Nebraska Department of Transportation’s (NDOT’s) Materials and Research (M&R) Division administers the agency’s research program.
As part of the research program, the M&R Division supports a supplemental process known as Rapid Response Research. This program grants limited funding to project ideas that are submitted throughout the year that can be defined as “opportunistic, emergent or implementation.” These projects are initiated outside the formal solicitation period that extends from July to the middle of September each year. Rapid Response Research projects are funded using federal State Planning & Research Part B funds.
The Research Section within the M&R Division evaluates research proposed for funding under the Rapid Response Research program, considering eligibility, funding availability and the proposed project’s Research Readiness Level (RRL). NDOT adapted Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) Technology Readiness Level Guide to meet specific agency needs. Current agency guidance indicates that “strong justification will be needed for any project under RRL 4.” (RRL 4 is Implementation with Follow-up.)
Learn more about Nebraska’s use of the RRL concept.
After completing its formal evaluation, the M&R Division requests the submission of a request for project funding from the idea originator that describes:
- Project purpose
- Amount of funding requested
- Project schedule and results deadline
- Research team members
- Reason rapid response research process is required
- Project benefits
- How the project supports the Research Section’s goals and objectives
- Who supports the research
The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) makes the final determination on whether to proceed with the requested research. The RAC is composed of division heads and district engineers as advisors and voting members. FHWA representatives serve as nonvoting ex-officio members. Once approved by the RAC for Rapid Response Research funding, the M&R Division amends its federal annual work program. (Note: An annual work program is prepared by each member state’s research program. It describes research program activities, addressing both the technical and financial responsibilities of research program staff.)
After receiving FHWA approval for the amended work program, each Rapid Response Research project follows the same reporting and management procedures as research projects solicited through Nebraska’s annual research solicitation period. Each Rapid Response Research project must produce a tangible outcome, such as a report, training material or manual, at the project’s conclusion.