Chapter 5: Research Program Development
Anchor: #CHDHCJGESection 1: Introduction
Anchor: #i1003477Purpose of This Chapter
This chapter describes the development of TxDOT's annual research program. While projects may be initiated at any time during the year, a majority of projects are developed according to the 14-month cycle described in sections 2 and 3 of this chapter. This chapter also covers procedures for projects started outside that cycle.
Further, while a majority of TxDOT’s research is contracted to state-supported universities, research may be conducted in-house by TxDOT, or in conjunction with a university. This chapter also covers procedures for those instances.
Anchor: #i1003494The Annual Research Program
Research projects are active for one fiscal year at a time, from September 1 through the next August 31. Each project must be approved for each fiscal year of its duration by a Research Management Committee (RMC).
The procedures in this chapter describe the activities in the formal research program development cycle. The dates are approximate and may change slightly for each cycle.
Research needs submitted to RTI should be submitted through the channels established by the RTI director. D/D/Os are encouraged to submit research needs at any time during the year and in any format. See RTI’s Crossroads (intranet) web site for instructions for submitting research needs outside the formal annual call.
Most research needs submitted outside the annual call will be held until the formal cycle begins. However, emergency projects may be proposed to begin mid-year. Examples of emergency projects are those that impact the safety of the traveling public, have the potential for major savings in resources, or are requested by TxDOT’s Administration.