Chapter 10: Product Evaluation Program

Section 1: General

Purpose of the Program

The
New
Product Evaluation Program exists to:
  • Centralize and streamline the receipt and processing of vendor requests for TxDOT to evaluate new products,
  • Expand field evaluation of products, and
  • Communicate findings to vendors and interested department personnel.

Definition of a New Product

In the context of this program, a new product is a product currently available on the market for immediate acquisition for which TxDOT does not have a current specification or item code, or a product which appears to be equal or superior to existing products covered by a specification.

Department Commitment

The department
administers the evaluation of
new products to assist in the utilization of new or improved materials, products, or equipment beneficial to the total transportation effort. Some of the goals of the analysis are to determine whether a product is ready for use and whether it would be beneficial to TxDOT operations. This evaluation may involve confirming vendor data, to avoid the expenditure of public funds on research and development of commercial products.
Products must be submitted to using Form 1684.