Section 4: Mid-Year Projects
Anchor: #i1004656Introduction
While a majority of the annual research program is developed according to the schedule in the previous section, a method is in place to fund critical research needs that arise during the year. For this purpose, a contingency account is maintained by RTI on behalf of the Research Oversight Committee (ROC). This contingency account is used to fund new projects, or modifications to existing projects, which arise during the year, and are considered critical.
Anchor: #i1004666Contingency Account Funding Level
The initial level of funding for the contingency account is established by the ROC when RMC allocations are set. This happens at the July ROC meeting, for the fiscal year starting September 1, two years following. (i.e.: In July 2003, the ROC sets allocations for fiscal year 2005.)
Additional funding may be added by the ROC from RMC funds not obligated at the spring RMC meetings. This funding is available for the upcoming fiscal year.
During the year, additional contingency funds may become available from projects which relinquish their funds due to cancellations, under-spending of budgets, or other reasons.
Anchor: #i1004686Procedures
- The ROC chair may request initiation of a project at any time.
- Project statements for emergency projects that are submitted by D/D/Os must have the district engineer’s or division/office director’s endorsement, and a justification for the emergency priority.
- RTI reviews the research need and discusses it with the applicable RMC chair.
- RTI makes a recommendation to the ROC chair on initiation of the project.
- Mid-year projects approved by the ROC chair are initiated.
- TxDOT IT policies and procedures apply to all mid-year projects with IT deliverables.