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MISSION: Provides national leadership and advocacy in the development and implementation of strategies and programs to continuously work towards eliminating highway fatalities and serious injuries involving both motorized and non-motorized travelers on the Nation's highways, streets, bicycle/pedestrian facilities, and at intermodal connections.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as the FHWA advocate and a national leader for the elimination of highway fatalities and serious injuries, and leads highway safety infrastructure programs. Supports all FHWA offices in developing strong relationships with State, tribal, and local transportation and safety agencies and other public and private sector partners. Provides national and international leadership to improve safety for all highway users.
Strategic Planning and Quality: Develops and executes national policies and plans, implements program initiatives, and provides program leadership, management, and oversight for roadway-oriented safety programs. Initiates quality self-assessments, program evaluations, and system and process improvements to continually improve the quality of FHWA’s safety programs, products, and services. Develops and maintains the Office of Safety's Business Plan.
Legislation, Regulations, Policy, and Guidance: Develops legislative recommendations and administers statutory provisions relating to FHWA's highway safety mission. Develops and issues regulations, policies, and guidance for State and local transportation agencies in accordance with Federal laws. Carries out these functions in cooperation with other DOT and Federal agencies, as well as FHWA Headquarters and field offices.
Safety Leadership: Provides leadership in coordinating with other appropriate FHWA offices to initiate and develop national safety programs to continuously work towards eliminating highway fatalities and serious injuries. Coordinates as appropriate with other FHWA and departmental organizations, other Federal agencies, and the public and private sectors to improve highway safety.
Technology Delivery: In cooperation with the FHWA Office of Technical Services, Offices of Infrastructure, Operations, Federal Lands Highway, Planning, Environment, and Realty, and Research, Development, and Technology, leads the development and execution of a multi-year research and technology program plan to develop and demonstrate broad-based and multidisciplinary products, tools, and practices to improve highway safety.
Outreach and Consultation: Seeks the views of the Department's field offices, State and local governments, and the private sector on the development and implementation of highway safety infrastructure and other safety technologies, programs, and strategies to carry out office functions. Assesses the community impact of issues relating to highway safety and ensures that the interest of the users and the community are addressed in safety policies and programs.
The Associate Administrator for Safety provides executive direction over the activities of the following organizational elements:
MISSION: Provides strategic direction for surface transportation programs administered by FHWA to ensure that safety policies and programs are integrated with other FHWA and DOT policies and initiatives. Improves highway safety through development and application of Federal and State oriented programs and implements safety-related legislation.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy:Serves as an advocate and national leader for comprehensive Federal and State highway safety programs and activities that improve safety for all road users. Coordinates with other agencies dealing with highway safety issues and represents FHWA's interests with other public and private organizations. Ensures appropriate linkage, integration, and coordination of safety practices and principles with other entities, including other FHWA offices, DOT agencies, and external organizations.
Policy and Guidance: Develops policies and guidelines for national highway safety programs. Provides guidance on safety performance goals, policies, and criteria for all public roads and bicycle/pedestrian facilities. Provides national leadership, policy, and guidance on the highway safety improvement program, and other program areas. Coordinates with other FHWA offices as appropriate on policies and guidance.
Safety Leadership:Develops policies, procedures, and guidelines for development, administration, and management of FHWA highway safety programs in collaboration with other FHWA offices and DOT agencies. In partnership with other FHWA and DOT offices, and the public and private sectors, uses the information and results to identify and evaluate policies, practices, and technologies. Develops and implements policies, regulations, and guidance on highway safety grant programs. Leads the Highway Safety Improvement Program and its components.
Strategic Coordination: Leads and coordinates development of strategic direction, goals, and policy positions for safety within FHWA in cooperation with partners. Manages strategic and annual performance and unit planning activities. Ensures that goals and policies are appropriately represented through coordination within FHWA and among other DOT entities. Develops strategies for and assists FHWA division offices and States to ensure that national highway safety goals and policy objectives are reflected in State safety program activities. Coordinates and monitors the implementation of activities with other FHWA organizations and departmental modes, industry, and other partners and customers to ensure that highway safety is embraced in their programs.
External Partnerships: Seeks the views of other FHWA and DOT organizations, and public and private sector customers, including academia, on the development and implementation of highway strategies and programs. Represents and advances the Agency’s interest with organizations such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Transportation Research Board, Governor’s Highway Safety Association, Institute of Transportation Engineers, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and bicyclist and pedestrian associations. Actively seeks to include public involvement elements in the decisions that affect safety innovations in communities and neighborhoods. Leads and coordinates international activities for the FHWA safety program, including access to and use of technologies and innovations from other countries, representing the FHWA safety program within various international entities on highway safety matters.
Research and Technology Program: In cooperation with the Office of Safety Research and Development and the Office of Technical Services, directs and facilitates development of a multi-year and annual Highway Safety Research and Technology Program Plan, including roadmaps for priority topic areas. Manages Research and Technology program resources provided to the Office of Safety and coordinates preparation of justification documentation and presentation materials for safety and FHWA leadership and other entities.
Technology Delivery: Develops and delivers programs to advance the adoption of highway safety program innovations, including highway safety planning, highway safety improvement program innovations, and safety of all road users. Provides information to customers on the current and emerging technologies and strategies to improve highway safety. Acts as a technology and information clearinghouse for the Office of Technical Services, divisions, and States on information relating to highway safety programs.
Technical Assistance: Provides advice and assistance to partners in the implementation of the Highway Safety Improvement Program and serves as the Headquarters focal point to other offices regarding administration of this program. Represents FHWA through a variety of technical forums dealing with highway safety. In partnership with the divisions, the Office of Research, Development, and Technology and the Office of Technical Services, develops training material to advance the state-of-the-practice in highway safety. Executes a comprehensive program to advance the critical knowledge, skills and abilities within the roadway safety workforce. In coordination with other FHWA and DOT organizations provides technical assistance to congressional authorizing and appropriations committees in developing legislative recommendations and interpreting statutory provisions related to safety.
MISSION:Manages and promotes national programs to market and promote technology and innovation to reduce highway fatalities and serious injuries. Promotes practices relating to the development and incorporation of road and roadside features that impact highway safety performance. Improves State and national data driven decisionmaking.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as an advocate and national leader for highway designs and technologies that improve safety performance. Leads the promotion of data driven decisionmaking approaches and tools to State and local partners.
Policy and Guidance: Develops policies and guidelines, in cooperation with partners for national highway safety programs. Leads and coordinates policy positions for safety within FHWA to ensure the goals and polices of safety technologies and practices are met. Provides national leadership in the policy and guidance on highway infrastructure features including roadside safety features, visibility, pavement friction, rumble strips/rumble stripes, intersections/interchanges, roundabouts, and horizontal curve safety.
Safety Leadership: Seeks the views of the FHWA and departmental offices, State and local governments, and the private sector on the development and implementation of highway safety infrastructure technologies. Participates as a full member of the DOT Traffic Records Coordinating Committee to advance information and data activities that support the Department’s efforts for multidisciplinary safety programs. Provides leadership, policy guidance, and technical assistance to FHWA divisions and States in regard to the safety technologies and programs including: intersections, roadway departure, pedestrian, safe routes to school, speed management, and other safety related programs.
Program Analysis: Evaluates safety programs’ effectiveness and efficiency in reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries. Identifies data needs to carry out analyses necessary to support the safety mission and performs analyses to determine trends and evaluate FHWA’s safety programs.
Safety Information and Analysis: Serves as the FHWA national leader to ensure FHWA divisions have the expertise to conduct and to perform safety data analysis to support program activities with State and local partners. Identifies data needs to carry out analyses necessary to support State and local safety programs, leads programs to improve data systems, supports State and local data collection programs, and performs data analyses to assist FHWA divisions and States in examining safety problems and opportunities. In cooperation with other DOT and FHWA offices, works to ensure that data resources are available to address safety issues. Supports and assists in the development, maintenance, and use of information systems to support highway and bicyclist/pedestrian infrastructure and other safety programs. With the Office of Technical Services, the Office of Research, Development, and Technology and divisions, assists the States with data information systems to ensure that the most accurate, complete, and timely data are available for national and State data analyses.
Research and Technology Program: In cooperation with the Office of Safety Research and Development and the Office of Technical Services, facilitates development of multi-year and annual Highway Safety Research and Technology Program roadmaps for priority topic areas. Manages Research and Technology program resources. Supports the development, field testing, and evaluation of emerging technologies, standards and practices designed to improve the safe movement of people and goods, and to enhance the safety of the surface transportation system.
