Table 5. RDT Evaluation Processes
Table 5. RDT Evaluation Processes
| Operating Administration | Evaluation Process | Recent Evaluations and Recommendations | FY 2008 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 2007 letter report recommends that FAA: • Provide resources to address environmental concerns associated with new aircraft and systems • Enhance collaboration with NASA to coordinate R&D activities • Assert leadership in applied aeronautical Human Factors R&D in support of research requirements • Align its activities in research areas necessary for NextGen implementation and certification of advanced technologies • Further develop program linkage between its environmental and safety-related fuels initiatives • COMSTAC: Provided recommendations in January 2008 on research proposals of interest to the industry |
REDAC: October 3, 2007 March 5, 2008 COMSTAC: October 10-11, 2007 May 15-16, 2008 |
| FHWA | (1) Periodic review by Transportation Research Board (TRB) Research
and Technology Coordinating Committee (RTCC) (2) Laboratory Assessment Program |
RTCC: Met
twice in FY 2007 and provided advice on issues including: • Implementation of the Corporate Master Plan for Research and Technology • Prioritization of research needs by the highway community • Technology transfer and deployment strategies • Implementation of the Exploratory Advanced Research Program Lab Assessment: Independent panels assessed research at FHWAs Highway Safety Information Systems, Geometric Design, Bridge Management Information Systems, and Nondestructive Evaluation Validation Center laboratories |
RTCC: November 5-6, 2007 March 10-11, 2008 Lab Assessments: Fall 2007 Spring 2008 Summer 2008 |
| 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: December 6-7, 2007 |
| 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 2007 letter
report concludes that FRA: • Should provide research assistance and guidance for the development of standards for interoperable PTC and related systems • Should provide tools for use by industry and government agencies to develop means to (1) determine capacity, (2) formulate metrics for measuring capacity, and (3) develop a methodology for quantifying the benefits of investments in rail network capacity • Should provide tools for use by industry and government agencies to develop means to (1) determine capacity, (2) formulate metrics for measuring capacity, and (3) develop a methodology for quantifying the benefits of investments in rail network capacity • Should provide tools for use by industry and government agencies to develop means to (1) determine capacity, (2) formulate metrics for measuring capacity, and (3) develop a methodology for quantifying the benefits of investments in rail network capacity • Should consolidate findings and research related to energy and environmental issues from projects undertaken in all areas |
TRB Review Committee: Fall 2007 |
| FTA | Transit Research Analysis Committee (TRAC) | TRAC Report:
May 2007 letter report commends FTA for its efforts to develop a multi-year
research program plan responsive to the goals in its strategic research plan,
and makes several recommendations, including: • Ensure a research portfolio that is comprehensive, balanced, and consistent with the research plan • Reformulate ridership goal in light of the effect of current research activities • Undertake research aimed at demonstrating the potential impact of transit on national goals such as reduced road congestion and environmental stewardship • Explore opportunities to involve the University Transportation Centers in FTA research |
TRAC: June 2008 December 2008 |
| 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: TBD |
| PHMSA | Periodic outreach events, stakeholder meetings, peer reviews | Peer Review of Pipeline Safety R&D: Peer reviews of 27 active research projects in March 2007
resulted in ratings of Effective to Very Effective by the expert
panelists R&D Forum: A Government and Industry workshop on pipeline safety R&D held on February 7-8, 2007 identified key challenges, including: • Environmental protection and the transportation of new fuels • Improving an effective technology program through stakeholder communication • Maintaining the safety, security, and reliability of an aging pipeline infrastructure |
Pipeline Safety R&D Forum: TBD to FY 2009 Peer Reviews: May 1, 6, and 14 |
| 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: TBD |