The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) completed a greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) inventory in 2021 and found that 70% of the agency’s carbon footprint from ODOT’s activities is attributed to construction materials. In 2022, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 4139 that requires the agency to devise GHG reduction strategies pertaining to construction materials based on information gathered from the collection of environmental product declarations (EPDs). In 2024, ODOT applied for – and was awarded funding under – the Low-carbon Transportation Materials (LCTM) grant administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The LCTM program provides funding for the use of construction materials that have substantially lower levels of GHG emissions. The LCTM Program fits nicely within ODOT’s vision for implementation of HB 4139 and will expand opportunities to institutionalize the use of low-carbon materials in ODOT’s construction program. The goals of the LCTM Program are to: Increase the use of low-carbon materials in projects funded under Title 23 U.S.C.; Facilitate the use of low-carbon materials while ensuring appropriateness for use in projects funded under Title 23 U.S.C.; Support state transportation departments to develop low-carbon material identification frameworks that include EPDs; Provide technology transfer and workforce development for the agency personnel and the transportation construction workforce in general; Support state transportation departments in updating or developing specifications to allow for the use of low-carbon materials in eligible construction projects. ODOT will be utilizing LCTM Program funding to establish a comprehensive program that achieves the goals listed above. ODOT expects to contract with one or more consultants under this solicitation to assist the agency in achieving the LCTM program goals listed above. A draft statement of work is provided in Attachment A with more details on anticipated tasks of the selected consultant(s). The estimated budget for all contracts issued under this solicitation is $1,400,000 – additional funding is possible at a later stage in the overall program timeline (i.e., 2028 and beyond).
