Table 5. RDT Evaluation Processes
Table 5. RDT Evaluation Processes
| Operating Administration | Evaluation Process | Recent Evaluations and Recommendations | FY 2007 Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAA | (1) Annual review by Research, Engineering, and Development
Advisory Committee (REDAC) (2) Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC) reviews safety-related commercial space transportation R&D |
REDAC:
November 2006 letter report recommends that FAA: • Continue and increase funding for wake vortex research • Fund a program to assess the impact of integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the National Airspace System • Assess the cost of Next Generation Air Transportation System deployments and apply sufficient funds to accelerate technology transfer and implementation • Enhance collaboration with other agencies in environmental RD&T • Assess the impact on aircraft safety of budget cuts in NASA aeronautics research COMSTAC: Provided recommendations in January 2007 on research proposals of interest to the industry |
REDAC: April 2007 September 2007 COMSTAC: October 24-25, 2006 May 22-23, 2007 |
| FHWA | (1) Periodic review by Transportation Research Board (TRB)
Research and Technology Coordinating Committee (RTCC) (2) Laboratory Assessment Program |
RTCC: Met
twice in FY 2006 and provided advice on issues including: • Implementation of the Corporate Master Plan for Research and Technology • Conduct and management of an advanced research program • Conduct of the Lab Assessment Program • Engaging University Transportation Centers in carrying out a national surface transportation research agenda Lab Assessment: Independent panels assessed research at FHWAs Aerodynamics, Coatings and Corrosion, and Crash Analysis laboratories |
RTCC: November 16-17, 2006 June 13-14, 2007 Lab Assessments: Spring 2007 Summer 2007 Fall 2007 |
| FMCSA | Regular inputs on planning and programs from key stakeholders | Stakeholder Forum: January 2006 forum addressed research needs and accomplishments
in key areas, including: • State data quality • Lane departure warning systems • Large Truck Crash Causation Study • Medical programs • Wireless inspection technologies • Fatigue management • Hazardous materials safety |
Ongoing reviews by the Motor Carrier Advisory Committee |
| FRA | (1) Annual review by TRB Committee for the Review of the FRA
Research, Development, and Demonstration Programs (2) Other external review mechanisms |
Committee Report: May 2005 letter report concludes that FRA: • Is making progress on completing the Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System network, which the committee feels is vital to the full development and deployment of positive train control and other applications • Should, to the extent possible, close out remaining high-speed-rail projects so that resources can be deployed elsewhere • Should continue work on a new five-year strategic R&D plan • Should address railroad congestion issues, particularly the relationship between rail system capacity and safety |
TRB Review Committee: March 22, 2007 Fall 2007 |
| FTA | Transit Research Analysis Committee (TRAC) | TRAC Report: March
2006 letter report commends FTA for the completion of its Strategic Research
Plan and makes several recommendations, including: • Move aggressively to brief stakeholders on the Strategic Research Plan • Review the plan annually in light of current events and accomplishments • Develop a three-to-fiveyear research program plan linking the Strategic Research Plan with FTAs annual program of research |
TRAC: June 2007 December 2007 |
| NHTSA | Broad-based research meetings with automotive manufacturers and suppliers | Research Meetings: Meetings with auto manufacturers and suppliers to discuss
developments in automotive technologies and deployment strategies that
include specific recommendations for: • New Car Assessment Program • Lane departure warning systems • Advanced occupant restraint systems • Vehicle compatibility |
Research Meetings: General Motors October 3, 2006 Nissan November 30, 2006 Honda December 5-6, 2006 Society of Automotive Engineers: May 14-16, 2007 |
| PHMSA | Periodic outreach events, stakeholder meetings, peer reviews | Peer Review of Pipeline Safety R&D: Peer reviews of 31 active research projects
in February 2006 resulted in ratings of Effective to Very Effective by the
expert panelists. R&D Workshops: Workshops on pipeline safety R&D yielded the following results: • Welding and joining workshop on January 25-26, 2006 identified mutual goals for government and industry and several critical gaps in knowledge, standards, and technology • Workshop held on February 28-March 1, 2006 identified technology to prevent, detect, and characterize mechanical damage to pipelines as well as gaps in associated regulations and industry standards |
Pipeline Safety R&D Forum: February 7-8, 2007 Peer Reviews: March 27-29, 2007 |
| RITA | National Research Council (NRC) Committee on the Review of the DOT Strategic Plan for RD&T | NRC Review Committee: June 2006 NRC panel review assessed the draft RD&T Strategic Plan and DOTs research coordination process and submitted a letter report in August 2006 | NRC Committee: Fall 2007 |