Accelerating Market Readiness Program

Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Technical Services (OTS) solicits white papers and proposals for the Accelerating Market Readiness (AMR) Program. The AMR program aims to accelerate the market readiness of innovative transportation technologies and solutions to address high-priority problems. It seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice by funding testing, field evaluations, and pilot demonstrations to increase understanding of innovations' potential benefits and widen the knowledge base.

• The BAA supports innovations that significantly advance conventional practice, address knowledge gaps, advance the state-of-the-art, or constitute a sea change in transportation projects.

• Projects must focus on "scientific study and experimentation directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding" rather than developing specific systems or hardware for sale.

• Technologies should generally be at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 5 or 6, with the goal of advancing them to TRL 7 or greater.

• Deliverables will include objective documentation of assessments and findings to foster wider adoption.

• This is an open BAA for five years, with anticipated calls issued periodically.

• Each call will specify topic areas, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions.

• Awards may be contracts, cooperative agreements, or funding allocations.

• Individual awards are anticipated to range between $300,000 and $600,000.

• A non-federal cost share of at least 20 percent is required for allocations to States.

• The process is two-phased: first, submission and evaluation of white papers; second, invitation to submit a formal proposal for selected white papers.

• White papers are limited to 6 pages and must address specific topics outlined in Appendix C.

• Proposals are limited to 14 pages (Volume I) and must include technical and cost/price information.

• Evaluation is based on technical merit, past performance, cost/price, and small business subcontracting plan (if applicable).

• Key deadlines will be specified in each BAA call.

• This is an unrestricted BAA open to U.S. businesses only.

• Foreign-owned businesses are not eligible.

• Responsible sources, including State/local governments, universities, non-profits, and private organizations, are encouraged to apply.

• Small, Small Disadvantaged, SDVOSB, VOSB, WOSB, HUBZones, HBCUs, and MIs are encouraged but no portion is set aside.

• All submittals must be in electronic format (Adobe PDF).

• Communications after a call is issued must be through the Contracting Officer.

• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act compliance is required for all deliverables.

• Points of Contact are provided for inquiries.

Amendment / Modification

• This memorandum details proposed minor redline modifications to Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) No. 693JJ325BAA0001 for the Accelerating Market Readiness Program.

• The changes aim to remove language or activities related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, aligning with recent Executive Orders.

• Specifically, the BAA Main Document has had the listing of FHWA strategic goals and objectives from Section 1.1 Background removed.

• BAA Appendix C has had Topic Areas 4 and 5 removed. This appendix will be updated with new topic areas for a future call.

• BAA Main Document (Section 1.1 Background)

• BAA Appendix C

• No impact on proposal deadlines or submission requirements is indicated. Bidders should refer to the modified documents for updated content. Questions should be directed to Amit Armstrong (amit.armstrong@dot.gov).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines "Innovation Topics" for the Accelerating Market Readiness (AMR) program, administered by the U.S. DOT and FHWA. The program aims to support key strategic goals by addressing technology and knowledge gaps to reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries, accelerate project delivery, reduce life cycle costs, and optimize the performance of existing transportation facilities.

The solicitation seeks proposals for innovative technologies and approaches in the following areas:

• Topic 1 - Safety: Technologies to improve safety data analysis, mitigate risks on rural roads, and facilitate automated vehicle deployment.
• Topic 2 - Shortening Project Delivery: Innovations to streamline project development and delivery, target federal investments effectively, and leverage state, local, and private sector resources.
• Topic 3 - Infrastructure Performance: Technologies to improve transportation system operations and performance throughout the life cycle, enhance maintenance and preservation strategies, and optimize planning, construction, and maintenance practices.
• Topic 4 - Digital Twins and Advanced Simulations Techniques: Innovations leveraging digital twins and AI/ML for planning, design, construction, maintenance, and prediction of transportation system conditions and behaviors.

This document is an appendix to a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) (AMR BAA 693JJ325BAA0001), indicating a solicitation for research and development proposals.

Specific submission instructions and evaluation criteria are not detailed in this appendix but are expected to be in the main solicitation document.

Not specified in this document.

FHWA may modify or add topic areas in future modifications to the BAA. Links to the U.S. DOT and FHWA Strategic Plans FY 2022-2026 are provided for additional context.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Appendix C: Innovation Topics, outlines the specific areas of interest for the Accelerating Market Readiness (AMR) program administered by the U.S. DOT and FHWA. It guides potential offerors on technology and knowledge gaps the government aims to address to improve transportation safety, project delivery, infrastructure performance, climate resilience, equity, and leverage digital twin and advanced simulation techniques.

• Topic 1: Safety: Focuses on using data analysis to reduce fatalities/injuries, mitigating risks on rural roads, and facilitating automated vehicle deployment.
• Topic 2: Shortening Project Delivery: Seeks innovations to streamline project development and delivery, target federal investments, and leverage state/local/private sector resources.
• Topic 3: Infrastructure Performance: Aims to improve system operations, maintenance, and planning/construction/maintenance practices.
• Topic 4: Climate and Sustainability: Seeks technologies to improve system performance under extreme weather, restore damaged infrastructure, and minimize emissions.
• Topic 5: Equity: Focuses on expanding access and integrating community engagement for underserved populations and improving economic vitality.
• Topic 6: Digital Twins and Advanced Simulations Techniques: Explores leveraging digital twins and AI/ML for planning, design, construction, maintenance, and prediction of transportation systems.
• Additional/Future Topic Areas: Indicates openness to other areas for breakthrough opportunities.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it defines the specific research and development areas for which the FHWA is seeking innovative technologies and solutions. Understanding these topics will help vendors tailor their proposals to align with the government's strategic objectives and identified needs within the transportation sector.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Technical Services (OTS) seeks to solicit white papers and proposals for its Accelerating Market Readiness (AMR) Program. The BAA aims to quickly and efficiently deliver projects that accelerate market readiness for practical solutions to high-priority transportation problems. It is an open BAA for a 5-year period, with individual calls for white papers and proposals to be issued periodically.

