Inactive

INTRODUCTION This is a Small Business Sources Sought (SBSS) notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information reg... INTRODUCTION This is a Small Business Sources Sought (SBSS) notice. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding: (1) the availability and capability of qualified small business sources; (2) whether they are small businesses; HUBZone small businesses; service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses; 8(a) small businesses; veteran-owned small businesses; woman-owned small businesses; or small disadvantaged businesses; and (3) their size classification relative to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for the proposed acquisition. Your responses to the information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method, including whether a set-aside is possible. An organization that is not considered a small business under the applicable NAICS code should not submit a response to this notice. This notice is issued to help determine the availability and type of qualified Small Business companies technically capable of meeting this potential government requirement and to determine the method of acquisition. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals or quotes. No award will be made as a result of this notice. The Government will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by the respondents to this notice. The notice is strictly for research and information purposes only. The information requested will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition method including small business socio-economic set-aside possibilities and to determine the availability of qualified Small Business companies technically capable of meeting the Government’s potential requirement. All Small Business companies with the capability and availability to perform the requirement under the applicable NAICS code are invited to submit a response to this notice. NORTH AMERICAN CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE The NAICS code applicable to this requirement is 541990 -- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services with associated business size standard $16.5 million. BACKGROUND The Earthquake Engineering Group (EEG) in the Engineering Laboratory (EL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducts experimental and analytical research on the seismic performance of the built environment to support NIST’s role in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP). This potential acquisition for contractor services is required so that EEG can develop and support a nationally applicable research plan that incorporates stakeholder needs and encompasses the entire scope of work required to address the issues in a systematic process. The 1994 Northridge earthquake was a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred on January 17, 1994 in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles County. The earthquake had a duration of approximately 10–20 seconds, and its peak ground acceleration was the highest ever instrumentally recorded in an urban area in North America. Steel moment frame design and construction practice prior to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake (1985-1994 era) tended to result in (1) panel zones that could yield before the adjacent beams, referred to as weak panel zones, and (2) some column splices constructed with partial joint penetration (PJP) groove welds. Welding requirements used during this era were not as stringent as modern requirements that were developed as a result of critical weld fractures that occurred during the Northridge Earthquake. Weld fracture in these existing structural components can result in undesirable behavior of the framing system during a seismic event. Panel zones that yield before the adjacent beams (if the beams yield at all) can result in excessive shear deformation within the panel zone triggering column flange bending at the corners of the panel zone producing high strains in the welds connecting the beam flange to the column flange. This weld has been shown to fracture in this case, but no measures have been developed to evaluate the parameters that contribute to fracture nor retrofit options. Further, similar issues with weld material and construction practices that put beam-to-column connections at risk in the Northridge earthquake (summarized in FEMA 350 series (FEMA 2000)) also put PJP welded column splices at risk for weld fracture. There is currently no guidance available on assessing these type column splices, and engineers consequently apply presumptively conservative and often costly retrofits to this component. Neither of these components have been comprehensively investigated nor has associated modeling guidance and applicable seismic performance metrics been developed. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES This potential requirement seeks a Contractor to develop a comprehensive, concise long-range program plan to research the seismic behavior of pre-Northridge earthquake weak panel zones and welded column splices in steel frames. The research plan will outline a systematic process with balanced, applicable projects that NIST can fund in the future. This plan represents the first effort required to provide nationally accepted guidelines for seismically evaluating and retrofitting these two components. Retrofitting these components, when required by evaluation, will improve the seismic performance of the building during an earthquake to support the role the building plays in enhancing the resilience of the community it serves. This project will convene a group of steel and welding experts experienced in seismic design and construction to develop a comprehensive research plan. The plan shall include a combination of full-scale experiments and high-end analyses to develop an understanding of the seismic behavior of (1) pre-Northridge earthquake weak panel zone assemblies and (2) column splices constructed with PJP groove welds. Proposed high-end analysis tasks shall be used to develop analytical models to replicate the tests and provide a testbed for conducting a parametric study to evaluate additional assemblies within the bounds of the tested assemblies. Tasks in the plan shall be outlined so that the result is the development of new, state-of-the-art criteria for modeling and assessment of pre-Northridge earthquake weak panel zone assemblies and welded column splices with PJP groove welds. Ultimately, developed criteria will focus on incorporation into ASCE/SEI 41, and AISC 341 if applicable, and provide guidance on retrofit solutions. