The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) manages practical, applied research that addresses problems identified by practitioners and managers in state departments of transportation (DOTs). NCHRP publishes the research results and delivers implementable products. The benefits from the project findings, however, begin with implementation by state DOTs and other transportation agencies. To ensure that the research products are viable, NCHRP considers implementation throughout the course of a project—from the development of the problem statement to the awarding of the research contract and beyond to the completion of the research.

As a part of NCHRP Project 20-44, the NCHRP Implementation Support Program has funding to facilitate implementation of NCHRP research results. NCHRP will procure and manage consultant services to undertake the implementation projects as required by the applicant, and will draw upon a panel of experts to oversee the projects. Applications will be reviewed by NCHRP Panel 20-44.

How it works

Applications are reviewed by the NCHRP 20-44 Panel, members of which are selected from industry, academia, and state and federal transportation agencies to serve as experts on implementation of research. The Panel recognizes that each application is unique, and requires that applications present clear, concise information written in a way that will enable the Panel to make an informed judgement on the application’s merits.

In general, the Panel will look at how best applications address the following:

Impact: The expected benefits of implementing the research results to transportation agencies.

Feasibility: The planned implementation activities planned and an appropriate budget.

Partnerships: Lead state and other participating organizations or agencies, and what they would potentially contribute.

Scalability: How the proposed activities will facilitate the implementation of the research results.

Possible implementation products and activities

Funding is available for, but are not limited to, the following:

Demonstration or pilot projects in a host agency

Workshops or peer exchanges

Training

Flyers, brochures, or videos for specific target audiences

Briefing materials for senior management

The process

The process for the Program broadly follows the 4 major stages above. However, on a case-by-case basis, certain sub-steps of the process may be reduced or eliminated.

1

Application: The Program application form requests information on the proposed implementation project in a form that would enable the 20-44 Panel to make an informed decision. The form must be completed and submitted to Sid Mohan at smohan@nas.edu.

2

20-44 Panel review: In some cases, the 20-44 Panel will require clarifications on the information presented in the application form, or would request changes to be made to the application. At the end of this stage, the Panel will make its decision on either approving or declining the application, and appropriate information on the decision will be communicated back to the applicant.

3

Project development: If the application is approved, NCHRP will determine how to procure consultant services to undertake the implementation project, including whether to issue a Request for Proposals (RFPs).

4

Implementation: The consultant will carry out the implementation activities as outlined in the application, with oversight by a panel of experts managed by NCHRP staff. The conclusion of the implementation stage will include delivery of final reports on the implementation project, and other deliverables that may be appropriate to enable continued implementation of the research results.

Ready to apply?

Step 1.1

Identify NCHRP product(s) for implementation

To search for appropriate NCHRP products, use TRID.

Step 1.2

Complete application form

Download and complete the application form.

Step 1.3

Email application form

Email the completed application form to Sid Mohan.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Program

What is the NCHRP Implementation Support Program?

The NCHRP Implementation Support Program is a funding program to support the implementation of NCHRP research results to solve organizational challenges. Selected applications will receive support through consultant services procured and managed by NCHRP.

Why is NCHRP providing this support?

NCHRP is an applied research program intended to address the day to day issues faced by practitioners in state DOTs through products that can be readily implemented. AASHTO’s Special Committee on Research & Innovation (R&I) understands that applied research has little value until it is implemented, and since 2006, NCHRP has provided this support to help accelerate this implementation process.

What are the products that are eligible for this Program?

Completed NCHRP research results and products, as well as products still in development, are eligible for funding assistance. The decision to approve a funding request will be based on the expected benefits of implementing the research results; implementation activities planned and an appropriate budget; the lead state and other participating organizations or agencies, and what they would potentially contribute; and how the proposed activities will facilitate the implementation of the research results; amongst other factors. The implementation request can contain multiple NCHRP research products, and can include non-NCHRP research products as part of the implementation request.

How much can I ask for? And do I have to provide co-funding?

There is no maximum amount for funding requests, and matching funds are not required. Current funding ranges from a few thousand dollars, to three hundred thousand dollars. The 20-44 panel will look for the appropriateness of the funding requested in relation to the activities planned under the implementation project, as well as the anticipated outcomes and impacts of the project.

What kinds of implementation activities that can I put into my request?

Support is available for a range of activities listed here, but not limited to the ones listed.

However, activities that are low cost and have high potential for demonstrating implementation impact will be viewed more favorably. Eligible expenses can include essential travel, production of materials, professional services, and meeting costs.

