PHASE I – Planning Task 1. Conduct a literature review on topics relevant to pavement preventive maintenance inspector training. The review shall include published and unpublished research conducted through the NCHRP; the Federal Highway Administration; national, state, and local agencies; and international organizations. Task 2. Survey state DOTs, selected local transportation agencies, and private sector representatives (e.g., contractors, consultants, trade associations) to gather information about current practices for pavement preventive maintenance inspector training. Task 3. Conduct follow-up interviews with at least two state DOTs, one local transportation agency, and one private sector representative with different climatic conditions from each American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) region (see Special Note A) to identify best practices and obtain real-life examples pertaining to pavement preventive maintenance inspector training. Task 4. Identify knowledge gaps related to the project objective based on the review, survey, and follow-up interviews performed in Tasks 1 through 3. These gaps should be addressed in the final product or the recommended future research, as the budget permits. Task 5. Propose the research plan to be executed in Phase II to achieve the project objective. At a minimum, the research plan shall include a framework to accomplish the following: Identify the essential skills and qualifications required for the inspectors involved in the most common pavement preventive maintenance techniques for both asphalt and concrete pavements. Identify strategies for effective inspector workforce development, deployment, and oversight. Develop guidelines for pavement preventive maintenance inspector training, covering the necessary skills, training, and competencies for inspectors, along with strategies for effective inspector workforce development, deployment, and oversight. Describe the benefits of inspector training guidelines on the performance of pavement preventive maintenance and the risks associated with insufficient training. Task 6. Prepare an annotated outline of the guidelines. Task 7. Prepare Interim Report No. 1, which documents the research performed in Tasks 1 through 6 and provides an updated work plan for the remainder of the research no later than 5 months after the contract is awarded. The updated plan must describe the process and rationale for the work proposed for Phases II and III. Note: Following a 1-month review of Interim Report No. 1 by the NCHRP, the research team will be required to meet virtually with the NCHRP project panel to discuss the interim report. Work on Phase II of the project will not begin until authorized by the NCHRP. PHASE II – Execution Task 8. Execute the work plan based on the approved Interim Report No.1. Task 9. Prepare a preliminary draft of the guidelines based on the results of this work. Task 10. Plan and conduct an in-person 1.5-day workshop with the panel and invited experts to be selected by the NCHRP to review the draft guidelines. Revise the draft guidelines according to the outcomes of the workshop. Note: The costs for the workshop, including invitational travel for 15 attendees (excluding the NCHRP panel members) and catering services for up to 25 attendees, should be included in the detailed budget for the project. For estimating these costs, assume that the workshop will be held at the Beckman Center in Irvine, CA, or the Keck Center in Washington, DC. The TRB will cover the costs associated with NCHRP panel member travel. Task 11. Prepare Interim Report No. 2, which documents Tasks 8 through 10 and provides an updated work plan for the remainder of the research no later than 17 months after the contract is awarded. The revised plan must describe the process and rationale for the work proposed for Phase III. Note: Following a 1-month review of Interim Report No. 2 by the NCHRP, the research team will be required to meet in-person with the NCHRP panel to discuss the interim report. Work on Phase III of the project will not begin until authorized by the NCHRP. Phase III – Final Deliverables Task 12. Revise the developed guidelines after consideration of the panel’s review comments. Task 13. Organize, coordinate, and deliver a webinar focused on the developed guidelines. The NCHRP will approve the final list of attendees. Revise the presentation materials, including the presenter’s notes, based on the outcomes of the webinar for use in future webinars and presentations. The recording of the webinar and the revised presentation materials with presenter’s notes will be included in the final deliverables. Task 14. Prepare a stand-alone technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products” (see Special Note K). Task 15. Submit the final deliverables, including (1) a final report documenting the entire research effort, (2) the guidelines, (3) the Implementation of Research Findings and Products, (4) the webinar recording, and (5) the presentation materials.
