# **Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council (TCCC) Meeting**

**June 11--12, 2002, Santa Fe, New Mexico**

## Welcoming Remarks & FHWA Update

Howe Crockett of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) opened the
meeting with news of some recent TCCC successes. These include the TCCC
pooled fund being endorsed by the American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the continuing progress being
made on the Geotechnical course. Jim Sorenson of FHWA told the group
that it represents a real diversity in the highway transportation
network. First the regional work groups were formed and then they
started working with AASHTO. The ongoing purpose is to get quality
training out there so that States can get quality work done. Three years
ago, it was decided to bring the training groups together. A good start
has been made but now it's a matter of keeping the institution going and
moving forward.

## "Results Through Innovation"---Pete Rahn, New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department (NMSHTD)

Pete Rahn, Secretary of the NMSHTD, told the TCCC members that the
responsibility of management is to establish direction. Staff have to
demand that they get the training that they need to get their job done.
The NMSHTD has changed from an organization with a very militaristic
style (information flowed up and decisions flowed down) to one that is
participative. It has been a remarkable change. They can see the
results.

Rahn also discussed the reconstruction of the I-40 and I-25
interchanges. This project involved 111 lane miles and 55 bridges. The
\$291 million reconstruction took 22 months and 3 weeks. Normally, an
endeavour this size would have taken 6 years. The design was done in 16
months. Change orders amounted to only 2 percent. The project was
constructed so quickly that drivers were rewarded for every hour of
delay that they experienced. A New Mexico TV station did a survey of 500
local residents: 51 percent gave the project an excellent rating, 35
percent called it good, and only 1 percent gave it a poor rating. The
project "succeeded because of our willingness to think out of the box,"
said Rahn.

New Mexico has also pioneered the use of long-term warranties. A
111-mile four-lane road, for example, was contructed in 28 months with a
20-year warranty. Around the State, there are currently five major
congestion relief projects. All of this has been done with 10 percent
fewer employees. "You need to free up employees so that they can make
decisions to get the job done," said Rahn. Employees also need to be
held accountable with performance measurements. The best people possible
should be hired for positions. NMSHTD now requires a high school diploma
or a GED. The agency provides tutors for those who want to get their
GED.

New Mexico has created hiring panels to review applicants for
supervisory positions. Since doing so, the agency has received zero
complaints about preselection for positions. Lower-level position panels
have three people, while higher-level positions have panels of five
people. One person must be from outside the State government. This has
changed the kind of people who are getting hired. Four of the agency's
six division engineers came from maintenance. Traditionally they had
always come from construction.

Highway agencies must also focus on what they're delivering to their
ultimate customer. Customers are the ones who give you resources and
then expect something in return.

New Mexico has set a goal of 80 hours of training for each employee
every year. Members of an organization have to buy into the vision and
make a commitment. "We have to give employees the freedom, the skills,
and the tools to get the job done," said Rahn. Every area of NMSHTD has
a different training plan.

"What we're talking about here is crucial to the future of our
industry," said Rahn. The United States is probably behind the curve
when it looks at what other countries have done. Sweden, New Zealand,
Great Britain, and Australia have all privatized their road agencies.
"We have to do it better because there are alternatives to us out there.
We're in competition with the private sector whether we realize it or
not," he said.

NMSHTD has some innovative practices. For example, the agency hires
people into temporary positions. After 4--6 weeks, if they're looking
good, then they are trained to fill the positions that are needed. This
gives the agency the opportunity to screen people and also to train
them. NMSHTD has also changed the nature of its job by privatizing the
maintenance of rest areas.

Rahn concluded his remarks by stating, "If you provide resources based
on a vision or certain tangible results, then your organization aligns
itself with that vision."

