Research Program Development

DRISI engages the Caltrans Executive Board and three levels of committees in identifying research needs, selecting research projects, and deploying and implementing research products. The Executive Board provides strategic direction and identifies department-level research priorities. The Research and Deployment Advisory Committee (RDAC) recommends research, approves funding, and actively sponsors the deployment and implementation of the resulting research products. The RDAC can include district directors, deputy district directors, and headquarter division chiefs, who might also lead one of the program steering committees (PSC). The PSCs adopt an agenda for      a multiyear integrated research program. Each PSC has at least one technical advisory panel (TAP), which includes experts from the various divisions and districts. The TAPs act in an advisory role to the PSC. In coordination with customer representatives and PSC leads, DRISI project managers propose new research projects. The PSCs and    DRISI management review the proposals in March. PSC leads prioritize their respective proposals in March, and the RDAC recommends the annual portfolio in April.

Research Program Roles

Project Manager (PM)

Assist in: 

  • Research Need
  • Research Request
  • RDAC Review
  • Research
  • Implementation Development and Approval

Overview:

DRISI staff member with full authority and responsibility, delegated by the appropriate office chief, to manage  projects  and  produce the intended results on schedule and within budget. The PM keeps the project sponsors, customers, stakeholders, and end users satisfied by managing the approved project, from the initial   problem statement to a deployable product.

Customer Representative (CR)

Assist in: 

  • Research Need
  • Research Request
  • RDAC Review
  • Research
  • Implementation Development and Approval

Overview:

A representative from one of Caltrans’ program areas who is actively involved in the research effort and the PSC and acts as a champion for the final research product.

Technical Advisory Panel (TAP)

Assist in: 

  • Research Need
  • Research Request
  • RDAC Review
  • Research
  • Implementation Development and Approval

Overview:

Each TAP has a vital role in evaluating research needs, providing recommendations for continuing and new projects, developing and ranking project plans and requests for preliminary investigations, and identifying opportunities for deployment and implementation of research products.

Program Steering Committee (PSC)

Assist in: 

  • Research Request
  • RDAC Review
  • Research
  • Implementation Development and Approval

Overview:

Each PSC has an essential role in generating new research projects, developing  program-level  research  priorities, and supporting the deployment and implementation of research products.

Research and Deployment Advisory Committee (RDAC)

Assist in: 

  • RDAC Review
  • Research
  • Implementation Development and Approval

Overview:

The RDAC reviews and recommends the program of research projects. RDAC also advises DRISI on potential research issues, priorities, and on projects that are ready for implementation.

Principle Investigator

Assist in: 

  • Research
  • Implementation Development and Approval

Overview:

Contractor or researcher responsible for conducting the research and the completion of the contract obligations.