[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 245 (Monday, December 21, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 83152-83154]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-27994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Docket Number: DOT-OST-2020-0254]


Request for Information for the Inclusive Design Reference Hub

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), Department of 
Transportation.

ACTION: Notice; request for information (RFI).

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SUMMARY: In July 2020, as part of an event celebrating the 30th 
anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, DOT committed to 
undertake a new initiative to establish a library of resources for 
accessibility in automation, and work with outside experts to study 
voluntary best practices for ensuring accessibility in automated 
vehicles. DOT invites stakeholders to provide input on critical first 
steps in this process, the qualifications of entities that are best 
suited to perform this work, and considerations to ensure long-term 
sustainability of this initiative. This notice is not a Solicitation, 
and it does not seek the submission of formal, binding quotations/
proposals. In the event OST-P determines that services will be 
procured, a formal Request for Quote/Proposal will be issued. OST-P 
cannot and will not reimburse any organization for its time, effort, or 
costs expended in responding to this RFI.

DATES: Responses to the RFI must be received by January 20, 2021, no 
later than 5:00 p.m. (ET) to ensure consideration of your views.

ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted using any one of the 
following methods:
     Electronic mail: Email comments to [email protected] 
with a courtesy copy to [email protected]. Responses must be provided 
as attachments to an email. It is recommended that attachments with 
file sizes exceeding 25MB be compressed (i.e., zipped) to ensure 
message delivery. Responses must be provided as a Microsoft Word 
(.docx) attachment to the email, and be no more than 5 pages in length, 
with 12-point font and 1-inch margins.
     Internet: To submit comments electronically, go to the 
Federal regulations website at http://www.regulations.gov. Search by 
using the docket number (DOT-OST-2020-0254). Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments.
    Respondents may answer as many or as few questions (see the 
questions below) as they wish.
    DOT will not respond to individual submissions or publish publicly 
a compendium of responses. A response to this RFI will not be viewed as 
a binding commitment to develop or pursue the project or ideas 
discussed.
    Respondents are requested to provide the following information at 
the beginning of their response to this RFI:

 Company/institution name
 Company/institution contact
 Contact's address, phone number, and email address

Proprietary Information

    Because information received in response to this RFI may be used to 
structure future programs and/or otherwise be made available to the 
public, respondents are strongly advised to NOT include any information 
in their responses that might be considered business sensitive, 
proprietary, or otherwise confidential. However, respondents may choose 
to include such information in their submissions if they believe it 
will significantly assist DOT in the design of the program.
    Responses containing confidential, proprietary, or privileged 
information must be conspicuously marked as described below. Failure to 
comply with these marking requirements may result in the disclosure of 
the unmarked information under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 
552.
    If a response contains trade secrets or confidential commercial or 
financial information, the respondent must include a cover sheet 
identifying the specific pages containing that information. The cover 
sheet must also provide evidence that the respondent actually or 
customarily treats the information as private.
    In addition, the respondent must (1) mark the header and footer of 
every page that contains trade secrets or confidential commercial or 
financial information with ``Contains Confidential Information Exempt 
from Public Disclosure'' and (2) identify every line and paragraph 
containing such information with double brackets or highlighting.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The monitored inbox at 
[email protected]. You may also contact the Contracting Officer, 
Robin Gates, at [email protected] or (202) 366-1408.
    Please reference ``RFI for Inclusive Design Reference Hub'' in the 
subject line when submitting your response.
    DOT looks forward to your submission in response to this notice.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Summary

    The purpose of this RFI is to collect input on a proposed 
initiative to establish and curate a library of existing technical 
specifications, voluntary consensus or consortia standards, and best 
practices and a roadmap of such resources that may be needed to enable 
accessibility of automated vehicles for persons with physical, sensory, 
and cognitive disabilities. This initiative, tentatively entitled the 
Inclusive Design Reference Hub, will involve consultation with a range 
of stakeholders. This RFI will serve to refine DOT's vision, next 
steps, and long-term ownership and maintenance plan for this 
initiative. Respondents are encouraged to visit https://www.transportation.gov/accessibility for more information on DOT's 
accessibility initiatives.