## Gabriel Alcaraz---Puerto Rican Highway & Transportation Authority (PRHTA)

The Highway and Transportation Authority is a Public Corporation, with
the DOT's Secretary serving as Chairman of the Board. PRHTA employs 300
engineers and has a CIP budget of \$450 million to \$600 million a year.
Challenges facing the Authority include:

a\. Language barriers, as most training materials are in English, most
PRHTA personnel is Spanish-speaking, and Spanish is not a technical
language and it is often difficult to translate specifications, etc.

b\. Quality of construction and employee training was not a priority.

c\. National Highway Institute (NHI) courses are good for engineers but
are too technical for inspectors.

d\. By law, the agency cannot make significant expenditures on training
for inspectors, since most inspectors are not career service.

e\. The agency's Personnel Development office is oriented to personel
wellness, but is not good at identifying technical training.

For solutions to these challenges, PRHTA has turned to its Materials
Testing Office and external resources, such as consultants and FHWA.
PRHTA's Materials Testing Office is highly dedicated and with support
from FHWA has developed training materials for inspectors and materials
technicians.

PRHTA, in conjunction with FHWA Puerto Rico Division personnel, has
developed and offered courses in Maintenance of Traffic, Work Zone
Safety, and Bridge Deck Inspections, as well as a "Train the Trainer"
course.

A long-term solution that is being looked at is obtaining assistance
from AAFET, which is Puerto Rico's equivalent of the Job Corps. AAFET
offers technical certificates; PRHTA is working on getting it to offer a
Transportation Inspector's Certificate. Ongoing concerns include:

-   PRHTA certifications vs. ACI certifications.

-   Are courses developed elsewhere as effective or relevant in Puerto
    Rico?

-   Different specifications.

-   Different weather---For example, Puerto Rico has about 85 percent
    relative humidity (RH) versus an RH of 15 percent in New Mexico.

## WAQTC Update---John Tenison, NMSHTD

Modules are offered for asphalt, concrete, soils, and embankments.
Bridge inspection and Superpave modules are under development. Modules
include instructors' guides, exams, Powerpoint presentations, and video
clips. There has been interesting dialogue between States that are just
beginning to participate and States that have a lot of experience. It is
important to have modules that States can customize to fit their own
needs. WAQTC is also working on a pooled fund proposal to have an
administrator run its program. It is willing to put its material on the
Web.

Sorenson commented that training and certification will still rest
largely with the regional groups. Lee Onstott of NMSHTD said, "We're not
here to dictate to the States. We're here to provide resources."
Sorenson added that, "We're not here to reinvent the wheel. We need to
decide what a solid curricula looks like."

## M-TRAC---Chris Anderson, Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT)

M-TRAC began in 1994. The group met in June 2001 at its annual workshop.
Its next workshop will be held August 13--14 in Kansas City, Kansas.
M-TRAC is struggling right now. It is having difficulties both
financially and with the stability of the group. Many people who were
involved have retired, etc. Anderson is hoping that they can regroup at
the meeting in August. M-TRAC would also like to learn from other
groups.

North Dakota is the only M-TRAC State to date to indicate that it will
not be participating in the pooled fund. However, not all States have
responded yet. It takes some pushing to get the money. Anderson asked if
a benefit/cost analysis study of training has been done to show the
benefits of training. She would like to pursue this. According to
Sorenson, an NCHRP study was done by the University of Maryland. It is
unpublished.

Linda Mason of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) agreed to work
with Anderson to draft a statement of work to present to TRB.

Anderson noted that M-TRAC is not getting as much financial support from
the FHWA Resource Center as it used to. Sorenson suggested that she talk
to the Midwestern Partnership for Pavement Preservation, as they also
have an interest in training. The group should also look at the model of
the asphalt user-producer groups. Bryan Cawley and Gary White were
suggested as contacts at the Midwestern Resource Center.

## SETFTTQ Update---Tom Malerk, Florida DOT

SETFTTQ has established programs that are working well. So far there
have not been any requests for reciprocity. Information sharing between
States is routine. FHWA's Southern Resource Center houses a program
library and there is information on the SETFTTQ Web site. The group has
developed a policy statement on recertification: "SETFTTQ members will
establish written and proficiency examinations as a standard for
recertification. Work experience may be considered, but shall not be the
sole basis for requalification eligibility."

