1. Responsibilities
Removed names

2. Major Member Responsibilities
Collect and disseminate information on active and completed research
Assist AASHTO-SCOR in developing annual NCHRP
Conduct peer exchanges on best practices for research management
Demonstrate value of research
No changes

3. Collect and disseminate information on active and completed research
Transportation Research International Documentation (TRID)
Research in Progress (RiP) Database
FHWA report distribution guidelines
Turned bullets into hyperlinks
Worth mentioning high value research here? Covered somewhere else?

4. Transportation Research International Documentation (TRID)
Updated the screen shot

5. Transportation Research International Documentation (TRID)
Updated screenshot

6. Research in Progress
Updated screenshot

7. FHWA Report Distribution guidelines
Standard federal/national recipients
FHWA Research Librarian
Office of Corporate Research, Technology, and Innovation Management
National Transportation Library
National Technical Information Service
TRID
Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Transportation Library, Northwestern University
TRI-NET Repository, Univ. of Calif.-Berkeley

8. FHWA Report Distribution guidelines (cont.)
Only e-format required (one paper copy is acceptable)
In-state recipients (e.g. FHWA division; academic libraries)
Format requirements may vary from federal/national
No changes to this slide.

9. Assist AASHTO-SCOR in Developing Annual NCHRP
Developing/submitting problem statements
Reviewing/ranking problem statements
Nominating and serving as panel members
Providing State Planning & Research funding
One key way of providing advice to AASHTO-SCOR
Annual solicitation (June)
Must be submitted by either…
State DOT
AASHTO committees and subcommittees
FHWA
General description of problem or research need
Guide:
Reviewed by NCHRP & FHWA staff, AASHTO-SCOR, AASHTO-RAC
Projects selected by:
AASHTO Standing Committee on Research - SCOR
Approval Required by 2/3 of AASHTO Board of Directors

10. Research Peer Exchange Resources
FHWA Guidelines
Peer Exchange Resources (SCOR/RAC webpage)
Turned headings into hyperlinks instead of having links below the bullet and added the following description:
The FHWA guidelines provide the philosophy of peer exchanges, the use of peer exchanges to strategically improve research programs, and guidance and resources on conducting peer exchanges.
The peer exchange page of the SCOR/RAC website includes reports from past exchanges, a list of peer exchange topics, planned and scheduled peer exchanges, and other related resources to help RAC members.

11. Demonstrate Value of Research
Value of Research Task Force
Leads RAC’s collective effort to demonstrate value of research
High value research annual process, presentations, and publications
Research Makes a Difference publications
RPM website and application
Best practices for implementing research
Opportunities
Suggest deleting this slide since under RAC Community on slide 23.

12. Research Investments
This portion of today’s webinar will focus on the different programs that Research Managers can spend their funds on. There are a number of programs that enable you to pool your investments to help you realize the best value.

13. Research Funding Sources
State
Federal
State Planning and Research Funds = 2% set aside
Differing amounts per state; same percentage
75% (max) = Part 1, Planning
25% (min) = Part 2, Research
Every state’s research program is different, yet there are many similarities.
Some state research programs receive funding from their state legislature; some do not.
But every state DOT receives SPR, State Planning and Research, funds from the federal government each year.
FOR MOST OF US, THE MAJORITY OF OUR FUNDING COMES FROM SPR FUNDS – STATE PLANNING AND RESEARCH FUNDS
SPR funding is equivalent to 2% of the amount of $ your state receives for the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program, the Surface Transportation program, the Interstate Maintenance program, the highway safety improvement program, and the Bridge program
SPR funds are divided into Part 1 – Planning, and Part 2 – Research, Development, and Tech Transfer, RD&T.
States are organized differently, so SPR funds are handled differently; some RAC members have control over both Part 1 and Part 2 funds, while some have control over only Part 2 funds.

14. Money doesn’t grow on trees….
Regulations are covered in 23 CFR 420
Annual Work Program
Management process
Performance/expenditure reports
Ain’t no such thing as free money
Rules and regulations governing the use of SPR funding are found in 23CFR420
States are required to produce an annual work program that contains:
A description of all RD&T activities, including transportation pooled fund studies, NCHRP, and TRB
A description of work and associated costs
Financial information must indicated funding levels and share
WORK PROGRAMS DO HAVE FLEXIBILITY – CAN SUBMIT PLANNING ACTIVITIES SEPARATE FROM TRANSPORTATION RD&T, OR CAN COMBINE
Work programs must be submitted annually and approved the FHWA Division Administrator
APPROVAL OF A STATE’S WORK PROGRAM IS CONTINGENT UPON WHETHER THE STATE’S MANAGEMENT PROCESS INCLUDES:
AN INTERACTIVE PROCESS FOR IDENTIFYING AND PRIORITIZING RD&T ACTIVITIES
A PROCEDURE TO TRACK PROGRAM ACTIVITIES, SCHEDULES, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND FISCAL COMMITMENTS
States have to submit performance and expenditure reports that show, at a minimum:
Comparison of actual performance with established goals
Progress in meeting schedules
Status of expenditures, including comparison of budgeted (approved) amounts and actual costs incurred
Cost overruns or under runs
Approved work program revisions
Events that have significant impact on work have to be reported as soon as they become known (problems, delays, adverse conditions, etc.) also, have to state the action taken, or contemplated

