BACKGROUND
With the increased emphasis on highway safety, both nationally and with many local agencies, more individuals look to the Highway Safety Manual (HSM) for guidance on how to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on roadways. However, it may be challenging for new users of the crash prediction methods in HSM Part C to understand the various definitions, facility types, facility features, and input values used in safety performance functions (SPFs) and adjustment factors (AFs). This situation can lead to the improper application of the HSM predictive methods.
Research is needed to develop resources and ensure state department of transportation staff and other practitioners can interpret and apply the correct input values to crash prediction models to better support data-driven safety analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to develop an imagery reference to assist practitioners in understanding the data elements and definitions used in crash prediction methods as outlined in Part C of the HSM, 2nd Edition (see Special Note A).
The imagery reference will feature graphics, photographs, drawings, plots, multimedia, and other visual aids to clearly illustrate the characteristics and features of the inputs utilized in predictive analysis.
Accomplishment of the project objective will require at least the following tasks.
TASKS
Task descriptions are intended to provide a framework for conducting the research. The NCHRP is seeking the insights of proposers on how best to achieve the research objective. The work proposed must be divided into tasks and proposers must describe the work proposed in each task. Proposers are expected to describe research plans that can realistically be accomplished within the constraints of available funds and contract time. Proposals must present the proposers' current thinking in sufficient detail to demonstrate their understanding of the issues and the soundness of their approach to meeting the research objective.
The sequencing of tasks and deliverables, such as technical memorandums or summary reports, shall be structured for delivery in quarterly progress report submissions in which specific deliverables are requested or proposed. A time estimation for each phase is presented below. However, the proposer may re-sequence the timeline according to their best thinking.
PHASE I – PLANNING AND PREPARATION
Phase I is estimated to be accomplished within 9 months. The research team shall list the necessary inputs for all SPFs and AFs, including geometric design features, traffic control features, site characteristics, and other relevant factors, along with the corresponding proposed imagery references.
For each imagery reference, the research team shall:
- Specify the recommended image type (e.g., photograph, graphics, artistic rendering, multimedia, etc.), and
- Ensure the images accurately represent the elements defined in the HSM.
All images will be subject to multi-round review, revision, and approval by the NCHRP.
A sample section, including a draft annotated outline and a sample layout of the imagery reference, shall be provided. The sample layout shall include illustrations, diagrams, notations, and verification of consistency with the latest Model Inventory of Roadway Elements element descriptions published by the Federal Highway Administration.
Proposers shall clearly articulate their intended schedule of deliverables. The Phase I deliverables, at a minimum, shall include the following: (1) an amplified research plan, (2) a kick-off meeting with summary notes, (3) an annotated outline of the imagery reference, (4) a schedule for the deliverables and multitiered review of Phase II activities, and (5) a sample section of the imagery reference to demonstrate the document layout and ensure the inclusion of all the necessary information.
At the end of Phase I, the research team shall deliver Interim Report No. 1 and an updated Phase II research plan with a virtual interim meeting.
Note: Following a 1-month review of Interim Report No. 1 by the NCHRP, the research team will be required to meet with the NCHRP project panel in-person to discuss the interim report. Work on Phase II of the project will not begin until authorized by the NCHRP. Phase I budget shall not exceed $100,000.
PHASE II – PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Phase II of the project, which will focus on developing the imagery reference based on the approved Interim Report No. 1, is estimated to be accomplished within 10 months (see Special Note B). Following the approved sample section, the research team shall develop the first draft imagery reference, including all visual content for NCHRP review and approval. This draft will include photographs, diagrams, and other graphics that clearly depict the facility types, features, and data inputs used in HSM crash prediction methods. To ensure clarity and alignment with HSM standards, the research team shall:
- Provide clear, concise captions for each visual, and reference the relevant HSM sections; and
- Adhere to the organizational structure of HSM Part C.
The research team shall also develop a plan to conduct a 2-hour virtual workshop in Phase III. A list of attendees, considering geographic and organizational diversity, must be prepared and will be reviewed and approved by the NCHRP.
At the end of Phase II, the research team shall deliver Interim Report No. 2, which includes a second draft imagery reference, a plan for the workshop, and an updated Phase III research plan.
Note: Following a 1-month review of Interim Report No. 2 by the NCHRP, the research team will be required to meet virtually with the NCHRP project panel to discuss the interim report. Work on Phase III of the project will not begin until authorized by the NCHRP.
PHASE III – WORKSHOP AND FINAL DELIVERABLES
Phase III shall not exceed 5 months and be reserved for conducting the virtual workshop and developing the final deliverables. The research team shall prepare a summary of the workshop activities, comments received, opportunities, challenges, barriers, and other observations learned from the workshop to refine the imagery reference.
Based on the feedback collected from the workshop, the research team shall revise the imagery reference. The final deliverables shall include:
- A final imagery reference,
- A conduct of research report with an executive summary documenting the entire project,
- A technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products” (see Special Note L), and
- A PowerPoint presentation with speaker notes that summarizes the project and distinctly illustrates for the audience how the research can be applied in their organization.
Note: Following receipt of the draft final deliverables, the remaining 3 months shall be for NCHRP review and comment and for research agency preparation of the final deliverables.
SPECIAL NOTES
A. The following link provides a draft list of chapters for the HSM2: https://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/17-71A/DraftChapters.pdf. NCHRP will allow the selected contractor access to other products on a case-by-case basis. All requests must be submitted in writing.
B. Any costs associated with obtaining all necessary copyrights and permissions for imagery resources shall be included in the consultant's proposal. Refer to Special Note I for more information on copyright requirements.
