New England Transportation Consortium

New England Transportation Consortium

Meetings

January 23, 2018 Advisory Committee Meeting

DATE: Tuesday, January 23, 2018

TIME: 11:00am – 12:00pm

LOCATION: Conference Call

1-866-906-7447 (code: 8626283)

State Transportation Agencies Present:

  1. Ann Scholz, NH
  2. Robert Bollinger, NH
  3. Emily Parkany, VT
  4. Ian Anderson, VT
  5. Dale Peabody, ME
  6. Nicholas Zavolas, MA
  7. Michael Sock, RI
  8. Jose Lima, RI
  9. Bradley Overturf, CT
  10. Flavia Pereira, CT

Others Present:

  1. Jo Daniel, UNH
  2. Eric Hernandez, UVM
  3. Ehsan Ghazanfari, UVM
  4. Mike Knodler, UMass
  5. Eric Jackson, UConn
  6. Julie Dowds, NETC
  7. Jacob Leopold, NETC
  8. Hannah Ullman, NETC

AGENDA

  1. 2018 Pooled Fund Update: Maine – Dale Peabody
    • Dale Peabody reminded AC members to transfer funds to the new TPF; he emailed the instructions in the past two weeks.
    • Dale also informed the group that the Maine DOT contracting office expects to release the RFP for the next Coordinator Contract on January 24, 2018. If so, questions will be due by February 7th, answers to the questions will be posted by February 14th, and the RFP will be due on February 28th.  It was also noted that the RFP is open to all groups, not just land-grant universities.
  2. AV/CV Quick Response Project – Emily Parkany
    • Deadline for RFP questions – Jan. 20 (any responses to be posted to the website)
      • None of the AC members received any questions for the Quick Response Project.  The NETC email received two administrative questions.  Hannah Ullman will post the answers on the NETC website.
    • Deadline for receipt of Proposals – February 1
      • Emily Parkany reported that Connecticut expects to receive at least three proposals (UConn, IBI Group)
      • Emily said that the TAC will meet the third week of February.  It expects to have a decision to share with the AC at the February AC meeting for their review and approval.
      • Emily also reported that the TAC hopes to include in the project a meeting/workshop at Connecticut’s AV/CV Conference on June 12th and 13th.  Eric Jackson said that he would forward the information on this event to the group.
    • NETC coordinator forwards proposals to Technical Committee – February 2 (See attached full schedule)
      • There was no additional discussion of the schedule.
  3. New Research Problem Statement Solicitation Process – Hannah Ullman
RPS #  Value  Length Project Title
N18NY1 $100,000 24 months Use of Intelligent Compaction Rollers and Thermal Bar Attached to the Paver Improve Pavement Density and Pavement Performance
N18NY2 $100,000 24 months Use of Ground Up Shingles as Add-Stone to Enhance the Strength of Cold In-Place Recycled Layer in Lieu of Using Virgin Aggregate
N18NY3 $100,000 24 months The Use of Spray Pavers Requires Tack to Sprayed in Front of the Screen to Improve Bonding Between HMA Layers
N18VT1 $80,000 18 months The Use of Reclaimed Stabilized Base with Different Stabilizing Agents in New England Region
N18RI1 $150,000 24 months Improved and Automated Distress Detection in New England and Local Calibration of Prediction Models in AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design
N18RI2 $150,000 24 months Image Based Methods to Measure RAP and Aggregate Characteristics for Asphalt Pavement Performance and Safety
N18RI3 $100,000 18 months Development of Improved Climate Inputs for Implementation of AASHTO Pavement ME in New England
N18ME1 $200,000 12 months Development of MASH Computer Simulated Steel Bridge Rail and Transition Details
N18ME2 $250,000 24 months Asphalt Binder Fatigue Testing
N18VT2 $110,000  18 months Leveraging Public Investments in EVSE to Maximize the Extent of Fast Charging Networks
N18NH1 $600,000  36 months Framework of Asphalt Balanced Mix Design for New England Agencies
N18NH2 $175,000  24 months Improving Material Selection and Construction Staging Process for Cold Recycled Asphalt Pavements and Performance Tracking of Existing Projects
N18NH3 $150,000  24 months Pavement Climate Resiliency and Climate Metrics
N18VT3 $150,000  24 months Development of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology for Transportation Asset Management
N18VT4 $150,000  24 months Rapid Detection of Internal Voids in Precast Concrete Elements using Acoustic Emission
N18CT1  $200,000 – $250,000  15 to 18 months Research Benefit Quantification
N18MA1 $200,000 24 months Incorporating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into State Transportation Departments
N18MA2 $300,000 24 months Transportation Network Management for Extreme Hydrologic Events
N18VT5 $100,000 18 months Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems into DOTs
N18RI4 $170,000 24 months Assessment of Risk to Drinking Water Systems from Porous Pavement and Deicing Agents: The Nexus of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Health
N18VT6

 

 $200,000 24 months Use of Fully Autonomous Vehicles as Probes to Improve Safety and Efficiency at Work Zones
N18VT7 $300,000 36 months Infrastructure-to-Vehicle System Dynamics in a Passenger-Vehicle Fleet with Mixed Levels of Autonomous Control
  • Unendorsed/incomplete RPSs
    • There was discussion about what to do about projects that did not have signatures from a member of the Advisory Committee, those that were only missing a signature from a potential TAC chair, and those from the state of New York and universities.
    • RI reported that it choose not to endorse URI projects.
    • Dale and Emily suggested that all AC members have one week to review and endorse, if interested, any of the problem statements that did not currently have AC signatures.
    • There was concern about whether it was fair to extend the deadline or expect state DOTs to find TAC chairs for projects from New York and universities.  Additionally, some AC members did not have time for an additional review.
    • Nicholas Zavolas reported that MassDOT had decided to not include TAC members at this point, but that they are committed to the projects and committed to identifying TAC members if the project moves forward.
    • Ann motioned to move forward with the literature search and review for any proposal that had a signature from an AC member, regardless of whether a TAC Chair had signed.  This also included N18VT5, where the TAC chair signed for himself and the AC; the VT AC member has approved this project.  There was a motion and the suggestion was unanimously approved.
  • Next steps in RPS process; confirm timeline (attached)
    • The schedule was discussed in terms of shortening the time needed for doing the literature search for the RPSs.  Hannah Ullman and Julie Dowds agreed to the shortened timeline so that the literature search is completed by February 20th for the AC to then review.
    • Since the timeline was shortened, it was decided among AC members that a March RPS ranking meeting would be best.
  • 2018 RPS Ranking Meeting
    • Ann Scholz said that she would look for available conference room time at the NHDOT and send these details to Hannah who will send out a Doodle Poll to the AC in order to schedule that meeting.
    •  The general consensus among the AC was that Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays would be the best days to hold the meeting.
  1. Open Project Review (January 2017) – Jacob Leopold/Hannah Ullman
Project # and Title PI, University

AC Liaison

 Update End Date
10-3: Low Temperature and Moisture Susceptibility of RAP Mixtures with Warm Mix Technology Mogawer, UMass Dartmouth

A. Scholz

 The TAC gave comments on the draft final report.  The final draft will be submitted this week or the next. 5/31/17
13-1: Development of High Early-Strength Concrete for Accelerated Bridge Construction Closure Pour Connections Brena, UMass Amherst

MassDOT

 PI is requesting a NCE to 1/31/18. 12/31/2017

(NCE)
13-2: HMA Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS): Low Temperature and Fatigue Performance of Plant-Produced Mixtures Mogawer, UMass Dartmouth

