Many projects involve research in one form or another. Formal research
projects (for research agencies) would include:
Client:
National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)
Project:
The Role of Procurement and Contracting Methods in Facilitating the Implementation of Research Findings (1999)
Publication:
NCHRP Report 428, Guidebook for Innovative Contracting
Nature of Work:
Investigate existing literature to determine procurement and contracting methods that tend to promote or inhibit innovation. Conduct a national survey of highway agencies and contractors to rank procurement and contracting methods in terms of their potential to promote innovation and research findings. Conduct a focus group of national experts to validate preliminary findings. Develop a guidebook to assist agencies in selecting and implementing procurement and contracting methods to promote innovation and the implementation of research.
Client:
South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), Department of Research
Project:
Implementation of the Material Certification Process (1999-2000)
Publication:
(tbd)
Nature of Work:
Meet with SDDOT engineers and AGC contractors to address current issues related to material certification. Develop approaches to streamline and improve the process for DOT and Contractor personnel to include a tier structure, umbrella certifications, the elimination of unnecessary certifications and DOT-25 forms, and the integration of the Minimum Sampling and Testing Requirements into the Construction Management System. Conduct training for SDDOT and contractor personnel involved in material certifications.
Client:
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Project:
Contract Management Methods to Improve Construction Quality, (1997)
Publication:
FHWA-RD 97-067, Contract Management Techniques for Improving Construction Quality
Nature of Work:
Investigate innovative contracting practices and other more commonly accepted contract management methods for the FHWA. The methods included, but were not limited to, construction warranties, multi-parameter bidding, design/build, Build Operate Transfer (BOT), lane rental, alternative bidding, partnering, value engineering, statistically-based quality assurance specifications, life-cycle performance-related specifications, and incentive/disincentive (I/D) provisions for time and quality.
Client:
South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT Department of Research)
Project:
Criteria and Guidelines for Innovative Contracting (1996)
Nature of Work:
Survey of AGC and other agencies. Identify time-based innovative contracting methods that have the greatest potential for use by SDDOT for selected projects. Develop criteria and procedures for use, and sample specifications for Cost-Plus-Time bidding, incentive/disincentive provisions, and lane rental. Develop a simplified procedure for estimating road user costs.
Client:
National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)
Project:
AASHTO Division 100 Guide Specification Rewrite (1992-93)
Nature of Work:
Extensive review of virtually every State Standard, Special, and Supplemental Division 100 Specifications and a review of the current AASHTO Division 100 Guide Specifications. Survey, compare and contrast Division 100 General Provisions among the 50 state highway agencies. Research focused specifically on changes, scheduling, variations in quantity, differing site conditions/changed conditions, extra work, and time extensions. Recommend changes to add, standardize, or improve coordination between related clauses.
Other Projects that involve or have incorporated research:
For more information on our research projects please contact us.