Can my request be used to continue existing research, or carry out new ones?

Unfortunately not. The Program is strictly for implementing research, and if you’re interested in continuing your research or starting new ones, there are other programs within NCHRP that you may consider.

What will successful applicants receive?

Successful applicants will receive the support they request, through expert consultant services that can help implement NCHRP research results effectively. NCHRP will not transfer funds to the successful applicants, but will procure and manage the consultant services on behalf of the applicants.

What will be the role of successful applicants in the implementation project?

Successful applicants can have multiple roles within the implementation project, including, but not limited to, serving on the implementation project panel, participating in the implementation activities, and presenting on the implementation project at appropriate regional and national meetings and conferences. The actual role/s will be determined in consultation with the NCHRP staff officer.

What if I still have questions after reading the FAQs?

Please contact Sid Mohan at smohan@nas.edu. We will review every email and post responses to commonly asked questions on our FAQ here.

Entry & eligibility

When is the deadline for applying?

The Program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Decisions on the applications can take 6 – 8 weeks from time of submission, depending on the feedback received from the Panel.

Who is eligible to apply?

Currently, applications can be submitted by members of a current NCHRP panel, state DOT employees, or members of AASHTO Committees and Councils.

Can my organization submit a joint application with another organization?

Only one individual may submit the application, but we welcome and encourage collaboration with other organizations that may have similar needs as expressed in the application. The application allows you to specify partners who will be critical to your work under the question “Lead state and other participating organizations or agencies”

Can I submit an application if I work for an organization or entity that’s not listed above?

Not at this time. However, you can be a part of the application as a participant of the implementation project.

Application process

Can we include additional information to the application?

The application asks targeted questions that will help the Panel make an informed judgment. However, you can add additional information as appropriate if you feel that it would enhance the Panel’s understanding of the application.

I’ve emailed my application. Now what?

Once we receive your application, we will review it internally to ensure that it meets all the requirements of the Program, and that all questions have been answered satisfactorily. We will contact the applicant if we require any additional information.

Will every single application be reviewed?

Yes, we will review all eligible applications received.

My application was successful. What happens now?

If the application is approved, NCHRP will determine how to procure consultant services to undertake the implementation projects, including whether to issue a Request for Proposals (RFPs). In most cases, the implementation project will be overseen by a panel of experts managed by NCHRP staff.

Implementation Showcase

Documenting Implementation Best Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities

Project Page: NCHRP Project 20-44(21)

Implementing a Pilot Training Program on UAS Operations

Project Page: NCHRP Project 20-44(17)

Design Hydrology for Stream Restoration and Channel Stability at Stream Crossings

Project Page: NCHRP Project 20-44(15)

The Oregon DOT Statewide Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan

Project Page: NCHRP Project 20-44(13)

Peer Exchange on Data Governance for State DOT Chief Data Officers

Project Page: NCHRP Project 20-44(11)

Disseminating a Management Guide on Intellectual Property

Project Page: NCHRP Project 20-44(03)

Implementing the AASHTO Enterprise Risk Management Guide

Project Page: NCHRP Project 20-44(02)

Implementing Integrated Corridor Management

Project Page: NCHRP Project 03-121

Resources

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NCHRP Impact Reports

NCHRP Impact Reports document and present the value of the use of NCHRP research results, in the form of outcomes and impacts, through data and anecdotes compiled from various sources.

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NCHRP Active Implementation - Moving Research Into Practice

A presentation on NCHRP's Active Implementation Process, highlighting active implementation frameworks, effective implementation process flows, technology transfer, implementation strategies, and implementation approaches.

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Impacts on Practice

These brief case studies highlight how transportation agencies have put critical NCHRP research results to use nationwide in the following areas:

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Paths to Practice

Paths to Practice explore how NCHRP research results are successfully implemented at state departments of transportation.

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Ready Results

Ready Results are briefs on select NCHRP reports that summarize the research and provide practical next steps for implementation.

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Research Topic Highlights

Research Topic Highlights summarize the results of several NCHRP research projects within a topic area.

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AASHTO's Research Implementation Facilitation Plan

An implementation plan for NCHRP research results was prepared for the AASHTO Standing Committee on Research and approved in December 2015.

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Evaluating Implementation of NCHRP Products

Evaluating Implementation of NCHRP Products: Building on Successful Practices identifies the four key elements to successful implementation: implementation leadership, buy-in, structural support and resources, and ready-to-use products. Ten case studies of selected NCHRP products highlight a range of effective approaches to implementation.

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