Compilation of State Rider Instructor Recruitment and Retention Practices

Active

Contract Opportunity

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is issuing this Sources Sought Notice to identify potential qualified Small Business (SB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), 8(a) Certified SDB, HUBZone SB, SDVOSB, or WOSB concerns that may be interested in and capable of performing the work described herein is to compile a comprehensive review of state motorcycle rider instructor recruitment and retention practices, focusing on the successes and challenges faced across the nation.

NHTSA welcomes all qualified Small Business concerns, with the appropriate NAICS Code and past experience to submit their Corporate Capability Statements that demonstrate their ability to successfully accomplish the goals of the project as listed below. NHTSA does not intend to award a contract on the basis of responses to this notice or otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted. Acknowledgement of receipt of responses will not be made; no formal evaluation of the information received will be conducted by NHTSA. NHTSA may; however later on issue a Request for Proposals (RFP). However, should such a requirement fail to materialize, no basis for claims against NHTSA shall arise as a result of a response to this notice.

There is a growing shortage of motorcycle rider instructor trainers nationwide, which has significantly impacted the availability and accessibility of motorcycle rider training classes. This shortage, initially seen as a minor issue pre-pandemic, has escalated post-pandemic in many states, leading to a backlog of individuals seeking training. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recognized this issue through State Motorcycle Safety Program Assessments, which have highlighted the persistent challenges with instructor recruitment and retention across most states.

Despite efforts by some states to address this issue, the shortage of instructors continues to hamper the growth and accessibility of motorcycle safety programs. While some states have been successful in managing this challenge, others have been unable to meet demand, which could further exacerbate safety concerns on the roads. The long-term impact of this shortage is concerning, as it may hinder public safety efforts aimed at reducing motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

In response, a nationwide compilation of state practices regarding rider instructor recruitment and retention is essential to identifying effective strategies and understanding the challenges that various states face. By exploring the successes and challenges of different state programs, we can develop a comprehensive analysis of the current situation and propose solutions that can be implemented at the national and local levels.

Background:

NHTSA’s state assessments from 2022-2024 highlight the widespread issue of instructor shortages in motorcycle safety programs. States like Colorado, Ohio, and others have pointed out that without aggressive recruitment and retention efforts, the gap between the demand for rider safety programs and the availability of qualified instructors will continue to widen. Some states have identified successful recruitment practices, while others face significant hurdles in attracting and retaining skilled trainers.

This project will gather data on state recruitment and retention practices, examining common themes and identifying potential solutions to mitigate the challenges faced by states with ongoing shortages. The findings will inform future strategies aimed at ensuring that all states can adequately staff their motorcycle safety programs, reducing the risk of rider fatalities and injuries.

Objective(s):

The purpose of this project is to compile a comprehensive review of state motorcycle rider instructor recruitment and retention practices, focusing on the successes and challenges faced across the nation. The objective is to identify common themes and develop a report of findings that can provide recommendations for addressing the nationwide shortage of motorcycle safety instructors.

Details of key objectives:

1. Develop a Process for Reviewing Instructor Recruitment Practices Nationwide:
   
   
   
   
   • Create a standardized methodology for evaluating state-level recruitment and retention practices.
   
   
   • Identify key stakeholders (State Motorcycle Safety Programs, motorcycle training schools, instructors, and other relevant organizations) for participation in the review process.
   
   
   • Ensure that the review covers diverse geographic regions, with representation from both rural and urban areas.
   
   
   
   


2. Document State Practices, Successes, and Challenges:
   
   
   
   • Conduct outreach to states and gather data on their recruitment and retention strategies.
   
   
   • Document successful practices, including any innovative programs, outreach efforts, and incentives offered to instructors.
   
   
   • Identify common challenges, such as budgetary constraints, burnout, limited recruitment pools, and lack of career advancement opportunities.
   
   
   
   


3. Develop Final Report of Findings and Potential Solutions:
   
   
   
   • Compile the documented practices into a comprehensive final report.
   
   
   • Analyze the common themes across states, including what has worked well and what has not.
   
   
   • Provide actionable recommendations for addressing the challenges and proposing scalable solutions that could be implemented nationwide.
   
   
   • Present potential solutions for both recruitment and retention, with a focus on sustainability and long-term success.
   
   
   
   

The Contractor shall provide the necessary qualified personnel, facilities, materials, supplies, equipment, and services as identified in the attached Draft Statement of Work (SOW).

CAPABILITY STATEMENTS

Any interested qualified Small Business firms, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), 8(a) Certified SDB, HUBZone SB, SDVOSB, or WOSB concerns should submit their Corporate Capability Statement, which demonstrates the firm’s ability and past experience in no more than 10 pages to perform the key requirements described above to the identified NHTSA point of contact listed herein.

Any proprietary information should be marked as such. All respondents are asked to certify the type and size of their business organization is in-line with the requirements of this Sources Sought Notice which must be received no later than 10 calendar days from the date of publication or by the closing date of this notice.

To facilitate a timely and comprehensive review of all submitted responses, firms should respond using the format requested in this Notice.

Please provide the following information for your firm and for any teaming or joint venture partners:

General Information

1. Company name, address, point of contact name, telephone, and email address.


2. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code.


3. Business size and classification (e.g., large, small, small-disadvantaged, SBA Certified 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, woman-owned) based on NAICS code: 541611 – Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services.


4. If applicable, potential proposed teaming arrangements to include business size and classification of prime and subcontractors.


5. GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Number (FSS must include NAICS code 541611 – Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services


6. Identify contracts your company has been awarded under NAICS code: 541611 – Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Technical Capability:

1. Provide a brief synopsis to support the firm’s ability to perform all of potential areas of the objective/scope. Specifically, provide information on experience with projects related to Motorcycle Safety and/or Motorcycle Rider Training. Identify each task element and provide information to support the firm’s experience, staffing and overall ability to perform the technical area.


2. Evidence of experience and past performance should include contracts/task orders from the past three (3) years similar in scope to this requirement.


3. Examples must include contract numbers, project titles, dollar amounts, periods of performance, and Government points of contact (telephone numbers or email addresses).


4. Documented information to support the firm’s ability to provide the range of research skillsets capability to quickly plan, conduct, and document studies; AND personnel required for this effort in a timely fashion.


5. Any data on previous contracts/task orders on personnel retention and succession planning.

Additional Information:

1. Indicate if your firm will submit a proposal if a Request for Proposal (RFP) is issued, and if your firms interest is for Prime contracting, teaming agreement or Joint Venture.


2. Validation of, or recommended NAICS codes for this effort.


3. Validation of, or recommended contract type.


4. Validation of, or recommended GSA vehicle


5. In each potential areas of research, indicate any Small Business Subcontracting opportunities, as applicable.


6. Other Recommendations
   
   
   
   1. Any information missing from this requirement that would provide a better understanding of the effort desired.
   
   
   2. Please submit any other questions or comments along with your response.
   
   
   
   

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS

Department of Transportation (DOT) Headquarters, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590.

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