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Chapter 9
RD&T Partnerships
The Department’s RD&T program emphasizes partnership, coordination, and information
sharing—both across the Federal Government and with universities, State
and local governments, industry, and other organizations. This approach helps the
Department to leverage scarce RD&T resources, prevent unnecessary duplication,
and broaden the range of expertise brought to bear on transportation problems.
Coordination with Other Federal Agencies
RD&T
Partnerships
- Coordination with
Other Federal
Agencies
- University Research
- Cooperative
Research and
Partnerships
|
As the agency with the most direct responsibility for transportation, DOT leads
transportation RD&T in the Federal Government. To further this role, the
Department works closely with other agencies to avoid duplication and to leverage
research investments.
The Department coordinates Federal RD&T through the White House Office of
Science and Technology Policy and the National Science and Technology Council
(NSTC). Chaired by the President, the NSTC is a Cabinet-level council that coordinates
science and technology policies across the Government. In addition, the
Department’s operating administrations coordinate with particular agencies in specific
research areas of mutual interest. Among the agencies with which the
Department actively collaborates are the following:
Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducts research to ensure that Americans
have reliable, adequate supplies of high-quality food and other agricultural products.
Of particular interest to transportation is USDA research in a number of fields
related to advancing the use of agricultural waste and feedstocks for bio-based and
renewable fuels. USDA currently coordinates the Federal interagency Biomass R&D
Board, established by the Biomass Research & Development Act of 2000. Joint
efforts with DOT include:
- Work with RITA to coordinate and seek technical expertise for the bio-based
transportation research grant identified in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible,
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
- Collaboration on the President’s Hydrogen Initiative, primarily in the areas of
renewable hydrogen production.
Department of Commerce
With a mission of promoting economic growth by developing and applying technology,
measurements, and standards, the National Institute of Standards and
NSTC Subcommittee on Biometrics
Biometrics is a technology that is rapidly becoming a useful security, cost-saving, and convenience tool for
the Federal Government. Although the Government is using the technology for many applications, further
development and assessment are needed to improve the technology’s utility. To address these issues, the
NSTC has established the Subcommittee on Biometrics, a joint subcommittee of the NSTC Committee on
Technology and the Committee on Homeland and National Security. The subcommittee’s purpose is to:
- Foster U.S. Government collaboration, and minimize duplication, on biometrics research, development,
test, and evaluation by developing and implementing interagency coordination plans that emphasize
mid- and long-term, rather than immediate, needs and issues.
- Function as the Government focal point and clearinghouse for information on biometrics research, technologies,
and technical and policy issues.
- Support the coordinated participation of Government agencies in international working groups on biometric
technologies and develop common Government positions when possible.
In addition to DOT, membership on the subcommittee includes the Departments of Commerce, Defense,
Homeland Security, Justice, State, and Treasury; the National Science Foundation; the Social Security
Administration; the Government Printing Office; and the intelligence community. The subcommittee is currently
developing and implementing a number of interagency coordination plans, including those for
research and development in fingerprint, face, and iris recognition; biometrics test and evaluation; system
considerations such as human-system interface issues; and program management. |
Technology (NIST) conducts much of the transportation-related RD&T in the
Department of Commerce (DOC). NIST research on materials is particularly important.
Another DOC agency that performs research of relevance to transportation is
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Current DOC collaboration
with DOT includes:
- NIST research with FHWA on high-performance concrete.
- FRA–NIST work on the fire safety of passenger rail car materials.
- NIST collaboration with PHMSA to advance pipeline materials for Arctic
operations.
- NOAA work with PHMSA on emergency planning for major storm events to
lessen impacts on the pipeline infrastructure.
- • NOAA research with FHWA on technologies for road weather observations.
- MARAD–NOAA collaboration to evaluate the effectiveness of ballast water
testing technologies.
- DOC participation in the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO)
currently defining the future air transportation system.
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) accounts for a large proportion of all Federal
RD&T. In the area of transportation, DOD seeks advances in aviation and space
technologies; surface vehicles; ship design and propulsion; satellite positioning and
communications; chemical, biological, and explosive agent detection; and highperformance
materials. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, in particular,
provides substantial funding for research on maritime and other transportation
technologies. DOD also conducts research in such areas as human performance,
materials science, microelectronics, and nanotechnology. Examples of collaborative
work with DOT include:
- FHWA–U.S. Army Corps of Engineers studies on concrete curing and pavement
performance.
