Task 1. Prepare an Evaluation Scoping Report, presenting the HSIS evaluation team’s understanding of the objective, likely measures of effectiveness, analysis activities, variety of products produced with HSIS data and intended audience for those products, and budget for evaluation. Note: The research team shall plan to submit the draft Evaluation Scoping Report for TRB and FHWA review and approval. After virtually meeting with the TRB panel, the research team shall address review comments and submit the final Evaluation Scoping Report that will become the basis for the Evaluation Plan. Task 2. Prepare an Evaluation Plan, describing the evaluation strategy and specific tasks to be performed, planned calendar schedule, intermediate evaluation products, and the role and activities that each member of the evaluation team will have in the evaluation plan. Include a logic model of the HSIS. Discuss the sample size of HSIS projects and case studies to be included. Discuss the variety of HSIS end users to be included in the evaluation. Note: The research team shall plan to submit the draft Evaluation Plan for TRB and FHWA review and approval. After virtually meeting with the TRB panel, the research team shall document key points of the discussion, address review comments, and submit the final Evaluation Plan. Work on Task 3 of the project will not begin until the final Evaluation Plan has been approved and authorized by TRB. Task 3. Execute the Evaluation Plan and prepare an Interim Report on the HSIS evaluation. Prepared approximately midway through the Evaluation Plan, the Interim Report should document the evaluation team’s progress on the Evaluation Plan, the difficulties encountered in conducting the work, and any preliminary assessment supported by work accomplished so far. Note: Following a 1-month review of the Interim Report by TRB and FHWA, the research team will be required to meet virtually with the project panel to discuss the Interim Report and document in a memorandum key points of the discussion and other comments received and modifications to the Evaluation Plan as may be appropriate. Task 4. Prepare a HSIS Evaluation Report documenting the evaluation and presenting the results. Solicit comments from TRB and FHWA on the draft, prepare a memorandum responding to comments, and revise the draft as appropriate to prepare the final Project Evaluation Report. Recommendations shall be prepared and compiled separately for presentation to the Research and Technology Coordinating Committee (RTCC) and shall not be part of the final Project Evaluation Report. Note: Following receipt of the draft final HSIS Evaluation Report, 3 months shall be for TRB review and comment and for research agency preparation of the final Project Evaluation Report. Work on Task 5 of the project will not begin until the final Project Evaluation Report has been approved and authorized by TRB. Task 5. Prepare briefing materials as appropriate and participate in an in-person meeting of the RTCC to present the final HSIS Evaluation Report and recommendations. Discuss the evaluation and its findings. Prior to the RTCC meeting, present the materials to and participate in a virtual meeting with FHWA. The RTCC will review the final report and issue any recommendations to FHWA that RTCC deems appropriate in the form of a letter report.