A. Scholz

 Work was finished on the project utilizing lab produced mixtures.  Work on the draft final report continues. 12/1/17
13-3: Improved Regionalization of Quality Assurance (QA) Functions Dave, UNH

C. Franco

 NETC Coordination Team reminded PI of pending final report.  PI indicated he will have the final report finished in 1-2 weeks. 4/2/17 (NCE)
14-1: Measuring the Effectiveness of Competency Models for Job Specific Professional Development of Engineers & Engineering Technicians Ahmadjian, UMass Amherst

D. Peabody

 The TAC has members from VT, ME, and NH.  Other states were reached out to for recommendations.  No response from the PI as to the current project timeline.  A TAC meeting was held; next steps were discussed regarding the CM frameworks and site visits.  Project funding has expired; work on the project has ceased with the exception of final report preparation. 12/31/17 (NCE)
14-4: Optimizing Future Work Zones in New England for Safety and Mobility Xie,

UMASS Lowell

MassDOT

 Yuanchang Xie held a TAC meeting and presented on his research.  The session was recorded and will be posted on the website.  Work on the draft final report continues. 12/31/2017

(NCE Requested)
15-1: Use of Forested Habitat Adjacent to Highways by Northern Long Ear Bats Foster, UNH

D. Peabody

 Work continued on tasks 3, 5, and 7. 11/30/18
15-2: Using the New SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study Safety Databases to Examine Safety Concerns for Older Drivers Samuel, UMass Amherst

D. Peabody

 The TAC voted to approve Tracey Zafian as the new PI.  UMass has submitted an official letter for PI change to Michael Knodler; TAC committee will re-vote on the PI change.  The project is also requesting a budget reallocation.  Task 1 is complete and work continues on task 2. 12/31/18
15-3: Moisture Susceptibility Testing for Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements in New England Dave,

UNH

D. Peabody

 All lab specimen production and fabrication has been completed.  Testing is underway. 7/31/18
15:4 Optimizing Quality Assurance (QA) Processes for Asphalt Pavement Construction in the Northeast TBD

A. Scholz

 Project timeline is the AC’s decision.  UVM has not begun a contract for this project. TBD
  1. Open Project Review Discussion
    • On project 13-1: The AC unanimously approved a motion in favor of provisionally approving a No Cost Extension for the new project end date of 1/31/18, as long as the TAC also approves it.
    • On project 14-1: Dale said that he would follow-up on the project concerning the timeline as project funding has expired but next steps were outlined in a recent TAC meeting (per the Quarter 4 Progress Report).
    • On project 15-2: The AC unanimously approved a motion in favor of provisionally approving the project’s budget reallocation, as long as the TAC also approves it.
  2. Project 15-4 Updates and Questions
    • Break into two-part project, complete part 1 for December 31?
    • Defer to new pooled fund?
      • A third suggestion for project 15-4 was to choose not to proceed with the project at all.
      • Ann suggested that this conversation should be saved for the AC in-person meeting in March (ranking meeting); all agreed on this.  It was suggested that a decision about the project should be made in part based on the results of the 13-3 final report.
  3. Research Briefs and Posters
    • Dale reminded the NETC that project fact sheets and posters should also go on the NETC website.
  4. NETC Fund Balance Update (no change)
    • All previous fund transfers have been completed
    • FY2016 Fund Balance Transfers: $0.00
    • FY2017 Fund Balance Transfers: Decision deferred, but budgeted by each state
    • NETC Unallocated Balance as of 8/21/2017: $139,278.00
    • NETC Coordinator funded through 9/1/2018 and limited funding through 2/15/2019 to complete NETC 15-series
      • It was noted that the fund balance would not change until the start of the Quick Response project ($50,000).
  5. Other Business
    • University Representatives
      • Ehsan Ghazanfari (UVM) has been put forward as the VT rep
      • Michael Knodler (UMass-Amherst) has been put forward as the MA rep
      • RI is without a university rep after a retirement.  Outreach to both URI and RI DOT to seek a new rep
        • Mike Sock said that he would send the contact information of the new RI university rep to Hannah Ullman.
    • February meeting is Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 11:00am.  This meeting will be a regular conference call.
    • Other
  6. Adjourn

December 19, 2017 Advisory Committee Meeting

DATE: December 19, 2017

TIME: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Conference Call

1-866-906-7447 (code: 8626283)

State Transportation Agencies Present:

  1.  Ann Scholz, New Hampshire
  2. Dale Peabody, Maine
  3. Deane Vandusen, Maine
  4. Emily Parkany, Vermont
  5. Flavia Pereira, Connecticut
  6. Ian Anderson, Vermont
  7. Nicholas Zavolas, Massachusetts
  8. Robert Bollinger, New Hampshire

Others Present:

  1. Carlos Pena, FHWA
  2. Chris Jolly, FHWA
  3. Eric Jackson, Uconn
  4. Glenn McRae, UVM
  5. Hannah Ullman, UVM
  6. Jacob Leopold, UVM
  7. Jo Daniel, UNH

Agenda

  1. 2018 Pooled Fund Update -Maine – Dale Peabody                                                      All approvals received; Jan 1 transfers can begin (cc Dale and Carlos when each state starts the transfer process); Dale will send reminder. RFP for new coordinator services contract is in with Maine DOT Contracts Office. When the current contract (at UVM) is closed and all projects set, then there is a reconciliation process with FHWA HQ, and then those remaining funds are transferred back to individual states and in past practices was to transfer to State of Maine to add to the new NETC project. A question is raised about the end date of 15-4. This needs to be set within parameters of UVM Management contract (ending at this time Feb 2019).
  2. AV/CV Quick Response Project – Emily Parkany                                                       Draft RFP circulated (attached) with comments from first TAC meeting, Dec. 18th.  6 month, 50K; Proposals due Feb. 1; TAC recommendation by Feb AC meeting; Contract to start April 1st. RFP finalized by Dec. 27; notice issued first week of January by UVM team; AC should also plan to send out to their contacts in the field. Need a Maine and Mass. Rep on the TAC.
  3. New Research Problem Statement Solicitation Process – Glenn McRae                Second notice sent on December 18; No responses yet; Deadline is January 15AC list has been integrated into general distribution list so that they will be informed of all outreach at the same time it goes out to the general distribution list.  3rd and Final notice to be sent first week of January.
  4. Open Project Review (12-12-2017) – Jacob Leopold / Hannah Ullman
    Project # and Title PI, University

    AC Liaison

    		 Update (August) End Date
    06-04: Preventive Maintenance and Timing of Applications Mogawer,

    UMass Dartmouth C. Franco

    		 No update at this time. Complete
    10-3: Low Temperature and Moisture Susceptibility of RAP Mixtures with Warm Mix Technology Mogawer,UMass Dartmouth

    A. Scholz

    		 No update at this time. 5/31/17
    13-1: Development of High Early-Strength Concrete for Accelerated Bridge Construction Closure Pour Connections Brena,UMass Amherst

    MassDOT

    		 No update at this time. 12/31/2017

    (NCE)
    13-2: HMA Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS): Low Temperature and Fatigue Performance of Plant-Produced Mixtures Mogawer,UMass Dartmouth

    A. Scholz

    		 No update at this time. 12/1/17
    13-3: Improved Regionalization of Quality Assurance (QA) Functions Dave,UNH