Background

    As transportation evolves, DOT is committed to a more accessible 
future and exploring accessibility opportunities that may materialize 
as vehicles and mobility services evolve. DOT encourages research into 
technologies that have the potential to remove barriers to 
accessibility in the transportation system and will seek to complement 
research done by leading academic institutions, the private sector and 
other entities to fill gaps that industry is not already covering. To 
this end, DOT recently announced its intent to establish a library of 
resources for accessibility in automation, and to work with outside 
experts to study voluntary best practices for ensuring accessibility in 
automated vehicles.

Needs Statement

    DOT has made early investments intended to begin unlocking this 
potential through its Accessible Transportation Technologies Research 
Initiative (ATTRI), the Inclusive Design Challenge, the Complete Trip--
ITS4US Deployment Program, and numerous research projects. Industry 
stakeholders and others have reported difficulty in

[[Page 83153]]

finding existing technical specifications and best practices for 
designing accessible vehicle features, or in prioritizing development 
of new resources where there are knowledge gaps. In addition, the 
expertise for developing such resources is fragmented across 
traditional organizational and sectoral bounds, making it difficult to 
begin new technical resource development. Early and widespread action 
by a coalition of industry, disability advocacy, academia, and 
government partners can help ensure shared understanding of the needs 
of individuals with a range of disabilities and corresponding technical 
specifications and best practices. An open and inclusive partnership to 
develop voluntary, consensus-based technical specifications, best 
practices, and standards can provide a foundation for consistently and 
comprehensively meeting the needs of people with disabilities and 
inform the design of future automated vehicles (AVs).
    A robust research pipeline can accelerate the accumulation of 
knowledge and encourage private sector experimentation. Tracking and 
sharing less mature, early stage research through technical 
specifications and best practices--in addition to developing and 
maintaining published technical standards--can help clarify where 
technical consensus is emerging and where investment and attention is 
most needed to fill long-term gaps.
    Numerous voluntary consensus standards, technical specifications, 
recommended practices, and other technical resources currently exist 
that relate either directly to vehicle accessibility or could 
indirectly inform future automated vehicle accessibility. For example, 
the former category includes numerous voluntary consensus standards 
focused on the safety, functionality, and interoperability of 
wheelchair-accessible vehicles, while the latter includes voluntary 
consensus and consortia standards from the consumer electronics sector 
that provide insights into how to design interfaces that are useable by 
people with sensory or cognitive disabilities. A list of such resources 
is included at the end of this RFI for reference. While these existing 
resources form a starting point for considering the accessibility of 
passenger vehicles, DOT also recognizes that gaps likely exist between 
current technical standards and specifications and best practices and a 
set of resources that would comprehensively address the physical, 
sensory, and cognitive accessibility needs of future vehicle users, 
including users of automated vehicles.

Proposed Approach

    This initiative will serve as a ``one-stop shop'' for engineers, 
designers, and individuals with disabilities to find and to collaborate 
on technical resources for an inclusive future. The Hub could either be 
a stand-alone resource or built within an existing platform. All 
content will need to be compliant with requirements stated in Section 
508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and accompanying standards 
developed by the U.S. Access Board.
    An initial investment to launch this initiative will seek to 
establish a process to maintain this resource in regular consultation 
with stakeholders, including relevant standards development 
organizations, primarily through existing forums. DOT will assess 
potential approaches in terms of how likely they are to result in a 
self-sustaining long-term effort that includes active participation 
from all stakeholders with relevant expertise and perspective.

