Objective

To provide information for use by research sponsors in the coordination of national highway research programs.

Charge

Each working group will: (1) identify the major issues in their area of interest; (2) review existing research programs, including FHWA, AASHTO/NCHRP, state DOTs, and others being conducted in their area of interest; (3) assess the coverage in relation to the current issues, and identify gaps and areas of overlap; (4) determine priority research areas; (5) develop marketing information on the benefits to result from research expenditures; and (6) facilitate partnerships and coordination to carry out needed research. It is anticipated that the working groups will primarily deal with research theme areas rather than individual projects, e.g., roadside safety rather than barrier design. Basic and applied research will be addressed. The working group findings, including suggestions for new emphasis areas and coordination among programs, will be forwarded to the Research and Technology Coordinating Committee for consideration and further action. The results will also be forwarded to the sponsors for their information (actual recommendations to sponsors will come only from the RTCC).

Composition

Each working group will include a chair (appointed by TRB in consultation with FHWA and AASHTO); a secretary (TRB staff); liaisons from major sponsors (FHWA and other federal agencies, AASHTO/NCHRP); and members covering the range of the working group's interests from federal, state, and local governments, industry, and academe. Chairs from TRB standing committees and from committees of other interested organizations will also be invited to serve as members. All interested individuals may participate, unless this becomes unmanageable.

Working groups may form subgroups and/or establish new working groups if their scope is too broad.

Operation

Each working group may operate somewhat differently to meet their specific needs and circumstances; therefore, the following guidance is of a general nature. Working groups will meet periodically, most likely 2 or 3 times a year. The group will interact with research sponsors, other organizations, the RTCC, other working groups having overlapping interests, and related standing committees in various organizations. All expenses will be the responsibility of the individual members.

Products

Periodic reports will be issued to the RTCC, summarizing the working group's assessment of overall research needs and priorities in their area of interest. Other reports for wider distribution (but not containing specific recommendations to research sponsors), may also be prepared.