October 6, 2009

Dear ITS Community,

This is to update you on our strategic planning work. Your input was provided to the USDOT multi-modal teams who revised their research proposals based on input from you and from USDOT modal administration management. The research proposals totaled more funding than is available, assuming a continuing resolution and reauthorization at current levels. The updated proposals were reviewed by an evaluation committee of ITS Joint Program Office and modal administration staff. This committee was tasked with evaluating each of the research proposals and crafting them into a focused ITS research program designed to achieve a specific goal.

The following principles were adhered to in the process:

• Alignment with USDOT and ITS goals and objectives
• Few, focused, high value research
• Clear federal role
• Emphasis on stakeholder involvement and use of demonstrations
• Leverage investments and create market catalysts
• Value for the federal investment

The evaluation committee completed its review on September 15. The multi-modal teams were asked to revise their program proposals in accordance with the guidance and funding targets provided by the evaluation committee. The proposed program of work will be reviewed by the full Strategic Planning Group (composed of USDOT modal administration leadership) in early November. The ITS Management Council (composed of modal Administrators) is intended to meet for final program review, guidance and/or concurrence in late November.

Following Management Council guidance, the programs of work will be revised as needed and released publically. Specific research programs will be further developed in consultation with the stakeholder community. An overview of the strategic plan will also be provided during TRB.

We will continue to provide updates as the process proceeds.

Shelley Row
Director, ITS Joint Program Office
Research & Innovative Technology Administration
RITA