Request for Information

    In launching the proposed initiative outlined above, DOT is seeking 
input from its stakeholders and potential partners on defining its 
scope, the most critical first steps, the necessary qualifications and 
expertise to support it, and how to ensure long-term ownership and 
maintenance of the resulting resources. To clarify input provided in 
response to this notice, DOT may seek additional follow-up information. 
Through this notice specifically, DOT seeks input on the following 
questions:

Background and Current Condition Information

    1. What existing initiatives, industry activities, best practices, 
or other resources/actions could help to inform this initiative?
    2. What existing technical standards and specifications and best 
practices are relevant or potentially relevant to the accessibility of 
vehicles for people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities? 
What dependencies exist between existing resources and needed 
resources?
    3. What information could help stakeholders understand the user 
population, potential market, and business case for inclusive design 
solutions? What information does not exist but could potentially help 
fill gaps in knowledge regarding the user population, potential market, 
and business case for inclusive design solutions?
    4. What existing and needed resources are applicable to all 
vehicles? What existing and needed resources are specific to automated 
vehicles and when will they be needed?
    5. How can this initiative support improved accessibility of 
conventional vehicles in the short-term while also enabling the 
accessibility of automated vehicles in the long-term?

Initiative Scope, Focus, and Proposed Initial Steps

    1. Are there any technical references in this area that do not 
currently exist and should be prioritized for development?
    (a) Please describe the need and ways to expedite the development 
of needed references with relevant stakeholders, including consumers.
    (b) Please also discuss the extent to which the topic(s) identified 
are at an appropriate stage for voluntary standards development in 
terms of industry consensus and technological maturity.
    2. Are there any existing resources or programs on which DOT could 
build or model this effort? Should the Inclusive Design Reference Hub 
be developed as a stand-alone resource, or integrated into an existing 
platform?
    3. Are there any aspects of DOT's vision for this effort that could 
be clarified or improved ahead of a potential procurement?
    4. Should the DOT directly host the resource, or should it be 
hosted by a third-party organization or coalition of organizations 
serving as the convener(s) and technical curator(s) on behalf of DOT?
    5. How can this initiative be maintained in the long term with more 
limited federal involvement? What conditions need to be met in order 
for partner organizations to continue support for this initiative 
following an initial phase?
    6. How could DOT assess the success of this activity over a two-
year period? How can processes to support long-term sustainability be 
established in this timeframe?

Performing Organization Qualifications--General Input

    1. What entities, organizations, groups, or Government agencies are 
most qualified and appropriate to perform this work?
    2. What perspectives need to be represented in the execution of 
this initiative? Which groups should represent these perspectives?
    3. What partnerships are critical?
    4. What organizations currently play a role with respect to the 
development of standards around automated vehicles, transportation 
accessibility, and the

[[Page 83154]]

intersection of the two? For responding organizations that currently 
have a role, please discuss your organizational and technical 
capabilities and experience in this area. Please also discuss how you 
might augment your qualifications with those of potential partner 
organizations.