15. Allowable Uses of SPR Funding
State Research Programs
Targeted to address specific needs of state
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ALLOWABLE USES FOR SPR FUNDING
STATES MAY USE SPR FUNDING FOR INTERNAL RESEARCH; RESEARCH TARGETED TO ADDRESS SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE STATE

16. Allowable Uses of SPR Funding
Travel
FHWA Guidelines exist -
Travel/training for an employee may be billed to SPR funds IF
It is necessary
Cost is reasonable
STATES MAY USE SPR FUNDING FOR TRAVEL
FHWA has issued guidelines for travel – check out website
Basically, travel/training for an employee who is working on an eligible SPR funded activity may be billed to SPR funds at the Federal matching ratio IF
the travel or training is necessary for performance of the SPR funded work
and the cost is reasonable.

17. Allowable Uses of SPR Funding
NCHRP
TCRP
ACRP
NRCRP
HMCRP
NFCRP
Technical Activities
Studies & Special
Programs
Administration & Finance
TRB Divisions
Cooperative Research Programs
STATES MAY USE SPR FUNDING FOR programs under the umbrella of the Transportation Research Board
TRB is a division of the National Research Council, a private nonprofit institution that is the principal operating agency of the National Academy of Sciences. TRB/state partnership has been in place since 1920, with states providing direct financial support beginning in the 1940s.
This partnership promotes the development and implementation of innovations that save countless lives, improve mobility and access, and vastly increase the cost-effectiveness of materials, designs, construction practices, and operations.

18. TRB Core Services Program
Facilitates collaboration among transportation professionals
Promotes development and implementation of innovations
State DOTs receive both tangible & intangible benefits
The cost of the core services varies by state (based on federal SPR share)
STATES MAY USE SPR FUNDING FOR THE TRB CORE SERVICES PROGRAM
ALLOWS STATE DOTs TO COLLABORATE WITH TRANSPORTATION PROFESSIONALS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND TO SHARE INFORMATION ON RESEARCH AND INNOVATIONS
TANGIBLE BENEFITS
FREE REGISTRATION TO THE TRB ANNUAL MEETING
FREE ATTENDANCE AT TRB WEBINARS
COMPLIMENTARY COPIES OF TRB PUBLICATIONS AND THE TRB E-NEWSLETTER
ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO THE TRR JOURNAL ONLINE
REDUCED FEES TO TRB-SPONSORED SPECIALTY CONFERENCES
REIMBURSEMENT FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE MEETING TRAVEL
INTANGIBLE BENEFITS
AVOIDING DUPLICATION
ACCESS TO RESEARCH COLLABORATION TOOLS SUCH AS THE RESEARCH NEEDS STATEMENTS (RNS), RESEARCH IN PROGRESS (RiP), AND PRACTICE READY PAPERS DATABASES, AND THE TRANSPORT RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTATION (TRID) DATABASE
WEEKLY NOTICES ON TRB ACTIVITIES VIA TRB E-NEWSLETTER
IN-STATE, ANNUAL ACCESS TO TRB STAFF
Again, the amount each state pays for these Cores Services is not the same, but we all pay the same percentage of our SPR share

19. National Cooperative Highway Research Program
NCHRP conducts national research in problem areas that affect state DOTs
By participating in national research, states are able to leverage their resources
STATES MAY USE SPR FUNDING FOR NCHRP
TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), conducts national research in problem areas that affect state DOTs.
States have a say in the research agenda; they are able to submit problem statements, and each SCOR and RAC member gets to vote on the projects
As noted earlier in the presenation, AASHTO RAC advises SCOR, and this vote is one way we do that
Ultimately SCOR selects the projects
Not every state has a member on SCOR, but regional SCOR members can lobby for a particular project of interest to your state
State CEOs have to vote on the slate of projects selected by SCOR

20. Strategic Highway Research Program 2
Created to find strategic solutions to three national transportation challenges:
Improving highway safety
Reducing congestion
Improving methods for renewing roads and bridges
The program ran from 2006 – 2015
FHWA and AASHTO are leading the implementation of the 130 products resulting from SHRP2
Language was focused on the program prior to implementation. Updated as an overview of the program. SHOULD THIS SLIDE BE DELETED (NO LONGER AN INVESTMENT) OR MOVED TO ANOTHER SECTION?

