including, but not limited to steering, braking, propulsion, perception, prediction, and decision-making systems.
• Determine methods for assessing safety risks associated with potential intentional manipulation of software, hardware, sensors, and associated communication networks on-board the vehicle by malicious actors.

1. CMV Safety Data Research and Analysis

This Research Area includes data management and systems, software and artificial intelligence, CMV safety data research and analysis, data integration and geospatial analysis. Offerors should have familiarity with safety datasets, including FMCSA’s Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS), the Driver Information Resource (DIR), the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the Crash Report Sampling System (CRSS), and other relevant safety or transportation datasets. Examples of work to be conducted in this Research Area include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Conduct research to determine the causes and impacts of CMV crashes.
• Coordinate special data collection activities with state and local officials, develop the needed data collection instruments, perform the necessary training, and assemble and evaluate collected data. These activities may include reviewing police reports as well as analysis of collected crash data.
• Analyze data from MCMIS, CDLIS, DIR, PSP, FARS, CRSS, and other datasets, using advanced statistical techniques.
• Integrate data from multiple sources, both governmental and non-governmental, to produce datasets for CMV safety research.
• Complete large-scale data analysis and design and implement databases for future use of the data.
• Use geographic information system (GIS) tools to map, analyze, and display geospatial data for identification and analysis of CMV safety issues.
• Employ data visualization tools to create dashboards and display and analyze integrated and geospatial data sets.
• Use AI/machine learning techniques to analyze data collected from studies to make predictions or classifications or uncover data-driven insights. Combine data and algorithms to predict patterns and classify data sets, evaluate the accuracy, and then fit the data points into the model.

Offerors interested in this Research Area must have the ability to store, retrieve, process, and analyze large volumes of data (petabytes).

Offerors must have demonstrated experience completing Information Collection Requests. This entails all aspects of the process, including writing the supporting statements, writing Federal Register notices, responding to comments from all reviewers, and compiling comments from the public.

1. Basic and Applied CMV Industry Research (Information Gathering, Analysis, and Presentation)

Conduct empirical and analytical human factors and behavioral research on vehicle and roadside systems and other issues of interest that may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Automated Vehicle Technologies

Automated Driving Systems

Antilock Brakes

Electronic Stability Control

Vehicle Sensors

Vehicle Rollover

In-Vehicle Information Systems

Event Data Recorders/Black Boxes

Electronic Logging Devices

Vehicle Suspension

Vehicle Handling

Tires

Braking including Automatic Emergency Braking

Truck Ergonomics

Driver Response Measurement and Instrumentation

Driver Fatigue Monitoring

Driver Distraction Monitoring

Sleeper Berth design

Advanced Technologies

Simulator Research and Support (e.g., Validation, Scenario Development)