Technology Delivery: Manages the FHWA program to design, implement, and deliver programs to advance the adoption of highway safety technologies and innovations. Provides information to customers on the current and emerging technologies and strategies to improve highway safety. Acts as a technology and information clearinghouse for the Office of Technical Services, Office of Research, Development and Technology, divisions and States on information relating to highway safety programs. Helps to coordinate the development of highway safety standards and requirements, and works with the appropriate offices to identify and share highway safety technology applications and requirements. In cooperation with the Office of Operations, Infrastructure, and Planning, Environment and Realty works with the Office of Federal Lands Highway, Office of Technical Services and divisions to identify and deploy highway safety technologies and products.
Technical Assistance: Provides advice and assistance and serves as the Headquarters focal point to the Office of Infrastructure, Operations, Federal Lands Highway, and Planning, Environment and Realty, the Office of Technical Services, division offices, and State and local jurisdictions regarding highway safety program development, evaluation, and administration. Represents FHWA through a variety of technical forums dealing with highway safety, including roadside design and hardware safety, and highway-rail grade crossing safety.
Office of Safety
MISSION: Provides leadership in the development of policy and legislation and represents FHWA in Congress and in the international highway community.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as the FHWA advocate for national program policies, policy information needs, and legislative initiatives in support of DOT and FHWA strategic goals. Develops, facilitates, and coordinates national and international initiatives and maintains feedback systems designed to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives.
Strategic Planning and Quality: In coordination with FHWA program offices and Office of the Secretary (OST), supports FHWA and DOT Strategic Plans by providing guidance and advice on strategic planning and policy issues related to highway transportation. Develops and implements action/business plan quality self-assessments and program evaluation initiatives in the advancement of FHWA goals and implements strategies to produce continuous quality improvement within the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs.
Research and Technology Delivery: Conducts research in support of highway policy, information management, and international programs. Leads or supports in the development and implementation of research in these areas and technology plans and road maps to achieve strategic goals in those areas, and in cooperation with relevant FHWA program offices, provides policy and information analysis tools to the field for State and local use.
Legislation/Program: Leads the development of legislative proposals in cooperation with FHWA offices and OST. Develops the Legislative Implementation Plan for major authorizing legislation, coordinating and monitoring implementation of new requirements in cooperation with the appropriate offices. Develops selected policy and program direction as delegated primary responsibility, including the development of regulations where appropriate.
Long Range Strategic Planning: Provides agencywide leadership for strategic policy development, including environmental scanning, outreach, and identification of emerging issues. Performs trend forecasting and analysis and identifies potential new Federal roles. Supports the Administrator in coordination with the Leadership Team in the development of the FHWA Strategic Plan, provides for coordination within FHWA and with OST, and works with OST to coordinate with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Congress on the strategic planning process.
Congressional Affairs: Serves as FHWA's principal congressional liaison, assisting the Agency in responding to congressional issues. Communicates the policies of the Agency and the viewpoints of the Administrator regarding congressional issues, and about programs and matters of interest to the Agency as requested by Members of Congress. Works with OST Congressional Affairs in responding to congressional issues.
Development of National Highway/Transportation Policy: Provides assistance to the Secretary in formulating, implementing, and analyzing national highway transportation policy, programs, and financing initiatives in cooperation with OST, and the other modes. Communicates these initiatives within FHWA. Works with OST to communicate these initiatives to OMB, the Congress, and State and local governments. Represents FHWA on the DOT-wide Policy Council.
National Transportation Policy Studies: Develops, monitors, evaluates, and implements national highway transportation policy studies and pilot programs in areas including future investment requirements, user fees and cost recovery, highway linkages to economic productivity, truck size and weight policy, and programs to eliminate evasion of motor fuel taxes.
National Highway/Transportation Information Management: Develops and implements a program of national highway information collection, management, and analyses to serve Agency policy and decisionmaking needs in areas including highway system extent, usage and performance, financing, travel, and fuel consumption. Plans and conducts national surveys of household travel demand and customer satisfaction in cooperation with other modes. Supports nationwide users and providers of highway data through publications, web access, and specialized assistance. Coordinates with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) on data issues with DOT-wide implications.
International Activities: Provides overall leadership and strategic direction and facilitation for FHWA's international activities, including: technological exchange and assistance programs; bilateral cooperation with Canada, Mexico, and other countries; and FHWA's participation in international organizations, e.g., the World Road Association/Permanent International Association of Road Congress (PIARC) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Provides support to the U.S. highway community in its international activities, including the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Transportation Research Board (TRB), OST, other Federal agencies, and industry efforts to promote U.S. technology and expertise abroad. Provides expert technical assistance to international governments on highway and road projects and other construction.
The Associate Administrator for Policy and Governmental Affairs provides executive direction over the activities of the following organizational elements:
MISSION: Provides support and assistance to FHWA, DOT, and the Congress on policy development and execution, including coordination of the Agency legislative program and stewardship of the Highway Trust Fund.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as the FHWA lead and advocate for national highway legislative initiatives development, coordination, and communication in furtherance of DOT and FHWA strategic goals.
Strategic Planning and Quality: Brings a corporate and Executive Branch perspective and policy viewpoint to the development and implementation of quality assessments and evaluations of legislative initiatives and proposals. Provides support on quality initiatives for the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs.
Legislation / National Highway Transportation Policy: In support of FHWA's Office of the Administrator and the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs, provides assistance to the Secretary in the formulation, analysis, and oversight of national highway transportation policy and legislation implementation in cooperation with other FHWA offices, OST, and other modes. Supports communication of this information to customers and partners. Provides analysis of issues and alternatives for future legislation as well as assessments of legislation proposed by others.
Customer Service and Dissemination: Manages activities to relate highway programmatic and financing information to all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and to other customers and partners through provision of financing Federal-aid highways courses, Highway Trust Fund primers, and related efforts.
Briefings: Prepares official executive briefings for the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administrator, to prepare them for informational updates, meetings, and other significant events involving a wide variety of audiences, including international interests. Manages a system of quick-response input from Headquarters and field offices. Serves as the focal point for communications with a wide range and variety of transportation interest groups, including State and local governments and Native American tribal transportation organizations. Communicates highway policy and policy proposals to these organizations and assesses the implications of policy proposals on them.
Intergovernmental Affairs: Professionally manages the Agency's intergovernmental relations function to balance FHWA's dealings with State and local governments, public and special interest groups, transportation associations, and non-profit organizations. Identifies and implements coordinated strategies for the full range of stakeholders, and brings understanding of these interests into tactics involved in legislative and program delivery. Tracks State legislative developments that will have an impact on the Federal-aid highway program.
MISSION: Provides support and assistance to FHWA, DOT, and the Congress on policy development and execution, including analysis of major policy issues impacting highway transportation for the future.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as the FHWA lead and advocate for national program policies and legislative initiatives in furtherance of DOT and FHWA strategic goals.
Strategic Planning and Quality: Develops and implements quality assessments and evaluations in areas including economic/productivity agendas and pilot programs. Conducts studies of emerging issues that could affect future Federal-aid highway programs. Brings a corporate and Executive Branch perspective and policy viewpoint to the development and implementation of quality assessments and evaluations in areas including strategic planning, visioning, and legislative initiatives. Leads in the outreach, evaluation, and development of the FHWA Strategic Plan in support of the Department's Strategic Plan. Applies the appropriate political perspective to linkages between system performance, program management, and authorizing and appropriations language in the budget process. Provides support on strategic and quality initiatives for the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs.
Performance Planning: In coordination with OST, the FHWA Leadership Team, Headquarters and field offices, and partners and customers, champions the effective deployment of strategic planning, performance planning, and program evaluation. Supports the Leadership Team in the development of the Annual Performance Plan and supports the Administrator in the preparation of the Annual Performance Agreement. Serves as the Agency's lead contact and coordinator for OMB's and OST's generic program assessment processes and efficiency/ effectiveness measurement tools. Coordinates with OST Budget and OMB on performance related documents such as DOT Performance Plans and Reports. Provides guidance to Headquarters and field offices on techniques and practices for tracking Strategic Planning initiatives and measuring progress. Assists in the development and utilization of business metrics. Responsible for preparation and dissemination of the Annual FHWA Milestone Report.
Legislation/National Highway Transportation Policy: Provides agencywide leadership in formulating, analyzing, and implementing national highway transportation policy issues such as energy and transportation finance initiatives and public-private partnerships in cooperation with OST and other modes. Communicates this information to customers and partners. Provides in-depth analysis, including economic impacts of issues and alternatives for future policy development.