    C. Franco

    		 NETC Coordination Team reminded PI of pending final report.  Technical report is done; working on formatting. 4/2/17 (NCE)
    14-1: Measuring the Effectiveness of Competency Models for Job Specific Professional Development of Engineers & Engineering Technicians Ahmadjian,UMass Amherst

    D. Peabody

    		 Requested new technical committee members from AC for NH, MA, CT, and RI. 12/31/17 (NCE)
    14-4: Optimizing Future Work Zones in New England for Safety and Mobility Xie,

    UMASS Lowell

    MassDOT

    		 No update at this time. 12/31/2017

    (NCE Requested)
    15-1: Use of Forested Habitat Adjacent to Highways by Northern Long Ear Bats Foster, UNH

    D. Peabody

    		 No update at this time. 11/30/18
    15-2: Using the New SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study Safety Databases to Examine Safety Concerns for Older Drivers Samuel,UMass Amherst

    D. Peabody

    		 Technical committee has reviewed T. Zafian’s expertise/credentials and recommends approval of PI change from S.Samuel to T.Zafian. 12/31/18
    15-3: Moisture Susceptibility Testing for Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements in New England Dave,

    UNH

    D. Peabody

    		 No update at this time. 7/31/18
    15:4 Optimizing Quality Assurance (QA) Processes for Asphalt Pavement Construction

    in the Northeast

    		 TBD

     

    A. Scholz

    		 No update at this time.  Waiting for final report 13-1; and TAC review and comment (could be 2-3 month timeframe).  Project is 18 months for $150k; would it extend beyond UVM contract?  Need to review how to advance a contract when it is approved.  Shorten it?  Delay and move to Maine? TBD
  5. NETC Fund Balance Update (no change)

    • All previous fund transfers have been completed
    • FY2016 Fund Balance Transfers – 0.00
    • FY2017 Fund Balance Transfers – Decision deferred, but budgeted by each state
    • NETC Unallocated Balance as of 8/21/2017 – $139,278.00
    • NETC Coordinator funded through 9/1/2018 and limited funding through 2/15/2019 to complete NETC 15 series
  1. Other Business

    • January meeting is Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 11am.
    • This meeting will be a regular conference all
    • Confirmed 4th Tuesday 11am meeting time for Calendar 2018
    • Other
  1. Adjourn
  2. Draft of NETC QR17-1 Below: “Quick Response: New England Connected Autonomous Vehicles”

 

January 2, 2018 

INVITATION TO SUBMIT A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

The New England Transportation Consortium (NETC) invites proposals for the following research project:

NETC QR17-1: “Quick Response:  New England Connected Automated Vehicles”

 

Please distribute this RFP to faculty/researchers who may be interested.  Any researcher (university or consultant) is eligible to respond to this six month effort.

 

The New England Transportation Consortium is a cooperative effort of the Departments of Transportation and the Land Grant Universities of the six New England States. Through the Consortium, the states pool their professional, academic, and financial resources for transportation research leading to the development of improved methods for dealing with high priority problems associated with the administration, planning, design, construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction, operation and maintenance of the region’s transportation system. For more information on NETC, visit our web site: http://www.newenglandtransportationconsortium.org/

 

This Request For Proposals is being sent to each of the six New England State Land Grant Universities, as well as other public and private research organizations. Proposals should be based on the project’s Scope of Work (see Attached) and be prepared in the format shown in the Proposal Preparation Guidelines (see Attached).

 

The proposal in Adobe PDF form should be emailed to netc@uvm.edu by 5pm on February 1, 2018.

 

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by the Project Technical Committee that developed the Scope of Work (see Attached). The committee will recommend a proposal, to the NETC Advisory Committee, for funding.  The schedule for completing the selection process is also attached.

 

Questions concerning technical aspects of the Scope of Work should be directed to the Chairperson of the Project Technical Committee, Dr. Emily Parkany, P.E., emily.parkany@vermont.gov.

 

Questions concerning administrative matters relating to this RFP should be directed to Glenn McRae, NETC Coordinator (Tel: 802-656-1317 / Email: netc@uvm.edu).

 

Sincerely,

Glenn McRae

New England Transportation Consortium Coordinator

University of Vermont—Transportation Research Center

 

Attachments:

– Project Scope of Work

– Proposal Preparation Guidelines

– Proposal Evaluation Guidelines

– Schedule for Processing the Proposal and Project

– Technical Advisory Committee

 

NEW ENGLAND TRANSPORTATION CONSORTIUM

SCOPE OF WORK

 

NETC PROJECT: QR17-1:  Quick Response:  New England Connected Automated Vehicles

Research problem statement: The six states comprising the New England Transportation Consortium (CT, NH, ME, MA, RI and VT) are interested in identifying issues related to the testing and deployment of connected vehicles (CV), automated vehicles (AV) and connected automated vehicles (CAV) that extend beyond state lines. Each state is working to some extent on policies, legislation, and technical issues within their own states. There is a lack of information on the types of issues that extend beyond state lines, and how states may want to collaborate to minimizes the challenges and to pursue the opportunities. The idea is that this summary may lead to a gap analysis and potential roadmap of activities the states need to conduct to facilitate the operation of CV, AV and CAV in the region.  We expect this to be unique research focused on cross-border issues and not a regurgitation of existing CV, AV, and CAV literature.

Research Objectives:

  • Identify multi-state issues related to the testing and deployment of CVs, AVs and CAVs in New England
  • Document opportunities and challenges related to the multi-state CV, AV and CAV issues
  • Prepare an action plan that minimizes the challenges and pursues the opportunities

 

Tasks: This is a quick response project with only a few tasks leading up to a draft report.  A final report should be compiled based on Technical Committee responses to the draft final report and initial roadmap.

Task 1: Kick-Off Meeting

Within the first month of the project, the research team needs to meet (likely via web meeting) with the Project Technical Committee as listed on the last page of this Request for Proposals.  The research team should describe its initial findings, expected methodology, and confirm the project schedule and milestones.  The Technical Advisory Committee expects an initial discussion of specific cross-border issues at this meeting so that we can feel comfortable that we’re all on the same page.

 

Task 2:  Cross-Border Issues:  Challenges and Opportunities

Researchers will provide a summary of cross-border issues that may impact the New England States.  The summary should include a description of the issue and how each state currently addresses the issue as appropriate.  The researchers should use a literature review, expert interviews, and other techniques specified in the proposal to get this information.  Cross-border issues may span:

  • Legal/regulatory
  • Infrastructure
  • Operations
  • Data/technology
  • Outreach/education

This is not a comprehensive list.  This is intended to focus on cross-border issues related to policy, planning and operations of CV, AV and CAV.  This should not be a repetition of CV, AV, and  CAV items as found in the literature.  Some of these may be unique to New England.  We need to know what issues are the most critical.

Proposal should include preliminary ideas of cross-border issues that the team has considered.

 

Task 3:  Roadmap of Actions and Workshop

Based on the research conducted in Task 2, the contractor should provide the steps that will be needed to address cross-border issues and readiness.  Potential actions may be a deeper research dive into one of the cross-border issues, a Peer Exchange, development of practices and procedures, something we have not thought of, etc.

The research team should schedule an in-person meeting or workshop with the Technical Advisory Committee and others to share what the researchers have learned about cross-state issues, validate/add ideas, and then provide feedback on action steps.   The workshop may be held in conjunction with Connecticut’s Northeast Automated Vehicle Summit.  Alternatively, it may be held in New Hampshire at a location where participants can travel for the day to a 5-6 hour meeting.  NETC and the TAC Chair are likely responsible for the meeting arrangements.  The researchers will lead and facilitate this meeting.  The participants (outside of the research team) will pay for their own time and travel.  The workshop will ideally be held in the fourth month of the project.

