Below is a basic template for use in formatting your research proposal. Strict adherence to this format is not required, but the information indicated in the template should be the minimum provided. Please see the section “Writing Your Proposal” for helpful hints on providing the SCOD Executive Council and NCHRP with the information they need to make an informed decision.
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PROBLEM NUMBER
To be assigned by NCHRP staff.
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PROBLEM TITLE
A suggested title, in as few words as possible.
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RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT
A description of the problem or need—one or more paragraphs explaining the reason for research. Be explicit about how the intended research product will be used and by whom.
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LITERATURE SEARCH SUMMARY
The problem submitter is strongly encouraged to conduct a literature search in order to avoid duplication with other current or past research. At a minimum, searches should be conducted on TRIS online (http://ntl.bts.gov/tris) and the Research In Progress database (http://rip.trb.org/search). If you are not comfortable conducting the search yourself, you can contact your local transportation library or the TRB Library (202/334-2990 or bpost@nas.edu) and ask them to conduct the search for you. If a search is performed, please describe how your proposal differs from the existing body of research found in the literature review. If no search is performed, please comment on why it was not needed.
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RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
A statement of the specific research objective, defined in terms of the expected final product, that relates to the general problem statement in III. above. Define specific tasks necessary to achieve the objective.
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ESTIMATE OF PROBLEM FUNDING AND RESEARCH PERIOD
Recommended Funding:
An estimate of the funds necessary to accomplish the objectives stated in V. above. As a general guideline, the present cost for research usually averages about $200,000 for 100 percent of a professional employee’s time per year. This figure represents a fully loaded, professional rate that would include an individual’s direct salary and benefits and an agency’s overhead or indirect costs. Average rates for supporting staff might be approximately one-half those of professionals. Depending on the type of research, the estimate should be modified for any unique expenses such as the purchase of materials, extensive physical testing or computer time, and extraordinary travel.
(Note: This estimate may be changed by the AASHTO Standing Committee on Research.)
Research Period:
An estimate of the number of months of research effort, including three months for preparation of a draft final report, necessary to the accomplishment of the objectives in V above.
(Note: This estimate may be changed by the AASHTO Standing Committee on Research.)
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URGENCY, PAYOFF POTENTIAL, AND IMPLEMENTATION
Statements about the urgency of this research and the potential payoff (couched in benefit/cost terms if at all possible) from achievement of project objectives should be given.
A statement should be included that further describes the anticipated product(s) from the research (e.g., recommended specification language, new instrumentation, or recommended test methods). The anticipated steps necessary for implementation of the research product should also be delineated (e.g., Will recommended specification language be considered for adoption by a committee within AASHTO? Will an industry group have to adopt a new test method or revise their current practices or equipment?). This information should be as specific as possible, noting particular documents that may be affected, or techniques or equipment that may be made obsolete. Any institutional or political barriers to implementation of the anticipated research products should also be identified.
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PERSON(S) DEVELOPING THE PROBLEM
A statement of the specifics (name, title, affiliation, address, telephone number, e-mail address) of the person(s) having developed the problem in all its detail.
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PROBLEM MONITOR
A statement of the specifics (name, title, affiliation, address, telephone number, e-mail address) of the person who will be assigned by the committee submitting this problem to monitor the research, if programmed, from inception to completion. The monitor's final responsibility will entail recommendations to the Standing Committee on Research as to how the research results could be implemented.
- DATE AND SUBMITTED BY
Show date of submission and by whom problem is submitted.