National Transportation Policy Studies: Designs, implements, and evaluates national studies and pilot programs including: user fee/ cost allocation studies; highway linkages to domestic productivity and international competitiveness; truck size and weight analyses of impacts of alternative scenarios; and studies that assess the impact of alternative economic scenarios on the country's transportation infrastructure, including the "Status of the Nation's Highways, Bridges, and Transit : Conditions and Performance Report to Congress" (C&P report). Coordinates extensively within DOT and with customers and partners on alternative investment scenarios for the future user-friendly C&P report.
Transportation Futures Studies Program: Manages a program to systematically identify, analyze, and address emerging issues in the transportation community such as: current and potential legislation related to various types of possible highway revenue sources, including taxes and user fees; performance measurement; the impact of cap and trade as a source of funds, etc. Analyzes current FHWA policies and programs while examining future anticipated transportation needs.
Policy Research: Conducts research and develops analysis tools in support of policy studies and reports to Congress, and provides these tools to States for their policy uses.
Customer Service and Information Dissemination: Disseminates information on forecasts of future highway travel, travel characteristics of different vehicle classes, user fees paid by different vehicle classes, findings from various policy studies, and analytical tools developed in connection with policy studies.
MISSION: Provides support and assistance to FHWA, DOT, the Congress, and other customers in developing and analyzing policy related data and information for highway and intermodal transportation decisionmaking.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as FHWA lead and advocate to assess national highway policy data and information needs for administration and congressional reporting on highway extent, condition, performance, financing, highway trust fund attribution, and future investment requirements; apportionment data needs; national highway statistics reporting; and strategic plan data needs.
Strategic Planning and Quality: Develops and implements action/business plan initiatives in the advancement of FHWA goals and implements strategies designed to produce continuous quality improvement within the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs. Provides data in support of the FHWA and DOT Strategic Plan. Works with relevant FHWA offices to develop initiatives to improve data quality.
Research and Technology: Conducts research and analysis in support of national policy information and decisionmaking needs as well as information collection, editing, and analysis tools and technologies for States and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) in support of the intergovernmental data partnership. Supports the FHWA Resource Center in dissemination of these tools to States and MPOs.
National Highway Policy Information Program: Develops and implements a program of national highway information collection, management, and analyses to serve Agency policy and decisionmaking needs in areas including highway system extent, usage and performance, financing, travel, and fuel consumption. Plans and conducts national surveys of household travel demand and customer satisfaction in cooperation with other modes and BTS.
Fuel Tax Evasion Program: Manages a program to eliminate evasion of motor fuel taxes involving the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and the Internal Revenue Service. Leads efforts to ensure that these taxes are collected, remitted, and credited to the Highway Trust Fund. Works with various joint Federal/State and intergovernmental motor fuel tax compliance projects to address motor fuel tax evasion through audit and enforcement efforts and technological advances.
Intermodal Data Coordination: Serves as lead point of contact for FHWA with the BTS in assembling highway data into the Department's intermodal database, assessing appropriate data standards, and developing appropriate indicator data sources for the Department's Strategic Plan.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Develops, facilitates, and coordinates feedback systems to evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives and guide future program direction. Conducts appropriate data process reengineering initiatives in cooperation with the field offices and our partners and stakeholders.
Customer Service and Outreach: Supports nationwide users and providers of highway data through publications, Web access, and specialized assistance. Seeks customer feedback on the effectiveness of initiatives.
MISSION: Implements international programs and activities that will meet the highest priority of the FHWA, supporting DOT goals and the DOT Strategic Plan, the U.S. transportation community, and our international partners.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as FHWA lead and advocate for the U.S. highway community internationally through participation in international organizations; bilateral cooperation with Canada, Mexico, and other countries; and support for international activities undertaken by U.S. highway-related organizations such as AASHTO and TRB, as well as other Federal agencies in the area of transportation. Provides support to the U.S. private sector for highway-related activities abroad.
Strategic Planning and Quality: In coordination with FHWA program offices, develops and implements international initiatives to advance the DOT's and FHWA's international goals and objectives, and implements strategies designed to produce continuous quality improvement. Supports the FHWA and DOT Strategic Plan by providing guidance and advice on international issues related to highway transportation and technology.
Research and Technology: Supports FHWA's research efforts through the coordination and management of FHWA's international scanning program which provides the U.S. highway community with specific information on high-priority technology available internationally. Also, provides support through participation in the development and implementation of the Corporate Master Plan for Research and Development. Coordinates selected research and technology exchanges with other developed countries, as well as technology transfer and assistance to selected countries to improve transportation trade corridors and security. Participates in international research efforts through such organizations as the World Road Congress/PIARC and the TRB.
Coordination of International Activities: Serves as FHWA's lead point of contact and coordinator for FHWA with other international offices within the Department and OST for all international activities and initiatives. Works with other offices within the Department, other U.S. agencies, and international organizations to develop and implement technology transfer and assistance programs in selected foreign countries in support of U.S. foreign policy objectives.
Customer Service and Outreach: Provides support to all FHWA offices for all international initiatives, including foreign travel, technical exchanges, and programs. Conducts outreach to the U.S. highway community regarding FHWA's international activities as well as the informational resources available to the Federal, State, and local level customers from abroad. Coordinates and provides support for international visitors to FHWA and other DOT entities.
Technical Assistance to Kuwait on Highway and Road Projects and Other Construction: Through the Kuwait Technical Assistance Team, provides the Kuwaiti government with advice and technical assistance in the areas of program management, project development, contract procurement and administration, construction and quality control, and training, with respect to highway and road projects and other construction as well as assists in the creation of a Technology Transfer Center. Works with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Public Works, in adherence with cooperative agreements between FHWA, and the Kuwaiti government, and other cooperating agencies.
Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs
MISSION: Develops agencywide policies and provides support and assistance to FHWA's Headquarters and field offices in matters relating to management and administrative support services and information systems and technology.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as an advocate for issues and programs involving management and administrative support and information systems and technology and serves as the focal point for these programs.
Strategic Planning: Develops and implements action/business plan initiatives in the advancement of established DOT, FHWA, and the Office of Administration's goals and objectives. Develops and initiates quality self assessments, program evaluations and system and process improvements to continuously improve the quality of programs, products, and services in assigned areas of responsibility.
Legislation/Program: Develops legislative recommendations and administers statutory provisions relating to management and administrative support services and information systems and technology programs. Develops policy and direction for these activities.
Support Services: Administers management and administrative support services for FHWA customers and others aimed at improving management efficiency and effectiveness of FHWA programs and operations. Services include: management consulting, organization, audit liaison, committees, records, public availability of information, directives, forms, reports; nationwide voice and data telecommunications, space management, personal property, motor vehicles, occupational safety, energy conservation, communication security; printing, publications, graphics, exhibits, video, and distribution.
Information Systems and Technology: Develops and manages programs that provide agencywide information systems, IT support services, an IT infrastructure, and internal and external access to support the Agency's strategic goals and information needs. This includes administering FHWA information resources management policy and programs and providing leadership and technical direction in developing, designing, and installing management information systems throughout the Agency.
MISSION: Develops agencywide policies and provides support and assistance to FHWA's Headquarters and field organizations in matters relating to human resources (HR). Develops and administers programs that provide comprehensive HR services to management and employees. Provides HR advice and services to Headquarters and field organizations, in coordination with the HR staff in the Atlanta and Lakewood Administrative Service Teams. Identifies, develops, and administers FHWA-wide employee training and development in coordination with the Office of Professional and Corporate Development. Provides, working with modal HR offices, automated staffing, delegated examining unit (DEU), and related HR services for all DOT components, excluding the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as an advocate for HR issues and programs involving employment, career advancement, career development, diversity, workforce planning, position classification, compensation, employee benefits, labor management relations, and counseling, and serves as the focal point for these programs.
Strategic Planning and Quality: Develops and implements action plans and initiatives for the advancement of established DOT and FHWA goals and objectives. Develops and initiates quality self-assessments, program evaluations, and system and process improvements to continuously improve the quality and delivery of HR programs, products, and services.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitors, collects data, and evaluates the work life and HR programs throughout the Agency. Uses results to improve HR program performance and delivery.
Outreach and Consultation: Conducts outreach activities to reach students and prospective employees, and provides internal consultative services to managers, supervisors, and employees on a wide range of HR-related issues, including position management and classification, staffing and recruitment strategies, diversity, succession planning, training and development, labor management relations, employee conduct and discipline, employee benefits, and wellness programs.
Policy/Programs: Administers statutory provisions relating to HR programs. Develops policy, procedures, systems, and direction for carrying out HR programs agencywide.
Planning and Systems Development: Directs or conducts large scale studies of HR systems assessments to aid in HR strategic planning and subsequent personnel and automated systems development. Develops and administers a wide variety of information systems and record keeping related to employment, compensation, training, benefits, and employee recognition.