- FHWA work with the Navy on high-performance steel for bridges.
- FHWA’s project with the Army’s Cold Region Research and Engineering
Laboratory to develop a winter weather Maintenance Decision Support System.
- The FAA–NASA–DOD Aviation Safety Program.
- FRA work on a Rail Car Inspection Guide for the military through DOD’s
Technical Support Working Group.
- The JPDO.
Department of Energy
Primarily concerned with energy conservation and reducing petroleum dependence,
the Department of Energy (DOE) conducts research in alternative fuels, propulsion
systems, and related technologies. DOE also has more than 20 major laboratories and
research facilities—many with strong capabilities in advanced materials, energy conversion
and storage, and other transportation-relevant areas. DOE research of interest
to DOT includes the following:
- Joint work with RITA and other DOT operating administrations on implementing
the President’s Hydrogen Initiative.
- Research at Argonne National Laboratory on fuel cells, hybrid vehicles, intelligent
transportation systems, and rail technologies.
- FAA’s Airworthiness Assurance “Center of Excellence” at Sandia National
Laboratories, which conducts research on aircraft maintenance; crashworthiness;
inspection and repair techniques; propulsion, fuel system, and landing
gear safety; and new materials.
- Collaboration between PHMSA and DOE’s National Energy Technology
Laboratory on a program of research, development, demonstration, and standardization
to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities.
- Work at DOE’s laboratories on testing and demonstration of technologies for
detecting chemical, biological, and explosive agents.
Department of Homeland Security
Established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) prevents, protects against, and responds to acts of terrorism on U.S.
soil. Two DHS agencies are former DOT operating administrations: the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Coast Guard. TSA protects the Nation’s
transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.
The missions of the Coast Guard are homeland security, maritime law enforcement,
marine safety, and marine environmental protection. DHS collaboration with
DOT includes:
- Operation Safe Commerce, a public-private partnership providing a test bed for
technologies that increase container security.
- FRA–DHS research on real-time tracking of hazardous materials tank cars and
development of a rail addendum to the overall DOT–DHS Memorandum of
Understanding.
- FMCSA–TSA efforts on Untethered Trailer Tracking and Commercial Vehicle
Information Systems and Networks.
- FHWA support for development of an advanced Driver Training Range at the
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and joint research on anti-ram
barriers.
- FAA–DHS collaboration through the JPDO.
- Work with MARAD on mariner/transportation worker credentials, biometrics,
and radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology.
Department of the Interior
RD&T Partnerships
- Coordination with
Other Federal
Agencies
- University Research
- Cooperative
Research and
Partnerships
|
The Department of the Interior (DOI) protects and manages the Nation’s natural
resources and cultural heritage and provides scientific and other information about those resources. Within DOI, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) oversees the
Nation's natural gas, oil, and other mineral resources on the Outer Continental
Shelf. MMS has two major programs: Offshore Minerals Management and
Minerals Revenue Management. The offshore activity is supported by a
Technology Assessment and Research Program that conducts research associated
with operational safety, pollution prevention, and oil spill response and cleanup
capabilities. Current collaborative work with DOT includes:
- Joint MMS–PHMSA research to address pipeline safety.
- MMS–PHMSA research to enhance environmental protection of offshore areas.
Department of State
Within the Department of State (DOS), the Facility Security Division has responsibility
for ensuring the security of DOS facilities worldwide. FHWA’s Office of Safety
Research and Development, located at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center
in McLean, Virginia, has assisted DOS with providing security from explosive-laden
vehicles at pedestrian entrances and facility perimeters. Work includes:
- Use of FHWA roadside hardware analysis and simulation tools and engineering
expertise to develop anti-ram barriers and walls that meet DOS requirements
and the construction limitations of the host countries.
Environmental Protection Agency
Transportation research in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primarily
involves emissions abatement, control, and compliance, and programs on air and
water quality. Particular work of interest to DOT includes:
- EPA’s Clean Automotive Technology Program, which partners with industry to
develop clean, advanced automotive technology.
