Date of RFP May 14, 2007 New Jersey Department of Transportation Bureau of Research RESEARCH PROJECT Scope and Request for Proposals 2007 Program Closing Date February 5, 2007 Project 2007-09, Implementation of Maintenance Decision Support System in New Jersey (All Proposals must be prepared in accordance with NJDOT s Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals) Proposals for this project will be based on the merit of the information contained in the proposal. Budgets will be evaluated separately. Please place three (3) copies the budget for this project in a separate sealed envelope. 1. RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT AND BACKGROUND The primary goal of the NJDOT is to provide a safe and dependable transportation infrastructure for the movement of people and goods throughout the State. Many factors influence how the DOT works as we strive to meet this goal. Weather has become an increasingly challenging factor and although the DOT is a premier state in how it responds to winter weather conditions, this challenge is compounded by greater congestion and goods movement demands on an aging and limited transportation system. In order to combat winter weather snow and ice conditions, the DOT must apply effective highway maintenance treatments appropriate to a wide range of winter conditions. Currently, Maintenance Supervisors must decide what treatments to apply, and when to apply them, based on their knowledge of pavement conditions, up-to-the-minute current and forecasted weather conditions, as well as, available maintenance techniques and resources. The DOT is continuing efforts to provide clear and safe roadways are complicated by constraints in funding, staffing issues, inefficiencies in information gathering and dissemination and ever-changing weather conditions. In a nationwide initiative to help address these winter challenges experienced on different levels by many states, The Federal Highway Administration s (FHWA) Office of Transportation Operations (HOTO) Surface Transportation Weather Decision Support Requirements (STWDSR) developed a prototype Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS). The MDSS gathers and disseminates diagnostic and prognostic weather research capabilities and road condition algorithms to be used as a decision support tool by Maintenance Supervisors. The NJDOT Maintenance and Operations Unit is interested in implementing a pilot study of MDSS to take state-of-the-art weather forecasting and data fusion techniques and merge them with computerized winter road maintenance rules of practice, such that consolidated weather forecasting, specific current and future roadway and bridge deck condition information, and treatments and timeline applications. Optimally, this tool will allow the DOT to make informed decisions based upon the accurate information that will ultimately lead to a higher level of service, counter weather-related congestion delay and accidents, reduce redundancy and environmental/ecological impacts, more efficient use of manpower, contractor services, fleet and asset management, increase accountability resulting in more prudent and efficient spending. The
outcome of this project is a set of guidelines aimed at maintenance managers that provides a precise forecast of surface conditions and treatment recommendations customized for specific roadways in New Jersey. State-of-Practice Currently, the DOT follows protocols in order to ensure Service Level 1 (bare road pavement) is achieved. Factors include resources and information, which consists of the following: Roadway and Surface information gathering technologies: Thirty-Five (35) Road Weather Information Systems and Environmental Sensor Systems (RWIS-ESS) (5) Metropolitan Area Guidance & Information Control (MAGIC) Systems Weather Reporting Resources: The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Surface Systems Incorporated (SSI), etc. Existing treatments and pilot programs: SafeLane pilot project on the ramp connecting Routes 19 and 80 in Passaic County Potassium Acetate (Rt.78) Liquid Calcium Chloride Sodium Chloride or Salt Brine Equipment and Manpower (Approx.): DOT- 536 Trucks w/manpower Contractors- approx. 1300 Trucks w/manpower Historical Data: Pavement temperature Snowfall amounts Chemical/salt application/usage Equipment Manpower Example of deficiency: The accurate average of consumption per lane mile for every inch of snow unknown. Also not identified is the quantity of salt on a particular route under different weather/snow event conditions. 2. OBJECTIVES The objectives to developing a NJ specific MDSS database are to: Utilize and maximize the existing roadway, surface and weather forecasting data resources Identify weaknesses and bolster or improve accuracy and speed (real-time) of information gathering and dissemination Combine data to create an open, integrated and understandable presentation of current environmental, atmospheric and roadway conditions. Ability to process and query data to generate diagnostic and prognostic GIS mapping of road conditions along identified corridors Predict future changes in roadway conditions to aide in resource management
Notify DOT of up-to-the-minute conditions and suggest optimal maintenance treatments for future changes Interface with Neighboring State MDSS (optional) Evaluate reliability of predictions and effectiveness of applied treatments for specific road or weather conditions. Provide year-end reports to include equipment, manpower, resource usage, etc. 3. TASKS Accomplishment of the project objectives will require at least the following tasks. The following general task descriptions are intended to provide a framework for conducting the research. The NJDOT is seeking the insights of proposers on how best to achieve the research objectives. Proposers are expected to describe a research effort that can realistically be accomplished within the constraints of contract time. Proposals must present the proposers' current thinking in sufficient detail to demonstrate their understanding of the problem and the soundness of their approach for conducting the required research. The tasks that follow outline a general approach and should not limit the proposer s concepts. PHASE I Conduct a literature search of current state-of-practice. After the award of the project, a more comprehensive literature search should be conducted, which should include but not be limited to (1) current practices of the prototype MDSS, (2) existing data sources, and (3) current decision making process for the adverse weather. At the completion of this literature search, the PI will make a presentation to the Research Project Selection and Implementation Panel (RSPIP) to discuss their findings and to discuss the appropriate research approach. Based on the literature search and the discussion with the RPSIP, the PI will develop a detailed work plan that describes how the work will proceed. This will be provided to the RPSIP for approval as a technical memorandum. PHASE II Task 1: Conduct a more comprehensive and focused literature review, which builds on the knowledge, acquired in Phase I and feedback from the RPSIP Review findings and benefits of current state-of-the-practice and of States utilizing MDSS, and investigates the current state of the practice in weather forecasting and services. Task 2: Study the prototype of MDSS to achieve an understanding of how the system works and what data inputs are required. These data inputs shall include but not be limited to roadway network and geographic conditions, weather prediction, rules of practices, etc. Identify critical needs/information for NJ-based MDSS, called NJ-MDSS, input for achieving the ultimate benefit. Task 3: Conduct a technology transfer study for the developed information system and data structure of MDSS in other state DOTs for assisting the customization of NJ-MDSS for NJ roadways. The activities of technology transfer shall include but not be limited to surveying national policies, visiting other state DOTs, attending conferences, and collecting technical documentation for the development of NJ-MDSS.
