Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Vehicle Research & Test Center, P.O. Box 37, East Liberty, OH 43319-0337

66 -- PURCHASE OF PROGRAMMABLE STEERING CONTROLLER SOL DTNH22-98-R-08024 DUE 022798 POC Robin R. Esser, Contracting Officer at (937) 666-4511 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) intends to purchase a Programmable Steering Controller for use in performing vehicle tests where rapid and precise steering wheel control is required. The steering controller shall control the steering wheel of the vehicle at programmable rates and hold programmable steering angles within specified tolerances. Sensors shall be included with the controller that measure steering wheel angle and steering wheel input torque. The purchase shall include a system that can meet a mandatory delivery schedule of forty-five (45) days after receipt of the order. The minimum performance requirements of the system include: 1) can be installed in any passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles with sufficient room for a driver to occupy the operators seat and operate all vehicle controls; 2) has an emergency override capability to allow the driver to quickly assume control of the vehicle; 3) is readily switched from driver control to system control; 4) has a programmable steering rate with a maximum rate of 1500 degrees/second; 5) holds a programmable steering wheel angle to within 0.5 degrees; 6) measures steering wheel angle to within 0.25 degrees; 7) measures steering wheel torque to within 0.5 in-lb.; 8) has steering wheel angle and torque sensors which have a final output signal of either voltage or current that will be transmitted to a government owned data acquisition system in the vehicle; 9) allows programming of desired steering input profiles using a common computer program or programming language; 10) is capable of responding to programmed steering input profiles having either discrete operations or a continuous steering angle versus time profile.; 11) allows for up to four revolutions of the steering wheel in either direction from the straight-ahead position; 12) is capable of being powered by a 12 volt or regulated 10 volt power source; 13) is capable of operating in ambient temperature conditions ranging from 32 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The system shall include documentation describing operating procedures, maintenance and calibration procedures. The addition of optional equipment that expands or enhances the system will be considered A firm fixed price contract with options to purchase additional quantities is anticipated. An operational capability demonstration, conducted at the Vehicle Research and Test Center, East Liberty, Ohio, at the offeror's expense shall be required before award of this contract. All responsible sources that can meet the mandatory delivery requirement may request a copy of the Request for Quotation (RFQ) from the Contracting Officer by Facsimile machine at (937) 666-3590 or at the address listed. The anticipated issue date of the RFQ is on or about February 10, 1998. (0040)

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