- EPA coordination with PHMSA on a program of research, development, demonstration,
and standardization to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has a distinguished
background in aeronautical and space transportation research. Although topics such
as propulsion, aerodynamics, and control systems have predominated, NASA is now
also addressing aviation safety and air traffic management. NASA and FAA are full
research partners, and NASA also works with other DOT administrations in areas of
mutual interest. Among NASA’s collaborative efforts with DOT are:
- Sharing budget information, discussing metrics and goals, and coordinating
research with FAA at the senior management level through the NASA–FAA
Executive Committee and at the working level through the Interagency Air
Traffic Management Integrated Product Team.
Joint Planning and Development Office
In 2003, FAA, NASA, and other agencies joined to form the JPDO, charged with developing a National Planfor the Transformation of Air Transportation. The plan’s purpose is threefold: establish a vision for future airtransportation, set national aerospace goals, and ensure that the United States remains at the forefront ofaviation. The JPDO will coordinate the development and use of new technologies to ensure that, when avail-able, they may be used to their fullest potential in aircraft and the air traffic control system. It also will facilitate the transfer of technology to the private sector and to Federal agencies with operationalresponsibilities.
The JPDO plan will lay the groundwork for a system that meets the needs of all users and that is efficient inthe application of aerospace resources. This Next Generation Air Transportation System will provide thecapacity and flexibility to support future demands while ensuring the safety of the flying public. It will be partof an integrated national and global transportation system, one that simultaneously satisfies the Nation’seconomic, defense, and homeland security needs. |
- The FAA–NASA Aviation Safety Program.
- Joint meetings of FAA and NASA research advisory committees.
- FAA–NASA research on aircraft noise and emissions reduction.
- FAA–NASA collaboration on the development of technologies for the future air
transportation system through the JPDO.
- A memorandum of understanding between FHWA and NASA regarding FHWA’s
use of and training in NASA computational analysis tools.
National Science Foundation
An independent Federal agency, the National Science Foundation (NSF) strengthens
U.S. science and engineering through education and research. NSF accomplishes
this mission through an annual investment in approximately 20,000 research and
education projects. Of particular relevance to DOT are:
• NSF’s Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers, which conduct a
range of research on material properties, synthesis, structure, and performance.
• A DOT–NSF Partnership for Research in Information and Communications
Systems for Surface Transportation.
• Research with FHWA and State DOTs on the long-term durability of materials
and structures.
• Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis, a program that provides start-up
funding for promising, but unproven, innovations in surface transportation.
Universtity Research
RD&T Partnerships
- Coordination with
Other Federal
Agencies
- University Research
- Cooperative
Research and
Partnerships
|
In addition to coordinating RD&T with other Federal research agencies, the
Department actively pursues research and technology partnerships with the
Nation’s leading academic institutions. The following are DOT’s major university
programs:
Center for the Commercial Deployment of Transportation Technologies
MARAD and the U.S. Transportation Command provide coordinated support to the
Center for the Commercial Deployment of Transportation Technologies (CCDOTT),
a chartered university center at California State University in Long Beach. The
center is congressionally sponsored, with funding provided from DOD.
The CCDOTT functions as a partnership of academic institutions, government
agencies, and private companies. It has three purposes: leverage advanced transportation
technologies—including emerging high-speed ship systems, decisionsupport
tools, tagging and tracking, and agile port and terminal systems—to solve
defense and commercial infrastructure problems; sponsor applied research in support
of defense and commercial infrastructure initiatives; and provide a bilateral
technology transfer/dual-use bridge between DOD and industry. The center has
completed a series of studies to date, and is now implementing these efforts as well
as pursuing further research.
FAA Transportation Centers of Excellence
Centers of Excellence (COEs) are unique consortia of Federal, university, and industry
researchers working to improve aviation through shared resources, leveraged
funding, and pooled talent. Following an extensive selection process, university
core members enter into cooperative agreements with FAA. Subsequently, research
scientists are funded through matching grants and cost-share contracts. COE members
are required to provide matching funds from non-Federal sources, solidifying
their partnership with FAA and enabling the centers to strive to be an independent
national resource. Through these partnerships between government, academia, and
industry, all parties maximize and strengthen their technological capabilities.