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS This Small Business Sources Sought notice seeks responses from qualified sources that are capable of providing the following salient service requirements of this potential government requirement, which is to produce a comprehensive, concise long-range program plan to research the seismic behavior of pre-Northridge earthquake weak panel zones and welded column splices in steel frames that will outline a systematic process with balanced, applicable projects, which NIST may use as future funding initiatives, through performing the following General Tasks: The Contractor shall lead a team to develop a comprehensive, concise long-range program plan to research the seismic behavior of (1) pre-Northridge Earthquake weak panel zones and (2) welded column splices with PJP groove welds. The plan shall include the following, in no particular order: 1. A detailed description of the consequences of failure of the individual components and the scope of the issues, including a discussion about the state-of-practice regarding retrofit strategies for each component. 2. A detailed overview of the seismic design and assessment provisions as well as construction practices for these two components used in southern and northern California (SC and NC, respectively), the Pacific Northwest (PNW), and the Central and Eastern U.S. (CEUS) starting 10-years prior to the Northridge Earthquake until today. 3. A comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed data covering these two components. 4. A systematic and balanced set of research activities that use full-scale testing and high-end analyses to address the fundamental mechanics of weld and base metal fracture applicable to the time period, the seismic behavior of representative full-scale models of these components based on applicable loading protocols, and a lump-sum cost estimate of each activity. Research activities shall build upon each other, concentrating on component-level performance and progressing to system-level performance. Specifically, the Contractor shall perform the following Tasks: 1. Recruit Project Team The Contractor shall assemble a Project Team consisting of individuals that fully meet the salient characteristics described in this section. The Contractor shall appoint a Project Technical Director (PTD) who shall have overall responsibility for the project technical development. The PTD shall be a licensed Structural Engineer practicing in California. In addition, the PTD shall be involved with the development of seismic code provisions for the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The PTD shall also be duly qualified based on experience with the development of the FEMA 350 series (FEMA 2000). The Contractor shall also appoint a Project Technical Committee (PTC) composed of the PTD as chair and five “primary” additional eminently qualified academic and practicing experts with significant experience in full-scale testing and professional seismic design of steel components. The team shall also include two “secondary” members that are subject matter experts to the primary team members, and they should not be required to participate in the development of the final research plan. The PTC shall include the following members: • Primary: The current chair of ASCE/SEI 41 committee or their designee. • Primary: Two researchers from academia, not from the same geographic region. • Primary: Two practicing licensed Structural Engineers, not from the same geographic region. • Secondary: The current manager of Engineering Services for Lincoln Electric or their designee. • Secondary: The current president of the American Institute of Steel Construction or their designee. The PTD selection shall be made in consultation with the NIST COR. Selection of the remaining PTC members shall be made in consultation with the NIST COR and PTD. The NIST COR will also be a member of the PTC. The PTC shall be responsible for the technical quality and practical direction of the project, under the direction of the PTD. The PTC shall also be responsible for reviewing project deliverables, providing advice and consultation throughout the project, and serving as a liaison to the materials industries and code organizations. All project documents shall be approved by the PTC prior to distribution. Within 30 calendar days of task order award, the Contractor shall confirm the availability of the PTD and the remaining PTC members for this task. 2. Develop Project Work Plan The Contractor shall develop a Project Work Plan that fully meets the essential elements described in this section. Within 45 calendar days of task order award, the Contractor shall confer with the NIST COR to review the Contractor’s technical proposal and develop an outline for the investigation of necessary information. Based on this conference and the requirements of this task order, the Contractor shall develop a Project Work Plan (PWP) that fulfills the following elements: • Outlines the overall project performance strategy. • Estimates Contractor resource requirements for task completion. • Provides details of all milestones required for project completion. • Ensures the PWP is fully compliant and consistent with stakeholder needs, specifically documented through interaction with the American Institute of Steel Construction and American Society of Civil Engineers. The PWP outline shall specifically include a planned strategy for interaction with appropriate national model building code and standard organizations that ensures that the recommended research studies that are developed are consistent with stakeholder needs. At a minimum, interaction with the American Institute of Steel Construction and American Society of Civil Engineers shall be included. Within 60 calendar days of task order award, the Contractor shall submit a draft PWP to the NIST COR for review. 3. Conduct Literature Review The PTC shall perform an extensive literature review that meets the essential elements described herein. Specifically, the literature review will consist of current and past standards of practice, available research information from peer-reviewed data, funded investigations, and industry or jurisdictional guidelines for steel construction. For each source of information, the PTC shall write a one-page summary that outlines the source of information and briefly describes relevant data. All summaries shall be produced in a common format that is approved by the NIST COR. The PTC shall compile these summaries in a form that is suitable for publication in the final Program Plan as an appendix. This appendix shall serve as the basis for developing the needed experimental and analytical research activities, recommendations for practical application of their results, and directions for the development of evaluation guidance. The Contractor shall submit a draft of this appendix to the NIST COR for review no later than 180 calendar days following task order award. Review submittal shall be in Microsoft Word format and have line numbers clearly identified, with the first line of every page starting at unity (1). 