Specifications include, but are not limited to: a) Develop an introductory section to: a. Explain in layman’s language the reasons given by FHWA for encouraging State DOTs to make greater use of Planning and Environmental Linkage Studies (PELs), b. Describe how the PEL considers the federally required Planning Factors (CFR 23.450.206), and their relationship to the existing NEPA processes, particularly as it relates to community and environmental context, c. Describe how a well-developed PEL process can improve the effectiveness of DOT&PF Planning and Program Development, enhance community support for solutions to complex transportation projects, streamline the environmental review process and result in an expedited project development cycle, b) Conduct an assessment of how State DOTs have implemented PEL’s nationally, compare them using a pro and con approach, highlight common steps and/or processes including the use of PEL Guidebooks, c) Identify how other State DOTs integrate PELs into the Planning and Project Development process and present an Alaskan specific conceptual approach for consideration by the Contracting Agency.