Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)
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Table B-5. Review of FTA RD&T Program

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Investment Criterion Program Evidence
Relevance •   Research program is mission-oriented and supports FTA and DOT strategic goals.
•   Stakeholders are engaged throughout the process, including agenda setting and planning.
•   Program managers work closely with committees and research boards, including the TRB and organizations such as the American Public Transportation Association.
•   Stakeholders are involved in agenda setting and planning through the TRB's Transit Research Analysis Committee.
•   Stakeholders are engaged in the development of a Strategic Transit Research Plan.
•   External experts and advisory groups ensure program relevance throughout the research process itself.
•   Stakeholders are engaged in technology transfer and innovation delivery activities.
•   Prospective projects are evaluated on a scorecard system that incorporates the relevance criterion of the RD&T investment criteria.
Quality •   Investment decisions are based on competition and merit review whenever possible.
•   External experts are frequently consulted during the conduct of research; merit reviews of results are encouraged.
Performance •   Stakeholders are involved in reviewing performance retrospectively.
•   Program results are linked to the FTA and DOT performance plans.
•   All research projects are required to obtain approval of their performance measurement plan.