THE NCHRP PROCESS

Jul/Sep SUBMITTAL

1.  NCHRP solicits problem statements as the secretariat to the AASHTO Standing Committee on Research (SCOR).

2.  Authorized sources submit problems to the secretariat:

·  DOTs

·  AASHTO Committees/Subcommittees

·  FHWA

Sep/Dec EVALUATION

1.  FHWA and NCHRP staffs evaluate problems; or selected problems reviewed by evaluation panels (materials, structures, and traffic/safety).

2.  NCHRP staff forwards evaluations to submitters.

3.  Submitters respond to evaluations (optional).

Dec/Mar PROGRAM FORMULATION

1.  Secretariat (NCHRP staff) compiles submittals in a report to SCOR and RAC. Website prepared.

2.  Report sent to SCOR and RAC with ballot for rating both new and continuation problems.

3.  Selected problems sent to relevant AASHTO committees for evaluation; results provided to SCOR and RAC for additional guidance in completing their ballots.

4.  Pavement-related projects sent to ACPA and NAPA for feedback.

5.  SCOR and RAC rate problems and return ballots to secretariat.

6.  Secretariat compiles ratings and ranks all problems.

7.  “Summary of Balloting” is prepared and sent to SCOR.

8.  SCOR meets to formulate recommended program and review NCHRP progress.

Apr/Jul PROGRAM APPROVAL

1.  TRB requests approval of annual program from FHWA

2.  Secretariat reports outcome of SCOR meeting to the AASHTO Board of Directors. Tentative program of projects announced.

3.  AASHTO Executive Director mails out states’ ballots for 2/3 endorsement.

4.  Ballots are returned to AASHTO office.

5.  AASHTO refers program to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for administration.

6.  The NAS reviews for acceptance.

Apr/Jul PANEL FORMULATION

1.  Solicit for panel nominees.

2.  Extend invitations.

3.  Finalize panel rosters.


Jul/Oct PROPOSAL PROCESS

1.  First panel meetings, analyze assigned AASHTO problems and write project statements.

2.  Solicit proposals.

3.  Panels review proposals.

Oct/Feb AGENCY SELECTION

1.  Second panel meetings, selection of agencies.

2.  TRB reports to SCOR requesting agency approvals.

3.  AASHTO approval of agencies.

4.  Negotiate contracts.

Feb/Ongoing PROJECT SURVEILLANCE

1.  Staff visits to research agencies.

2.  Staff provide liaison between panels and research agencies.

3.  Review monthly and quarterly progress reports.

4.  Staff reviews agency monthly invoices.

5.  Evaluate interim and final reports.

6.  Facilitate application of results.

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