MEMORANDUM

To:	Each Engineering Dean

Each Civil Engineering Department Chair

Industry Transportation Partners

Local Transportation Organizations

FHWA Division Administrator

From:	Joe T. Baker, P.E.

Director

Date:	August 28, 2001

Subj:	SOLICITATION OF RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENTS

The Louisiana Transportation Research Center is beginning its biennial solicitation of research problem statements. These problems will form the basis for the research program for the next two year cycle beginning July 2002. This effort is essential to the successful development and management of the department's research program. It is your chance as our transportation partners/customers to make a difference and optimize benefits to our industry.

It is expected that this solicitation and enclosure will be distributed to appropriate personnel within your organization. Research problem statements should be submitted to the Director, LTRC by October 15, 2001 using the format provided in the attachment. Problem statements are also being solicited from LA DOTD personnel.

Research Problem Identification Committees (RPICs) comprised of department, government, university and industry personnel will be appointed according to technical or management areas depending on the content of problem statements submitted. They will be tasked to review and to prioritize the ideas submitted. Each problem statement will be prioritized according to need and implementation potential. The top rated problem statements from each RPIC will be again rated and prioritized by the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) comprised of the RPIC chairs and other section and district personnel from the department. The RAC will provide a prioritized selection of problems proposed for study.

Please feel free to contact Mr. Skip Paul, Associate Director, Research (225-767-9102) for any questions about the process or for assistance in completing the problem statement forms.

cc:	Dr. Kam Movassaghi

Mr. Bill Temple

LTRC Research Problem Statement Form