•
Research program is mission-oriented and
supports FHWA and DOT goals.
• Stakeholders are engaged throughout the R&T process,
including agenda setting and planning.
• Stakeholders are involved in agenda setting and planning
through the TRB Research and Technology Coordinating Committee, the National
Partnership Initiative, and other advisory groups.
• Stakeholders are engaged in the development of multi-year
program plans, which are revisited annually.
• External experts and advisory groups ensure program relevance
throughout the research process itself.
• Stakeholders are engaged in technology transfer and
innovation delivery activities.
• The program employs a number of mechanisms for customer
feedback, including surveys and focus groups.
Quality
•
Investment decisions are based on competition
and merit review whenever possible.
• External experts are consulted frequently during the conduct
of research; merit reviews of results are encouraged.
• An assessment process for the FHWA's 24 laboratories provides
independent expert evaluation of research efforts.
Performance
•
Stakeholders are involved in reviewing
performance retrospectively.
• The FHWA has conducted cost-benefit studies for elements of
the program.
• Program results are linked to the FHWA and DOT performance
plans.
• Performance is documented in an annual performance report.