A data management plan (DMP) describes how researchers will handle digital data both during and after a research project. DMPs will also describe how the research proposal conforms to DOT policy on the dissemination and sharing of research results.

Your approach to data management planning may differ based on your relationship to the U.S. DOT. Therefore, the NTL has created DMP guidelines for intramural research activities (i.e., those led by federal government employees and funded directly as a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's budget, including salaries, laboratories, technical research centers, and other resources) and for extramural data research activities (i.e., those undertaken as the result of an award of a grant, contract or cooperative agreement to an outside institution or individual).

Based on your relationship to U.S. DOT, follow the link below for DMP guidance.

DMP Guidance for Extramural Research Activities: http://ntl.bts.gov/publicaccess/creatingaDMP_extramural.html

DMP Guidance for Intramural Research Activities: http://ntl.bts.gov/publicaccess/creatingaDMP_intramural.html