PHASE I – PLANNING AND PREPARATION Phase I of the project will comprise the approval of the cornerstone elements of the research plan. It is envisioned that Phase I will assist with the development of the completed draft set of training materials in Phase II. The research team shall discuss how non-proprietary spreadsheet tools can be incorporated into the training courses. This phase is estimated to be accomplished in two project quarters and shall include the delivery of (1) the Amplified Research Plan; (2) a kick-off meeting with summary notes; (3) a breakdown of training modules with learning outcomes; (4) recommendations on the length and delivery method for each training module to best meet the needs of the audiences; (5) a schedule for the deliverables and panel review for Phase II activities; and (6) template files for storyboard and modular training materials that must include presentation slides with speaker notes, participant and instructor notebooks, and interactive activities featuring exercises and examples. At the end of Phase I, the research team shall deliver Interim Report No. 1 and an updated Phase II research plan with a virtual interim meeting. 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 I budget shall not exceed $70,000. PHASE II – PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Phase II of the project will focus on developing the training materials per Interim Report No. 1 and ensuring each training module's storyboard is reviewed and approved before creating the full training content. For each example or exercise, the research team shall provide input data, completed spreadsheets, and output files. In Phase II, the research team shall also develop a plan to pilot a 16-hour-long subset of the training program in Phase III. A list of invitational attendees, with good geographic and organizational diversity, must be prepared and will be reviewed and approved by the NCHRP. At the end of Phase II, the research team shall deliver Interim Report No. 2, which includes all the training materials for all training modules, a plan for the pilot, and an updated Phase III research plan with a virtual interim panel meeting. Note: Following a 1-month review of Interim Report No. 2 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 III of the project will not begin until authorized by the NCHRP. For budgeting purposes, the proposer shall anticipate that the pilot will include two days of instruction and one day for consultation with attendees. The costs for the pilot, including invitational travel for 10 attendees, shall be included in the detailed budget for the research. For the purpose of estimating these costs, assume that the pilot will be held at Keck Center in Washington, DC, or Beckman Center in Irvine, CA. TRB will cover costs associated with the meeting space at NAS facilities and NCHRP panel member travel. Catering services for all participants including panel members shall be included in the detailed budget for the research. PHASE III – PILOT AND FINAL DELIVERABLES Phase III shall not exceed 5 months and will be reserved for piloting a subset of the training program and developing the final deliverables. The research team shall conduct a pilot as approved in Phase II. A task report shall document opportunities, challenges, barriers, and other observations learned from the pilot useful for refining the training materials. Based on the feedback collected from the pilot, revise the training program. The final deliverables shall include: An executive summary and conduct of research report documenting the entire project and describing the deliverables; A comprehensive training program, including presentation slides, speaker notes, participant notebook, instruction notebook, interactive activities, exercises and examples for each training module; A technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products” (see Special Note L); and A recording with an overview and explanation of the modules within the training program and the presentation slides and speaker notes. Note: Following receipt of the draft final deliverables, the remaining 3 months shall be for NCHRP review and comment and for research agency preparation of the final deliverables.
