Initiating a research project

NDOT employees have the opportunity to request formal research to address agency challenges, improve processes, or explore new ideas. The first step in initiating a research effort is completing a Research Needs Statement (RNS) form.

Research Needs Statements (RNS)

• Must be submitted by an NDOT staff member.
• Accepted twice per year, with deadlines on March 31 and September 30
• Reviewed by the appropriate Expert Task Group (ETG)
• Evaluated for potential benefit to NDOT and alignment with agency goals
• If approved by the Research Management Committee, the RNS is advanced for proposal solicitation from qualified researchers

To begin a project, complete the Research Needs Statement (RNS) online form.

Role of Project Champions

Submitting an RNS means you will serve as the project's Champion. Champions are critical to project success and serve as the technical point of contact throughout the research process.

Champion Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership and collaborate with the research team
• Decide whether quarterly progress meetings are needed
• Review and approve project deliverables
• Address questions from prospective proposers after the RNS is approved
• Participate in early project meetings, including the pre‑agreement and kickoff meetings

NDOT Research staff support champions throughout these activities.

For more details, see the Project Champion Guidelines.

Contact Information

For help with the RNS process or initiating a project, contact:

• Mitch Ison, Research Coordinator
• Melissa DeMattei. Research Analyst

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes a good research project?
• What is research?
• How long does research take?
• What products can I expect to see from research?
• Who can submit a Research Needs Statement?
• Does someone have to approve my Research Needs Statement?
• Who performs the research?
• When do I have to submit my Research Needs Statement?
• What are some of the roles and responsibilities of champions?
• Will my Research Needs Statement automatically become a research project?
• Will I be contacted by outside researchers, and what can I say?
• Does NDOT Research have a process for saving questions and sharing them with interested parties?
• Where can I see the products of past research projects?
• Will I get extra points for multiple champions?
• What if the Champion leaves NDOT, or otherwise can’t complete the project?
• What is a Technical Advisory Panel and why do I need one?
• How can I participate in an Expert Task Group? 

What makes a good research project? 
A good research project begins with a question or idea where the answer is not already known. The scope is not fully defined, and the work required exceeds what NDOT staff can complete internally.

What is research?
Research starts with a general investigative need—not a detailed scope. NDOT identifies a need and lets universities or industry experts propose methods and solutions.

How long does research take?
Procurement typically requires 6–9 months. Most projects then take 2–4 years to complete. Useful deliverables are often produced before final completion

What products can I expect to see from research?
All projects produce a comprehensive final report. Additional deliverables may include databases, guides, manuals, specifications, digital tools, and interim reports.

Who can submit an RNS?
Any NDOT staff member can submit a Research Needs Statement (RNS). A staff member may receive significant outside assistance with the RNS, however, it must be approved and submitted by an NDOT staff member.

Does someone have to approve my RNS?
Yes. All RNS are reviewed and rated by one of seven Expert Task Groups (ETG) based on the topic of the research need. If the ETG favorably rates your RNS and decides that it should continue in the process, it will be submitted to the Research Management Committee, comprised of senior NDOT Leadership, for review and final determination as to whether or not your RNS should be solicited for proposals by professional researchers, and ultimately funded.

Who performs the research?
Universities or private firms selected through a competitive proposal process and rated by an Expert Task Group

When do I have to submit my RNS? 
March 31 and September 30 annually. Late submissions roll to the next cycle.

What are some of the roles and responsibilities of champions?

• Champions provide expert technical guidance for RNS, and (if approved) ultimately research projects. 
• Champions are expected to be available to answer prospective researcher questions, and ultimately, work with researchers to help guide research projects. 
• Champions inspect and approve research project deliverables including final reports.

Will my RNS automatically become a research project?
No. There is a significant process for RNS to become research projects. This includes review and ranking by the appropriate Expert Task Group of both the RNS and any research proposals. Potential research projects are also contingent on approval of the Research Management Committee.

Will I be contacted by outside researchers, and what can I say?
If your RNS is approved for solicitation, you may be contacted directly by prospective researchers for clarification about your RNS in order to help them develop their proposal. This is a normal part of the process, and you are authorized to communicate with prospective proposers. In fact, NDOT Research encourages proposers to address questions directly to champions in order to clarify the champion’s goals and intentions for the research, ultimately improving the quality of the research that NDOT may decide to fund. You can answer any questions proposers may have about the scope, intention, expected deliverables, and ultimate outcomes of the research—pretty much anything you are comfortable answering. However, champions may not write or review any part of a proposal, even in draft form. Also, please keep in mind that this is a courtesy extended to prospective researchers. You may limit your time and access as appropriate. We encourage you to make an appointment for a Microsoft Teams meeting and keep the timeframe reasonable for your schedule. NDOT Research is happy to sit in on any meetings and to be copied on any communications. Please note, the Research Division is NOT required to memorialize communications or to make them public. 

Does NDOT Research have a process for saving questions and sharing them with interested parties?
No. Because of the way we conduct our solicitations, NDOT Research is not required to track questions or distribute answers. However, we do recommend that you, as the champion, save any correspondence you might have with prospective researchers. 

Where can I see the products of past research projects?
NDOT Research publishes all final reports on our website.

Will I get extra points for multiple champions?
Yes. An RNS receives 10 additional points if it includes champions from more than one NDOT section.

What if the Champion leaves NDOT, or otherwise can’t complete the project?
A replacement champion should be appointed promptly. Research staff will help transition the new champion.

What is a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) and why do I need one?
A TAP is a group of NDOT and external subject‑matter experts assembled by the champion. TAP members:

• Attend progress meetings
• Review deliverables
• Support implementation of research outcomes

TAP participation is recommended for pre‑agreement, kickoff, and milestone meetings.

 

How can I join an Expert Task Group (ETG)?
Please email Mitch Ison or Melissa DeMattei to volunteer. Additional details are available on the Expert Task Groups page.