4. Produce Program Plan The Contractor shall use the literature review conducted in task 3 to develop a Program Plan that outlines the needed full-scale experimental and analytical research activities that will culminate in nationally accepted guidance for assessing and retrofitting pre-Northridge Earthquake weak panel zones and welded column splices with PJP groove welds. The PTC shall synthesize model building code and standards requirements, leading practitioner-recognized techniques, and state-of-the art research results, to produce clear and concise experimental, analytical, and design-based recommended activities. The Contractor shall submit a draft of this document to the NIST COR for review no later than 540 calendar days following task award. Review submittal shall be in Word format and have line numbers clearly identified, with the first line of every page starting at unity (1). After receipt of NIST COR review comments, the Contractor shall prepare the final print-ready Program Plan and submit to the NIST COR in PDF format within 60 days. A Performance Work Statement (PWS) will be generated for this potential requirement that the Contractor shall use in performing the Tasks identified herein. Offerors submitting a response to this Small Business Sources Sought notice shall possess the ability to achieve the salient characteristics and essential elements identified in this notice. Offerors shall provide documented evidence to be able to fully achieve the subject requirement described herein. The Government shall use Quality Assurance Surveillance Monitoring methods in determining whether performance standards have been met, as will be cited in any solicitation, and will help to ensure that the topics and assessment are maintained at the required levels through the Period of Performance, and will provide the NIST COR with a proactive way to avoid unacceptable or deficient performance. The Project Work Plan (PWP) shall include all desired virtual meetings. When project meetings are conducted, the NIST COR reserves the latitude to invite other participants to them. As a minimum, the following Virtual Project Meetings shall be conducted as part of the PWP: 1. The Contractor shall host and conduct a kick-off meeting within 30 days of approval by the NIST COR of the Project Technical Committee. 2. The Contractor shall host and conduct a progress review meeting 30 days prior to the submission deadline for the draft literature review. 3. The Contractor shall host and conduct a progress review meeting 30 days prior to the submission deadline for the draft Program Plan. Place of Performance The Place of Performance shall be at the Contractor’s work site/place of business. All work supporting this task order shall be performed virtually and will use online video conferencing tools as required. Reporting requirements also include submission of Monthly Progress Reports. Period of Performance/Contract Type The anticipated Period of Performance of this potential requirement shall become effective on September 15, 2020 through September 14, 2022. A Fixed-Price type of Purchase Order award is anticipated for any contract resulting from this requirement. The anticipated award date is on or around September 1, 2020. CAPABILITY STATEMENT / INFORMATION SOUGHT Interested parties are expected to review this notice to familiarize itself with the requirements of this project. Failure to do so will be at your firm's own risk. Respondents must provide clear and convincing evidence of possessing the knowledge, skills, abilities and experience to successfully perform the requirements described in this announcement. Offerors shall submit a Curriculum Vitea (CV) to document personnel qualifications and past experience. Detailed past experience in implementing similar requirements to the requirement described in this announcement must be clearly defined in any response provided. Technical experience can include, but is not limited to, documented evidence of education and experience in Structural Engineering. Evidence of any published manuscripts or other documentation produced in a relevant field shall be provided and used to support past experience. Respondents must provide clear and convincing documentation of their capability in providing quality control and any other requirements and services specified in this notice. Respondents must provide a general overview of the respondents' opinions about the difficulty and /or feasibility of the potential requirement, and any information regarding innovative ideas or concepts. The Respondent must also provide information in sufficient detail of the respondents' (a) staff expertise, including their availability, experience, and formal and other training; (b) current in-house capability and capacity to perform the work; (c) prior completed projects of similar nature; (d) corporate experience and management capability; and (e) examples of prior completed Government contracts, references, and other related information. The respondent must also provide their DUNS number, organization name, address, point of contact, and size and type of business (e.g., 8(a), HubZone, etc.) pursuant to the applicable NAICS code and any other information that may be helpful in developing or finalizing the acquisition requirements. One (1) copy of the response is required and must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format using 11-point or 12-point font, 8-1/2” x 11” paper size, with 1” top, bottom, left and right margins, and with single or double spacing. The response is limited to ten (10) pages. The 10-page limit does not include the cover page, executive summary, CV’s or references, if requested. The information submitted must be in an outline format that addresses each of the elements of the product or service requirement. A cover page and an executive summary may be included but is not required. The response must include the respondents’ technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses. All responses to this notice must be submitted electronically to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer. Facsimile responses are NOT accepted. The response MUST reference the solicitation number and be submitted to Mr. Hunter Tjugum at hunter.tjugum@nist.gov prior to the closing date specified in this announcement. The response must be received on or before the closing date/time specified in this announcement. CONCLUDING STATEMENTS Disclaimer and Important Notes. This notice does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed to allow the Government to determine the organization’s qualifications to perform the work. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. After a review of the responses received, a pre-solicitation synopsis and solicitation may be published in Federal Business Opportunities. However, responses to this notice will not be considered adequate responses to a solicitation. Confidentiality. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).