Human Resources Services: Administers a wide range of agencywide HR programs aimed at providing managers and employees with high quality service related to employment, position classification, compensation, labor management relations, employee conduct and discipline, benefits, and employee recognition.
DOT Automated Staffing Services: Through the DOT Automated Staffing Group, which is organizationally located within FHWA's Office of Human Resources, serves as the Department's "executive agent" for providing "one-stop" employment services to all job applicants applying for positions advertised through the DOT automated staffing system.
Training and Development: Administers the FHWA-wide training and development system encompassing courses, short and long-term professional and career development programs, and supporting processes for planning, budgeting, assessment, evaluation, and reporting. In coordination with the Office of Professional and Corporate Development, assures that the overall FHWA training and development program scope and content are aligned with the FHWA strategic objectives and meet long-term Agency needs.
Workforce Planning: Provides leadership and expertise in identifying staffing needs, and developing, implementing, and promoting a comprehensive workforce planning process for FHWA. Studies and evaluates the impact of legislation, information technology, organizational change, evolving customer needs, and the future of human resources on FHWA's mission and workforce requirements. Leads efforts to conduct analyses of the skills needs and employment data (e.g., attrition, age, education, and potential labor pool) of the FHWA workforce to identify skills gaps. Works with the appropriate program managers and other executives to develop an integrated strategic approach to meet workforce needs and to guide and evaluate implementation efforts.
MISSION: Develops and implements acquisition policy, procedures, and guidelines for all elements of FHWA, including the Federal Lands Highway Program and provides agencywide oversight of acquisition activities. Manages an operational acquisition program on behalf of FHWA Headquarters. Awards and administers contracts, interagency agreements, simplified acquisitions, grants, and cooperative agreements on behalf of FHWA's Headquarters offices; provides advice and counsel to FHWA's field organizations on acquisition issues.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Promotes a climate within FHWA of ethics and integrity with respect to acquisition. Promotes continual streamlining of the acquisition cycle. Actively promotes increased participation of small, disadvantaged, and women-owned businesses and minority institutions in the FHWA acquisition program.
Strategic Direction: Develops and implements quality action initiatives for the Office of Acquisition Management in the advancement of DOT and FHWA Strategic Goals, Objectives, and Corporate Management Strategies. Initiates FHWA-wide quality self-assessments, customer surveys, and process improvements to continually improve the quality of acquisition services provided. To the extent existing systems cannot be relied upon, adopts automated systems that can provide timely, accurate and relevant data in support of Agency and Departmental strategic goals, plans and performance agreements.
Outreach and Consultation: Works closely with FHWA's Headquarters and field offices to ensure open and continuous coordination and cooperation in the advancement of a quality-based acquisition program. Manages the Headquarters Special Emphasis Program, providing advice and counsel to small, small disadvantaged, women-owned businesses, and minority institutions on FHWA contracting opportunities.
Information and Analysis: Pursues continuous evolution in electronic commerce to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the acquisition business process. Measures the performance, efficiency and productivity of acquisition services provided; applies process reviews to achieve continuous improvement. Maintains automated capability to generate information to support performance measurement and decisionmaking.
Legislative, Regulatory, Policy and Guidance: Develops and implements FHWA-wide acquisition policy, procedures, and guidance. Serves as Agency focal point for analysis and comment on the implications of proposed acquisition-related legislation, regulations, policy, guidance, and directives. Responsible for the FHWA contracting officer warrant program.
Professional Development: Develops and conducts formal training for FHWA's Headquarters and field offices on acquisition topics. Ensures that all FHWA acquisition professionals are in compliance with Governmentwide acquisition workforce competency standards.
MISSION: Leads in the development of a nationally coordinated research and technology program; champions the advancement of highway technological innovation in support of FHWA strategic goals and performance objectives; advances knowledge through research, development, testing, and evaluation services; and provides support and assistance throughout FHWA in matters relating to research, development, and technology (RD&T).
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as FHWA's advocate and provides national leadership in the research and development of new highway and transportation technologies. Champions advancement of highway technological innovation, which supports FHWA strategic goals and performance objectives.
Strategic Planning and Quality: Develops and implements action/business plan initiatives in the advancement of DOT and FHWA Strategic Goals, Objectives, and Corporate Management Strategies. Initiates self-assessments regarding quality, program evaluations and system and process improvements to continually improve the quality of programs, products, and services.
Legislative/Program: Provides technical support to the Offices of Infrastructure; Operations; Safety; Policy and Governmental Affairs; Federal Lands Highway; and Planning, Environment, and Realty in the development and analysis of RD&T legislative proposals and prepares overall agency proposals. Assists these offices in the assessment and evaluation of crosscutting RD&T initiatives.
Technology Delivery: Supports the Offices of Infrastructure; Operations; Safety; Policy and Governmental Affairs; Federal Lands Highway; and Planning, Environment, and Realty in the development of near term RD&T Program Plans. Supports these offices and the Resource Center in the development and delivery of new technologies, and assists in the design and implementation of feedback systems to evaluate the effectiveness of new technologies.
Outreach and Consultation: In cooperation with Headquarters and field offices, provides and maintains ongoing communication links with FHWA's customers and partners, and other constituencies seeking their feedback. Partners with the Resource Center in the design and implementation of feedback systems to identify and evaluate new technologies and to continually update evolving needs and trends for future research plans and programs.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Develops and maintains systems for collecting and analyzing data and trends to evaluate research and technology policy and program effectiveness. Uses results to improve program performance.
Research Agenda Scanning: Facilitates the planning and development of a collaborative, inclusive outreach process intended to identify future targets of research opportunity within the larger national RD&T agenda. Develops a cooperative plan for advanced research initiatives that are higher-risk, potentially higher-payoff areas where work is unlikely to be undertaken by other programs or partners.
National Programs: Provides agency leadership for policy development and the administration of nationwide RD&T programs including: the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP); the Small Business Innovation Research Program; the Technology Deployment and Partnerships Program; and the research activities portion of the State Planning and Research (SP&R) Program. In cooperation with the Offices of Infrastructure; Operations; Safety; Policy and Governmental Affairs; Federal Lands Highway; Planning, Environment, and Realty; and the Resource Center, develops and implements feedback systems regarding the effectiveness of research products from these programs.
RD&T Budget: Leads the coordination and preparation of FHWA's annual budget request for the overall RD&T program.
Resource Management: Carries out the internal administrative needs of RD&T and requirements of managing the operations of the Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC). This includes all required activities in the areas of personnel, training, finance and budget (administrative budget), acquisition management and control (procurement integrity), inventory control, facility management (buildings, grounds, etc.) oversight, and administration of computer network and communications needs.
Research Liaison: Provides FHWA's principal point of contact within the DOT and with national and international transportation research organizations (National Science Foundation (NSF), Transportation Research Board (TRB), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)). Leads in the technical negotiations of international research agreements.
Conduct Research and Field Tests: Conducts a research and development program in areas such as pavements, structures, highway safety and operations (including intelligent transportation systems) at FHWA's TFHRC and at other locations using a variety of research approaches including staff research, contract research, and cooperative research activities with other public and private researchers. Partners with the Offices of Infrastructure, Operations, Safety, Federal Lands Highway, and Planning, Environment, and Realty to conduct field test and evaluation of new and cutting edge technologies. Provides assistance to these offices and the Resource Center, in the demonstration field tests of market ready technologies.
Technology Transfer Assistance: Provides assistance and service to the Offices of Infrastructure, Operations, Safety, Policy and Governmental Affairs, Federal Lands Highway, Planning, Environment, and Realty, and the Resource Center in support of cross-cutting technology transfer services and expertise, including marketing, development of technology packages, networks for disseminating technology information, and fostering partnerships for technology sharing.
Communications and Marketing Assistance: Provides and maintains communication, marketing assistance, outreach, and coordination services for all RD&T related activities, including FHWA-wide media (Public Roads and Transporter magazines, etc.) in support of RD&T programs.
New Product Acceptance: In cooperation with the Offices of Infrastructure, Operations, Safety, Policy and Governmental Affairs, Federal Lands Highway, Planning, Environment, and Realty, the Resource Center, and the division offices, monitors the customer acceptance of new products from the RD&T programs. Evaluates benefits and provides corrective assistance where necessary.
Professional Development: Provides opportunities for knowledge and skill development in RD&T for FHWA career employees as well as other non-Federal transportation professionals.
