MEETING NOTES
RAC Officers’ Teleconference
Thursday, October 8, 2015
1:30 – 3:30 pm, EDT
In attendance: Dale Peabody (Vice Chair), Ken Chambers, Joe Crabtree, Allison Hardt, Chris Hedges, David Jared, Chris Jenks, Cynthia Jones,Rick Kreider,John Moulden, Leni Oman,Sue Sillick, Ann Scholz, Cindy Smith,Linda Taylor, James Watkins, Elisha Wright-Kehner.
Decisions and action items are underscored.
- Roll Call
- Additions to agenda
NCHRP Annual Summary of Progress (Chris Hedges)
- Notes from previous meeting
A MOTION (Jones/Wright-Kehner) to accept the notes was ACCEPTED.
- AASHTO Report/ SHRP2 Implementation Activities-Jim McDonnell
No report.
- TRB/SCOR Report – Chris Jenks
The deadline for NCHRP FY2017 problem statements is Thursday, October 15th. NCHRP is currently holding first panel meetings to develop RFPs for FY2016 projects.
Discussion of NCHRP Summary of Progress (Chris Hedges)
The annual printed NCHRP Summary of Progress is typically about 150 pages. There are about 15 pages or so that present a general description of the program and its significant activities in the year. The bulk of the report consists of a number of tables: listings of the titles of all NCHRP reports, Syntheses, Research Results Digests, etc. since the beginning of the program in 1962. The largest table (Table 7) provides the project number, title, research agency, contract amount, starting and completion date, and project status – again, for all projects dating back to the beginning of the program.
In this day and age, Mr. Hedges asked whether a printed report is still an effective way to find projects that have been conducted in our program over the past 50 years. The information is all on our website, and relatively easy to find. Rather than just continue the status quo, Mr. Hedges asked for opinions on whether a change of approach might be in order.One approach would be to restructure the Summary more like an annual report; after the preliminary text providing an overview of the program and its current focus areas, tables would list projects completed in the current year, reports published in the current year, and new projects selected or initiated in the current year. This could be done in about 30 pages or less.
The Officers accepted the recommendation for a shorter NCHRP Annual Report and directed Mr. Hedges to poll the full RAC Listserv. (Note: the poll was conducted and RAC members demonstrated overwhelming support for a shortened report. There were no disagreements or alternative suggestions. The 2015 Annual Report will be published in the revised format).
Publications since the last call:
- NCHRP Legal Research Digest 67: Permissible Changes in Scope of Work for Construction Projects (
- ACRP Report 143: Guidebook for Air Cargo Facility Planning and Development (
- ACRP Report 144: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) at Airports: A Primer (
- ACRP Report 145: Applying an SMS Approach to Wildlife Hazard Management (URL Available Soon)
- ACRP Synthesis 68: Strategies for Maintaining Air Service (
- ACRP Web-Only Document 24: Air Cargo Facility Planning and Development—Final Report (
- NCRRP Legal Research Digest 2: Railroad Legal Issues and Resources (
- OSTR Report – Tim Klein
No report.
- FHWA Report –John Moulden
FHWA leadership has reviewed the top three challenges and issues submitted by the FHWA division offices across the country. It was presented to Associate Administrators for discussion at the FHWA fall leadership business meeting. When the list is finalized and prioritized, it will be distributed and used to help guide FHWA’s research activities.
Cynthia Jones asked if there has been any feedback on the Research 101 training developed for FHWA Division staff. John responded that FHWA is aiming for 100% participation and will be soliciting feedback and reviewing the results in about a year’s time. FHWA RD&T will continue to encourage Division staff to attend the workshop in the coming months.
Leslie Wright has moved to the Federal Aviation Administration and will be working on international programs, among other responsibilities. Her position will be posted broadly, with a new innovation-focused position.
- Region Chairs/Vice-Chairs Issues
Region 4 - Ken Chambers. The Texas Transportation Institute (TTI)is developing a proposal to organize the virtual multi-state peer exchange discussed at the last Officers’ call.
At Pete Zanewski’s suggestion, Region 4 has prepared bullet points summarizing the summer meeting in Portland and when finalized they will be posted on the SCOR/RAC website. Cynthia – Are there any plans to post the presentations? Yes, Ken will contact Michael Bufalino to follow up.
Region 3 – Cynthia Jones. It has been noticed that AASHTO and OST/R staff have been frequently absent from these Officers’ calls. Cynthia suggested that we ask Tim and Jim if they could assign a backup on the dates they are unable to attend. Dale agreed to follow up.
Definitions –The terms RAC “Officers” and “Leadership”seem to be used interchangeably; it might be helpful to have consistent terminology. The idea will be discussed at future meetings.
Region 2 – Elisha Wright-Kehner. Region 2 is planning the winter meeting agenda.
Mississippi DOT will be holding a peer exchange in a couple of weeks.