Technology Assessment

Device Acquisition, Demonstration and Preliminary Evaluation

- Interactions with automobiles

- Infrared-based screening systems

- Electronic screening systems

- Virtual weigh stations

Global policies, regulations, studies, and programs on CMV driver and CMV Safety

Auditor, Investigator, and Inspector staff efficacy and safety

CMV driver mental health and suicide

Examples of work to be completed under this Research Area include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Work with the industry and standards-setting organizations to explore methods and tools for assessing the safety of ADS and ADAS-equipped vehicles.
• Perform literature reviews to assess the current state of knowledge.
• Conduct meta-analysis of the literature.
• Collect data needed to answer the research questions.
• Analyze datasets using appropriate statistical methodology.
• Be familiar with the current CMV industry standards.
• Conduct industry studies on the CMV market and regulations.
• Conduct expert panels.
• Interview experts systematically and report results.
• Select, test and recruit subjects for testing.
• Review relevant FMCSA regulations.
• Complete regulatory and economic analyses to support rulemaking and development of international standards.
• Research State and international policies and regulations related to the CMV industry.
• Investigate global policies, regulations, programs, and research on CMV driver and CMV safety trends.
• Design and implement websites.
• Support efforts to improve carrier safety by applying safety management principles, promoting data driven research into carrier intervention selection and processes, compiling best management practices, communicating best practices, and supporting the Agencys enforcement of carrier-related regulations.
• Conduct studies of technologies used by auditors, inspectors, and investigators when conducting roadside inspections and investigations to increase efficiency and accuracy of the findings.
• Develop and implement studies to better understand, document, and deploy global innovative truck safety programs and technologies.
• Develop and implement studies on how to effectively deploy and utilize Federal investigative staff to maximize FMCSA’s safety outcomes.
• Complete studies related to driver health and wellness in the short- and long-term and its impact on safety.
• Organize, implement, and evaluate focus group sessions directed at understanding CMV driver attitudes towards advanced display/control and advanced technology systems in commercial vehicles.
• Promote research and present findings at conferences.
• Collect and analyze roadside observational data to determine the frequency with which various commercial vehicle technologies are used/present.
• Develop research methodologies and models to conduct applied CMV driver research. Identify the hypotheses to test.
• Conduct systematic research to support development and/or validation of FMCSA regulations, standards, and guidelines (e.g., related to driver information systems, driver qualifications, etc.).
• Develop and evaluate outreach and educational materials designed to convey research findings and to change behaviors of motor vehicle drivers.
• Secure data from third parties to better understand the safety impact of new technologies.

1. Survey Methodology

Under this Research Area, researchers will create and administer surveys and analyze the collected data. Offerors interested in this Research Area must have expertise in sampling and data collection such as non-response or potential research biases. Additionally, Offerors must have the ability to use a variety of methods including email, short message service (SMS), in-person interviews, mail-in forms, or other unique methods to collect data. Examples of work to be completed under this Research Area include, but may not be limited to, the following:

• Create survey questions and test them to ensure that theyre reliable, valid, appropriately formatted with the correct question type (e.g., multiple choice vs. matrix vs. check all that apply), and easy for individuals to understand.
• Design survey instruments.
• Conduct pilot tests and refine survey instruments as appropriate.
• Use statistical software and techniques to perform data analysis.
• Administer surveys.
• Coordinate and delegate tasks for data collectors.
• Present summaries of the data, including graphs, fact sheets, and tables.

• Assess survey performance and survey methods to make improvements for future studies.

Offerors interested in this Research Area must have demonstrated experience completing Information Collection Requests. This entails all aspects of the process including writing the supporting statements, writing Federal Register notices, responding to comments from all reviewers, and compiling comments from the public.

An example of this work is to develop, implement, and evaluate surveys directed at determining operational aspects of the motor carrier industry, and the acceptability of various new systems, including advanced automotive technologies.

1. CMV Demonstration Testing, Maintenance, and Logistics Support

FMCSA has three class 8 tractors and trailers and a motorcoach (i.e., vehicles) that have been equipped with SAE automation Levels 0 to 3 technology. They will be used as test vehicles for FMCSA research opportunities as part of the ACE Program. Capabilities in this area include support services to conduct vehicle testing and evaluations and/or provide transportation, storage, and maintenance of the test vehicles. Support for CMV tests and demonstrations will include assistance with data collection, video footage capture and production, and testing support (e.g., troubleshooting vehicle technology components). Storage capabilities shall include the ability to store the test vehicles, and, periodically, vehicles such as Federal Highway Administration AV passenger vehicles that may be part of any research, test and/or evaluation. General routine maintenance and repair of the test vehicles shall include periodic inspection to ensure safe operations; general vehicle maintenance per manufacturer’s guidelines by contractor personnel or independent sub-contracted maintenances service mechanics; and maintenance and repair of automation sensors and, if needed, coordination with automation upfit providers. Logistics support shall include capabilities to transport the test vehicles to trade shows, demonstrations, and outreach events.

Instructions:

Interested parties are invited to submit a technical capability statement which clearly demonstrates their ability to meet the government requirement as summarized above. The Government is allowing offerors to submit technical capability statements on one or more research area(s) rather than requiring offerors to meet the requirements of all eight research areas.

At this time, the Government envisions offerors will be permitted to bid on one or more of the research areas.

There is a 15-page limit. Responses must be submitted via email to Prattsie.Artis@dot.gov and Deila.Johnson@dot.gov. Reference in the subject line of the email RFI-MC-RRR-24-RT-IDIQ-2023. Responses must be received by 10:00 a.m. on February 2, 2024.

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