The current COEs are Airliner Cabin Environment, Joint Center for Advanced
Materials Research, Aircraft Noise and Aviation Emissions Mitigation, General
Aviation, Airworthiness Assurance, Operations Research, and Airport Technology.
FRA University Research Program
This FRA program awards competitive research grants to universities for work on
challenging priority areas identified in the FRA Strategic Plan. Efforts are supported
using discretionary funds or in accordance with congressional mandates. When the
work progresses to the prototype stage, cooperating railroads or FRA technical support
contractors provide field testing support as necessary. Current studies include
work at Marshall University and the University of Nebraska on human factors,
infrastructure durability, and a high-precision differential global positioning system
(GPS), and research at Ohio University on the development of high-performance
nationwide differential GPS services and related user equipment.
Global Maritime and Transportation School
Located at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York,
the Global Maritime and Transportation School (GMATS) is designated as a
National Maritime Enhancement Institute, recognizing its expertise, capabilities,
and industry affiliations contributing to the advancement of safe, secure,
economically viable, and environmentally sensible marine and intermodal
transportation systems.
The GMATS Division of Research and Special Projects conducts applied research in
a number of areas, including maritime security; modal and intermodal freight
systems; marine and intermodal terminal operations; maritime training and
education; industry leadership and business ethics; port and waterway design and
traffic management; maritime business and economics; communication and
information systems; shipboard operations; and marine engineering, shipbuilding,
and naval architecture.
Joint University Program
Jointly sponsored by FAA and NASA, the Joint University Program seeks to
materially improve the efficiency, performance, and safety of air transportation in
the United States by identifying promising targets for development, by conducting
associated long-term research, and by educating technological leaders.
Through the program, leading academic researchers and their students are involved
in solving critical aeronautical problems, particularly those related to aircraft guidance,
navigation, and control; meteorological hazards; and human factors. The program
currently provides research grants to the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Ohio University, and Princeton University.
Maritime Research and Education
The USMMA is one of five Federal service academies. Its four-year program provides
the broad college education required for a Bachelor of Science degree, with the
specialized training for licensing as a merchant marine officer and the military
knowledge for commissioning in a reserve component of the Armed Forces.
USMMA laboratories and research contribute to maritime innovation and to
building a talented and skilled maritime workforce.
To inform the public about the maritime industry and potential educational and
career opportunities, MARAD has established a Maritime Careers Program with the
maritime academies, maritime training institutions, and shipbuilding organizations.
The program seeks to ensure that the maritime workforce is prepared to contribute
effectively to the evolving maritime environment.
Renewable Energy Transportation Laboratory
RD&T Partnerships
- Coordination with
Other Federal
Agencies
- University Research
- Cooperative
Research and
Partnerships
|
Located at the USMMA, the Renewable Energy Transportation Laboratory acts as a
test bed for a full range of alternative energy technologies. It facilitates advancements
in renewable technologies, gives students a hands-on aspect to their studies,
and promotes interest in the application of alternative energy systems.
Currently receiving financial and technical support from the Long Island Power
Authority and from Plug Power (in Latham, New York), the laboratory features
integrated and fully operational wind, solar photovoltaic, and hydrogen fuel cell
generators (which develop nonpolluting power for hydrogen production and the
operation of two electric work carts); an “Electrathon” endurance race car; and a
fuel-cell-powered boat.
University Transportation Centers Program
The Department’s largest university research program, the University Transportation
Centers (UTC) Program conducts basic and applied research to advance the body of
knowledge in transportation; conducts education programs to expand the transportation
workforce; and provides capacity building programs to transportation professionals.
The UTC Program is managed by RITA and funded by FHWA and FTA. The program
has a multimodal focus and is supportive of the Department’s strategic goals.
SAFETEA-LU authorized the most significant expansion of the UTC Program to date,
increasing the annual funding for UTCs and the number of UTCs to 60 from the
33 established in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. With this
expansion comes new opportunities for the program to make an even greater
contribution to transportation research, education, and technology transfer.