 

Task 4: Draft Final Report, Readiness Evaluation, and Initial Roadmap

The draft final report (delivered by the end of five months after project start) should include the Task 2 summary, and the Task 5 Initial Roadmap of Actions.   The draft final report should include responses to the feedback and discussion from the Task 3 Workshop.

 

Task 5:  Presentation of Draft Final Report to Project Technical Committee

The Project Technical Committee should meet (likely by web meeting) at the end of the fifth month or early in the sixth month of the project.  The draft final report should be made available to the Project Technical Committee at least two weeks before the Technical Committee meeting.  Comments and responses of the Technical Committee before, during and after the meeting should be incorporated into the Final Report.

Task 6: Final Report and Recommendations

The final report should include responses to comments from the Technical Committee before, during, and after the presentation of the draft final report.  The final report is due within six months of the start of the project.

 

MEETINGS WITH PROJECT TECHNICAL COMMITTEE: The Project Technical Committee expects to meet by web meeting or teleconference with the project research team at least three times:  at a project kickoff meeting held during the first month of the project, at a meeting or workshop where the cross border issues are presented and preliminary actions are addressed before the writing of the draft final report and at the presentation of the draft final report and initial roadmap of actions held in the fifth month of the project.

REPORTS: The Principal Investigator will be required to prepare and distribute the following reports:

Quarterly Progress Reports: One (1) copy prepared and e-mailed to the NETC Coordinator, on a calendar quarter basis, so as to arrive no later than three (3) working days after the end of the calendar quarter (March, June, September, December).  The Coordinator will forward copies to the Project Technical Committee.  These progress reports are expected in early July and early October.

Draft Final Report: The draft final report should be delivered to the NETC Coordinator and the Project Technical Committee four months after the project start date and two weeks before a web meeting or teleconference with the Project Technical Committee.  The draft final report should include an initial roadmap of what the six New England States should be doing to address automated vehicle cross border issues.

Final Report: The final report is due within six months of the project start date and should incorporate any comments received before, during or after the Project Technical Committee meeting where the draft final report was presented.  The final report should include guidance and actions for the six New England states with respect to Automated Vehicles.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER: The project scope should include a one-page fact sheet, a project poster, and a webinar of project results.  These items will aid in technical transfer of the project.

 

Funds Available: $50,000

 

Time to Complete: 6 months (including preparation and review of final report).

 

DEVIATION FROM THE SCOPE OF WORK: In the event that the proposer deems it necessary to deviate from the Scope of Work (Cost, Principal Tasks, Time to Complete, etc.) in order to accomplish the objectives of the research project, such deviation should be noted and the reasons clearly stated in the proposal.  

 

NEW ENGLAND TRANSPORTATION CONSORTIUM

PROPOSAL PREPARATION GUIDELINES

 

The proposal should be a well thought-out document that establishes in clear, concise terms the necessity of the research undertaking, definite project objectives, and a systematic work plan designed to attain the project objectives.  The technical proposal (not including one-page resumes or the proposed budget) should not exceed 8 pages. The proposal should contain, but is not limited to, the following:

  1. Project Identification: The project number, title and name or names of the principal investigator(s) [P.I.(s)]. One page resumes or bio sketches of all key personnel including a description of the personnel’s related research and publications, should be included as an appendix to the proposal.
  2. Significance of the Problem: A clear definitive statement of the problem and its
  3. Objectives of the Research: In clear, concise terms, state the objectives of the proposed work.
  4. Methodology: A description of the major tasks that will be undertaken to complete the proposed work. A number and title should be assigned to each task followed by a description of the methodology to be used in carrying out the task.

NOTE: Since the NETC recognizes that research results are not automatically put into practice upon completion of the research and that implementation is more likely when researchers and user agencies collaborate to plan for implementation) NETC requires that all research proposals include a technology transfer and implementation plan for incorporating the research results/products into practice.

  1. Schedule of Major Activities: To allow for flexibility in the project start date, the schedule should be generic and not refer to particular months or a particular year. The schedule should show, in terms of elapsed time (number of months or weeks) from the start of the project, the planned start and completion of each of the major tasks described in the methodology and the following tasks:
  • Submission of Quarterly Progress Report to Coordinator: Quarterly Progress reports are to be submitted electronically to the NETC Coordinator for distribution to the Project Technical Committee no later than three (3) working days after the end of each calendar quarter.
  • Submission of Draft Final Report to Project Technical Committee for Review: The technical committee should receive the draft final report two weeks before the meeting between the TAC and research team is scheduled to review the draft final report.
  • Submission of Final Report: The final report should be submitted within six months of the project start.
  1. Budget and Total Cost: If the cost of the proposal exceeds the “Funds Available”, as given in the Scope of Work, an explanation should be provided. In the event that this proposal is selected for funding, the proposal budget will be incorporated into the funding Invoices for project costs will be reviewed against the proposal budget for consistency. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to insure that the proposal’s budget categories are consistent with the categories that will be used for invoicing project costs. Principal Investigators are encouraged to break their costs down into lump sum invoices that correspond to major task deliverables, with the final report delivery constituting at least10% of the total project budget.  UVM NETC Coordinator—should this include instructions for how the proposer can do business with/contract with UVM?  Jacob suggested this may be including a link in the RFP.

 

NEW ENGLAND TRANSPORTATION CONSORTIUM

PROPOSAL EVALUATION GUIDELINES

 

  1. Understanding of the Problem: A clear and succinct statement and understanding of the problem and the research objectives is desired. A review of the present state-of-the-art and a description of how the proposed work will create new knowledge and benefit the New England Transportation Consortium should be presented
  1. Research Approach: The evaluation of the research approach will consider consistency with the objectives and the scientific and practical aspects of the research methodology. This evaluation will include such items as the approach to data collection, cooperative features, innovative concepts, and reliability of equipment proposed for Consideration will also be given to whether or not the approach is sufficiently detailed, both in terms of work and budget allocations by tasks. ·
  1. Application of Results: The evaluation will include a realistic appraisal of the prospects for successful accomplishment of project objectives. The evaluation will consider the statements in the proposal indicating the manner in which the anticipated results would be reported and how they could be used to improve transportation engineering or transportation evaluation practices; e.g., mathematical models, design techniques, field or laboratory test procedures, changes in highway specifications, impact methodologies, etc. Consideration will also be given to whether or not there might be any financial or institutional barriers to implementation of products from the research.
  1. Qualifications of Principal Investigator(s): Proposals are desired from individuals having demonstrated capability and expertise in the subject problem area The evaluation will be based on the evidence contained in the proposal pertaining to both the experience and the indicated amount of effort by the principal investigator(s).

