Specifications include, but are not limited to: Research Objectives: 1)Investigate other state DOTs’ practices and extents of implementation for MEPD and potential federal mandates for implementation. 2)Assess SDDOT’s capability to implement MEPD.3)Analyze and compare the benefits and costs of implementing various extents of MEPD. 4)Analyze different MEPD alternatives and recommend an approach for SDDOT. Research Tasks: 1)Meet with the project’s technical panel to review project scope and work plan.2)Review literature and survey other state DOTs and federal agencies to document national experience and upcoming mandates regarding MEPD implementation.3)Review SDDOT’s current pavement design practices, relevant highway network characteristics, and implementation progress and gaps.4)Submit and present to the technical panel a technical memorandum summarizing the results of tasks 2 and 3 and proposing an outline for interviews of SDDOT staff. 5)Interview technical panel and other recommended SDDOT staff to gauge the department’s interest, goals, and capabilities regarding MEPD implementation.