|
|
Information for Proposers
The Highway (NCHRP), Transit (TCRP), Airport (ACRP), Freight (NCFRP), Hazardous Materials (HMCRP), and Rail (NCRRP) Cooperative Research Programs regularly advertise for competitive proposals by releasing detailed project statements (i.e., requests for proposals) on this website. Those who have an interest in receiving research project statements must periodically browse the Requests for Proposals webpage or register to be notified by email of new project statements as described below.
Because these programs seek practical remedies for operational problems, it is emphasized that proposals should indicate strong capability gained through extensive successful experiences in the relevant problem area. Consequently, any agency interested in submitting a proposal should first make a frank, thorough self-appraisal to determine whether it possesses the capability and experience necessary to ensure successful completion of the project.
The specifications for preparing proposals are quite strict and are set forth in the brochure entitled NEW Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals. Proposals will be rejected if they are not prepared in strict conformance with the section entitled "Instructions for Preparing and Submitting Proposals." Particular issues that are often of concern are further addressed below:
Liability Statement
The signature of an authorized representative of the proposing agency is required on the Liability Statement (also available in the notes section of the request for proposals). Proposals submitted without this executed and unaltered statement by the proposal deadline will be summarily rejected. An executed, unaltered statement indicates the agency's intent and ability to execute a contract that includes the provisions in the statement.
Copyright
As specified in the standard contract language, all data, written materials, computer software, and other information prepared under the contract and the copyrights therein shall be owned by the National Academies. The contractor and subcontractors will be able to publish this material for non-commercial purposes, for internal use, or to further academic research or studies. The contractor and subcontractors will not be allowed to sell the project material without prior approval by the National Academies.
Contract Type
The contract summary should specify whether the contractor would prefer a cost-reimbursement, cost-plus-fixed-fee, or fixed-price contract. Proposal expressing a preference for a fixed-price contract must still include a detailed budget, as well as a proposed payment schedule based on contract deliverables.
Budget
The budget should follow the format described in the brochure.
- The National Academies prefer fixed, as opposed to provisional, overhead rates in a contract. The total contract amount is fixed and any modifications to overhead rates during the course of the contract will force adjustments to direct cost items so that the total amount is not exceeded.
- Preliminary descriptions of the expected trips should be included for any budget that includes travel costs.
- Fixed fees may not exceed 7% of contract costs, exclusive of any prime or sub-contract fixed fees.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Plan
The proposer’s plan for involvement of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) is a factor in selection of the contractor, and the contractor’s adherence to its DBE plan will be monitored during the contract period. Contractors are required to submit periodic reports comparing actual with proposed payments to DBEs.
Materials Required from the Selected Proposer
The proposer selected to carry out the project will be asked for several items:
- Completed representations and certification form (the form will be included with the correspondence),
- Approved indirect cost rate agreement (or materials suitable for justifying the proposed indirect cost rates),
- Travel policy statement or provisions, and
- Salary and wage schedule.
TRB does not identify the selected proposer until a contract is signed and requests that that information be kept confidential.
Notification of New Requests for Proposals
To sign up for any CRP Announce listserv, please send an email to LISTSERV@LSW.NAS.EDU from the email address you would like to receive the announcements with one or more of the following lines as the body of the email depending on which list or lists you would like to join (please note that the NCHRP list will also receive SHRP2 RFP notifications twice a year):
SUBSCRIBE NCHRP_ANNOUNCE
SUBSCRIBE TCRP_ANNOUNCE
SUBSCRIBE ACRP_ANNOUNCE
SUBSCRIBE NCFRP_ANNOUNCE
SUBSCRIBE HMCRP_ANNOUNCE
SUBSCRIBE NCRRP_ANNOUNCE
You may send multiple commands in a single email. To stop receiving emails, substitute "UNSUBSCRIBE" for "SUBSCRIBE."
|
|