The Associate Administrator for Research, Development, and Technology provides executive direction over the activities of the following organizational elements:
Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Office of Safety Research and Development
Office of Operations Research and Development
Office of Corporate Research, Technology, and Innovation Management
Office of Resource Management
MISSION: Continually improves infrastructure-related technology through research, development, and testing; through an outreach process to identify future targets of opportunity; and with the pursuit of advanced research initiatives. Supports the Offices of Infrastructure; Operations; Safety; Federal Lands Highway; Planning, Environment, and Realty; and the Resource Center in the development of near-term RD&T program plans and projects; demonstration field tests of technologies; and evaluation of customer needs, acceptance, and benefits of new infrastructure-related products.
FUNCTIONS:
Technology Delivery: Supports the Office of Infrastructure in the development of near-term RD&T Program Plans. Supports the Office of Infrastructure and the Resource Center in the development and delivery of new technologies, and assists in the design and implementation of feedback systems to evaluate the effectiveness of new technologies.
Conduct Infrastructure-Related Research and Field Tests: Conducts a research and development program in pavements, structures, materials, and other infrastructure areas at FHWA's TFHRC and at other locations using a variety of research approaches including staff research, contract research, and cooperative research activities with other public and private researchers. Partners with the Offices of Infrastructure; Operations; Safety; Federal Lands Highway; and Planning, Environment, and Realty to conduct field test and evaluation of new and cutting edge technologies. Provides assistance to these offices and the Resource Center in the demonstration field tests of market ready technologies.
Technology Services: Provides and maintains world-class research and development facilities in support of national highway needs; provides technology analysis services, available directly to the States, including laboratory testing, forensic analysis, etc.
New Product Acceptance: In cooperation with the Office of Infrastructure, the Resource Center, and the division offices, monitors the customer acceptance of new infrastructure products from the RD&T programs. Evaluates benefits and provides corrective assistance where necessary.
Research Agenda Scanning/Advanced Research: Carries out the planning, development, and execution of a collaborative, inclusive outreach process intended to identify future targets of research opportunity regarding infrastructure elements of the RD&T agenda. Develops a cooperative plan for advance research initiatives, which are higher-risk, potentially higher-payoff areas where work is unlikely to be undertaken by other programs or partners.
Professional Development: Provides opportunities for professional development and mutual exchange of expertise in technical areas through rotations, Interagency Personnel Assignments (IPA), etc., at TFHRC for headquarters and field staff, as well as State and academic personnel.
MISSION: Continually improves safety-related technology through research, development, and testing; through an outreach process to identify future targets of opportunity; and with the pursuit of advanced research initiatives. Supports the Offices of Infrastructure; Operations; Safety; Federal Lands Highway; Planning, Environment, and Realty; and the Resource Center, in their goal to eliminate highway crashes in the development of near-term RD&T program plans and projects; demonstration of field tests of technologies; and evaluation of customer needs, acceptance, and benefits of new safety-related products.
FUNCTIONS:
Technology Delivery: Supports the safety functions in the development of near-term RD&T Program Plans. Supports the FHWA safety elements and the Resource Center in the development and delivery of new technologies, and assists in the design and implementation of feedback systems to evaluate the effectiveness of new technologies.
Conduct Safety-Related Research and Field Tests: Conducts a research and development program in highway safety at FHWA's TFHRC and at other locations using a variety of research approaches including staff research, contract research, and cooperative research activities with other public and private researchers. Partners with the Offices of Infrastructure; Operations; Safety; Federal Lands Highway; and Planning, Environment, and Realty to conduct field test and evaluation of new and cutting edge technologies. Provides assistance to these offices and the Resource Center in the demonstration field tests of market ready technologies.
Technology Services: Provides and maintains world-class research and development facilities in support of national highway needs; provides technology analysis services, available directly to States and local governments, including laboratory testing, forensic analysis, etc.
New Product Acceptance: In cooperation with the Resource Center and division offices, monitors customers' acceptance of new infrastructure safety products from the RD&T programs. Evaluates benefits and provides corrective assistance where necessary.
Research Agenda Scanning/Advanced Research: Carries out the planning, development, and execution of a collaborative, inclusive information gathering process intended to identify future targets of research opportunity regarding safety elements of the RD&T agenda. Develops a cooperative plan for advance research initiatives that are higher-risk, potentially higher-payoff areas where work is unlikely to be undertaken by other programs or partners.
Professional Development: Provides opportunities for professional development and mutual exchange of expertise in technical areas through rotations, IPAs, etc., at TFHRC for Headquarters and field staff as well as State and academic personnel.
MISSION: Continually improves operations-related technology through research, development, and testing; through an outreach process to identify future targets of opportunity; and with the pursuit of advanced research initiatives. Supports the Offices of Infrastructure; Operations; Safety; Federal Lands Highway; Planning, Environment, and Realty; and the Resource Center in the development of near-term RD&T program plans and projects; demonstration field tests of technologies; and evaluation of customer needs, acceptance, and benefits of new operations related products.
FUNCTIONS:
Technology Delivery: Supports the Office of Operations in the development of near term RD&T Program Plans. Supports the Office of Operations and the Resource Center in the development and delivery of new technologies and assists in the design and implementation of feedback systems to evaluate the effectiveness of new technologies.
Operations-Related Research and Field Tests: Conducts a research and development program in operations (including Intelligent Transportation Systems) at FHWA's TFHRC and at other locations using a variety of research approaches including staff research, contract research, and cooperative research activities with other public and private researchers. Partners with the Offices of Infrastructure, Operations, Safety, Federal Lands Highway, and Planning, Environment, and Realty, to conduct field test and evaluation of new and cutting edge technologies. Provides assistance to these offices and the Resource Center in the demonstration field tests of market-ready technologies.
Technology Services: Provides and maintains world-class research and development facilities in support of national highway needs. Provides technology analysis services, available directly to the States, including laboratory testing, forensic analysis, etc.
New Product Acceptance: In cooperation with the Office of Operations, the Resource Center, and the division offices, monitors the customer acceptance of new infrastructure products from the RD&T programs. Evaluates benefits and provides corrective assistance where necessary.
Research Agenda Scanning/Advanced Research: Carries out the planning, development, and execution of a collaborative, inclusive outreach process intended to identify future targets of research opportunity regarding operations elements of the RD&T agenda. Develops a cooperative plan for advance research initiatives that are higher-risk, potentially higher-payoff areas where work is unlikely to be undertaken by other programs or partners.
Professional Development: Provides opportunities for professional development and mutual exchange of expertise in technical areas through rotations, IPAs, etc., at TFHRC for Headquarters and field staff as well as State and academic personnel.
MISSION: Leads change and provides a comprehensive approach to managing advanced and applied research programs, communicates corporate messages from agenda setting through impact assessment. Develops and executes policy, budget, program management, and administrative mechanisms to continually add value and quality to a nationwide FHWA Research and Technology (R&T) program. Develops and executes comprehensive R&T communications and marketing strategies, plans, and evaluation methods in support of FHWA-wide R&T programs and R&T services to FHWA Offices.
FUNCTIONS:
Strategic Planning: Formulates FHWA's R&T Strategic Plan and collaborates with the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) on the DOT RD&T Strategic Plan. Advances FHWA strategic goals by promoting the development and use of functional area R&T multi-year roadmaps. Seeks to create processes that will further enhance the contributions of R&T as an agency strategy. Designs and implements the tools and methods to improve the quality of agency R&T. Develops and implements action/business plan initiatives in the advancement of DOT and FHWA Strategic Goals, Objectives, and Corporate Management Strategies. Develops and coordinates R&T input to the agency's strategic and performance plans.
Legislative and Intergovernmental Actions: Provides legislative analysis and support for R&T, including drafting and reviewing R&T legislation, and providing technical assistance to the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs and the Congress. In coordination with the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs, develops legislative proposals related to R&T and contributes to the development of testimony and briefing materials related to R&T legislative proposals. Reviews and comments on draft legislation in support of highway R&T initiatives, including expanded partnership opportunities. Assists FHWA leadership and coordinates with the FHWA Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs, RITA, and/or Office of the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy in responding to congressional and departmental inquiries on R&T activities and requests for technical assistance. Works with the R&T Leadership Team to implement newly authorized research initiatives. Coordinates FHWA leadership interactions with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; the DOT Research, Development, and Technology Planning Council; and with others on R&T plans and initiatives.