C. The Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals for the Transportation Research Board’s Cooperative Research Programs were revised in May 2024. Please take note of the new and revised text which is highlighted in yellow.
D. Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF file with a maximum file size of 10 MB. The PDF must be formatted for standard 8 ½” X 11” paper, and the entire proposal must not exceed 40 pages (according to the page count displayed in the PDF). Proposals that do not meet these requirements will be rejected. For other requirements, refer to chapter V of the instructions.
E. The Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals for the Transportation Research Board’s Cooperative Research Programs have been modified to include a revised policy and instructions for disclosing Investigator Conflict of Interest. For more information, refer to chapter IV of the instructions. A detailed definition and examples can be found in the CRP Conflict of Interest Policy for Contractors. The proposer recommended by the project panel will be required to submit an Investigator Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Form as a prerequisite for contract negotiations.
F. Proposals will be rejected if any of the proposed research team members work for organizations represented on the project panel. The panel roster for this project can be found at https://www.mytrb.org/OnlineDirectory/Committee/Details/7076. Proposers may not contact panel members directly; this roster is provided solely for the purpose of avoiding potential conflicts of interest.
G. Proprietary Products - If any proprietary products are to be used or tested in the project, please refer to Item 6 in the Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals.
H. Proposals are evaluated by the NCHRP staff and project panels consisting of individuals collectively knowledgeable in the problem area. The project panel will recommend their first choice proposal considering the following factors: (1) the proposer's demonstrated understanding of the problem; (2) the merit of the proposed research approach and experiment design; (3) the experience, qualifications, and objectivity of the research team in the same or closely related problem area; (4) the plan for ensuring application of results; (5) how the proposer approaches inclusion and diversity in the composition of their team and research approach, including participation by certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises; and, if relevant, (6) the adequacy of the facilities. A recommendation by the project panel is not a guarantee of a contract. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS - the contracting authority for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) will conduct an internal due diligence review and risk assessment of the panel’s recommended proposal before contract negotiations continue.
Note: The proposer's approach to inclusion and diversity as well as participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises should be incorporated in Item 11 of the proposal.
I. Copyrights - All data, written materials, computer software, graphic and photographic images, and other information prepared under the contract and the copyrights therein shall be owned by the National Academy of Sciences. 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 with permission from TRB Cooperative Research Programs. The contractor and subcontractors will not be allowed to sell the project material without prior approval by the National Academy of Sciences. By signing a contract with the National Academy of Sciences, contractors accept legal responsibility for any copyright infringement that may exist in work done for TRB. Contractors are therefore responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions for use of copyrighted material in TRB's Cooperative Research Programs publications. For guidance on TRB's policies on using copyrighted material please consult Section 5.4, "Use of Copyrighted Material," in the Procedural Manual for Contractors.
J. The text of the final deliverable is expected to be publication ready when it is submitted. It is strongly recommended that the research team include the expertise of a technical editor as early in the project timeline as possible. See Appendix F of the Procedural Manual for Contractors Conducting Research in the Transportation Research Board’s Cooperative Research Program for technical editing standards expected in final deliverables.
K. Proposals should include a task-by-task breakdown of labor hours for each staff member as shown in Figure 4 in the Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals. Proposals also should include a breakdown of all costs (e.g., wages, indirect costs, travel, materials, and total) for each task using Figures 5 and 6 in the brochure. Please note that TRB Cooperative Research Program subawards (selected proposers are considered subawards to the National Academy of Sciences, the parent organization of TRB) must comply with 2 CFR 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. These requirements include a provision that proposers without a "federally" Negotiated Indirect Costs Rate Agreement (NICRA) shall be subject to a maximum allowable indirect rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs. Modified Total Direct Costs include all salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each lower tier subaward and subcontract. Modified Total Direct Costs exclude equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each lower tier subaward and subcontract in excess of $25,000.
L. The required technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products” should (a) provide recommendations on how to best put the research findings/products into practice; (b) identify possible institutions that might take leadership in applying the research findings/products; (c) identify issues affecting potential implementation of the findings/products and recommend possible actions to address these issues; and (d) recommend methods of identifying and measuring the impacts associated with implementation of the findings/products. Implementation of these recommendations is not part of the research project and, if warranted, details of these actions will be developed and implemented in future efforts.
The research team will be expected to provide input to an implementation team consisting of panel members, AASHTO committee members, the NCHRP Implementation Coordinator, and others in order to meet the goals of NCHRP Active Implementation: Moving Research into Practice, available at http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/docs/NCHRP_ActiveImplementation.pdf
M. If the team proposes a Principal Investigator who is not an employee of the Prime Contractor, or if the Prime Contractor is proposed to conduct less than 50% of the total effort (by time or budget), then section five of the proposal should include: (1) a justification of why this approach is appropriate, and (2) a description of how the Prime Contractor will ensure adequate communication and coordination with their Subcontractors throughout the project.
N. All budget information should be suitable for printing on 8½″ x 11″ paper. If a budget page cannot fit on a single 8½″ x 11″ page, it should be split over multiple pages. Proposers must use the Excel templates provided in the Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals for the Transportation Research Board’s Cooperative Research Programs.
O. The National Academies have an ethical and legal obligation to provide proper attribution whenever material from other sources is included in its reports, online postings, and other publications and products. TRB will review all Cooperative Research Programs draft final deliverables using the software iThenticate for potential plagiarism. If plagiarized text appears in the draft final deliverable, the research team will be required to make revisions and the opportunity to submit future proposals may be affected.
