A panel of individuals representing state departments of transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, universities, and private trade associations is selected to manage each NCHRP project. The panel prepares the scope of work, reviews proposals, selects the organization to do the research, monitors progress on the project, and reviews final reports.

Many TxDOT professionals serve on NCHRP panels. RTI coordinates the nomination process for panel members between NCHRP and TxDOT.