Improving Transportation Systems Management and Operations – Capability Maturity Model Workshop White Paper – Business Processes

7. Addressing Needs on the National Level

The weakness and related implementation plan actions identified in common by many State DOTs and their partners creates an agenda of needs for research, guidance, and training. Consistent with the capability dimensions, this agenda is focused on process and institutional improvements that are not substantially addressed by existing support materials developed among peers or by AASHTO, FHWA, or other entities. There is very little support material targeting Business Process-related issues (see Best Practices above and References below). Suggestions are presented in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1 Suggested National Activities to Support Improvements in Business Processes

Activity	Business Processes Element	Sponsor(s)	Comments
Conduct webinar on TSM&O program planning as defined in this report and drawing on participants in NCHRP 20-07/345	TSM&O Planning Process Programming/Budgeting	NOCoE TRB RTSMO	Definition of “program planning” as in this report. See Strategic Highway Safety Plan as useful precedent
Develop guidance and best practice examples related to TSM&O program planning, including example plans	TSM&O Planning Process Programming/Budgeting	FHWA NOCoE	Definition of “program planning” as in this report. Highlight DOT and MPO best practices
Compile lessons learned from ICM planning and programming to date	TSM&O Planning Process Programming/Budgeting Project Development/Procurement	FHWA NOCoE	Would be developed from interviews of State DOT and regional staff
Develop resources and collect examples of TSM&O business cases	TSM&O Planning Process Programming/Budgeting Project Development/Procurement	FHWA, AASHTO, NOCoE	Build on material already included in the NOCoE web site and incorporate case studies and B/C material from ITS Joint Program Office and FHWA web sites
Apply FHWA INVEST model for operations and maintenance sustainability assessment	TSM&O Planning Process Programming/Budgeting	FHWA NOCoE	INVEST provides a life-cycle cost model
Identify, collect, and circulate best practices on integrated TSM&O in standard DOT project development processes. Establish a group of peers that could provide lessons learned to other States/regions	Project Development/Procurement	FHWA AASHTO NOCoE	Primer or synthesis of best practices; include non-TSM&O perspectives to show depth of collaboration and process change

NOCoE – National Operations Center of Excellence
TRB – Transportation Research Board
RTSMO – Regional Transportation Systems Management and Operations (AHB10)