 

NEW ENGLAND TRANSPORTATION CONSORTIUM

PROPOSAL EVALUATION GUIDELINES

(Cont’d)

Analysis Sheet

 

PROJECT TITLE:

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S):

       WEIGHTED COMMENTS                                                                                                                                                         WEIGHT  x  RATING    =   RATING

 

  1. Understanding of the Problem: 25        %   x                     =                

                                                                       

                                                                       

                                                                       

 

  1. Research Approach:                25        %   x                     =                

                                                                       

                                                                       

                                                                       

 

  1. Application of Results:               15        %   x                     =                

                                                                       

                                                                       

                                                                       

 

  1. Qualifications of Principal Investigator(s); 35        %   x                     =                

                                                                       

                                                                       

                                                                       

 

 

TOTAL WEIGHTED RATING                                                                                           

 

NOTES:

  1. Weight: To be assigned by the Project Technical Committee.

The total of the five weights must equal 100%

  1. Ratings: ‘Outstanding’   = 5

‘Very Good’    = 4

‘Good’             = 3

‘Fair’                = 2

‘Poor’              = 1

  1. Each Technical Committee member will rank the proposals ‘1st’, ‘2cd’, ‘3rd’, etc., based on the TOTAL WEIGHTED RATING they assigned to the proposal. The PI with the most ‘1st’ rankings from all of the Technical Committee members will be selected.

 

NEW ENGLAND TRANSPORTATION CONSORTIUM

PROPOSAL SCHEDULE

Project QR17-1:  CAV Quick Response

 

                                                                                                                    COMPLETION

ITEM                                                                                                                DATE

Deadline for Questions about the Scope of Work………………………..        Jan. 20, 2018

 

Deadline for Coordinator’s receipt of proposals…………………………..       Feb 1, 2018

 

Coordinator forwards proposals to Project Technical Committees

for evaluation…………………………………………………..………….         Feb 2, 2018

 

Deadline for Coordinator’s receipt of Project Technical Committees’

evaluation of proposals and recommendation of award ……………….…      Feb. 23, 2018

 

NETC Coordinator forwards Project Technical Committees’

recommendations of award to NETC Advisory Committee for action …..      Feb 26, 2018

 

NETC Coordinator notifies Principal Investigator and Project

Technical Committee of NETC Advisory Committee’s action on

award of funding and initiates preparation of the project agreement. ……      Feb 27, 2018

 

Target date for start of project …………………………………………….        April 1, 2018

Target date for project Workshop (ideally in fourth month of project), by      August 1, 2018

Target date for presentation of draft final report (draft final report presented to TAC two weeks before presentation date):                                                                               September 10, 2018

Completion of project (submission of final report before this date)                October 1, 2018

 

NETC TECHNICAL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

Dr. Emily Parkany, P.E., Research Manager

Vermont Agency of Transportation

emily.parkany@vermont.gov

802-272-6862

 

NETC TAC QR17-1:   [Need at least one representative from MA and ME.]

Name, Title

Agency

Email

Phone

 

Peter Calcaterra, Transportation Planner

Connecticut Department of Transportation

Peter.Calcaterra@ct.gov

860-594-2166

 

Julia Gold, Chief of Sustainability, Autonomous Vehicles, and Innovation

Rhode Island Department of Transportation

Julia.Gold@dot.ri.gov
401-222-6940 x4665

 

Susan Klasen P.E., Administrator

New Hampshire Department of Transportation

susan.klasen@dot.nh.gov

603-271-6862

 

Kody McCarthy, Program Specialist

New Hampshire Department of Transportation

kody.mccarthy@dot.nh.gov

603-271-6862

 

Joe Segale, Policy, Planning and Research Bureau Director

Vermont Agency of Transportation

joe.segale@vermont.gov

802-477-2365

November 28, 2017 Advisory Committee Meeting

DATE: Novmeber 28, 2017

TIME: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

LOCATION: 
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/329291125
You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (786) 535-3211
Access Code: 329-291-125
(Note: we are using a web platform so that we can view the NETC website)

State Transportation Agencies Present:

  1. Ann Scholz, New Hampshire
  2. Bradley Overturf
  3. Dale Peabody, Maine
  4. Deane Vandusen, Maine
  5. Emily Parkany, Vermont
  6. Eric Shortell, Connecticut
  7. Ian Anderson, Vermont
  8. Jose Lima, Rhode Island
  9. Michael Sock, Rhode Island
  10. Nicholas Zavolas, Massachusetts

Others Present:

  1. Chris Jolly, FHWA
  2. Eric Jackson, Uconn
  3. Glenn McRae, NETC
  4. Hannah Ullman, NETC
  5. Jacob Leopold, NETC
  6. Jo Daniel, UNH

Agenda

  1. 2018 Pooled Fund Update -Maine – Dale PeabodyAll funding commitments are in; FHWA approval letters have been received; Need to start transfer funds to new pooled fund number in first quarter 2018. Dale to send out reminders.
  2. AV/CV Quick Response Project – Emily ParkanyEmily to circulate to NETC members prior to Dec. 11-12 workshop with I-95 Corridor Group. All input to Emily by noon on November 29th.  Nicholas Z to send MA project information out – how they framed their question (See Appendix at the bottom of agenda). NETC project to focus on possible initial six state review of what is happening (being researched) and what are the gaps and opportunities to move ahead.
  3. New Research Problem Statement Solicitation Process – Glenn McRaeSolicitation has been fielded; everyone should continue to promote

    Hot Topics Brainstorm: what might we encourage in submissions:

    • AV / CV
    • Safety Hardware requirement – new criteria to adopt and implement (MASH)
    • Bridge Rail (MASH)
    • Use of Drones (NH has its own project; MA has a number of research projects)
    • LiDAR surveying methods and applications for efficiency (RI – some new LiDAR applications to compare to conventional methods)
    • Electric Vehicle recharging stations – how to include in various highway and other infrastructure to best encourage adoption
    • LED lighting – how to measure intensity to schedule replacement efficiently (Virginia Tech (VDOT reports) (Ron Gibbons) has research group on roadway lighting)
    • What states are doing to ensure the security of rail systems (Passenger, subway, freight)
  4. Open Project Review (11-20-2017)
    Project # and Title PI, University

    AC Liaison

    		 Update End Date
    06-04: Preventive Maintenance and Timing of Applications Mogawer,

    UMass Dartmouth C. Franco

    		 PI is working on the poster and fact sheet. Final report edits finalized.  Prepping report for distribution. Complete
    10-3: Low Temperature and Moisture Susceptibility of RAP Mixtures with Warm Mix Technology Mogawer, UMass Dartmouth

    A. Scholz

    		 PI is finalizing the report and scheduling a TAC meeting to receive feedback. 5/31/17
    13-1: Development of High Early-Strength Concrete for Accelerated Bridge Construction Closure Pour Connections Brena, UMass Amherst

    MassDOT

    		 No cost extension fully executed between UVM and UMass Amherst. Project ongoing 12/31/2017

    (NCE)
    13-2: HMA Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS): Low Temperature and Fatigue Performance of Plant-Produced Mixtures Mogawer, UMass Dartmouth

    A. Scholz

    		 With the decision to move to lab mixes earlier in the year the project has progressed towards completion.  Project team has begun their draft final report for review by TAC and final delivery. 12/1/17
    13-3: Improved Regionalization of Quality Assurance (QA) Functions Dave, UNH

    C. Franco

    		 Reminded PI of pending final report. 4/2/17 (NCE)
    14-1: Measuring the Effectiveness of Competency Models for Job Specific Professional Development of Engineers & Engineering Technicians Ahmadjian, UMass Amherst

    D. Peabody

    		 No update on task 3 (CM Framework) completion or task 4 (Pilot study) start. 12/31/17 (NCE)
    14-4: Optimizing Future Work Zones in New England for Safety and Mobility Xie,

    UMASS Lowell

    MassDOT

    		 2nd Post Task Report deliver to TAC.  Next steps are VR simulation runs to test tool, and prepare the final report. 12/31/2017

