WORKING GROUP GUIDELINES

OBJECTIVE

To provide information for use by sponsoring agencies in the coordination of national highway research and technology (R&T) programs.

CHARGE

Each working group will: (1) identify the major issues in their area of interest; (2) review existing R&T 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 R&T theme areas; (5) develop marketing information on the benefits to result from increased funding in the theme areas; and (6) facilitate partnerships and coordination to carry out these initiatives. It is anticipated that the working groups will primarily deal with theme areas rather than individual projects, e.g., roadside safety rather than barrier design. All aspects of the innovations process are included - basic and applied research, technology transfer, demonstrations, and training. 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 program 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

Each working group should provide the following:

1. A report as described in the attachment (by the end of 2000)
2. A session at the 2001 TRB Annual Meeting presenting the findings from this year's efforts
3. A brief article for TRNews.
4. A brief oral report to the RTCC at its meeting on March 23-24, summarizing progress to date. Future reports to RTCC as appropriate.
5. A presentation to the full Partnership Forum if they meet this summer or fall.
6. Other interim reports as desired, e.g., AASHTO reps reporting to SCOR/RAC/AASHTO Committees.