How Research Proposals are Solicited
The WSDOT Research Office solicits research proposals from each of the four Research Advisory Committees, who also rank the proposals and send them forward to the Research Executive Committee. The top candidate projects are shared with the Research Executive Committee for review, modification, and approval. Formal project scopes of work are developed for the approved projects. Most projects are performed under contract with the University of Washington and Washington State University through the Washington State Transportation Center (TRAC).
The Research Program Managers will negotiate and select a principal investigator to do the work. They will also be required to submit a research proposal. The research proposal becomes the basis for the research contract.
Funded research projects follow guidelines set out in the WSDOT Research Procedures Manual. These guidelines provide administrative information and examples on the processes and requirements necessary for successful management and implementation of a research project.
How Research Reports are Submitted
Research Reports are submitted using the guidelines set in the Research Report Guidelines provided through the Washington State Transportation Center (TRAC) at the University of Washington. These guidelines provide information and examples on the processes and requirements for submitting a final research report.
How Research Projects are Selected for WSDOT Funding
Research projects are selected through an open, competitive process. Research problem statements are solicited from agency employees and university researchers. Seminars are held on research program areas as needed. The schedule for solicitation and review of research problem statements is as follows:
Research Project Process Schedule
Even Year
- Spring - Initiate the request for problem statements through the Research Advisory Committees
- Summer - Conduct workshops to foster discussion of research needs as requested by the Research Advisory Committees
- September - Problem statements are due to the Research Office.
- Fall - Conduct project rating and selection workshops with Research Advisory Committees
Odd Year
- January - Research Executive Committee finalizes program
- February - Notify potential Principal Investigators of approved program and potential projects
- Spring - Identification of Principal Investigators and scoping of final projects
- Beginning July 1 - Establish project contracts.
Ideas, however, can be submitted to Research Office staff at anytime, based on the need or priority of the problem or issue to be resolved.