The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a Request for Quote (RFQ) for a contractor to take the lead in the development of a “Safe Systems Approach” (SSA) to motorcycle safety.
The RFQ calls for the development of a strategic systems approach to improve motorcycle safety, using the European model as a starting point and “enhanced through collaboration with youth-focused traffic safety organizations, youth and young rider engagement in underserved communities, public health professionals, and motorcycle safety professionals.” The contract would span a 24-month term.
The RFQ calls for the contractor to name a Project Manager to oversee the work and act as the main point of contact for the project. It also requires a Survey Research Analyst to develop analytics from various existing data sources, a Quality Assurance/Project Editor, an Outreach Coordinator a Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Consultant, a Safe Systems International/National Consultant, a National Youth Traffic Safety Organization Consultant, a National Public Health Organization Consultant, and a National Motorcycle Safety Organization Consultant. The RFQ indicates total hours (effort) for all these positions during the life of the project at 2,570 hours.
The reason for the project and its youth focus is stated in the RFQ:
There has been an 18% increase in motorcycle fatalities over the last two years. With the introduction of the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) and specifically the “adoption of the Safe System Approach (SSA) principles to guide our safety actions” in 2022, motorcycle stakeholders have sought support in the implementing the SSA as it applies to motorcycle safety. There is a need to develop a model for applying the SSA to Motorcycle Safety, in support of reducing fatalities and injuries. To note, youth and young adults (age <21- age 29) have accounted for 27% of motorcyclist fatalities over the last 10 years (NCSA, Data Visualization – Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), Motorcycles), demonstrating an opportunity to engage young riders early to establish lifelong safe riding practices.
The RFQ cites the Safe Systems approach called The Safe to Ride to the Future 2.0 as a program model. It also refers to the work done on motorcycle safety from a public health perspective by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), as well as research and data available from initiatives by other organizations with similar focuses.
The contractor is also directed to consider past data and initiatives by the NHTSA and other government agencies and coordinate its efforts with existing programs.
By the project’s completion deadline, the minimum finished work products are to include a written description of a Safe Systems Approach for Motorcycle Safety Strategy and Model, a related Implementation Guide, and Quick Reference Guide. Other elements may also be included as required. The RFQ also calls for the development of a PowerPoint presentation covering the general topics in the required written materials. The initial draft of the required documents must be submitted within 52 weeks of the contract award.
The bulk of the remainder of the RFQ is consumed with details on administrative functions, reporting schedules, contractor staff qualifications, and the like. The RFQ was issued last month, and the responses were due to the NHTSA Office of Acquisition Management this month.
The actual implementation schedule of the strategy and any of its working parts at the state and national level isn’t described in the RFQ, so stay connected with Ultimate Motorcycling to track how and when all this rolls out.