Task 4: Identify existing data sources, which are potentially applicable for the development of NJ- MDSS database. With NJDOT s support, establish relationship/partnership for data sharing with sensor contractors, weather information, and other available data resources. Identify what resources will be committed (equipment, manpower-dot and Contractor) per site/event. Task 5: Conduct a comprehensive study of MDSS input forms, data from existing sources and design and develop a suitable database schematic for the MDSS application. Task 6: Develop data collection plan, propose a system structure based on documented technology, database, and analysis procedures, and provide a presentation to the RPSIP for review and approval prior to undertaking Task 7. Task 7: Develop NJ-MDSS, which shall include but not be limited to the capabilities to selectively archive data and display archived data and products, to routinely monitor the system status, to make reasonable allowance for expansion of computing power, to incorporate weather and road data from disparate sources, to be synchronized using a time standard, to playback historical data for demonstration, training, and analysis purposes, and to display and evaluate the results (outcome) of multiple treatment options. Task 8: Meet with the RPSIP and other NJDOT staff to discuss the study findings and the feasibility of implementing the system products developed in this project. Provide software training for the developed NJ-MDSS. Task 9: Prepare quarterly reports and a final report describing the findings of the research study with recommendations for how existing data sources and continuous observation NJ weather and roadway data, which can be used to provide timely and accurate inputs for the NJ-based MDSS. The Final Report should include but not limited to Literature Search, Surveys/National Policies, Evaluation of MDSS, and Implementation and Training. 4. DELIVERABLES: [List of minimum deliverables necessary to complete the project] Literature Search Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Task 5 Tasks 6 Memorandum of literature search results. Presentation of summary of literature search results to RPSIP. Discussion to support and refine the project tasks. Project work plan. Technical memorandum on the findings of the more focused literature search. Memorandum showing the details of the prototype MDSS. Technical memorandum on the findings of the technology transfer effort. Technical memorandum on documenting the data sources and available data in various formats with regard to providing accurate information to MDSS. Technical memorandum on documenting the input forms of MDSS and the interface communicating between the database and MDSS. Technical memorandum on database and MDSS system configuration. Task 7 Task 8 Technical memorandum on the developed MDSS and its functionality. Presentation and a tutorial training.
Task 9 Final report with appropriate tables, graphs and charts in hard copy version, pdf file format, Word97, and on CD ROM. Two copies plus one per RPSIP member of each presentation, technical memorandum, draft final report and Final Report (plus 10 copies). The Final Report and Tech Brief are due three (2) months before the end date of the project to allow time for review by the RPSIP. 5. Implementation and Training Plan The PI must meet with the Research Project Selection and Implementation Panel (RSIP) and other NJDOT units if requested to present the findings and provide recommendations for implementation and training if required. 6. Contract Time: Estimate project duration ensuring timely submission, review and revision of the final report.
7. Contacts: During the period of RFP preparation, any questions should be directed to Camille Crichton- Sumners. Questions on this topic shall not be directed to the Research Project Manager, Research Customer, or any other NJDOT person. All questions and answers will be distributed to all NJDOT research partners for dissemination. A meeting may be held with interested parties after the RFPs are sent to refine the objectives and deliverables and to promote a better understanding of the research needs. Contact Stephanie Nock 609-530-5637 on or before January 18 th, 2007 to indicate your interest in such a meeting. 8. Authorization to Begin Work: Upon task Order execution 9. Deadline Proposals (10 single-bound copies) are due at NJDOT Bureau of Research not later than 4:00 p.m. on February 5, 2007 This is a firm deadline, and extensions simply will not be granted. 10. Delivery Instructions: For private, paid messenger services such as Federal Express, DHL, UPS, etc., or for handcarried deliveries: Research Program 2007 PROPOSAL-NJDOT New Jersey Department of Transportation Bureau of Research 1035 Parkway Avenue Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0600 For U.S. Postal Service mail: New Jersey Department of Transportation ATTN: Camille Crichton-Sumners Manager, Bureau of Research PO Box 600 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0600