Research Topic Solicitation Meeting

The SCDOT Research Unit conducts a Research Topic Solicitation Meeting as part of its project selection process. Process was approved by the FHWA and RDEC. Meeting is held approximately every two years. Topic Solicitation Meeting

The purposes of the Topic Solicitation Meeting are: To increase awareness and understanding of the Department's research program among all its customers; To identify needs in the Department that can be addressed by research; To serve as the primary topic solicitation for the RDEC's consideration for funding as studies in the SPR Research Program. Topic Solicitation Meeting

Topic Solicitation Meeting participants include: SCDOT representatives selected by the Directors and Division Heads; FHWA representatives; Representatives from in-state universities; Representatives from trade organizations in SC; U.S. Geological Surveys (USGS) representatives. Topic Solicitation Meeting

Prior to the meeting, a “Suggested Research Topic” form is sent to all participants. Participants are encouraged to submit topics prior to the meeting. Topic Solicitation Meeting

The morning portion of the meeting includes all participants. The meeting starts in a plenary session with a presentation by Research Staff on the research process and purpose of the meeting. Each participant attends one of six breakout groups, pre-assigned, to identify and discuss topics. Topic Solicitation Meeting

The six breakout groups are: Topic Solicitation Meeting - Construction/Materials - Maintenance/Bridge Maintenance - Planning/Environmental - Preconstruction - Traffic/Safety - Intermodal/Freight/Business Operations

The afternoon portion of the meeting includes only the SCDOT and FHWA participants. Participants return to their breakout groups for final discussion and ranking of topics through a series of votes. A plenary session is held to wrap-up the meeting. Topic Solicitation Meeting

Breakout Group Proceedings -Moderator in each group from the OMR; -Participants discuss suggested topics; -Topics prioritized through a series of votes (SCDOT & FHWA); -A “Champion” is identified for each high priority topic.

The “Champion” must be a SCDOT employee; The “Champion” completes and submits a problem statement; The problem statement must be signed by the appropriate Director or Division Head. Topic Solicitation Meeting

Project Approval Process Problem statements forwarded to Research Unit. TRID/RIP search conducted on each topic. Ballot prepared similar to NCHRP ballot. Packet sent to RDEC members including problem statements, TRID/RIP results, Topic Solicitation Meeting Report, and ballot. Ballots are returned, ratings averaged, a ranking list prepared, including any comments received on completed ballots, then sent to the RDEC members.

Project Approval Process A meeting of the RDEC is held for final selection and prioritization of topics approved for funding as SPR research projects. The Deputy Secretary for Engineering signs the list of approved topics. Research projects are developed within reasonable conformity to the prioritized order determined by the RDEC.