In 2006, DOT will competitively select 20 UTCs and fund an additional 40 named
in SAFETEA-LU. Each UTC will have a specific transportation theme that advances
one or more of the Department’s strategic goals. SAFETEA-LU requires that the UTCs
support the national surface transportation research agenda described in the April
2002 Report of the National Highway Research and Technology Partnership,
Highway Research and Technology: The Need for Greater Investment; the FTA National
Research and Technology Program described in the September 2005 FTA Strategic
Research Plan; and other documents specified by RITA, which currently include the DOT Strategic Plan, Transportation Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan,
and National Strategy to Reduce Congestion on America’s Transportation Network.
SAFETEA-LU University Transportation Centers |
Regional UTCs (FY 05-06)
Massachusetts Institute of
Technology
City University of New York
Pennsylvania State University
University of Tennessee
University of Wisconsin*
Texas A&M University
Iowa State University
North Dakota State University
University of California
University of Washington
Regional UTCs (FY 07-09)
Massachusetts Institute of
Technology
City University of New York
Pennsylvania State University
University of Tennessee
Purdue University
Texas A&M University
University of Nebraska
North Dakota State University
University of California
University of Washington
Tier I UTCs (FY 05-06)
Rutgers University
San José State University
South Carolina State University
University of Alabama
University of Arkansas**
University of Central Florida
University of Idaho
University of Missouri-Rolla*
University of South Florida
University of Southern California |
Tier I UTCs (FY 07-09)
Georgia Institute of Technology
Iowa State University
Rutgers University
San José State University
University of Florida
University of Idaho
University of Maryland
University of Michigan
University of South Florida
University of Southern California/
California State University,
Long Beach
Tier II UTCs (FY 06-09)
California State University,
San Bernardino
Cleveland State University
George Mason University
Hampton University
Kansas State University
Louisiana State University
Michigan Technological University
North Carolina State University
Northwestern University*
University of Akron
University of Arkansas**
University of California, Davis
University of Connecticut
University of Delaware in Newark
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Massachusetts,
Amherst
University of Memphis
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of Rhode Island
University of Toledo
Utah State University
Youngstown State University |
National UTCs (FY 05-09)
Marshall University
Montana State University
Northwestern University*
Oklahoma State University
Portland State University
University of Alaska
University of Minnesota
University of Missouri-Rolla*
University of Vermont
University of Wisconsin*
Title III UTCs (FY 06-09)
Jackson State University
Knoxville National
Transportation Research Center
Morgan State University
North Dakota State University***
Texas A&M
University of Alabama
University of Alabama,
Birmingham
University of Denver/
Mississippi State University
*These three universities are to receive two grants.
**SAFETEA-LU limits Arkansas to receiving only one of its two authorized grants in FY 06.
***Authorized to receive funds only in FY 06-07. |
By statute, each UTC must develop a strategic plan that describes how it will meet
the program’s legislative intent. UTCs must also report annually on the progress
made in achieving identified strategic goals using specified measurable performance
indicators. The Department will document the extent to which each UTC is
meeting legislative requirements, undertaking research directly supporting DOT
goals and the Transportation Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan, and
making measurable progress toward achieving its strategic goals.
To date, the UTCs have been perceived to be an underutilized resource for the conduct
of the Department’s RD&T program. To rectify this, RITA will provide proactive,
periodic feedback to the UTCs on DOT goals, objectives, and priorities; ensure DOT
participation in UTCs’ research-selection processes; and facilitate a closer working
relationship between the UTCs and DOT program offices. RITA will also sponsor regular
workshops to showcase UTC research and produce an annual report describing
UTC accomplishments.
Cooperative Research and Partnerships
RD&T Partnerships
- Coordination with
Other Federal
Agencies
- University Research
- Cooperative
Research and
Partnerships
|
The Department engages in cooperative and joint research with stakeholders across
the transportation enterprise, including State and local agencies, industry, and
not-for-profit institutions. Among these joint activities, the Department’s primary
cooperative programs and partnerships are:
Airport Cooperative Research Program
Mandated by Congress in the Vision 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act,
the Airport Cooperative Research Program carries out applied research on problems
that are shared by airport operating agencies and that are not being adequately
addressed by existing Federal research programs. An independent governing board of
airport managers and others appointed by the Secretary of Transportation selects the
research projects. The Transportation Research Board (TRB) administers the program.
