B -- Characteristics of Motorcycle Operators Study

The objectives of this study are to determine the characteristics of motorcycle operators in the general rider population, and to the extent possible, the characteristics, behaviors, and experiences associated with motorcyclists who are crash involved, especially those who are 40 years of age and older. Data to be collected include biographic and demographic characteristics, riding habits, rider training, and licensing status. Although riders of all ages will be surveyed, the study shall focus on riders over the age of 40. Ultimately, the collection and analysis of these data, when combined with other information, will enable NHTSA to improve the types of countermeasures developed for reducing the occurrence of injury producing crashes. The contractor shall prepare and implement a data collection and analysis plan for obtaining survey data from up to 2,000 motorcyclists in the general rider population. Unless a suitable alternative approach can be developed for collecting the data, Office of Management and Budget approval shall be sought and obtained prior to initiating the survey. At a minimum, data will be collected at events and locations where motorcyclists congregate and can be observed riding. A technical report suitable for publication shall be prepared that provides insight into the characteristics, behaviors, and experiences of riders who are, and are not, crash involved. The report shall focus on motorcyclists age 40 years and older and comparisons will be made for those over and under 40 years of age. A major challenge is to collect clusters of related data that may be useful for countermeasures development. The contractor will be required to demonstrate substantial knowledge of motorcycling and motorcycle-safety issues as well as successful field data-collection expertise specifically related to motorcyclist behaviors. Additionally, the contractor will need to demonstrate expertise in field data analysis. Those contractors not meeting these requirements will not be considered. A cost reimbursable type contract is anticipated with a period of performance of 18 months. Electronic copies of this solicitation will be available on the GSA's Electronic Posting Systems (EPS), located on the Internet at http://www.esp.gov or www.fedbisopps.gov . It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor the Internet sites for the release of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Potential offerors will be responsible for downloading and printing their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any). Requests for paper copies will not be accepted. The anticipated issuance date is May 31, 2002.