Infrastructure Materials Laboratories (IML) Support Services   4

Background
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Infrastructure Research & Development at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) seeks to award multiple Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, set aside 100% for small businesses.
These contracts support advanced Infrastructure Materials Laboratories (IML) operations research and development task orders, aligned with FHWA’s mission to improve the safety, performance, and cost-effectiveness of the Nation’s highway infrastructure.

Work Details
Contractor shall provide general laboratory support across all IML facilities, including development of research plans, organization of personnel, communication and outreach (web content, reports, briefings, conferences), laboratory management (safety plan execution, equipment calibration, maintenance, repair, procurement, waste disposal), information management (data cataloging, property inventories, test method libraries), and coordination of collaborative research efforts.

Specific tasks include:
- Asphalt Binder and Mixtures Laboratory – design and fabricate test specimens; perform standardized and customized AASHTO/ASTM tests (e.g., M320, M332, T322, D7313); operate and maintain AMPT, MTS, rheometers, mixers, and environmental chambers; develop machine learning models; and support field testing.
- Aggregate and Petrographic Laboratory – conduct petrographic and mechanical tests of aggregates and concrete; perform forensic evaluations; carry out microscopic studies and air-void analysis; and coordinate with Chemistry and Concrete Labs.
- Chemistry and Concrete Laboratories – analyze chemical and cementitious materials; design concrete mixtures; and prepare test specimens.
- Corrosion and Coatings Laboratory – execute salt-fog and UV corrosion testing; perform electrochemical measurements; model chloride migration; and evaluate coating applications.
- Pavement Test Facility – maintain and operate pavement test fields and machines; handle instrumentation and data acquisition (e.g., FWD, GPR, dynamic cone penetrometer); conduct in situ pavement condition assessments; perform numerical modeling; and carry out forensic analysis of test sections.

Deliverables include monthly progress reports, annual reports, a kick-off meeting report, and task order-specific technical and final reports.

Period of Performance
The IDIQ ordering period is 60 months from contract award, during which task orders may be issued.
Individual task orders must be completed no later than 12 months after the end of the 60-month ordering period.

Place of Performance
Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, 6300 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101 (Infrastructure Materials Laboratories).
Performance may also occur at other government or contractor sites as specified in individual task orders.

Bidder Requirements
Set aside 100% for Small Business (SBA).
Offerors must nominate Key Personnel (e.g., Program Manager) with demonstrated education and experience in relevant lab disciplines.
All staff must hold required licenses/certifications (e.g., forklift operator per 29 CFR 1910.178, OSHA/MSDS training); be proficient in safe operation of specified equipment (MTS/AMPT, rheometers, environmental chambers); and maintain laboratory accreditation.
Personnel require low-risk/non-sensitive HSPD-12 PIV background investigations; proof of Information Security System Awareness training; U.S. identity verification; and compliance with Section 508 standards.
Contractor must execute confidentiality agreements; maintain vehicular and public liability insurance ($1 million per person/$2 million per occurrence bodily injury; $200,000 property damage), listing FHWA as Additional Insured and supply evidence of insurance prior to award; and have a telework policy for approved remote work.