• The AMR program supports innovations that significantly advance conventional practice, address knowledge gaps, advance the state-of-the-art, or constitute a sea change in transportation projects and programs.

• Focus is on innovations that are at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 5 or 6, aiming to advance them to TRL 7 or greater.

• Projects should develop next-generation technologies and solutions addressing FHWA's strategic goals (Safety, Economic Strength, Global Competitiveness, Equity, Climate and Sustainability, Transformation, and Organizational Excellence).

• Deliverables must be compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities.

• Awards are anticipated to be contracts, cooperative agreements, or funding allocations.

• The Government anticipates three calls under this BAA, with each call potentially awarding up to eight contracts/agreements.

• Individual awards are anticipated to range between $300,000 and $600,000.

• A non-federal cost share of at least 20 percent is required.

• The process is two-phased: Project White Papers first, followed by formal Project Proposals for selected Offerors.

• White papers are limited to 6 pages and will be evaluated for technical merit, alignment with topics, feasibility, and estimated costs.

• Proposals (14-page limit for Volume I) will be evaluated on technical merit, past performance, cost/price, and small business subcontracting plan (if applicable).

• Key deadlines will be specified in each BAA Call.

• This is an unrestricted BAA, limited to U.S. businesses only. Foreign-owned businesses are not eligible.

• All responsible sources are encouraged to submit proposals.

• Small, Small Disadvantaged, Service Disabled Veteran Owned, Veteran Owned, Woman Owned, HUBZones, HBCU, and Minority Institutions are encouraged to participate, but no portion of the BAA will be set aside exclusively for them.

• All communications after a call is issued must go through the Contracting Officer.

• Points of contact are provided for the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialists.

• Intellectual property rights will generally be Government-owned unless otherwise specified in an award.

• Section 889 compliance regarding telecommunications and video surveillance equipment is required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Appendix B - Price Model.xlsx", is a pricing sheet intended for bidders to detail their proposed costs for the opportunity. It outlines the structure for estimating direct labor costs, other direct costs (ODCs), and a total price by task.

• Direct Labor Cost Estimate: Requires breakdown by labor category, hours, rate, and extended cost across multiple tasks. It also includes totals for labor cost and hours.
• Other Direct Cost (ODC) Estimate: Includes categories for Travel (Airfare, Per Diem) and Materials, with subtotals by task.
• Miscellaneous Costs: Covers items like Telephone, Reproduction, Delivery, Computer, Facilities, and Other, with subtotals by task.
• Labor Rate Backup Info Sheet: This accompanying sheet requires bidders to list all applicable indirect rates and provide details for calculating the Total Fully Burdened Rate for each labor category.

Bidders must use this template to structure and submit their pricing proposal. The sheet requires a detailed breakdown of costs, including labor categories, hours, rates, and ODCs, across defined tasks. The "Labor Rate Backup Info" sheet is crucial for justifying the fully burdened labor rates. All cost fields are currently zeroed out, indicating that bidders need to populate this entire model with their specific cost data relevant to the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides an example of a White Paper submission for the Accelerated Market Readiness (AMR) Phase I program. It outlines the required sections and content for potential applicants to understand the expectations for proposing an innovation or technology.

• Title of Innovation or Technology
• Innovation Topic Areas: Identification of relevant topics addressed.
• Transportation Challenge: Description of the problem the innovation solves.
• Innovation Description: Details of the proposed innovation and its objectives.
• Support for Topic Areas: Explanation of how the innovation aligns with program objectives and strategic initiatives.
• Advancement to Conventional Practice: How the innovation improves current methods.
• National Demand: Market research and applicability in diverse settings.
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Current and anticipated TRL with supporting evidence.
• Previous Support: Details of prior funding or support from other programs (e.g., SBIR, NCHRP).
• Funding Request: Amount requested from AMR and preliminary cost estimates.
• Outline of Activities: Proposed work plan, timeline, and how it advances market readiness.
• Risks: Identification of potential risks and uncertainties.
• Patented/Proprietary Items: Disclosure of any patented or proprietary elements.

This example serves as a template and guide for bidders preparing White Papers for the AMR program. It details the specific information required to assess the innovation's potential, market readiness, and alignment with program goals, helping bidders structure their proposals effectively.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Standard Form LLL, "Disclosure of Lobbying Activities." It is used to disclose lobbying activities pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1352. This form must be completed by the reporting entity at the initiation or receipt of a covered Federal action, or upon a material change to a previous filing.

• Type of Federal Action: Specifies the nature of the federal action (e.g., contract, grant, loan).
• Status of Federal Action: Indicates the stage of the federal action (e.g., bid/offer/application, initial award, post-award).
• Report Type: Differentiates between an initial filing and a report for material changes.
• Reporting Entity Information: Details the name and address of the entity filing the report, including whether they are a prime recipient or subawardee.
• Lobbying Registrant Information: Requires the name and address of any lobbying registrant engaged to influence the federal action.
• Individuals Performing Services: Lists the individuals performing lobbying services.
• Federal Agency and Program Information: Identifies the awarding agency and the relevant federal program.
• Federal Action Number and Award Amount: Provides specific identifiers for the federal action and its value.
• Certification: Requires a signature and date from a certifying official.

Bidders may need to complete and submit this form if they engage in lobbying activities related to a covered Federal action. It is crucial for understanding reporting obligations and ensuring compliance with federal regulations concerning lobbying disclosures. The instructions provide guidance on when and how to complete each section.