Issues for TCCC consideration include how the group can assist the TCCC
in transferring SETFTTQ information to the TCCC Web site. SETFTTQ is
soliciting member State support for the TCCC pooled fund. The group
would also like to discuss the process for evaluating and prioritizing
the TCCC work plan and would like the TCCC to consider measuring
training effectiveness.

**NETTCP Update---Rick Hale, Vermont Agency of Transportation**

Hale circulated copies of the group's Paving Inspector manual for the
TCCC to look at. The manual is used with a 2 1/2-day class. In 2002,
courses that have been held include HMA Paving Inspector, HMA Plant
Inspection, Soils and Aggregate, Concrete Technician, and Concrete Field
Inspector. Snce 1996, 2,900 certifications have been issued (some
technicians have multiple certifications). They have also held their
first round of recertification. A new QA technologist course will be
available by winter 2003. The group is also implementing a scholarship
program. Currently, training materials are not available online.

**MARTCP Update---Woody Hood, Maryland DOT**

Hood reported that all of the MARTCP's manuals are generic in nature. A
course is available in Pavement Markings and HMA Plant and Field
Technician. An Aggregate Technician course is being finalized. The group
uses an ACI Concrete Field course. Hood reported that he is a member of
the Steering and Development committees updating the NICET Construction
Materials Testing National Certification Program. MARTCP is also in the
final stages of signing a Partnership Agreement with NICET that will
facilitate reciprocity between MARTCP and NICET certification programs.
There is a tremendous back-up of people who need training, as
contractors have a lot of turnover. Hood noted that, "We are seeing that
people who have already gone through training are training others on the
job." Recertification is an issue, as a lot of people are coming to the
end of their 5-year certifications. For the Mid-Atlantic pooled fund, it
might be better if the group takes a percentage of States' capital
programs, instead of asking for the same amount from every State.

**AASHTO Maintenance Update---Bob Peda, PENNDOT**

The Maintenance Subcommittee has set a goal of coming up with a core
maintenance curriculum. The Subcommittee is also working to update
NICET's Highway Maintenance Certification Program modules so that they
relate better and has developed a 2-week Assistant County Manager
training program.

**AASHTO Materials Update---Tom Malerk, Florida DOT**

The Subcommittee on Materials has recognized the TCCC and has assigned
Malerk as a liaison. The next AASHTO Subcommittee meeeting will be in
Branson, Missouri, in August.

**AASHTO Construction Update---Lee Onstott, NMSHTD**

Onstott reported that "there's a lot of skepticism out there. People are
questioning why we're doing this. Education is important." He sent out
notices to construction engineers letting them know about the pooled
fund. "This next year is going to be critical to the success of the
group. We've got to show some results and make sure there's a product
out there that justifies our existence," he noted.

**Geotechnical Inspector Certification Program---Peter Osborn, FHWA**

The goal is to develop a nationally accepted qualification program that
will improve qualifications and ensure uniformity. The program is being
coordinated with the regional certification groups. It will be
administered through these regional groups and will also likely be
offered through NHI. Proposed modules include "Driven Pile Foundations"
and "Drilled Shaft Foundations." Regional representatives on the
Technical Working Group (TWG) include Ashton Lawler (VDOT), Chris Berda
(Vermont AOT) and Garth Newman (Idaho DOT). The TWG also has technical
support from industry, including the Pile Drivers Contracting
Association, Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors, and the Deep
Foundations Institute.

The TWG was formed in October 2000, following a nationwide survey that
showed that "States wanted us to develop some kind of program." A lot of
money is being wasted on overdesigning foundations. Funding has been
received from FHWA and NHI.

