Form ProjStat (Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
Research Project Statement 16-4FY16 Annual Program
Title: / Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Capacity Study
The Problem: / The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) is the 3rd busiest waterway in the United States. With the tremendous increases in petrochemical plant investments, the Eagle Ford Shale activity, and the upcoming completion of the Panama Canal project, it almost certainly will become busier. There has never been any type of analysis to determine the capacity of the GIWW and specifically how much additional traffic the GIWW can handle safely and efficiently.
A rigorous study of the GIWW’s capacity would enable TxDOT to determine whether there is a need for additional capacity, and if it is determined that there is a need to proactively pursue a change in the GIWW’s design, changes in operation practices, and additional funding.
Technical
Objectives: / 1. In consultation with users, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Coast Guard, identify the key factors that define and constrain vessel traffic on the GIWW.
2. Establish a baseline for types of use, traffic volumes, and operational constraints.
a. Reference public data
b. Conduct traffic counts at key locations
c. Send questionnaires to key stakeholders (users, operators, and others identified as key players in Task 1). Include current issues and expected trends
3. Evaluate future conditions
a. Use questionnaires from Task 2
b. Review Corps of Engineers permits for development along the waterway
c. Review general economic trends from concurrent or recent studies
4. Analyze vessel effects
a. Focus primarily on safety and navigation
b. To the degree data will allow, include environmental, socio-economic, and aesthetics factors
5. Estimate theoretical and practical capacities and analyze current and estimated future traffic in the light of these estimates
6. Establish methodology for tracking critical factors that will indicate a need for initiating a process to modify the GIWW or change operational procedures.
Desired
Deliverables: / A technical memorandum will be submitted at the end of each task. A final report will be prepared which will describe the work performed and the most important findings. It will place particular emphasis on the findings from Task 5 and 6.
Proposal
Requirements: / 1. Proposals will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted for technical evaluation if they are not received by the deadline or do not meet the requirements stated in RTI’s University Handbook.
2. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format, 1 PDF file per proposal. File name should include project name and university abbreviation.
Pre-Proposal Meeting Information: / Thursday, March 12, 2015 2:30 – 4:30PM
Austin Riverside Campus
118 E. Riverside Dr.
RTI Conference Room, 1st Floor
Webex Information:
1. Go to https://txdot.webex.com/txdot/j.php?MTID=mc669233957a14bab20c53fdbb558b22e
2. If requested, enter your name and email address.
3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: 1234
4. Click "Join".
Teleconference information;
Provide your phone number when you join the meeting to receive a call back. Alternatively, you can call:
Call-in toll-free number: 1-(866) 637-1408(US)
Conference Code: 426 158 5995
Notifying RTI of Intent to Propose: / In order to be notified if additional project information is distributed by TxDOT, you must contact RTI, at (512) 416-4730 or by February 27, 2015, if you plan to propose.
Proposal
Deadline: / Proposals are due to RTI by 4:00 p.m. Central Time, April 3, 2015. Email submissions should be sent to .
Project Statement 16-4