The document presents a Justification and Approval for Sole Source (J&A) for a collaborative research project between the Tissue Injury Branch (TIB) and the University of Alabama, aimed at utilizing geospatial analyses to explore the relationship between built environment characteristics and global vehicle collision risks. Led by Project Officer Steven M. Weiss, the project aspires to create a global data repository that identifies roadway crash factors and promotes safety, addressing a critical public health issue where motor vehicle collisions result in significant fatalities and economic costs.
The project will leverage advanced data science methods and machine learning to analyze street environments through Google Street View and will develop a responsive Web GIS application for data sharing. Estimated at $69,803, the contract will span from October 15, 2024, to October 14, 2025, with three potential extension years. The sole source justification emphasizes the unique capabilities of the University of Alabama in providing required services, noting that no other institutions can meet these specific needs. This acquisition aligns with federal procurement regulations, emphasizing the importance of specialized expertise in addressing complex health challenges and promoting global traffic safety initiatives.
The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) is inviting proposals to conduct a study named "Collision Vision," aimed at reducing motor vehicle collision risks through advanced geospatial analyses. The project focuses on the critical health issue of road safety, highlighting that 1.35 million people die annually from road accidents globally. The project will utilize Google Street View images and neural networks to create a comprehensive database of roadway factors influencing collision risk. Specific aims include developing computer vision techniques to generate vehicle collision indicators, constructing an interactive geoportal for data visualization, and evaluating the impact of built environments on collision risks. The contractor will perform geospatial analyses, create a user-friendly web GIS application, and ensure proper management of project activities. Deliverables include databases of sampling points for U.S. and global roads, annual reports, and final project documentation. This initiative underlines the NINR's commitment to using nursing research to address pressing health challenges and inform policies aimed at improving public health outcomes related to road safety.