Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)
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Table B-6. Review of NHTSA RD&T Program

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Investment Criterion Program Evidence
Relevance •   Research program is mission-oriented and supports NHTSA and DOT goals.
•   Specific goals and priorities for the next five years are laid out in the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Rulemaking and Research Priority Plan.
•   NHTSA's research programs support regulatory actions and other initiatives that prevent thousands of fatalities and serious injuries each year.
•   NHTSA research addresses clearly identified safety problems and seeks new solutions that make maximum use of advanced technologies.
•   Research programs often involve cooperative efforts with foreign governmental agencies, the automotive industry, and other vehicle-safety-related organizations.
Quality •   NHTSA research findings are frequently presented to other NHTSA offices, thus ensuring critical internal review.
•   NHTSA research findings are frequently presented to the public in a variety of formats, ensuring critical outside review.
•   NHTSA research results are presented in international forums and are often the basis of actions taken by international bodies.
•   Investment decisions are based on competition and merit review whenever possible.
Performance •   Key research milestones are identified and tracked in performance targets.
•   The NHTSA research program provides input for cost-benefit studies of alternative solutions to safety problems.