You can become involved with the work of the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) as a panel member, proposer, or contractor for ACRP research.
About ACRP
Under the auspcies of the Transportation Research Board's Cooperative Research Programs (CRP), the ACRP organizes panels of experts to provide guidance on technical aspects of the research. Each research project is assigned to a panel, appointed by the Transportation Research Board, which provides technical guidance and counsel throughout the life of the project. Panels include experienced practitioners and research specialists; heavy emphasis is placed on including members representing the intended users of the research products.
Panels prepare project statements and select contractors based on evaluation of the proposals received; they guide the projects and review the reports. As in other TRB activities, ACRP project panel members serve voluntarily without compensation. These panels are looked to for guidance and counsel in developing the details of research, monitoring research in progress, and, finally, evaluating the results of completed research.
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The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) regularly advertises for competitive proposals by releasing detailed project statements (i.e., requests for proposals) on the TRB website. Those who have an interest in receiving research project statements must periodically browse the Requests for Proposals webpage or register to be notified by email of new project statements.
The specifications for preparing proposals are quite strict and are set forth in the brochure entitled Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals. Proposals will be rejected if they are not prepared in strict conformance with these guidelines.
The process for selecting ACRP contractors allows all potential research agencies to compete on the basis of technical merit, and ensures that all proposers are treated fairly and that the program has access to the best talent available for each project.
Proposals from potential research contractors are evaluated by the project panels. The evaluation considers the following: (1) the proposer's demonstrated understanding of the problem; (2) the merit of the proposed research approach and experiment design; (3) experience, qualifications, and objectivity of the research team in the same or closely related areas; (4) the plan for promoting application of results; (5) the proposer's plan for participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises--small firms owned and controlled by minorities or women; and (6) the adequacy of the facilities.
Contractors who are selected to conduct research for the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) are required to comply with the Procedural Manual for Contractors Conducting Research in the Transportation Research Board's Cooperative Research Programs.