    (NCE Requested)
    15-1: Use of Forested Habitat Adjacent to Highways by Northern Long Ear Bats Foster, UNH

    D. Peabody

    		 Project team is reviewing GIS road data from states as part of ‘zone of influence’ related tasks. 11/30/18
    15-2: Using the New SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study Safety Databases to Examine Safety Concerns for Older Drivers Samuel,UMass Amherst

    D. Peabody

    		 Pending final transfer of data.  PI Siby Samuel has accepted another faculty position at a University in Canada and would like to transfer the project to another faculty member, Tracy Zafian.  Working with TAC to approve the change, would require Advisory Committee approval as well. 12/31/18
    15-3: Moisture Susceptibility Testing for Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements in New England Dave,

    UNH

    D. Peabody

    		 Sample mixture testing continues, no issues/task completions at this time. 7/31/18
    15:4 Optimizing Quality Assurance (QA) Processes for Asphalt Pavement Construction in the Northeast TBD

    A. Scholz

    		 Still pending completion of 13-3 report.  Independent implementation of 13-3 work by TAC may suggest this is ready to be re-evaluated. TBD
  5. NETC Fund Balance Update
    A. Update (no change)

    • All previous fund transfers have been completed
    • FY2016 Fund Balance Transfers – 0.00
    • FY2017 Fund Balance Transfers – Decision deferred, but budgeted by each state
    • NETC Unallocated Balance as of 8/21/2017 – $139,278.00
    • NETC Coordinator funded through 9/1/2018 and limited funding through 2/15/2019 to complete NETC 15 series

    B. Travel Fund Balance Update

    State Expenses Obligations Balance
    CT  $  12,493.37  $  35,000.00  $  22,506.63
    NH  $    3,689.57  $    5,000.00  $    1,310.43
    RI  $  17,406.47  $  30,000.00  $  12,593.53
  1. NETC Website – User Functionality Check-In (http://www.newenglandtransportationconsortium.org/)
    The website was reviewed page by page to determine what needs to be added, taken down, and what additional functionality might be desirable.  Updates are in progress. No major functional updates are required.
  2. Other Business

    • December meeting date has been changed. Delete currently scheduled meeting on December 26.
    • Change to Tuesday December 19th, 11am-Noon.
    • This meeting will be a regular conference call.
  3. Adjourn
  4. Appendix

    Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)

    (SCOPE OF WORK)

    STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR CONNECTED AND AUTOMATED VEHICLES IN MASSACHUSETTS

    Principal Investigator

    Polichronis Stamatiadis

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    One University Ave., Lowell, 01854

    978-934-2283

    Polichronis_Stamatiadis@uml.edu

    Co- Principal Investigators

    Nathan H. Gartner

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    One University Ave., Lowell, 01854

    978-934-2289

    Nathan_Gartner@uml.edu

    Yuanchang Xie

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    One University Ave., Lowell, 01854

    978-934-2289

    Yuanchang Xie@uml.edu

    and

    Danjue Chen

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    One University Ave., Lowell, 01854

    978-934-2289

    Danjue_Chen@uml.edu

    Project Champion/Technical Representative

    Neil Boudreau,

    Highway Division, Traffic & Safety Engineering Section

    617-368-9655

    E-mail: neil.boudreau@state.ma.us

     

    Date: December 13, 2017

    Background

    Problem Statement

    Automated Vehicle (AV) and Connected Vehicle (CV) technologies have the potential to transform transportation and travel as we know it. Using leading edge technologies — advanced wireless communications, on-board computer processing, advanced vehicle-sensors, GPS navigation, smart infrastructure, and others — these technologies provide the capability to identify threats and hazards on the roadway and communicate this information over wireless networks to drivers and transportation management agencies real time alerts, warnings and traffic conditions. In an automated future, cars will need to be able to communicate not just with their owner but also the surrounding environment, other vehicles and roadway and transportation infrastructure. Knowing when traffic signals are going to change and where traffic is heaviest not only adds to the safety of the vehicle but allows cars to be driven, or drive themselves, more efficiently. If everyone’s mobile devices and vehicle navigation systems were connected, drivers could be warned of potential dangers that exist on the roadways, allowing them to make adjustments to avoid collisions before they even happen. This argument for the synergy between connected vehicle infrastructure and the new driverless paradigm is compelling.

    At the core of these technologies is a networked environment supporting delivery of real time information through high speed communication between vehicles (V2V), and between vehicles and infrastructure components (V2I) or hand held devices (V2D), to enable a wide range of real-time safety and mobility applications. Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) – two-way radio communication operating on the 5.9GHz band – is used for the purpose of supporting vehicle to vehicle (V2V) and vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) traffic applications. Connected Vehicle (CV) technology enables the safe, interoperable networked wireless communications among vehicles, the roadway infrastructure and passenger’s personal communications devices.

    AV and CV equipped vehicles will be able to provide information on travel time and environmental conditions along major streets and roadways in urban areas as well as along interstate highways across the nation. This information could lead to improved traffic signal controls, ubiquitous traveler information, better transportation plans, and reduced cost for existing transportation data collection methods, among other benefits. Traffic managers will be able to control the flow of traffic more easily with the advanced communications data available and prevent or lessen developing congestion. This could have a significant impact on the environment by helping to cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

    AV and CV technologies are advancing rapidly and state and local transportation agencies need to prepare appropriate plans to support and accommodate V2V and V2I transportation technologies in their jurisdictions.

    Testing

    The U.S. federal government is supporting AV and CV technologies research, development, testing, and deployment. The USDOT is collaborating with public and private partners, including state and local governments, vehicle and device manufacturers, and academia, to advance connected vehicle development and implementation.

    Significant progress is being made in the testing of AV and CV technologies and applications in real-world situations. Many states are participating in research, development, and evaluation of these technologies. For example, the Pooled Fund Study (PFD) is a partnership of 14 state agencies and the FHWA to facilitate the development and evaluation of CV applications. The recently concluded USDOT Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Program provided large amounts of valuable data on how these technologies, applications, and systems perform in everyday traffic. A nationwide network of connected vehicles and infrastructure may soon become a reality. Many states throughout the country have executed MOUs and contractual agreements with members of the AV industry to enable the testing and database development of AV vehicles on public roadways.

    Preparing for CV and AV Technology

    The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT’s) Connected Vehicle Program works with state and local transportation agencies, vehicle and device makers, and the public to test and evaluate technology that will enable cars, buses, trucks, trains, roads and other infrastructure, and our smartphones and other devices to “talk” to one another. On September 1, 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded three cooperative agreements to initiate a Design/Build/Test phase of the Connected Vehicle (CV) Pilot Deployment Program in three sites: Wyoming, New York City (NYC), and Tampa. Sponsored by the USDOT Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO), the CV Pilot Deployment Program is a national effort to deploy, test, and operationalize cutting-edge mobile and roadside technologies and enable multiple CV applications. These innovative technologies and applications have the potential for immediate beneficial impacts. The technologies are designed to save lives, improve personal mobility, enhance economic productivity, reduce environmental impacts, and transform public agency operations. MassDOT will investigate opportunities for deployment and testing of such advanced technologies in the Commonwealth by utilizing the extensive academic and commercial resources available in the state.

    Objectives

    MassDOT needs to become more aware of the technological developments, the regulatory requirements, funding opportunities and potential benefits of the emerging CV technology to take appropriate actions for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The purpose of this study is to provide baseline information pertaining to strategic planning for CV technologies.  This information will be used by Mass DOT to develop a strategic plan for the development and deployment of connected vehicle technology and infrastructure in Massachusetts.

