Chapter 2: Program Overview
Anchor: #i1000277Section 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:
Anchor: #i1000282Cooperative 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.
Anchor: #i1013321The 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.
Anchor: #i1013431The 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.
Anchor: #i1000292Importance of the Research Program
The program is important to Federal Agencies because:
- Anchor: #EVAUFJJO
- 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, Anchor: #KMREQYRP
- top-quality university researchers are available to help solve important transportation problems, and Anchor: #GPYAFDTN
- it assists the Federal Government in meeting needs created by growth and changing technologies,
The program is important to TxDOT because:
- Anchor: #RJKCAXQG
- 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, Anchor: #FEPKDCUT
- top quality university researchers are available to help solve important transportation problems, and Anchor: #HNAMPDES
- University students working on TxDOT research projects may be attracted to TxDOT careers upon graduation.
The program is important to Universities because:
- Anchor: #PXFWLREP
- a continuing and adequately funded Research Program allows them to build and maintain a high- quality faculty and staff of researchers, and Anchor: #BRKDFCJE
- 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:
- Anchor: #NGGKGPDP
- contributes to the high quality of Texas transportation facilities and services, Anchor: #TRVGSJMW
- assists the state in meeting needs created by growth and changing technologies, Anchor: #NLBCODQA
- ensures that transportation research funds are available to Texas universities to maintain the high quality of education at those institutions, and Anchor: #CTLWHQWA
- 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 |
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Research Effectively manage research projects to deliver high value to TxDOT and the State of Texas |
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Implementation Effectively manage implementation projects to deliver high value to TxDOT and the State of Texas |
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Collaboration Build and maintain collaborative relationships with our partners |
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Delivery Deliver to SPR requirements |
In accordance to 23 CFR 420, 23 USC 505, and the Uniform Guidance per 2 CFR 200:
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Coordination Coordinate effective* program services |
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