The Southeast Research Consortium has selected West Virginia University to conduct a project on the value of research.
David Jared – Georgia DOT held a peer exchange a few weeks ago on the theme of implementation. Ed Harrigan from NCHRP participated in the peer exchange, and David expressed appreciation for his valuable contributions. David encouraged other states to consider inviting NCHRP staff to their future peer exchanges. Chris Jenks encouraged members to let us know the proposed topics for state visits and peer exchanges so that we can provide a person with the right expertise.
Having a local university help out with food and travel for the peer exchange was very helpful to the Georgia DOT. A designated facilitator was assigned and proved to be very valuable. Cynthia Jones agreed with David; they also used a facilitator and university assistance for their recent peer exchange. David noted that his own staff, his supervisor, and FHWA Division staffparticipated throughout the event.
Region 1 – Ann Scholz. Region 1 is having continued success using the RPPM site to facilitate regional conference calls.
Connecticut DOT recently gavea presentation on project mapping.
Gary Frederick organized a peer exchange for NY DOT in September.
The Vice-Chair position in Region 1 is still vacant.
- Summer 2016 meeting, Providence, RI –Ann Scholz
Meeting rooms for Ahead of the Curve and Saturday night stays have been confirmed. A “Save the Date” flyer is ready and will be distributed soon. Allison is working on sponsorships. Several ideas have been presented for off-site events, and the AASHTO meeting organizer will investigate opportunities and costs. Stephanie Dock is still compiling comments on the Portland meeting. Work has begun on the technical program.
- Summer 2017 meeting, RAC 2 – Elisha Wright-Kehner
Joe Crabtree - the Kentucky LTAP Center is assisting with the planning of the 2017 meeting and evaluating two alternative locations - Louisville and Lexington. Joe will be working with Jason Siwula and their LTAP Center to work out the contractual details.
- Task Force Updates – Dale Peabody
Administration – Cynthia Jones
The welcome letter and checklist for new RAC members is under review; the TF hopes to present recommendation to Officers at the November meeting.
Plans are underway for the winter meeting; the Region 2 organizers will have more information at the November call. Cindy Smith will be sending a survey to RAC members on possible topics and structure.
Michael Bufalino will add relevant content on sponsorships to the annual meeting planning guidelines.
“Your role in RAC” will be reprised in Providence, subject to approval from the Officers and meeting organizers.
Rick Kreider is leading the review of the remaining website sections.
Coordination and Collaboration – Sue Sillick
The C&C Task Force is reviewing the status of its current activities and making plans for future initiatives.
Program Management and Quality – David Jared
Two new TF members have been appointed from Region 2 - Darryll Dockstader (FDOT) and Jen Harper (MoDOT).
The Research Implementation Facilitators Group plans to merge with PM&Q (Implementation subgroup).
The Website Development subgroup will transition into a Program/Project Management Tools subgroup. Planned activities include continued review of research databases and tracking systems.
The Intellectual Property subgroup is planning a webinar in 2016 on the products of NCHRP 20-89 (Report #799)and possibly a workshop at the 2017 TRB meeting.
Martin Pietrucha (Penn St. Univ.) is still working on research problem statement identification practices; he has good input from the DOTs and plans to add an academic perspective.
A subgroup on Personnel issues was formed at the Portland meeting; this group will deal with skill sets for research staff, succession planning, and young professionals.
David recently spoke with AASHTO staffer Keith Platte about the AASHTO Innovation Initiative (AII) (formerly known as TIG) and has a better understanding of the program and how it relates to other implementation activities. AII is aimed at deployment-ready products. Chris Hedges noted that several RAC members are part of the AII Executive Committee (Tommy Nantung, Dave Huft, and Camille Crichton-Sumners) are members of AII and suggested that it might be helpful to have one of them give a presentation on AII at a future RAC meeting or event.
Value of Research –Linda Taylor
The TF is still struggling with the RPM website and how to move forward. Under NCHRP 20-105, some funds will be available for consulting services on the various RAC websites and tools.
A working group has been formed on marketing the value of research. Cynthia – how are plans developing to highlight the Sweet 16 projects at the TRB annual meeting? Linda needs to discuss with Bill Stone and follow up.
TKN – Leni Oman
A problem statement will be submitted to NCHRP on issues around information security and open data, written by Massachusetts, Washington State, and New Jersey.
A Beta test is underway of an interactive transportation calendar developed by a contractor for the Pooled Fund study on library connectivity.
The guidance for report distribution and technical documentation is up on the SCOR/RAC website. Tim Klein at OST/R has offered to work with them on revising the documentation page.
Leni is now the permanent Knowledge Strategist for WA DOT. The only other similar position is held by Maureen Hammer in VDOT, Knowledge Officer. Leni is still the voting member for RAC, but will eventually be transitioning from that position.
- Other Business
- Adjourn
Next Conference Call:Thursday,November 12, 2015
RAC Officers October 8, 20151