Section 1: Research Program Overview

The following guidance documents govern the management of SPR II Subpart B Program and are incorporated as a means of standing-up and maintaining the Program:

Cooperative Research and Implementation Agreement

The Cooperative Research and Implementation Agreement is the contract vehicle for which the research and related efforts conducted by Texas state-supported universities that have a research program within their University System and United States Geological Survey (USGS) federal agency. The program focuses on technical surface transportation issues. Cooperation with applicable universities is reflected through close coordination between TxDOT and university researchers
.

The University Handbook

The University Handbook serves as a more granular guidance document prepared for our University partners. It outlines the ‘How To’ and ‘What To’ do when participating in the Research Program. The University Handbook is designed to outline the universities’ adherence and responsibilities of the SPR II Subpart B Federal Program.

The Research Manual

The Research Manual is the TxDOT manual that outlines the responsibilities of RTI as governance over the SPR II Subpart B Federal Program and Research and Technology Implementation division for TxDOT. This Manual also serves as the management document over this Program as stated in 23 CFR 420 and is required to be reviewed and approved by Texas Division of FHWA, if modified or updated.

Importance of the Research Program

The program is important to Federal Agencies
because:

the development and application of advanced technology, new knowledge and improved methods and procedures are critical to future FHWA service quality and operational cost-effectiveness,

top-quality university researchers are available to help solve important transportation problems, and

it assists the Federal Government in meeting needs created by growth and changing technologies,

The program is important to TxDOT
because:

the development and application of advanced technology, new knowledge and improved methods and procedures are critical to future TxDOT service quality and operational cost-effectiveness,

top quality university researchers are available to help solve important transportation problems, and

University students working on TxDOT research projects may be attracted to TxDOT careers upon graduation.

The program is important to Universities
because:

a continuing and adequately funded Research Program allows them to build and maintain a high- quality faculty and staff of researchers, and

offers graduate students the opportunity to work on and learn from research projects.

The program is important to the State of Texas
for the following reasons:

contributes to the high quality of Texas transportation facilities and services,

assists the state in meeting needs created by growth and changing technologies,

ensures that transportation research funds are available to Texas universities to maintain the high quality of education at those institutions, and

ensures that high quality transportation talent is available in Texas.

Goals and Objectives of the Research Program

The goals and objectives for the Research Program is to deliver research and technology implementation that maintains a safe system and provides the most value to TxDOT and the state of Texas as follows:


Goals	Objectives
Research Effectively manage research projects to deliver high value to TxDOT and the State of Texas	Drive project selection and oversight resulting in greater potential return and outcome Focus deliverables on the path forward. Longer term efforts demonstrate promise for significant useful impact/Value of Research. Coordinate National research efforts, leveraging project results where possible Disseminate project information and results to TxDOT and the public Coordinate test bed capability and initiate project experiments and tests with the State Universities Oversee research that aids and affects policies and procedures
Implementation Effectively manage implementation projects to deliver high value to TxDOT and the State of Texas	Establish and oversee the State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) Focus investments on what is important to the State of Texas and public needs Oversee selection and drive valued implementations in and across Districts Disseminate project information and results to TxDOT and the public Oversee implementation that aids and affects policies and procedures
Collaboration Build and maintain collaborative relationships with our partners	Establish and maintain long term cooperative and transparent relationships with State Universities, FHWA, TxDOT, and the public Build upon outreach with Districts, FHWA, and State Universities Conduct workshops to continuously improve processes
Delivery Deliver to SPR requirements	In accordance to 23 CFR 420, 23 USC 505, and the Uniform Guidance per 2 CFR 200: Ensure funds are managed appropriately Develop and maintain documentation to meet requirements of the program: Cooperative Research and Implementation Agreement (CRIA), Research Manual, SPR Part II Work Program, Annual Performance Expenditure Report, University Handbook, and Fiscal Year Program Book (as applicable).
Coordination Coordinate effective * program services	Provide knowledge transfer and technical assistance at the local municipalities While not a part of the SPR II Subpart B program, RTI facilitates product evaluations to leverage new technologies and enhanced materials and products. This portion is not funded by this Federal program* .