A Deep Foundation Inspection course is now under development. It is
modeled after the proven Florida DOT program. The first two modules will
be Drilled Shaft and Driven Pile. Contracts were awarded in Fall 2001 to
Parsons Brinckerhoff for the Driven Pile module and to Ryan Berg for the
Drilled Shafts module. The kick-off meeting was held in November 2001.
Technical walk-throughs were held June 5--6. The Drilled Shaft module
provides an overview of the drilled shaft construction process and the
role of the inspector. Basic course requirements are that it must be
taught for the novice inspector and it must cover the FHWA guide spec.
It also covers the construction process and equipment, coordination, and
communication.

A pilot presentation of the Driven Pile module will be held July
30--August 1, 2002, in Milford, Massachusetts. The Drilled Shaft module
will be piloted August 13--15, 2002, in Portland, Oregon. The pilots are
intended for States within those regional groups. The target audience is
inspectors, so that they can evaluate the content. Final Deliverables
are due September 30, including the Participants' Workbook, Instructor's
Guide, Visual Aids, Sample Exam, and Implementation Guide. The course
materials will be available on CD. The sample exam is being protected
and is not widely available. It is being sent only to TWG members. The
NHI cost of the course will probably be about \$250 or \$260. Crockett
suggested that it would be good to have more of a mix of people at the
pilots. Some trainers should be added.

Sorenson commented that it is hoped that a core group of FHWA and State
personnel can be put together to teach NHI courses. This cuts down on
costs.

What comes next? The TWG is looking at developing Driven Pile and
Drilled Shaft tutorials. The TWG has reviewed a Florida DOT Driven Pile
tutorial and found it to be excellent. The TWG would like to make use of
it. Would the TCCC be willing to participate in the development of the
Drilled Shaft tutorial? The TWG is looking for about a \$10,000 TCCC
contribution. There is also a need for a math tutorial for inspectors.
Anderson noted that her research group has a math tutorial that the TWG
could reference. The tutorial goes from basic addition/subtraction up to
statistics.

Also next on the list for development is a Subsurface Investigation
course. This is pending a funding source.

**Pooled Fund Update---Jim Sorenson, FHWA**

About \$195,000 has been pledged to the pooled fund, including a
\$100,000 contribution from Texas. Only 8 States have responded
officially to the letter that went out about the fund. Administration of
the fund will be kept within FHWA headquarters. The fund can be
supported by industry and other groups (a handout was distributed on
this subject). No maximum or minimum has been set for fund
contributions. The goal is a million dollars annually, which would
generate about 8 to 12 projects a year.

NHI will be used as a contracting source but the fund will not be
restricted to NHI contractors. NHI can do task orders directly to
States. It is trying to make sure that it can deliver the projects.
However, it is looking to the States and TCCC to develop the projects.
Money can be saved if a preexisting course can simply be updated.

Bryan Cawley from the Midwestern Resource Center has been asked to step
in and help fill John Perry's role. Some operational guidelines need to
be developed for the pooled fund. The first step is setting up a
management structure. Sorenson thinks that an executive director should
be brought on. He estimates that this would take about 7 to 10 percent
of the project costs. He advocates putting out a draft contract for
this. He noted that, "In 6 months when we meet, we'll roll out something
that is much more strategically oriented."

Hopefully, there will be uniform information sharing among the regional
groups and others. TCCC has made a start on this with the Web site but
there hasn't been enough money to polish up the site.

Brainstorming followed on the management structure for the pooled fund
and the Web site. Comments included:

-   House Web site at NHI.

-   Funding needs to be simple.

-   Pooled-fund money can be tagged for specific areas, such as
    geotechnical.

-   Resource centers need to talk to their divisions and promote/market
    the pooled fund.

-   Someone in each State needs to track the pooled-fund letter and make
    sure it went to the right person.

-   Is there a need for an executive committee to make decisions? Would
    such a committee have equal representation from all disciplines
    (construction, materials, maintenance, etc.)?

-   Should a priority matrix be put together?

-   Eventually, NPHQ might provide a home for this initiative.