Cargo Handling Cooperative Program
The Cargo Handling Cooperative Program (CHCP) is a public–private partnership
established in 1983 to increase the productivity of marine freight transportation by
fostering cargo-handling RD&T among intermodal freight entities. The program’s
focus is on industry-driven technology priorities and a system-level approach to
freight transportation. CHCP participants pursue innovations that will increase the
productivity and cost-effectiveness of cargo operations.
The CHCP emphasizes integrated systems for freight movement through advances in
infrastructure design, seamless international transportation networks, and communication
and information flows. Initiatives are based on a system-level approach—
from origin to destination—so that intermodal transfer points, port connections,
and other subsystems all meet system requirements. Although the CHCP has not
independently funded research for the past several years, its members have been able to use the program’s framework to obtain funding for selected projects, such as
Chassis Tag Research and Security Container Seal Processes.
Commercial Remote Sensing and Spatial Technologies Program
Managed by RITA, the Commercial Remote Sensing and Spatial Technologies
Program will promote partnerships with consortia teams by bringing together
resources and expertise from university research centers, industry, technology
service providers for transportation systems, and State transportation agencies.
The products from the program will address a variety of commercial applications
to solve multimodal transportation challenges. These applications will involve the
development of products and services that integrate advances in satellite and aerial
high-resolution imageries; GPS, including navigation tools and services; and geographic
information systems, including mapping and visualization tools.
Hazardous Materials Transportation Cooperative Research Program
This PHMSA program was established by SAFETEA-LU. Administered by the TRB,
the program, once implemented, will provide grants for research on a number of
safety and security issues, with possible topics including hazardous materials data
and analysis, planning and preparing for hazardous materials emergencies, support
for first responders, and hazardous materials commodity flow studies.
Marine Environmental Research
RD&T Partnerships
- Coordination with
Other Federal
Agencies
- University Research
- Cooperative
Research and
Partnerships
|
MARAD works with industry partners, researchers, and other agencies to test and
evaluate the effectiveness of technologies with the potential to reduce marine environmental
impacts. For example, MARAD is at the forefront of efforts to test and
evaluate the effectiveness of emerging technologies and processes for ballast water
treatment. MARAD and its partners are also evaluating hydrogen fuel cell technology,
cold ironing, and auxiliary power operations in an effort to reduce shipboard
emissions while in port, as well as technologies and procedures designed to reduce
air emissions in environmentally critical areas.
Marine Transportation System
The Marine Transportation System (MTS) is a Secretarial initiative to advance maritime
interests in the United States. Seventeen different Federal agencies and all
industry components are actively engaged in its development. Industry groups
include entities involved with intermodal connections, cargo, and passenger movements,
and other public and private stakeholders. The Interagency Committee of
the MTS, the Federal team, and the MTS National Advisory Council, the industry
team, each have formed Research and Technology and other subcommittees to
assist with coordination and priority setting.
The MTS initiative has energized the intermodal industry, as well as Federal, State,
and local transportation agencies, to coordinate and accelerate the application of
advanced technologies to maritime transportation. Moreover, in support of the
MTS, MARAD is coordinating efforts of the Committee for the Maritime
Transportation System, the Marine Board, and industry partners to evaluate concepts
for an improved MTS from a total transportation system perspective. The focus is on exploring maritime concepts that will reduce congestion, increase safety,
and more efficiently move commerce systemwide. In particular, effective use of
the MTS has the potential to reduce system congestion, since it has the capacity to
handle the much higher freight volumes anticipated in the future.
Maritime Standards Coordination
MARAD participates in International Maritime Organization and International
Labor Organization activities to support the development and implementation of
standards that will improve the effectiveness of domestic and international transportation
systems. The agency is actively involved in the implementation of standards
for training certification, watchkeeping, and other maritime-related areas.
Moreover, MARAD has been instrumental in developing standards for identity management
(including mariner/transportation worker credentials and border management)
and in interagency standards-setting efforts (for biometrics, freight security,
and RFID). MARAD also currently holds the Secretariat position for the
International Standards Organization subcommittee that sets standards for piping
and machinery.