    Specifically, the study will include a synthesis of research on what other states and countries are doing to plan for the research, development and deployment of CV technologies.

    Proactively coordinate the near-term and long-term technological advances associated with CV with appropriate policy and regulatory programming.

    Create opportunities to attract and support new research, development and commercialization of CV technologies and OEM industries in MA

    Explore opportunities for creating public-private partnerships to address the need for transportation infrastructure improvements and enhancements to accommodate CV technologies

    Benefits to MassDOT

    Automated and Connected vehicles have the potential to transform the way we travel through the creation of a safe, interoperable wireless communication network – a system that includes cars, buses, trucks, trains, traffic signals, smart phones, and other devices.

    Preparing a roadmap for a strategic plan to incorporate CV technology in Massachusetts’ roadway and transportation infrastructure. This roadmap strategy will also support the Commonwealth’s Statewide Intelligent Transportation Systems Strategic Plan the objectives of which are to enhance public safety, increase mobility, support economic competitiveness, and promote sustainability through comprehensive and coordinated application of technology in the transportation sector.

    Strategic planning for MassDOT is about linking agency missions to actions. The expected outcome of this study is a strategic roadmap for the planning, deployment and management of CV technology for the Commonwealth’s roadway and transportation infrastructure with options and executable steps for MassDOT.

    It is expected that this study will provide MassDOT with the following:

    1. A clear vision of the future state of AV and CV technologies.
    2. An assessment of that future on transportation in the Commonwealth.
    3. Identification of strategies that MassDOT should undertake to leverage AV and CV technologies.
    4. Prepare MassDOT to address forthcoming developments in the AV and CV industries, such as the introduction of new technologies, advances in private sector CV products and services, and proposed new policies and regulations.

    Scope of Work

    The principal tasks are outlined below:

    Task 1: Literature Review

    This task will review the state-of-the-art and future directions in CV technology and its impact on the evolution of real time communication of vehicle movements, traffic performance and transportation systems capacity on roadways in Massachusetts. Included will be aspects of communication, automation, interoperability and deployment. This task will also review the numerous field tests and demonstration projects that are being undertaken worldwide, their scope, results and implications for the future.

    Deliverable:  Task 1 Report.

    Task 2: Impacts of New Technologies

    This task will examine what will be the effects of the new CV technologies on transportation in Massachusetts. Included will be potential effects on safety, mobility and environment. Consideration will be given to investments that will be required and to savings that may be achieved with the new technologies, in addition to the performance advantages. Additional considerations may include, among others, the following impacts: MassDOT and affiliated agency operations, availability and uses of data, transportation planning processes and transportation systems management and operations.

    Deliverable:  Draft Task 2 Report – meetings will be held with agency stakeholders to discuss the agency perspective and obtain inputs to the report.

    Task 3: Potential Partnerships

    An efficient statewide transportation system is crucial to an efficient statewide economy.  Furthermore, Massachusetts is a leader in research and development in the hi-tech industries. MassDOT should continue to prioritize connected and automated vehicle technology programs that contribute to the development of a sustainable 21st century economy.

    This task will identify strategies that MassDOT can undertake to leverage the new technologies. This will include potential funding from federal sources, partnering with public and private enterprises and developers.

    Task 4: Roadmap for Strategic Planning

    Connected and automated vehicle technology is likely to become the biggest development in passenger and commercial transportation since the inception of the Interstate Highway System.  It is the mission of MassDOT to provide the highest quality of transportation system performance and operation using the most advanced technologies, such as ITS, AV and CV. In line with this mission, this task will prepare MassDOT to address forthcoming developments in CAV, including: the introduction of new technologies, advances in CV products and services and the development of policies and regulations.  To be considered in this task will be, for example, development of testbeds for new technologies (e.g., communication with signal systems, advanced traveler information systems, etc.), education of professionals and policy makers, cooperation with academic institutions; maintain and improving the safety of the transportation system; improve data collection and dissemination; establish partnerships for the implementation and development of innovative and efficient AV and CV technologies.

    Task 5: Final Report. Prepare final report that includes deliverables from Tasks 2-4 and provides a road-guide to MassDOT for development and implementation of AV and CV technologies for the next 10 years.

    A meeting will be held to discuss the draft report, which then will be revised accordingly.

    Management Plan

    The project will be led by the Principal Investigator, Prof. Stamatiadis and the co-PI Prof. Gartner, both of them will be involved in all tasks. The co-PIs Profs. Xie and Chen will assist in the performance of the tasks and in the preparation of the deliverables. Prof. Chen, in particular, will take the lead in Task1, Prof. Xie will provide assistance in Tasks 2 and 3.  All PIs will be involved in Task 5, preparation and revision of Final Report.

    Meetings

    A kickoff meeting will be held following the notice to proceed consisting of UMass Lowell Principal Investigator and key UMass Lowell research personnel, UMass Transportation Center staff, the MassDOT project champion and MassDOT Research Section personnel. The objectives of the meeting will be to identify UML personnel, establish progress meetings scope and frequency and identify project deliverables and timing.

    Additional meetings will be held:

    • after the completion of Task 2 (September 30, 2017) to review the progress to-date, obtain comments and revise accordingly;
    • after the completion of the draft Final Report (February 15, 2017) to discuss its contents and revise accordingly.

    Time Duration

    Project Start:   June 7st 2017

    Project End:    March 7th 2018

    Project Deliverables and Schedule

    Task Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
    Task 1: Literature Review.

     X

    X 

    		              
    Task 2: Impacts of New Technologies  

     X

    		 X 

    X 

     

    		        
    Task 3: Potential Partnerships    

     X

    X 

    		          
    Task 4: Development of the Strategic Plan      

     

    		  X X 

    X 

    		    
    Task 5: Final Report.            

     

    		  X

    X 

    PROPOSED Budget

    Amount
    PI – Chronis Stamatiadis – 1.1 month 14,833
    CO-PIs:  
    Nathan Gartner – 1.0 month 16,825
    Yuanchang Xie – 0.55 months 6,897
    Danjue Chen – 0.55 months 5,233
    (1) Graduate Student (Academic year) 2,500
    (1) Graduate Student (Summer) 5,580
    Total Salaries & Wages 51,868
    Fringe Benefits 6,647
    Total Salaries, Wages & Fringe 58,515
    Travel – Domestic 1,000
    Supplies 0
    Total Direct Costs 59,515
    MTDC 59,510
    Indirect Costs @ 26% 15,474
    Total Direct & Indirect Costs 74,989

     

     

     

     

September 26, 2017 Advisory Committee meeting

DATE: September 26, 2017
TIME:  11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
LOCATION: Conference Call 1-866-906-7447
Participant Access Code 8626283

AGENDA/MINUTES

State Transportation Agencies
Flavia Pereira-CT A Nicholas Zavolas-MA A Dale Peabody-ME A
Ann Scholz-NH A Colin Franco-RI X  Emily Parkany-VT A
Deane Van Dusen-ME A Joe Segale-VT A
Others (University Representatives, FHWA, NETC Coordinators)
Erick Jackson-UConn A Glenn McRae-NETC A

