National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS)

To accomplish the work to be performed under this contract, task orders will be issued. The task orders will provide NHTSA with access to support services involving the use of NADS. This includes access to various components of the NADS hardware platform, software routines and other simulators, and related services that cover data analysis and technical and administrative support.

Task Orders will be of variable scope and duration based on the research needs of NHTSA. The primary focus of these efforts will be to use the unique features of the NADS facility placing drivers in experimental situations that are not possible on test tracks or open roads (e.g., research on imminent collision and distracted driving scenarios).

Once a project is identified, the agency will provide a request for proposal to the University that includes a statement of work detailing the specific requirements of the task order. In response, the contractor shall provide a proposal that adheres to the requirements of the labor categories, descriptions, and qualifications as outlined in the contract. The agency will evaluate the proposal in accordance with the proposal criteria and award a task order if it is determined that the proposal will meet NHTSA’s requirements.

In general, the University shall provide support services in the areas of human factors, engineering, systems and operations, vehicle dynamics, data reduction and analysis, medical expertise, and technical and administrative support, as deemed appropriate within individual task order awards. Subject areas that may be addressed include:

1. Advanced technology (ITS)


2. Vehicle handling & dynamics


3. Braking (e.g., ABS)


4. Advanced driver assistance systems


5. Usability/acceptability of driver- vehicle interfaces


6. Driver emergency response


7. Alcohol and drug impairment


8. Driver distractions and workload


9. Novice drivers


10. In-vehicle information systems


11. Test track or field testing to complement simulator-based data collection


12. Older drivers


13. Drowsy drivers


14. Ergonomics


15. Electronic stability systems


16. Driver behavior, driver risk taking, speeding


17. Weather/environment issues


18. Heavy vehicle issues


19. Visibility from vehicles


20. Vehicle sensors


21. Displays and controls


22. Simulator research and support, including validation and scenario development