National Cooperative Freight Transportation Research
Established by SAFETEA-LU and managed by RITA, the National Cooperative
Freight Transportation Research Program supports research on critical freight transportation
issues. Among these are techniques for estimating and quantifying the
public benefits of freight transportation projects; alternative approaches to calculating
the contribution of truck and rail traffic to congestion; the feasibility of consolidating
origins and destinations for freight movement; incorporating estimates of
international trade into landside transportation planning; using technology to
increase the capacity of truck-only highway lanes; and emerging and future freight
transportation research needs in all modes. The National Research Council will
administer the program, award contracts and grants through competition and merit
review, and establish an advisory committee representing a cross-section of freight
stakeholders. This committee will recommend a national research agenda for freight
transportation that includes a multiyear strategic plan.
National Cooperative Highway Research Program
Established in 1962, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)
addresses issues of interest to State DOTs. In most cases, projects are focused on
problems of immediate national concern that can be solved through applied
research. Results are intended to have an impact on practice through products such
as specifications, user manuals, and guidelines. States voluntarily contribute 5.5 percent
of State Planning and Research funds to support the program, which is administered
by the TRB.
Projects in the NCHRP are solely the prerogative of the American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and its member departments.
AASHTO’s Standing Committee on Research selects projects annually from a list of
problem statements submitted by the departments, AASHTO committees, and FHWA. Each NCHRP project is assigned to a panel, appointed by the TRB, which is
looked to for technical guidance and counsel. Heavy emphasis is placed on appointing
members who represent potential users of the research results. Project findings
are published and disseminated in the NCHRP report series.
Ship Operations Cooperative Program
MARAD’s Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) is a public-private
partnership that promotes national security and economic growth through the
identification, development, and application of new methods, procedures, and
technologies for maritime vessel activities. The program’s objective is to improve
the competitiveness, productivity, efficiency, safety, and environmental responsiveness
of U.S. vessel operations. The SOCP currently has more than 40 member
organizations that contribute funding, resources, and active project management.
Ship Structure Committee
An international cooperative program with 10 participating agencies, the Ship
Structure Committee advances ship safety and structural integrity. This program, in
which MARAD participates, enhances the safety of life at sea, promotes technology
and educational advancements, and protects the marine environment through
research on ship structural design, life-cycle risk management, and production technologies.
Among the two dozen or so projects that are typically underway are
efforts addressing the structural safety of high-speed ferries, structural problems on
modern cruise ships, the use of aluminum in ship structures, structural fire protection,
design guidelines for structural repairs, and the relationship of structural
integrity to chemical treatment of ballast water.
Short Sea Shipping Cooperative Program
This program is MARAD’s most recent industry-inspired partnership. Formed in
October 2003, the program’s purpose is to share resources and in-kind services in
the development of Short Sea Shipping in North America. (Short Sea Shipping is
the water transportation of freight and passengers that does not cross an ocean.)
Both MARAD and the 35 private-sector partners that formed the program believe
that increased awareness and application of Short Sea Shipping can decrease traffic
congestion, improve safety, and benefit the environment. One of the program’s
first goals is to conduct outreach to future users of a North American Short Sea
Shipping System.
Transit Cooperative Research Program
Through the Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP), FTA funds research on
issues significant to the transit industry. Research is directed to near-term, local
problem solving in transit planning, service concepts, vehicles and equipment,
facilities, operations, human resources, maintenance, and administrative practices.
More than 260 products of TCRP research have been delivered to the public
transportation community. The TRB, which administers the program, maintains
a publications list and a description of all TCRP studies on its website at
http://www4.trb.org/trb/crp.nsf/TCRP+projects.
Transportation Pooled-Fund Program
When there is significant or widespread interest in solving a transportation-related
problem, several Federal, State, regional, or local transportation agencies, academic
institutions, foundations, or private firms may jointly fund research, planning, or
technology transfer activities as a pooled-fund study. To qualify, more than one
agency, academic institution, or private company must find the subject important
enough to commit funds or other resources. If a subject has been studied previously,
the new effort should provide additional information that will complement or
advance previous investigations.
A State DOT or FHWA must sponsor each pooled-fund study. Participation by
foreign governments, local agencies, private companies, foundations, and academic
institutions is at the discretion of the lead State. FHWA provides financial management
of the program. In 2005, the program included 113 State-led studies and
63 FHWA-led projects with a total value of approximately $128 million. Details on
individual pooled-fund studies are available at http://www.pooledfund.org/.
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