21. Peer Exchanges Tool to foster excellence in program management
Required under 23 CFR, Section 420
Allows for best practices and management innovations to be shared
Eligible for 100% SPR funding
Added hyperlink to FHWA gudiance

22. AASHTO Technical Services Programs
AASHTO Innovative Initiative (AII) (formerly TIG)
AASHTO Product Evaluation Listing (APEL)
Development of AASHTO Materials Standards (DAMS)
Environmental Technical Assistance Program (ETAP)
Equipment Management Technical Services Program (EMTSP)
Highway Safety Policy and Management
Load and Resistance Factor Design Bridges and Structures Specification Maintenance (LRFDSM)
National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP)
Operations (National Operations Center of Excellence – NOCoE)
AASHTO TECHNICAL SERVICES PROGRAMS (TSPs) were created by vote of the AASHTO Board of Directors to fulfill specific needs and to pool resources to build a much stronger national program than any one DOT could create on its own.
Also, state DOTs can use these programs instead of spending the money, time, and resources to create their own programs, or as a complement to their existing programs and processes.
Funding for these programs is provided through voluntary contributions from participating state DOTs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, THERE IS A CEO Guide to AASHTO Technical Service Programs & Products that you can obtain from Keith Platte at AASHTO.
Jim McDonnell, P.E.
Program Director, Engineering
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
444 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 249
Washington, DC 20001
(202)
(202) Fax

23. AASHTO Technical Services Programs
Resilient and Sustainable Transportation Systems
Snow and Ice Cooperative Program (SICOP)
Transportation and Civil Engineering Program (TRAC)
Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council (TC3)
Transportation System Preservation (TSP2)
AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL)
Census Transportation Planning Products (CTPP)
Cooperative Computer Software Development Program (AASHTOWARE)
If a state decides to use SPR funding for its voluntary contribution to participate in any of these programs, the state does not have to come up with state matching funds. These projects are approved for the use of 100% SPR funding
Invoices for many of the above programs are sent to the CEOs of the State DOTs in early July.  However, a few of the above SPR-eligible programs are invoiced separately, such as the AASHTOWare development efforts (which are solicited only when a new effort gets underway).

24. AASHTO Technical Services Programs
AASHTO TSPs NOT eligible for SPR
Licensing of AASHTOWare products (*SPR is eligible for development activities within this program)
Transportation and Civil Engineering (TRAC) and RIDES
AASHTO TSPs - SPR Eligibility Not Requested
AASHTO Rail Resource Center
Multi-State Technical Assistance Program (MTAP)
National Operations Center of Excellence (NOCoE)
Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council (TC3)
Guide to AASHTO Technical Services Programs and Products
Not all TSPs are eligible to be paid for with SPR funds. Software that is being developed can be funded by SPR funds; software that has been developed and is now being licensed with an annual user fee is NOT.
SPR eligibility has not yet been requested for some AASHTO TSPs

25. University Transportation Centers
UTC Program created in 1987
Managed by US DOT’s Office OST/R
UTC must obtain match
SPR & LTAP funding are eligible sources
University Transportation Center Match
The UTC Program was created in 1987 under the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act
Reauthorized and expanded through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU)
The UTC Program is managed by the US Department of Transportation's Office of the Secretary of Transportation/ Research
UTC grants require a match
Generally, the match must be from a non-federal source. However, SPR and LTAP funds are allowed to be used as a match.
UTCs are bid through a competitive process. You may be approached by a university in your state or a neighboring state who is interested in securing match dollars from your SPR/LTAP funds.

26. Transportation Pooled Fund Program
An AASHTO program administered by FHWA
Allows agencies to partner on studies of mutual interest
Sponsored/led by either a State DOT or the FHWA
Contributors/participants may include:
State DOTs, FHWA, municipalities, metropolitan planning organizations, college/university, or a private company
TPF study must be documented in the State’s work program
May be eligible for up to 100% SPR funding
STATES MAY USE SPR FUNDING TO PARTICIPATE IN FHWA’S TRANSPORTATION POOLED FUND PROGRAM
A program initiated by AASHTO and administered by FHWA
The Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) Program allows federal, state, and local agencies and other organizations to combine resources to support transportation research studies of mutual interest
Projects can be led by a State DOT or by FHWA
Participants can include state DOTs, FHWA, MPOs, private companies
As with all your uses of SPR funding, you must document your state’s participation in the Transportation Pooled Fund program in your annual work program.
Pooled funds generally qualify for 100% SPR funding

27. TPF Procedures Manual (March 2012)
Available on the TPF website
Provides TPF program and project management guidance from project solicitation to close out
The manual is useful for federal and state pooled fund project managers and financial managers
The TPF Procedures Manual is available on the TPF website at:
It contains a wealth of information on every aspect of a pooled fund, from project solicitation to close out
The manual is useful for federal and state pooled fund project managers and financial managers

28. TPF Website Highlights
The TPF website includes:
Program news and updates
Place to solicit partners for new studies
Place for committing funds
Database for storing records of solicitations, commitments, and studies
Place to report progress of ongoing studies
The website contains a wealth of information for new and seasoned users alike
You can find program news and updates
It’s a place to solicit partners for new studies or learn about new studies you may be interested in participating in
You can commit your funds online
You can learn about the progress of studies you are participating in
It also features a glossary, tutorials, and FAQs

29. Congratulations you have finished RAC 101!
If you have questions about any of the information provided, please contact your RAC mentor, regional chair, or another RAC member. The RAC community is ready to help!