Second Round: Implementation Assistance Program

The second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) was developed to help transportation professionals save time, money, and lives. To date, more than 700 volunteers have contributed to the program, and each one of the more than 100 research projects evolved from a pressing need identified by State and local transportation professionals. From the results of this research comes a series of products, called SHRP2 Solutions.

The Implementation Assistance Program is available to help State departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and other interested organizations participate in the deployment of SHRP2 Solutions. Across the Nation, transportation agencies are learning about and using important new technologies and innovations developed under SHRP2. Through the SHRP2 Implementation Assistance Program, a broad scope of opportunities is available to heighten awareness of SHRP2 Solutions and to encourage early adoption of SHRP2 products.

The first round of assistance was announced in February, and was intended to help transportation agencies deploy new products. At that time, six SHRP2 products were selected for implementation opportunities. The first round of the SHRP2 Implementation Assistance Program closed in March, and recipients were announced on May 3, 2013.

Second Round Opportunities Announced

The second round of the Implementation Assistance Program will be held in August. Prior to that, agencies have several ways to learn more about the products. SHRP2 Tuesdays Webinars will feature a variety of upcoming products. Additionally, specific informational Webinars for each product are scheduled in July.

Three new SHRP2 products were selected for implementation in this second round, along with additional assistance opportunities for one of the products deployed earlier this year:

C19: Expediting Project Delivery - Contains 24 strategies to address or avoid 16 common constraints to speed delivery of transportation planning and environmental review projects.
R07: Performance Specifications for Rapid Renewal - Contains example construction performance specifications requiring greater quality control for accelerated road and bridge projects in topic areas such as asphalt and concrete pavements, concrete bridge decks, and work zone traffic control.
R09: Managing Risk in Rapid Renewal Projects - This SHRP2 product was featured in the first round of implementation assistant opportunities; and two pilot projects were selected. In this round, we are seeking lead adopters to use this product to identify, assess, mitigate, allocate and monitor risk on accelerated reconstruction projects.
R16: Railroad-DOT Mitigation Strategies - Contains model legal agreements, recommended practices, sample contracts, and training materials to resolve underlying sources of conflicts and streamline review and agreement processes.

Save the Date! Register Today for Product Webinars

As part of the Implementation Assistance Program, a series of Webinars will be presented to provide detailed information on each of the products included in the second round of assistance opportunities. Registration is open and required for all participants. Mark your calendars for the following sessions, and register today to learn about each of the SHRP2 Solutions:

More information is also provided for each of the SHRP2 products below by following the product link. Over the next weeks, new information will become available. Check back for updates on Webinars and additional materials to learn about these SHRP2 Solutions.

Information is also available on the following Web pages: AASHTO SHRP2 Solutions and TRB SHRP2.

Participation Levels

Implementation assistance is available at three participation levels. Assistance will vary by product, depending on the status of product development and the next steps required to make the product market ready—taking into consideration the rate of current usage, risk, and geographic saturation.

Proof of Concept Pilot

Opportunity to help evaluate the readiness of a particular product.

Lead Adopter Incentive

Available to help offset costs associated with implementation of a product and related risk mitigation.

User Incentive

Available to accomplish a variety of implementation activities. Examples include conducting internal assessments, implementing system process changes, and organizing peer exchanges.

Upcoming Opportunities

Title	Focus Area	Opening Application Date
Expediting Project Delivery (C19)	Capacity	August 2, 2013
Performance Specifications for Rapid Renewal (R07)	Renewal	August 2, 2013
Managing Risk in Rapid Renewal Projects (R09)	Renewal	August 2, 2013
Railroad-DOT Mitigation Strategies (R16)	Renewal	August 2, 2013

To learn more or to ask questions about the Implementation Assistance Program, email goSHRP2@dot.gov.