Chapter 1: Introduction
Section 1: About This Manual
General
The Research Manual presents program processes, policies,
and an overview of the technical research program of the Texas Department
of Transportation (TxDOT). Managed by TxDOT Research and Technology
Implementation Division (RTI), the program includes financial support
for implementation of research results through the RTI Implementation
Program.
This manual:
- describes the various programs and activities, how they are developed, and provides an overview of how they work,
- describes the individuals and organizations involved in research and their overall responsibilities,
- describes the legal and policy matters involved in the program, such as authorizing legislation and federal and state regulations, and
- includes the RTI management process
This manual
is a supplement to
the provisions
of the Cooperative Research and Implementation Agreements (CRIAs)
executed between TxDOT and each
Texas state-supported
universities, university systems, and Federal agency that participate
in the SPRII (Subpart B) Federal Program. The CRIA outlines the
program policies and provides an overview of TxDOT's technical research
program. By signing the CRIA, each university, university system,
or Federal agency, agrees to abide by TxDOT procedures in the conduct
of research and implementation projects. This manual provides the
framework and policies under which those procedures are developed.In addition, this manual serves to delineate the internal
management processes that guide RTI and serves as a high-level outline
of how RTI functions
within the SPR (Subpart B) Federal
program
.