Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Practices. Topic 56-09. Staffing Models for Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO)
State departments of transportation (DOTs) have historically approached information technology functions as separate and distinct from activities associated with technology elements used to manage the transportation system (i.e., operations technology (OT)). The OT, in this context, encompasses infrastructure and services such as telecommunications, intelligent transportation systems, real-time data and data sharing, incident and emergency management technology and services, and real-time decision-support systems, along with traffic management centers, systems, and software. These OT examples can all be considered part of the state DOT Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO). Increasingly, IT and OT spheres are converging due to several trends and developments including Expanded cybersecurity needs requirements; Greater system management applications requiring real-time data; Increased utilization of shared digital networks; Increased need for remote access and control of TSMO software and field devices; Greater inter-agency operations-related data sharing; Use of more cloud-based software and services; and Requirements for connected and automated vehicles and digital infrastructure. As discovered through a small sampling of agencies participating in an FHWA project examining the intersection of IT and TSMO, state DOTs have addressed the need for IT staff support for TSMO in various ways. For example, some agencies dedicate IT staff for TSMO and may embed them within traffic operations or TSMO units. At the other end of the spectrum, TSMO programs may be required to work through a separate IT agency which may have responsibility over multiple state business areas, with transportation being only one of many. The objective of this synthesis is to document state DOT staffing models for TSMOs. Information to be gathered includes (but is not limited to): Processes for determining staffing levels for the TSMO; Staff requirements and backgrounds; Policy considerations for the staffing model; Practices related to committing and funding IT staff support; State DOT use of consultants or vendors in an IT staffing capacity; and Staffing implications on TSMO project life-cycle phases (e.g., technology procurement, implementation, management, maintenance, and sunsetting). Information will be gathered through a literature review, a survey of state DOTs, and follow-up interviews with selected DOTs for the development of case examples. Information gaps and suggestions for research to address those gaps will be identified.
- Record URL:
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Supplemental Notes:
- Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.
Language
- English
Project
- Funding: $55000
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Contract Numbers:
Project 20-05, Topic 56-09
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Sponsor Organizations:
National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis
Transportation Research Board
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
444 North Capitol Street, NW
Washington, DC United States 20001Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Project Managers:
Gause, Jo
- Start Date: 20240723
- Expected Completion Date: 0
- Actual Completion Date: 0
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Information technology; Literature reviews; Selection and appointment; State departments of transportation; Transportation operations; Transportation system management
- Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Data and Information Technology; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01920396
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
- Contract Numbers: Project 20-05, Topic 56-09
- Files: TRB, RIP
- Created Date: May 31 2024 8:51PM