"This report will present a methodology for conducting an evaluation of a research program within a transportation agency." -- page i.

An effective research program within a transportation organization can be a valuable asset to accomplish the goals of the overall mission. Determining whether a research program is pursuing relevant research projects and obtaining effective results for the sponsoring organization has been a challenge in the past. This thesis will present a methodology for conducting an evaluation of a research program within a transportation agency. The developed methodology is an evaluation process that encompasses a multilevel analysis that focuses on the outcomes, implementable benefits, and results that research projects and the research program has generated. The methodology provides ten performance measurements that are used to summarize the findings of the evaluation. These performance measurements are quantifiable, meaning they are designed to place a score or value on the accomplishments of the research program which can then be used to make managerial decisions for the research program. The developed methodology was implemented for the Wyoming Department of Transportation's Research Program to demonstrate how the methodology can be utilized. It was found that the WYDOT Research Program was an effective and valuable asset for WYDOT and the transportation community. Specific recommendations and conclusions for the WYDOT Research Program are presented in the final chapter of this thesis. Final recommendations for implementing the methodology for any other agency looking to perform an evaluation of their research program are also presented in the final chapter of this thesis.

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 328: State Product Evaluation Programs examines the general use of evaluation programs within state departments of transportation (including the use of state specifications, and laboratory and field testing results), the national programs that exist to support the integration of new products and technologies into practice, and the general issues associated with conducting objective evaluations of new products and implementation of approved products.

Evaluation of Programs in the Department of Transportation--An Assessment

DOT's Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)-which includes the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)- oversees DOT's RD & T activities. GAO examined (1) how RITA's responsibilities for overseeing DOT's RD & T activities differ from those of its predecessor, the Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA); (2) RITA's practices for coordinating, facilitating, and reviewing RD & T activities; (3) the progress DOT has made in implementing GAO's 2003 recommendations on how to improve the coordination and evaluation of RD & T activities; and (4) how BTS identifies and monitors how well it serves its users. To address these issues, GAO reviewed relevant documentation and interviewed officials from RITA, BTS, and three operating administrations.