Collaborates within the interagency National Science and Technology Council and its various subcommittees on the identification of Administration R&D priorities; provides advice to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy regarding R&D priorities. Identifies, in conjunction with RITA and other DOT operating administrations on the USDOT RD&T Planning Team, Secretarial R&T priorities, including emerging research priorities which support the Administration's R&D priorities and departmental goals, and assists in drafting departmental R&T budget guidance, referencing the Administration's R&D budget priorities, outlined by OMB and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Liaisons and Partnerships: Facilitates the planning and development of a collaborative, inclusive outreach process intended to identify future research needs, as well as targets of research opportunities within the larger national R&T agenda. Champions R&T initiatives by working with FHWA program offices, State and local highway organizations, and other internal and external stakeholders to support the advancement of highway technological innovation. Partners with the Headquarters offices and the Resource Center in the design and implementation of feedback systems to identify and evaluate new technologies and to continually update evolving needs and trends for future research plans and programs. Coordinates with and supports RITA on the implementation of the University Transportation Center (UTC) program and establishes R&T UTC partnerships. Coordinates with entities such as the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the DOT Research, Development, and Technology Planning Team and Council, and others. Serves as FHWA's principal point of contact for research matters within the Department of Transportation and with national and international transportation research organizations (including the NSF, TRB, AASHTO, and OECD). Coordinates with other Federal agencies (e.g., Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Housing and Urban Development, Department of Defense) and the Federal Laboratory Consortium, and shares results of research related to highway issues. Coordinates with and serves as the liaison for international research programs with the FHWA Office of International Programs as well as with other FHWA cooperative research programs. Provides coordination and liaison activities for FHWA for the Strategic Highway Research Program - II (SHRP-II). Coordinates and works with the TRB Research and Technology Coordinating Committee in developing and delivering the agency R&T program. Serves as the point of contact for R&T in matters involving the Office of Inspector General, Government Accountability Office, and other review or investigative organizations. Provides agency leadership for policy development and the administration of the research activities portion of the SP&R programs, including drafting regulations and policy guidance, and providing advice to FHWA Division offices and State research managers.
Communications: Develops and conducts an R&T communications strategy and plan in support of agency-wide R&T programs and the technology and innovation delivery needs of the FHWA program offices. Establishes and maintains the FHWA R&T reports center and R&T information management system to support the FHWA R&T program. Provides communication and marketing assistance, outreach, and coordination services for all R&T related activities, including FHWA-wide media (publications such as Public Roads and Transporter Magazines, FOCUS, etc.), website development, CD ROM production, support for presentations, exhibits, speech-writing, and marketing support.
Performance Management: Develops the program evaluation and performance measurement framework for the overall R&T program. Develops and maintains systems for collecting and analyzing data and trends, including customer service surveys, to evaluate research and technology policy and program effectiveness. Assists R&T offices in the assessment and evaluation of crosscutting R&T initiatives. Develops the biennial RD&T Performance Plan, incorporating activities such as quality self-assessments, program evaluations, and system and process improvements. Identifies RD&T performance goals and performance measurement methodology designed to continually improve the quality of RD&T programs, products and services. Gathers data utilizing the measurement methodology to develop and publish an annual Performance Report for RD&T. Provides leadership in the advancement of the President's Management Agenda for R&T, including budget and performance integration and improving agency processes leading to demonstrable program results. In particular, provides leadership in the implementation of OMB criteria for Federal investment in R&D. Publishes the R&T Report, in coordination with the FHWA Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs, RITA, OST, and OMB. Develops the biennial RD&T Performance Plan, in support of the FHWA and USDOT plans.
Technology Transfer: Serves as the agency focal point for identifying best practices for technology transfer and innovation delivery and expertise on the "technology of technology transfer." Formulates strategies for engaging transportation users and stakeholders in technology and innovation delivery. Collaborates with the Office of Professional and Corporate Development in implementing local technical assistance outreach. Identifies, coordinates, and manages strategies and goals related to intellectual property. Provides assistance and service to the FHWA program offices and the Resource Center in support of cross-cutting technology transfer services and expertise. Identifies, evaluates, and tracks the deployment of highway technologies in partnership with the Resource Center. Provides assistance in the design and implementation of feedback systems and benchmarks to evaluate effectiveness of new technologies. Establishes opportunities for professional development and mutual exchange of expertise in technology delivery through rotational assignments.
R&T Leadership Team Support: Provides leadership and support to the R&T Leadership Team, which includes the Associate Administrators for Planning, Environment, and Realty; Federal Lands Highway; Infrastructure; Operations; Policy and Governmental Affairs; Professional and Corporate Development; Safety; and Research, Development, and Technology. Formulates strategic issues agendas and schedules meetings. Provides follow-up action and progress reports for R&T Leadership Team decisions.
Corporate Program Delivery: Provides agency leadership for policy development and the administration of nationwide R&T programs in the following areas: the NCHRP, SHRP-II, the Technology Deployment and Partnerships Program, and the research activities portion of the SP&R programs. In cooperation with the FHWA program offices and the Resource Center, develops and implements feedback systems regarding the effectiveness of research products from these programs. With partners (AASHTO Standing Committee on Research, Research Advisory Committee, NCHRP, SP&R, universities, the DOT Research, Development, and Technology Planning Council, TRB, etc.), leads overall development of national R&T program at the agency-wide level and coordinates appropriate areas with the FHWA program offices. Encourages and facilitates partnerships with State DOTs and other organizations through mechanisms such as the Transportation Pooled Fund Program to carry out research and technology transfer activities. Administers/manages the Transportation Pooled Fund Program.
Exploratory Advanced Research: Manages and administers the Exploratory Advanced Research Program. Establishes liaisons with other research entities and implements processes for ongoing "scanning and convening" of potential technologies and processes for consideration in the FHWA research program. Coordinates with the various FHWA research offices and other entities on the execution and accomplishments of the program. Coordinates the FHWA-wide Small Business Innovative Research program, working with the Volpe Center in RITA.
MISSION: Develops policies for, and provides advice, support, and assistance to, the Office of RD&T in matters relating to organizational effectiveness and efficiency, human resources, budget and finance, acquisition, management support services, facilities, capital investment planning and management, physical security, emergency planning, and information systems and technology.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as an advocate for the Office of RD&T for issues and programs involving human resources, budget and finance, acquisition, facility planning and management, security, emergency planning, and information technology, and serves as the focal point for these programs.
Strategic Planning and Quality: Develops and implements action/business plan initiatives in the advancement of DOT and FHWA Strategic Goals, Objectives, and Corporate Management Strategies. Develops and coordinates RD&T input to the agency's strategic and performance plans. Initiates quality self-assessments, program evaluations and system and process improvements to continually improve the quality of programs, products and services.
Legislation/Programs: Develops legislative recommendations in coordination with the Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs and administers statutory provisions relating to administrative management programs. Develops policy and direction for administrative management and logistical support programs.
Resource Management: Carries out the internal management support needs of RD&T and the requirements of managing the operations of the TFHRC. This includes all required activities in the areas of human resources, employee development, budget and finance (involving both program and General Operating Expenses funding), acquisition forecasting, planning, and management (including procurement integrity issues), inventory control and disposal, facility management (buildings, grounds, laboratories, security requirements, emergency planning, etc.) planning and operations, and the management of computer network and communications needs.
(1) Human Resources: In coordination with the FHWA Office of Human Resources, manages programs that will provide comprehensive human resource management and development for the Office of RD&T. Oversees a wide range of human resource-related issues including position management and classification, staffing and recruitment strategies, diversity, succession planning, Competitive Sourcing, training and development, labor/management relations, employee conduct and discipline, employee benefits, and wellness programs. Provides human resource advice and services to RD&T managers and staff. In coordination with the Office of Human Resources and the Office of Professional and Corporate Development, identifies, develops, and administers employee training and development.
(2) Budget and Finance: Manages programs that ensure an efficient and effective financial management process and systems of controls to ensure proper utilization and accounting for the Office of RD&T's resources.
(3) Acquisition Management: Oversees a comprehensive acquisition management program in support of the Office of RD&T. Assists in the forecast, development, and administration of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, purchase orders, and purchase card acquisitions.
(4) Management Support Services: Administers management and administrative support services for the Office of RD&T's customers and others aimed at improving management efficiency and effectiveness of FHWA programs and operations.
(5) Information Systems and Technology: Coordinates and administers programs that provide information systems, information technology (IT) support services, an IT infrastructure, and internal and external data access for the Office of RD&T to support the agency's strategic goals and information needs.
Outreach and Consultation: Works closely with the Office of Administration and other FHWA offices to ensure open and continuous coordination and cooperation in the advancement of a quality-based resource management program. Provides internal consultative services to managers, supervisors, and employees on a wide range of human resource, budget, information technology, acquisition, and related issues. Participates in agency-wide efforts for strategic planning, organizational reviews, financial management, and emergency planning.
MISSION: Improves the quality of the Nation's transportation system by sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovations both within FHWA and throughout the transportation community through training, education, knowledge management, and distributed learning.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: To instill a climate of learning, development and continuous improvement, serves as an advocate for and promotes training and continual learning, workforce development, knowledge sharing, technology transfer, best practice identification and exchange, and process improvement. Champions knowledge management, and enhancement of our relationships with our partners and customers.
