Task descriptions are intended to provide a framework for conducting the research. The NCHRP is seeking the insights of proposers on how best to achieve the research objective. Proposers are expected to describe research plans that can realistically be accomplished within the constraints of available funds and subaward time. Proposals must present the proposers' current thinking in sufficient detail to demonstrate their understanding of the issues and the soundness of their approach to meeting the research objective. PHASE I Task 1. Conduct a literature review. The literature review should focus on procurement protests, responses, and findings at state DOTs and other agencies rather than on case law. At minimum, the review should consider DB, PDB, CMAR/CMGC, and ID/IQ. The review may include published and unpublished research on this topic conducted through the NCHRP; Federal Highway Administration (FHWA); and other national, international, state, and pooled fund sponsored research. Task 2. Develop a stakeholder outreach plan. The outreach should include state DOTs and other transportation agencies that have experience with ACMs. Identify common reasons for procurement protests and processes that are addressing procurement protests. Submit a technical memorandum containing the literature review and draft outreach plan. NCHRP approval is required before work on subsequent tasks begins. Task 3. Conduct stakeholder outreach. Identify stakeholders interested in participating in a second-round stakeholder outreach in Phase II. Task 4. Prepare an annotated outline for the draft guide. At minimum, the guide should provide: A glossary of ACM-related terms that aligns with previous TRB publications Reasons for procurement protests Categorization of procurement protests and where they originate in the procurement process Risk levels of protest associated with differing ACM types Successful practices for reducing and addressing procurement protests at each stage of procurement Procurement protest impacts Risk assessment of potential protests during RFP development Optimal agency procedures for managing protests once filed Task 5. Prepare Interim Report No. 1 that documents Tasks 1 through 4 and includes potential participation from stakeholders in Phase II. The report shall provide an updated and refined work plan for Phase II. Note: Following a 1-month review of Interim Report No. 1 by the NCHRP, the research team will be expected to meet with the project panel in person to discuss the interim report. Work on Phase II of the project will not begin until authorized by the NCHRP. PHASE II Task 6. Develop a draft guide according to the approved Interim Report No. 1. The draft guide should be submitted at least 6 months before the contract end date. NCHRP approval of the draft guide is required before work on subsequent tasks may begin. Task 7. Conduct second-round stakeholder outreach. After NCHRP approval of the draft guide, conduct a workshop, focus groups, or similar outreach to obtain feedback from state DOTs and other transportation agencies and revise the draft guide and outreach materials. The stakeholder outreach should include at least six participants besides the project panel and research team: one from each AASHTO region, one from other agencies, and one from pertinent TRB committees such as Transportation Law. Task 8. Prepare the final deliverables. The deliverables shall include (1) the guide, (2) a conduct of research report summarizing the entire research effort, (3) an implementation plan for state DOTs, and (4) the second-round outreach materials with a slide summary introducing the guide. Note: Following receipt of the preliminary draft final deliverables, the remaining 3 months shall be for NCHRP review and comment and for research agency preparation of the revised final deliverables.