Additional Information

    Below are existing resources that might be featured in the 
Inclusive Design Reference Hub.
 Automated Driving Systems:
    [cir] SAE J3171: Identifying Automated Driving Systems-Dedicated 
Vehicles (ADS-DVs) Passenger Issues for Persons with Disabilities (SAE)
 Vehicles:
    [cir] 49 CFR 571.141: Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and 
Electric Vehicles (NHTSA)
    [cir] 49 CFR 571.206: Door locks and door retention components 
(NHTSA)
    [cir] 49 CFR 571.222: School bus passenger seating and crash 
protection (NHTSA)
    [cir] 49 CFR 571.403: Platform Lift Systems for Motor Vehicles 
(NHTSA)
    [cir] 49 CFR 571.404: Platform Lift Installations in Motor Vehicles 
(NHTSA)
    [cir] 49 CFR part 38: Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)--
Accessibility Specifications For Transportation Vehicles (U.S. Access 
Board/U.S. DOT)
    [cir] QAP-103: National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association 
Quality Assurance Program Guidelines (NMEDA)
    [cir] SAE J1725: Structural Modification for Personally Licensed 
Vehicles to Meet the Transportation Needs of Persons with Disabilities 
(SAE)
    [cir] SAE J1903: Automotive Adaptive Driver Controls, Manual (SAE)
    [cir] SAE J2092: Testing of Wheelchair Lifts for Entry to or Exit 
from a Personally Licensed Vehicle (SAE)
    [cir] SAE J2093: Design Considerations for Wheelchair Lifts for 
Entry to or Exit from a Personally Licensed Vehicle (SAE)
    [cir] SAE J2094: Vehicle and Control Modifications for Drivers with 
Physical Disabilities Terminology (SAE)
    [cir] SAE J2603: Recommended Practice for Powered Gas Brake Control 
Systems (SAE)
 Mobility Equipment:
    [cir] ANSI/RESNA WC-4:2017: Wheelchairs and Transportation (RESNA)
    [cir] ISO 10542-1: Technical systems and aids for disabled or 
handicapped persons--Wheelchair tiedown and occupant-restraint systems 
(ISO)
    [cir] ISO 10865: Wheelchair containment and occupant retention 
systems for accessible transport vehicles designed for use by both 
sitting and standing passengers (ISO)
    [cir] ISO 10865: Part 1: Systems for rearward-facing wheelchair-
seated passengers (ISO)
    [cir] ISO 10865: Part 2: Systems for forward-facing wheelchair-
seated passengers (ISO)
    [cir] ISO 16840-4: Wheelchair seating--Part 4: Seating systems for 
use in motor vehicles (ISO)
    [cir] ISO 7176-19: Wheeled mobility devices for use as seats in 
motor vehicles (ISO)
    [cir] RESNA SP-3 (under development): Universal Docking Interface 
Guidelines (UDIG) (RESNA)
    [cir] SAE J2249: Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint Systems 
for Use in Motor Vehicles (SAE)
 Electronic Interfaces/Devices:
    [cir] 36 CFR 1194.1: Standards for Section 508 of the 
Rehabilitation Act (U.S. Access Board)
    [cir] ANSI/RESNA CA-1: Universal Criteria for Reporting the 
Cognitive Accessibility of Products and Technologies (RESNA)
    [cir] CTA-CEB27: Recommended Practice for Audio Accessibility of 
Audiovisual Devices (CTA)
    [cir] ISO 21801-1: Cognitive accessibility--Part 1: General 
guidelines (ISO)
    [cir] ISO 9241-171: Ergonomics of human-system interaction--Part 
171: Guidance on software accessibility (ISO)
    [cir] ISO/IEC 24786: Information Technology--User interfaces--
Accessible user interface for accessibility settings (ISO/IEC)
    [cir] ISO/IEC 29138-1: Information technology--User interface 
accessibility--Part 1: User accessibility needs (ISO/IEC)
    [cir] ISO/IEC TS 20071-21:2015: Information technology--User 
interface component accessibility--Part 21: Guidance on audio 
descriptions (ISO/IEC)
    [cir] WCAG 2.1: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Overview (W3C)
 General Product Usability and Accessibility:
    [cir] ISO/IEC 20282: Ease of operation of everyday products (ISO)
    [cir] ISO/IEC 20282-1: Part 1: Design requirements for context and 
use and user characteristics (ISO)
    [cir] ISO/IEC 20282-2: Part 2: Summative test method (ISO)
    [cir] ISO/IEC 20282-3: Part 3: Test method for consumer products 
(ISO)
    [cir] ISO/IEC 20282-3: Part 4: Test method for the installation of 
consumer products (ISO)
    [cir] ISO/IEC 24756: Framework for specifying a common access 
profile (CAP) of needs and capabilities of users, systems, and their 
environments (ISO)

    Issued on: December 15, 2020.
Thomas Finch Fulton,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy.
[FR Doc. 2020-27994 Filed 12-18-20; 8:45 am]
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