Strategic Planning: Develops a strategic vision, goals, and objectives for many of the crosscutting corporate objectives of the Agency, and for the professional development of FHWA and the highway community. In the area of organizational excellence, develops and implements initiatives to advance DOT and FHWA strategic goals and objectives, the Agency Performance Plan, and other priority crosscutting initiatives. Through a collaborative process with the Office of Human Resources and other organizations, identifies available resources and develops a coordinated budget to serve as the basis for allocating budget authority within FHWA for advancing the Agency's professional development strategies.
Outreach and Consultation: Works closely with FHWA Headquarters and field offices, and partners and customers, to ensure open and continuous coordination and cooperation in the advancement of training and learning, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing. In collaboration with the Office of International Programs, works with customers and partners internationally in the area of training and learning.
Quality and Continuous Improvement: Initiates system and process improvements to continually advance the quality of programs, products, and services. Provides training and development to support greater customer satisfaction, organizational performance, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Workforce Development: Focuses efforts on attracting, training, developing, and retaining the Nation's transportation workforce. Assesses the current state of, and works with FHWA's partners to meet the training needs of, the Nation's current and future transportation workforce. Within FHWA, works as a coordinating partner in setting the strategic direction for developing FHWA's leaders, technical expertise and multi-disciplinary workforce.
Technology Transfer: Serves as FHWA's lead office regarding the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) and its tribal component, i.e., the Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP). Primarily through the LTAP Centers and the National Highway Institute, and in coordination with the FHWA Resource Center, works with other FHWA offices to transfer new technologies to State, local, and tribal agencies, metropolitan planning offices, and other transportation professionals. Supports the Office of International Programs in obtaining information on technological and innovation programs abroad, promoting U.S. transportation expertise and increasing technology sharing between the U.S. and the international community.
Knowledge Management and Transfer: Champions and facilitates the development of processes and systems that leverage sharing FHWA knowledge assets corporately and across the highway community. Works with Headquarters and field offices, and customers and partners, to foster communities of practice, expertise location, and other knowledge management concepts to capture, exchange, and evaluate corporate and legacy knowledge, highway community best practices, and state-of-the-art technologies. Continuously monitors cross-cutting team results and information exchange media to foster a corporate culture of shared knowledge and continuous learning. Works with NHI, LTAP and other Agency training initiatives to leverage knowledge management concepts for enhanced learning.
Innovation: Explores new ideas and concepts in support of organizational excellence and learning. Develops and maintains knowledge of training technology and innovations to enhance learning and development. Develops and assesses strategies for enhancing the Agency's learning environment and evaluates new technologies to help advance professional skills and capacity.
National Highway Institute: Manages the NHI and, in cooperation with the highway community, develops and administers educational, training, and technical assistance programs for the FHWA, State, local, and foreign highway employees, as well as private sector members of national and international organizations. Provides technical training and assistance to FHWA's Headquarters and field offices and to State and other non- Federal employees. Assists FHWA's Headquarters and field offices in developing and delivering NHI courses, including certification of trainers, cataloging and scheduling of courses, and establishing overall program standards. Uses multiple venues for training including distance learning, web-based training, and partnerships with other organizations to deliver knowledge to the transportation community.
Partnerships and Formal Agreements: Provides a focal point within FHWA to reach out to external organizations to establish partnerships for learning and professional development throughout the transportation community. Establishes and promotes forums and partnerships for learning/training, technology transfer, and workforce development. Manages FHWA's formal partnership agreements with numerous national-level associations, in coordination with the appropriate FHWA offices, and ensures the professional development aspects of the partnership agreements are implemented. Manages all Agency corporate memberships with professional associations.
Universities and Colleges Programs: Promotes student and faculty understanding and interest in the transportation industry and transportation-related fields. Serves as FHWA's lead office regarding the University Transportation Centers Program. Administers the Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program for the Department of Transportation. In coordination with FHWA's Office of Human Resources, assists students in locating programs and resources to enable them to pursue transportation-related interests and education.
The Office of the Associate Administrator for Professional and Corporate Development provides executive direction over the activities of the following organizational elements:
Office of Professional and Corporate Development, including the National Highway Institute
MISSION: Provides legal advice and services regarding all aspects of FHWA's programs and the representation of FHWA in legal or administrative proceedings, and works with state and local government transportation attorneys and other customers to enhance the understanding and application of Federal laws and procedures relating to transportation.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: As FHWA's legal advocate, provides representation and other legal services in connection with any litigation or administrative proceeding involving FHWA or its officials, and provides appropriate liaison and assistance to the Department of Justice and the Office of the General Counsel on such matters.
Legislation: Performs all legal services and coordinates all activities in connection with the Agency's legislative program. Drafts legislative proposals, prepares reports on legislation, prepares testimony , and responds to congressional inquiries involving legislative matters. Attends congressional hearings and other congressional staff meetings to assist committees and DOT officials, and provides technical assistance to Congress and its committees and staff. Develops, with the assistance of Headquarters offices, appropriate comments on bills, proposed bills, and resolutions as they affect the FHWA and its programs.
Regulations: Provides legal advice and services in connection with the development and coordination of all FHWA regulations and reviews directives and rulemaking actions for legal sufficiency and compliance with applicable Federal laws, Executive Orders, and regulations, including providing a counsel to serve as the Federal Regulations Officer.
Alternative Dispute Resolution and Negotiations: Provides legal advice, support, and other services to facilitate dispute resolution, including alternatives to litigation, and in the development of consensual rulemaking, including, as appropriate, negotiated rulemaking.
Infrastructure: Provides legal advice and services in connection with all matters relating to highway, pavement, and bridge engineering and related activities, including design, financing, and construction. Provides legal advice and services in connection with compliance with Federal civil rights laws, disadvantaged business enterprise programs, and Federal labor requirements on Federal-aid highway projects.
Planning, Environment, and Real Estate: Provides legal advice and services, including litigation support, in connection with environmental, social, and economic aspects of the Federal-aid Highway Program, and the application of all environmental laws relating to the program. Provides legal advice and services relative to statewide and metropolitan planning, land acquisition, land use, condemnation, control of right-of-way, airspace utilization, and relocation assistance.
Operations: Provides legal advice and services related to operations matters, including issues related to Intelligent Transportation Systems, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and vehicle size and weight.
Research, Development, and Technology: Provides legal advice and services related to research, development, and technology, including issues related to technology transfer.
Safety: Provides legal advice and services related to Federal-aid highway safety programs, including the Hazard Elimination Program and the Highway/Rail Safety Crossing Program ; and programs jointly administered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, including the review of the States' compliance with Federal requirements dealing with minimum drinking age, seat belt use, open containers, and repeat intoxicated drivers.
Federal Lands/Native American Issues: Provides legal advice and services on Federal Lands and Native American issues with regard to the Federal Lands and Federal-aid Highway Program s, including the application of environmental laws and regulations , planning, infrastructure, and Traditional Cultural Properties issues.
Border Crossings and International Activities: Provides legal advice on all North American Free Trade Agreement and border crossing activities, including issues relating to freight movement. Provides legal advice regarding international agreements.
Administration: Provides legal advice and services, including litigation representation and support, in connection with internal personnel, civil rights, and contract matters. Provides legal advice and services in connection with ethics issues. Performs legal services with regard to authorizations, apportionments, appropriations, limitations, and related budgetary and fiscal matters, including preparation of certificates of apportionment to implement authorizations. Provides legal advice in connection with public access to government information, including under the Freedom of Information Act. Upon request, provides legal services to the Office of Acquisition Management with regard to its administration of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements.
Fiscal Services: Provides legal assistance regarding determinations of eligibility for Federal funding, authorizations, apportionments, appropriations, limitations, and related budgetary and fiscal matters, including preparation of certificates of apportionment to implement authorizations. Provides legal advice and services related to traditional and innovative financing of highway projects.
MISSION: Manages and promotes civil rights (CR) programs to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all persons employed or affected by FHWA and the programs and activities of its recipients, sub-recipients, and contractors irrespective of race, color, religion (in the context of employment), gender, national origin, age, or disability.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Provides national CR leadership, leveraging resources within and through a diverse array of partners to ensure that objectivity and proper evidentiary standards are applied in CR decisions. Actively promotes equal opportunity programs and functions.
Strategic Planning and Quality: Coordinates the development of FHWA's CR strategic initiatives and monitors implementation. Ensures consistency with, and support of, the FHWA and DOT strategic goals which have CR implications. Establishes systems to monitor and measure the adequacy, impact, and effectiveness of programs, processes, functions, and initiatives. Establishes efficient monitoring systems which provide timely and relevant data.
