Research Activities of the Department of Transportation: A Report to ...

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External Coordination in the DOT Operating AdministrationsWithin DOT’s operating administrations, stakeholder input and review are essentialfor establishing RD&T priorities and programs. Examples of these activities include:• FAA: One way in which the FAA ensures RD&T effectiveness is its Research,Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee (REDAC). Established byCongress in 1989, this committee reports to the FAA Administrator on RD&Tissues and provides a link between agency research and similar efforts inindustry, academia, and government. The committee meets twice a year withFAA senior managers and annually reviews the FAA’s RD&T budget. Membersrepresent corporations, universities, associations, consumers, and otheragencies. Another body, the Commercial Space Transportation AdvisoryCommittee, advises on RD&T in commercial space transportation safety.• FHWA: In the FHWA, the TRB Research and Technology CoordinatingCommittee reviews RD&T, advises on research activities, and provides policylevelrecommendations on program direction. The committee consists of 18members from the states, academia, and private sector. The FHWA also hasbroad interaction with stakeholder groups, such as the Association of AmericanState Highway and Transportation Officials, and engages customers throughoutthe RD&T planning process. For stakeholder input to the ITS program, theFHWA had previously relied on ITS America as a Utilized Federal AdvisoryCommittee. The Department has determined that this program has matured tothe point where a formal DOT Advisory Committee is needed, and is in theprocess of establishing such a body.• FMCSA: The FMCSA gets input on its Research and Technology (R&T) Programfrom various stakeholders, including the National Transportation Safety Board,safety advocacy groups, the national enforcement community, the motor carrierindustry, commercial driver groups, truck manufacturers, the driver trainingcommunity, sleep researchers, insurance representatives, truck manufacturers,and the motor coach industry. The agency holds annual stakeholder forums tosolicit recommendations for R&T projects and improved program planning.This input is reflected in a recently completed 5-year strategic plan and inannual budget submissions.• FRA: FRA research is guided by both internal and external stakeholders,including the FRA Office of Safety, the Association of American Railroads,the American Public Transportation Association, the Highway–RailroadGrade Crossing Research Needs Conference, and state transportation officials.External review is provided by the TRB Committee for Review of the FRAResearch, Development, and Demonstration Programs. This committee—whichrepresents states, railroads, labor unions, universities, and financial institutions—annuallyassesses all FRA RD&T programs.26RITA
• FTA: Formed in October 2003 under the TRB, the FTA’s Transit ResearchAnalysis Committee assesses research needs and advises the agency on (1) theFederal role in transit research; (2) high-priority research opportunities; and (3)processes for ensuring that the FTA receives input and cooperation from stakeholders.Members represent transit authorities, community service agencies,state DOTs, research institutes, consulting firms, and equipment manufacturers.• MARAD: Although MARAD receives no direct RD&T funding, the agency worksclosely with stakeholders to stimulate innovation through collaborative effortssuch as the Marine Transportation System initiative, the Short Sea ShippingCooperative Program, the Ship Operations Cooperative Program, the MarineEnergy and Emissions Technologies Program, and several other cooperativeresearch programs. This approach brings together the maritime industry,academia, and agencies to identify, coordinate, facilitate, and accomplishmaritime RD&T. Recommendations for future research also come from theMarine Transportation System National Advisory Council, a Federal AdvisoryCouncil to MARAD.• NHTSA: NHTSA assures the quality and effectiveness of its research throughseveral means, including regular public meetings with stakeholders. Suchmeetings provide a forum in which researchers can present their work, respondto comments, and obtain broad input on the agency’s RD&T program.• PHMSA: PHMSA’s pipeline safety program relies on stakeholder involvement,including R&D Forums and meetings of a Blue Ribbon Panel, to make surethat RD&T is aligned with the pipeline safety mission, makes use ofthe best available knowledge and expertise, and considers stakeholderperspectives. Stakeholders represented include Federal and state agencies,industry, pipeline trade associations, and standards organizations. The PHMSAOffice of Hazardous Materials Safety conducts its RD&T activities in consultationwith other agencies, state and local governments, international organizations,the regulated industry, and the interested public.• RITA: RITA will work with stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of its RD&Tplanning efforts and to identify RD&T priorities. In addition, RITA will rely onthe Advisory Council for Transportation Statistics for advice on the quality andobjectivity of BTS data and analyses.RITA 27
Page 1 and 2: Research Activities of theDepartmen
Page 3 and 4: TABLE OF CONTENTS1. INTRODUCTION .
Page 5 and 6: Summary of ReportThis document resp
Page 7: RITA MissionIdentify and facilitate
Page 10 and 11: 3Research, Development,& Technology
Page 12 and 13: Safety RD&T: Human Factors Coordina
Page 14 and 15: Mobility RD&T: Intelligent Transpor
Page 16 and 17: Global Connectivity RD&T: National
Page 18 and 19: Environmental RD&T: Crossmodal Init
Page 20 and 21: Security RD&T: Critical Infrastruct
Page 22 and 23: 4Research, Development, &Technology
Page 24 and 25: Multi-year Strategic PlanningRITA w
Page 26 and 27: Regular communicationwith stakehold
Page 30 and 31: Interagency CoordinationAs the agen
Page 32 and 33: 5ConclusionAs envisioned by Secreta
Page 34 and 35: APPENDIX AA-1. FY 2006 BUDGET REQUE
Page 46 and 47: APPENDIX BSUMMARY OF FY 2005 PROGRA
Page 54: U.S. Department of TransportationRe

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