C -- Investigate and Develop Seismic and Multi-Hazard Technical Guidance

This announcement is not a Request for Proposal (RFP), but a survey to locate potential sources capable of performing the work described below. It is anticipated that a Contractor will be required for an effort to investigate the effects of seismic and related multi-hazard loads on structures, non-structural components and other issues such as land movement and tsunami as they are identified by FEMA; to develop technical design and construction guidance products; to mitigate damages; and to support the dissemination of these products and related outreach efforts based on these products. These voluntary resource guidance products present criteria for the design, construction, upgrade, and function of buildings subject to earthquake ground motions in or as well as other hazards that inflict loads on structures so as to minimize the risk to life for all buildings, increase the expected performance of higher occupancy structures, and improve the capability of essential facilities to function during and after earthquakes and other hazards anywhere in the United States. FEMA has had considerable success in attracting some of the best earthquake engineers, structural engineers, civil engineers and scientists to assist in the development of these FEMA resource products. Because of this, our products have been widely used by practicing design professionals and building officials. The techniques and technologies contained in these products are being incorporated into national model building codes and consensus and industry standards. The objective of this proposed contract will be to establish a process for the contracting of specific tasks to support the investigation of seismic and other related multi-hazard technical issues as they are identified by FEMA, the development and publication of technical design and construction guidance products to address those issues, the dissemination of those products, and support of training and related outreach activities based on those products to the various user groups who need that information. The specific tasks shall be identified by FEMA with input from the Contractor and various outside sources. Minimum capabilities must include documented evidence of experience and expertise in all of the following areas: 1) Demonstrated experience in the investigation and documentation of seismic and multi-hazard technical issues as identified both in the enforcement of seismic building codes and in the investigation of post-earthquake building performance, and of related earthquake ground motion generated hazards, such as tsunami; 2) Demonstrated experience in working with researchers and research programs in addressing advanced seismic and seismic-related technical issues, such as soil-structure interaction; 3) Demonstrated capability of enlisting the services of nationally recognized seismic design and construction experts experienced in the development of technical guidance products, including structural engineering, civil engineering, architecture, earth science, geo-technical, construction, code development and enforcement, public policy, and academic researchers; 4) Demonstrated experience in the development of other seismic and multi-hazard technical design and construction resource guidance documents and other related products; and 5) Demonstrated experience in the development of training materials and marketing/outreach programs that promote the use seismic and multi-hazard technical design and construction guidance products. Each of these requirements shall be rated equally. Firms with these capabilities are invited to submit complete information to the procuring office identified in this notice in three (3) copies within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of this notice. Information furnished should include: 1) the number and professional qualifications of scientists, engineers, technical, and other appropriate personnel; 2) company experiences related to the proposed project; 3) a description of general and special facilities; 4) a current financial statement; and 5) other literature which demonstrates minimum capabilities listed above. Submission of complete information to the procuring officer by electronic means is acceptable. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and the Government will not pay or otherwise reimburse respondents for information submitted. Based upon responses received, the Government reserves the right to set aside any and all procurements that may result hereunder for small or minority-owned businesses. If the evaluation of responses received concludes that none of the responding firms have the necessary capabilities, negotiations may be conducted with the Applied Technology Council on a noncompetitive basis.