Every State is
required to create and follow a management plan for their individual
SP&R programs. This management plan is a "working"
document that may change as the State's research priorities change.
This document sets forth the guidelines and general approach that
each State takes towards achieving their research goals.
In the mid-1990s,
a “Guide
for Developing a State Transportation Research Manual,”
was developed under National Cooperative Highway Research Program
Project 20-38, Development of a Manual for State Transportation
Research.” This manual provides guidance to States on conducting
a research program and can be an aid to States developing or updating
their research management process.
In addition to
a management plan, each State is required to develop a work program
that will detail the research activities that the State is undergoing
at the time. This work program may be updated annually or biennially.
Both the management plan and work program are submitted to FHWA headquarters
as well as the State's division administrator.
As
part of their management plan, each State shall participate in a peer
exchange program with FHWA approved officials. The details of this program
are included in chapter 4.