AGENDA ITEMS

  1. Maine as Lead State
    Dale reported that this was moving ahead. He will be setting up the NETC as a Pooled Fund with FHWA including getting a 100% waiver letter. When it is set up he will point everyone to it so that each state can make their commitment on the FHWA Pooled Fund web site.Joe pointed out that for a period there is likely to be an overlap of two lead states to allow for the VTrans-UVM contract to close out all the current projects and for the UVM coordination team to support work in the interim. The UVM contract is open through January 2019. When a new coordinator is chosen (UVM or another entity) the new agreement will be negotiated by Maine.Dale asked that a new call be set up for a working meeting of the DOT leads to review and finalize the SOW for a new Coordinator. Ann will set up call.
  2. UVM Staffing for NETC
    Glenn McRae from the UVM TRC reported that Julie Dowds is on formal medical leave, and that intermittent illness over the past month has resulted in a delay in the usual processing of the NETC work load, so no new updates are available.  An administrative team is reviewing the needs of the NETC and will come up with a management plan and discuss this with Joe and Emily. All open projects will be reviewed, PIs and TAC chairs contacted. Updates on all the open projects should be available well ahead of the next NETC call.
  3. Quick Response Project
    In the absence of Julie, Emily and Joe will take on drafting the SOW for the CV/AV quick response project. Joe attended the Tri State (VT, NH, ME) Meeting  last week where solid support for multi-state AV efforts was expressed. Nicolas shared the Mass DOT SOW with UMass Lowell for STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR CONNECTED AND AUTOMATED VEHICLES IN MASSACHUSETTS.  Also referenced were recent NCHRP reports.NCHRP 845, Advancing Automated and Connected Vehicles: Policy and Planning Strategies for State and Local Transportation Agencies http://www.trb.org/NCHRP/Blurbs/176418.aspx
  4. New Research Solicitation Process
    Goal is to start NETC Research Solicitation Process in November (it is approximately a 15-month process). Can be started with one coordinator and transferred, if needed.The SOP for the start of the process is below. The AC should decide if this is the initial process that should start in November.
    The overall schedule from the past adapted to the next round:
    NOTE: (from August Meeting notes: Consider “Implement recommendations on Effective Establishment of Native Plants on Roadsides” for full research solicitation process) 

    TASK Start End
    Research Problem Statement (RPS) Solicitation 11/15/17 1/15/18
    —RPS with AC for Endorsement 1/15/18 1/31/18
    Literature Search (conducted by Coordinator) 2/1/18 4/1/18
    AC review of lit Search April April
    Ranking of RPSs April meeting April Meeting
    TASK Start End
    Research Problem Statement (RPS) Solicitation 11/15/17 1/15/18
    —RPS with AC for Endorsement 1/15/18 1/31/18
    Literature Search (conducted by Coordinator) 2/1/18 4/1/18
    AC review of lit Search April April
    Ranking of RPSs April meeting April Meeting
    —RPSs selected for funding put on website 5/1/18 5/1/18
    AC provides TC member names 5/1/18 6/1/18
    TC writes SOW 6/1/18 7/15/18
    —deadline for AC to present questions to TC on SOW 7/16/18 8/1/18
    —deadline for TC responses to AC questions on SOW 7/16/18 8/15/18
    AC approves SOW August meeting August Meeting
    RFP Solicitation 9/1/18 10/15/18
    —- deadline for PI to ask questions about SOW -web post 9/1/18 9/21/18
    — deadline for TC to respond to questions – web post 9/1/18 9/30/18
    TC reviews and recommends Proposals 10/15/18 11/15/18
    — TC questions to PI & PI responses 10/15/18 11/1/18
    AC review of recommendations and proposals 11/15/18 1/15/19
    —AC questions to TC on recommendations 11/15/18 12/15/18
    — TC responses to AC on recommendations 11/15/18 1/15/19
    AC final decision on proposals January Meeting January Meeting
    Execute Research Contract with PI 2/1/19 3/31/19
  5. Open Projects (no new updates presented)
    Project # and Title PI, University AC Liaison Update (August) End Date
    06-04: Preventive Maintenance and Timing of Applications Mogawer, UMass Dartmouth C. Franco  PI is working on the poster and fact sheet. We are editing the report for the website.  Complete
    10-3: Low Temperature and Moisture Susceptibility of RAP Mixtures with Warm Mix Technology Mogawer, UMass Dartmouth A. Scholz PI is finalizing the report and scheduling a TAC meeting to receive feedback. 5/31/17
     13-1: Development of High Early-Strength Concrete for Accelerated Bridge Construction Closure Pour Connections  Brena,UMass Amherst  MassDOT  No cost extension fully executed between UVM and UMass Amherst. Project ongoing  12/31/2017(NCE)
     13-2: HMA Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS): Low Temperature and Fatigue Performance of Plant-Produced Mixtures  Mogawer,UMass Dartmouth  A. Scholz  PI met with TAC to update them on new work plan to maintain research schedule. More of the mixtures will be produced in the lab because unable to get them from the plants. TAC supported change.  12/1/17
     13-3: Improved Regionalization of Quality Assurance (QA) Functions  Dave,UNH  C. Franco  Working with PI to get final report in NETC format.  4/2/17 (NCE)
     14-1: Measuring the Effectiveness of Competency Models for Job Specific Professional Development of Engineers & Engineering Technicians  Ahmadjian,UMass Amherst D. Peabody  No cost extension fully executed between UVM and UMass Amherst. Project ongoing.  12/31/17 (NCE)
     14-2: Investigation of Northern Long-Eared Bat Roosting Sites on Bridges  Civjan,UMass Amherst D. Peabody  Received final report and final edits and approval from TAC. Inputting final edits.  5/31/17(NCE)
     14-4: Optimizing Future Work Zones in New England for Safety and Mobility  Xie,UMASS Lowell  MassDOT  PI requested and TAC approved NCE to the end of 2017. The PI researching motion simulators and eye tracking devices to improve simulation testing.  12/31/2017 (NCE Requested)
     15-1: Use of Forested Habitat Adjacent to Highways by Northern Long Ear Bats  Foster, UNH  D. Peabody  Held kickoff meeting at UNH. TAC pleased with strategy and PI has received some of the audio data needed from states. PI now has dual appointment at UNH and Northern Arizona University.  11/30/18
     15-2: Using the New SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study Safety Databases to Examine Safety Concerns for Older Drivers  Samuel,UMass Amherst  D. Peabody  PI met with TAC to provide update and receive feedback on data collection and hypothesis to test. PI has Roadway Information Data, completed IRB for SHRP2 and expects SHRP2 data in September.  12/31/18
     15-3: Moisture Susceptibility Testing for Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements in New England  Dave,UNH  D. Peabody  PI analyzed survey results from all six states to plan lab tests. Sampled mixtures from VT and ME and expect to sample more this summer. Started to test the mixes that they have.  7/31/18
     15:4 Optimizing Quality Assurance (QA) Processes for Asphalt Pavement Constructionin the Northeast  TBD  A. Scholz  Once report completed will schedule meeting with PI from 13-3 and TAC to review lessons learned from that project to restart this project.  TBD
  6. NETC Fund Balance Update (no new update)
    • All previous fund transfers have been completed
    • FY2016 Fund Balance Transfers – 0.00
    • FY2017 Fund Balance Transfers – Decision deferred, but budgeted by each state
    • NETC Unallocated Balance as of 8/21/2017 – $139,278.00
    • NETC Coordinator funded through 9/1/2018 and limited funding through 2/15/2019 to complete NETC 15 series
  7. Other Business
    • NETC Advisory Meeting Next Monthly Meeting – Tuesday, October 24th at 11am
  8. Adjourn