Legislative, Regulatory, Policy and Guidance: Develops new legislation, regulations, policies, programs, initiatives, standards, and procedures; and analyzes and comments on the CR implications of proposed legislation, regulations, policy, guidance, and directives.
Outreach and Consultation: Maintains liaison with the Departmental Office of Civil Rights (DOCR), other Federal agencies, minority and women's organizations, contractor associations, unions, American Indian tribal governments and organizations, disability rights advocates, and others to obtain their perspectives on proposals. Partners with resource centers and division offices to seek insights on proposals and to obtain input on needs. Works with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' Civil Rights Subcommittee, and the Transportation Research Board's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), American Indian Issues, and Environmental Justice committees.
Monitoring and Evaluation: In cooperation with the division offices, monitors the programs and activities of Federal-aid recipients; in partnership with recipients, monitors sub-recipients, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, vendors, involved unions, and consultants to determine compliance with applicable CR laws. Evaluates the effectiveness of jointly administered interagency and cooperative agreements, or memoranda-of-understanding. As warranted, conducts special reviews to determine compliance of recipients in response to certain complaints of discrimination with respect to program impacts. Conducts reviews of CR processes and program operations in Headquarters, field offices, surface transportation agencies, and others to determine adequacy, effectiveness, and impacts of FHWA CR requirements.
Resource Management: Develops and implements annual plans for allocation and commitment of DBE and On-the-Job Supportive Services funds. Leverages training resources by involving FHWA Headquarters, resource centers, and division offices, and state agency personnel as trainers.
Professional Development: Develops, adopts, assesses, and coordinates the presentation of training in CR concepts, programs, functions, and standards to increase the capability and capacity of FHWA, state, contractor, union, and American Indian tribal governments. Establishes and coordinates a CR "core curriculum" and standards for certification at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of CR program management.
Technical Assistance: Provides technical assistance to Headquarters, and in partnership with the resource centers, to FHWA field staff on internal and external CR program issues.
Lead Agency: Provides leadership and direction as Lead Agency in the FTA/FRA/FHWA/DOT Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the review and approval of state internal EEO plans, and reviews of their implementation. Works cooperatively with the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to prevent duplication consistent with the intent of the FHWA/DOT/OFCCP MOU. As appropriate, drafts other interagency agreements to more effectively meet CR program objectives.
Interagency and Interdepartmental Cooperation: Through the DOCR, works with the appropriate offices of other Federal agencies to prevent and eliminate duplication, coordinate policy issuances, manage joint complaints, and leverage resources in areas of mutual interest.
National Programs: In cooperation with other FHWA Headquarters offices, Departmental offices, and other Federal agencies, develops, coordinates, and issues regulations, policies, procedures, directives, guidance, and promotional materials to ensure equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and, as appropriate, affirmative action, in external CR programs. Manages nondiscrimination programs, working with and through resource center and division office staff and where appropriate, directly with recipients to obtain compliance through negotiation, conciliation, persuasion, or enforcement if required. Includes, but is not limited to, the following nondiscrimination programs: Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title 23 U.S.C. 324.
Recurring Task Forces or Permanent Committees: Convenes and provides administrative support for the FHWA DBE and ADA Work Groups. As appropriate, provides administrative support to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Institutions of Higher Education Task Forces, the Multiyear Affirmative Employment Plan Work Group, and the FHWA Indian Issues Coordinating Committee.
Process Management: Incorporates new mandates into existing processes. Analyzes processes and, in partnership with CR practitioners, identifies aspects which may be modified or eliminated to continuously streamline and improve those processes.
Informal Counseling: Manages and coordinates the informal counseling process for internal employment discrimination complaints. Provides training to FHWA's collateral duty EEO Counselors in current practices, including Alternative Dispute Resolution, to increase the likelihood of successful informal resolutions of employment discrimination complaints. Provides process advice to counselors, complainants, and FHWA managers to ensure objectivity of the process.
Investigation or Special Reviews of External Complaints: Processes external program impact and disparate treatment discrimination allegations, including those involving allegations of environmental justice violations. Analyzes allegations, investigates or assigns complaints for investigation. Issues Agency decisions and coordinates with the Department and other Federal agencies in cases involving mixed issues or overlapping jurisdiction. Investigates "class-action" and "pattern and practice" complaints filed against primary recipients. Partnering with resource centers and division offices, provides technical assistance to states on investigations of complaints filed against sub-recipients and contractors. As appropriate, outlines and monitors remedial actions to determine compliance with corrective action plans.
MISSION: Promotes public understanding of, and support for, FHWA programs, policies, and strategies.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as FHWA's advocate and provides national leadership in both managing media relations and developing and implementing marketing strategies in support of FHWA programs and policies.
Strategic Planning and Quality: Develops and implements action/business plan initiatives in the advancement of DOT and FHWA Strategic Goals, Objectives, and Corporate Management Strategies, in coordination with the Agency's virtual Communications Team. Participates in policy development and delivery strategies for communication activities. Initiates quality self-assessments, program evaluations, and system and process improvements to continually improve the quality of communication programs, products, and services.
Legislative/Program: Provides technical support to the Office of the Administrator and the virtual Communications Team in the development, implementation, and analysis of legislative strategies.
Technology Delivery: Supports the Offices of Infrastructure, Operations, Safety, Federal Lands Highway, and Planning, Environment, and Realty, and resource centers, through the virtual Communications Team. Provides leadership and service to Headquarters offices and resource centers in support of cross-cutting marketing, communications strategies, and message development.
Outreach and Consultation: Coordinates with the virtual Communications Team to provide and maintain ongoing communication links with FHWA's customers and partners, OST and other DOT modes, Congress, and other constituencies seeking feedback.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Develops and maintains systems for collecting and analyzing trends to evaluate policy and strategy effectiveness. Uses results to improve program performance.
Research Agenda Scanning: Facilitates the planning and development of a collaborative, inclusive outreach process intended to identify, establish, and nurture marketing partnerships.
National Programs: Provides Agency leadership for policy development and the administration of media relations, communications strategy and other public affairs. Provides direct support to the Office of the Administrator and OST. Leads the Communications Team in the development and implementation of feedback systems regarding the effectiveness of public affairs efforts.
Communications and Marketing Assistance: Structures and maintains select internal and all external communications, marketing assistance, media relations and other outreach programs, including the FHWA News, the Office of the Administrator's Weekly Report, editorial support for the Public Roads. Serves as the final point of review for the agency's communications and marketing tools (i.e., publications, etc.).
Professional Development: Identifies and provides opportunities for training and other professional development opportunities to improve message development, marketing, and media relations skills to the agencywide virtual Communications Team. Performs ongoing assessment and evaluation of such training.
MISSION: Develops agencywide policies and procedures, and provides support and assistance to FHWA Headquarters and field offices related to formulation and execution of Agency budgets, and the proper utilization and accounting of Agency resources. Provides support and assistance to State departments of transportation and other program partners in improving financial management practices. The Office of the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the development and utilization of accounting and budget systems throughout FHWA. Provides technical support to the Congress and other program partners in deliberations regarding traditional financial aspects of Federal surface transportation programs.
FUNCTIONS:
Advocacy: Serves as an advocate for and the key Agency focal point for quality financial management practices.
Strategic Planning: Develops and executes action/business plan initiatives in support of established DOT and FHWA goals and objectives. Develops and executes system and process improvements to continuously improve the quality of financial programs, products, and services. Reflects Departmental performance goals in budget documents.
Legislation/Programs: Develops legislative recommendations and implements statutory provisions relating to the traditional financing of Federal surface transportation programs. Develops policy and program guidance for traditional financial aspects of Federal surface transportation programs.
Chief Financial Officer: Serves as FHWA's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in support of departmental responsibilities established under the CFO Act of 1990.
Budget Formulation and Execution: Develops budgetary levels in conjunction with other FHWA offices that support approved program plans. Allocates and administers financial and ceiling control aspects of Agency personnel resources within approved employment ceilings, fiscal constraints, internal controls and other criteria. Produces all products and data associated with budget submissions to the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Management and Budget, and Congress.
Fiscal Management and Internal Controls: Administers a nationwide highway project reporting system (Fiscal Management Information System) and is responsible for maintaining internal controls over this reporting system. Provides information to FHWA and Departmental management, State transportation officials, other Federal agencies, and the Congress.
Accounting Services: Administers an audited accounting program for the resources and programs of FHWA.
Quality Financial Management: Provides leadership in the cooperative development of modern financial management practices in the States in connection with traditional Federal surface transportation programs carried out through those organizations.
The CFO provides executive direction over the activities of the following organizational elements:
