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Table 10-2. Research Evaluation Processes in Operating Administrations
Table 10-2. Research Evaluation Processes in Operating Administrations
| Agency | Review Process | Recent Reviews and Recommendations | FY 2006 Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAA | Annual review by the
Research, Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee (REDAC) Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC) reviews safety-related commercial space transportation R&D |
REDAC: November 2005 letter
report recommends that FAA: Develop a procedure for identifying and funding research on emerging aircraft safety issues Develop a procedure for funding researcher-initiated aircraft safety projects Ensure that aircraft safety research is connected with operational needs Enhance collaboration with other agencies in environmental RD&T Fund scoping studies on fuel, energy, and water quality issues Strengthen domestic and international environmental research partnerships Establish a working group to recommend research to determine the degree to which separation standards can be reduced using existing technology COMSTAC: Provided recommendations in January 2006 on research proposals of interest to the industry |
REDAC: June 20, 2006 COMSTAC: October 26, 2005 May 23-24, 2006 |
| FHWA | Periodic review by the
Transportation Research Board (TRB) Research and Technology Coordinating
Committee (RTCC) Lab 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 FHWA's Aerodynamics, Coatings and Corrosion, and Crash Analysis laboratories |
RTCC: November 1-2, 2005 June 14-15, 2006 Lab Assessments: March 13-16, 2006 June 19-22, 2006 September 9-14, 2006 |
| 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 development and deployment Large Truck Crash Causation Study Medical programs Wireless inspection technologies Fatigue management Hazardous materials safety |
Sixth Annual Forum: January 22, 2006 |
| FRA | Annual review by the TRB Committee for the Review of the FRA Research, Development, and Demonstration Programs; 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 Continue work on a new five-year strategic R&D plan and include in the plan: (1) consideration of the intermodal effects of safety countermeasures; (2) discussion of planned outreach to customers and stakeholders; and (3) measures of the effectiveness of research results Address railroad congestion issues, particularly the relationship between rail system capacity and safety |
Review Committee: June 28-29, 2006 |
| FTA | Transit Research Analysis
Committee (TRAC) |
TRAC Report: March 2006
letter report commends FTA for the completion of the September 30, 2005,
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-five-year research program plan linking the Strategic Research Plan with FTA's annual program of research |
TRAC: December 5-6, 2005 July 6-7, 2006 |
| 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: Honda December 5-6, 2005 Hyundai March 1, 2006 General Motors March 29, 2006 Automotive Occupants Restraints Council: March 17, 2006 Society of Automotive Engineers: May 8-10, 2006 |
| PHMSA | Periodic outreach events,
stakeholder meetings, peer reviews |
R&D Forum: March 2005 government/industry pipeline safety R&D Forum identified the following key challenges: Maintaining the safety, security, and reliability of an aging pipeline infrastructure Managing significant energy demand forecasts Protecting the environment while addressing national energy needs Fostering the development of new technologies and strengthening industry consensus standards Leveraging research resources while improving program performance |
R&D Workshops: January 25-26, 2006 February 28-March 1, 2006 |
| RITA | National Research Council (NRC) Review of RD&T Strategic Plan | NRC Review: June 2006 NRC
panel review assessed the draft RD&T Strategic Plan and DOT's research
coordination process and submitted a letter report in August 2006 |
NRC Committee: June 21-22, 2006 |