DOT Awards $2M for Female Occupant Anthropometry and Seating Study to University of Virginia

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,998,918 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-08-31

End Date: 2029-08-30

Contract Duration: 2,191 days

Daily Burn Rate: $912/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS IS A NEW TO AGAINST THE BIOMECHANICS MULTIPLE AWARD ID/IQ. THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS TO IS TO COLLECT A BROAD RANGE OF FEMALE OCCUPANT ANTHROPOMETRY AND DOCUMENT FEMALE SEATING PROCEDURES. BIOMECHANICS IDIQ PERFORMERS: 693JJ921D000020 MEDICAL C

Place of Performance

Location: CHARLOTTESVILLE, CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22903

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.0 million to RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA for work described as: THIS IS A NEW TO AGAINST THE BIOMECHANICS MULTIPLE AWARD ID/IQ. THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS TO IS TO COLLECT A BROAD RANGE OF FEMALE OCCUPANT ANTHROPOMETRY AND DOCUMENT FEMALE SEATING PROCEDURES. BIOMECHANICS IDIQ PERFORMERS: 693JJ921D000020 MEDICAL C Key points: 1. Study aims to collect anthropometric data and document seating procedures for female occupants. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risk related to the scope and depth of data collection for the stated objectives. 4. Spending falls within the 'Testing Laboratories and Services' sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.99M over 5 years for testing services appears reasonable, but a direct comparison is difficult without knowing the specific deliverables and the complexity of the testing required. Benchmarking against similar anthropometric studies or biomechanical testing contracts would provide better context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing, though the final price is dependent on the specific technical requirements and the number of responsive bids received.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research aimed at improving vehicle safety, which could lead to long-term benefits in accident prevention and injury reduction.

Public Impact

Enhances understanding of female occupant ergonomics in vehicles. Could inform future vehicle design and safety standards. Supports research in transportation safety and biomechanics.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Scope definition for data collection
Potential for cost overruns if data requirements expand
Ensuring data applicability across diverse female populations

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific safety research gap
Utilizes a competitive award process
Long-term potential for safety improvements

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Testing Laboratories and Services' sector (NAICS 541380). Spending in this sector can vary widely based on the complexity and duration of testing. This particular award is for specialized biomechanical research, which may command higher costs due to expertise and equipment requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to the University of Virginia, an educational institution, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a federal agency responsible for vehicle safety. Oversight would likely involve monitoring the research progress, data collection methodologies, and final reporting to ensure the objectives are met.

Related Government Programs

Testing Laboratories and Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Ambiguity in specific data collection metrics
Potential for limited generalizability of findings
Dependence on university research capabilities
Ensuring data privacy and ethical considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.0 million to RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA. THIS IS A NEW TO AGAINST THE BIOMECHANICS MULTIPLE AWARD ID/IQ. THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS TO IS TO COLLECT A BROAD RANGE OF FEMALE OCCUPANT ANTHROPOMETRY AND DOCUMENT FEMALE SEATING PROCEDURES. BIOMECHANICS IDIQ PERFORMERS: 693JJ921D000020 MEDICAL C

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RECTOR & VISITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-31. End: 2029-08-30.

What specific metrics will be collected to define 'female occupant anthropometry' and 'seating procedures'?

The contract details should specify the exact measurements (e.g., body dimensions, reach capabilities) and the procedural steps to be documented. This clarity is crucial for evaluating the data's completeness and relevance. Without this, it's difficult to assess if the collected data will adequately address the stated objectives or if the scope might need adjustment.

How will the collected anthropometric data be validated for accuracy and representativeness across diverse female populations?

Validation methods should be outlined, potentially including statistical analysis, comparison with existing datasets, and consideration of factors like age, ethnicity, and body mass index. Ensuring representativeness is key to the study's impact on vehicle design and safety standards for all intended users.

What is the anticipated impact of this research on future vehicle safety regulations or design guidelines?

The research is expected to provide empirical data that can inform updates to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or influence voluntary automotive industry design practices. The extent of this impact will depend on the robustness of the findings and their acceptance by regulatory bodies and manufacturers.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1001 N EMMET ST, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, 22903

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,998,918

Exercised Options: $1,998,918

Current Obligation: $1,998,918

Actual Outlays: $1,238,137

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JJ921D000022

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline