Lack of consistent quality construction practice is a major contributor to poor performing asphalt concrete airfields. There are currently several references that address elements of quality hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement construction but most of these are focused on highway pavements. A comprehensive manual is needed to address all the HMA pavement issues with emphasis on the unique characteristics of airport pavement construction. This project will provide the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and others with comprehensive guidance and recommendations for improved construction of HMA pavements.

Objective

The objective of this study is to develop technical guidance and a comprehensive manual on best construction practices for HMA airport pavements. The manual shall be clear, concise and directed towards construction contractors and project managers. The manual shall contain significant pictures and checklists to illustrate key elements and procedures. The basic elements of the manual must consider but not be limited to the following areas:

1. Design issue considerations
2. Pre-construction
3. Project QA/QC program and implementation
4. Subgrade preparation and stabilization
5. Aggregate base and stabilized base preparation
6. HMA mix design requirements
7. Test Strip construction and function
8. HMA plant operations and mix delivery
9. Prime and tack coat operations
10. HMA laydown and compaction operations
11. Recognition of early distresses associated with poor construction
12. HMA sampling and testing

In addition, special characteristics and key issues specific to HMA airport construction shall be addressed. These include but are not limited to the following:

1. Airport security and access issues
2. Construction requirements for airfield light duty (servicing aircraft with less than 60,000 lb gross aircraft weight) and heavy duty (greater than 60,000 lb)
3. Inclusion of results from AAPTP research projects to the extent possible
4. Paving issues related to the requirement to embed airport pavement lighting and other utilities
5. Longitudinal joint construction (coordination with AAPTP 04-06 research project is required- see www.AAPTP.us for details)
6. Use of heavy duty proof rolling
7. Use of rubber tired pneumatic rollers
8. Echelon paving and materials supply issues related to echelon paving
9. Use of advance surveying technology and training requirements and familarity associated with this equipment
10. Grade control and accuracy requirements of pavement layers
11. Surface drainage requirements and issues
12. Rehabilitation /replacement /additions to existing airport pavements
13. Pavement grooving techniques and operations
14. Multiple pavement functions (runways, taxiways, aprons etc) requirements
15. Pavement marking procedures related to HMA
16. Profile milling operations and remaining surface thickness limitations

Product

The best practice manual shall be developed by addressing the following tasks:

Task 1 -- Review existing literature and reference materials on asphalt concrete airfield pavement construction practices.

Task 2 -- Development of a detailed work plan and manual outline with major references identified. This information shall be provided to the technical panel for review and comment within 45 days of award of the contract. Panel comments will be provided back to the research agency within 3 weeks of receipt of the plan and outline.

Task 3 -- Develop a comprehensive draft document on best practice construction practices. Provide a copy of the draft manual at approximately the 60 per cent completion stage for technical panel review and comment. It is anticipated that this will be done approximately 12 months from award of the contract. Panel comments shall be provided to the research agency within 2 weeks of receiving the draft 60% complete copies.

Task 4 -- Conduct a meeting, at a mutually agreed upon location, within 30 days after receiving the panel's comments to further clarify comments and develop resolution of issues.

Task 5 -- Develop draft implementation plan and presentation materials for one, 4 hour, training course on best construction practices.

Task 6 -- Supply 8 copies of the finished manual, complete with picture and checklist on final copy quality paper. The copies will be reviewed by the technical team and Auburn University publication staff for acceptability. This item is expected 18-20 months from award of the contract.

Task 7 -- Provide final camera ready best practice manual and electronic files of the final report in press quality PDF format. Provide 8 hard copies and electronic files of the final implementation plan document and training materials in Word and PowerPoint respectively.

Task 8 -- Provide 1000 copies of best practice manual. The manual shall be spiral bound, high quality paper, with color and printing of publisher quality. For estimating purposes use: Spiral bound, 100 pages(total 200 pages of text) two sided, 4 color printing on 70 pound gross paper for text and covers to be 4 color printing, 80 pound paper with gloss finished.

All reports will be the property of the AAPTP and Auburn University and will be supplied in a format that complies with the FAA's Section 508 requirements for electronic documents.

Selection Criteria

Organizations submitting proposals are highly encouraged to review AAPTP's Research Process page for detailed information on the program's processes and procedures. Requirements in this RFP will take precedence over the information in the website. In addition to the requirements given on the website, proposal submission shall include 3-7 pages of a portion of a completed finished reference manual type document prepare by the principle investigator.

The proposed project requires a wide range of knowledge and experience. It is highly recommended that the research agency team incorporate persons with airport pavement evaluation, design and/or management experience, as well as someone with asphalt airport pavement construction experience.

The proposal will be evaluated by the technical panel assigned to this project. Evaluation criteria shall be: (1) understanding of project requirements, scope and complexity; (2) experience and diversity of proposed project team; (3) expertise of team members in asphalt technology, airport pavements, and construction; (4) merit of the proposed approach and proposed project team organization ; and (5) adequacy of facilities and staff to complete the project within budget and time provided.

Reporting Requirements

Progress Reports

Quarterly progress reports (two hard copies and an electronic copy in Microsoft Word format) are required from the research agency and are to be prepared on the basis of calendar quarters. The research agency will mail the progress report directly to the AAPTP and will e-mail each of the members of the technical review panel a copy of the progress report. Each report will include a cover letter and the following:

1. a clear and complete description of the work performed on each task during the quarter;
2. an outline of the work to be accomplished during the next quarter;
3. a description of any problem(s) encountered or anticipated that might affect the completion of the project within the time and fiscal constraints recommended;
4. potential solutions to problems identified in (c) if any exist.

Report Format

The formats for the Interim and Final reports are provided under "Forms."

Contractual Information

Funds Available: $300,000

Contract Time: 24 months (includes 3 months for AAPTP to review and for the contractor to revise the final report.)

Staff Responsibility: Monte Symons, 334-844-4964, symonmg@auburn.edu

Proposals Due: May 11, 2006

Submit Proposals To: AAPTP, 277 Technology Parkway, Auburn, AL, 36830

Authorization to Begin Work: June 1, 2006 -- estimated