An August update on the status of the pooled fund will be distributed.
Another pooled-fund mailing will also go out.

**TCCC Web Site Update---Chris Newman, NHI**

There is now a direct link to the TCCC site on the NHI main page. The
Web site contains links to all of the regional certification groups.
Currently, a database is being compiled for training courses. Users will
be able to search for courses both nationally and regionally. Newman
would like to put NHI's database administrator in touch with the
regional groups so that information can be shared. It was suggested that
courses under development should be listed also. The site should tell
visitors when the information was last updated. Crockett suggested that
a template should be created for putting in course updates and that a
notice should be put on the site saying that it is "Under Construction."
Sorenson noted that he envisions a "Needs Matrix." The group could then
cast votes on the matrix and select priorities. Other suggestions
included:

-   Differentiate on Web site between costs for attending courses and
    costs for course materials.

-   Should there be email notification when new items are posted on the
    site?

-   Should an order form be added? Perhaps as a link back to the
    regional groups?

-   How should State updates be institutionalized?

-   Announcements of new courses could be combined with a request to
    update existing courses.

-   There should be a search option for industry information also.

-   Course information should indicate whether it's a national core
    course for certification or just a training course.

Michael Smith of FHWA and Chris Newman will continue work on the Web
site. Sorenson noted that Michelle Cribbs from his office could also
provide assistance. Smith will send everyone a strategic plan for the
site. According to Newman, the original data entry on courses will be
done by the regional groups. Hood suggested that regional groups
volunteer one person to work on the Web site. States should follow NHI's
recommended formats as much as possible (Word and PowerPoint).

**National Certification Conference---Chris Anderson, Iowa DOT**

Anderson reported that she has worked hard on this concept but that
there is no money right now to put it on. Crockett made the
recommendation that it be held in conjunction with the National Training
Directors meeting. Sorenson asked Newman to check on whether NHI could
co-fund the event. Hood commented that most of the people who get
invited to the Training Directors meeting are from Human Resources (HR).
Will technical people be able to go also? Newman commented that "it is
important to get HR people on our side also." Sorenson suggested that a
proposal for the meeting be made this summer, in order to get some
buy-in. Anderson will work with Bob Peda, Paula McGee, and Linda Mason
on putting together a scope of work. According to Newman, NHI can also
champion this.

**NHI Course Updates---Chris Newman, NHI**

Newman reported that the HMA Construction course (No. 131032) was
piloted a few weeks ago, while the pilot for the HMA Production
Facilities course (No. 131044) will be next week in Utah. The pilot for
HMA Materials, Characteristics, and Control (No. 131045) will be in 2
weeks in College Park, Maryland. The Asphalt Pavement Recycling
Technology course (No. 131050) was piloted in May in Albuquerque, New
Mexico. Newman should have the final materials for that in a couple of
weeks. He will distribute course materials to all of the resource
centers and anyone within the TCCC who wants them. Right now, it cannot
be called an NHI course if States teach it themselves but Newman is
confident that this policy is going to change.

Other courses under development include Managing Construction
Workmanship, which came out of an AASHTO SOC resolution. The course
covers acceptance, communication, and risk assessment. It is designed
for inspectors, resident engineers, and contractor personnel. The RFP
for course development will go out in mid June. Also under development
is Principles of Writing Highway Construction Specs. This is an update
of existing course materials. The kickoff meeting was held in April 2002
and work is expected to be completed by November 2002. Newman commented
that when courses are developed, existing materials should be looked at
before an RFP is put out and work starts.

Another course being updated is Avoiding and Handling Construction
Contract Claims. The RFP will go out in June. Two pavement preservation
courses are available (Design and Construction of Quality Preventive
Maintenance Treatments and Integrating Preventive Maintenance and
Pavement Management Systems), while two more are in development. A
Highway Materials course (No. 131023) was revised by the University of
Nevada at Reno this year. It includes modules for Quality Control,
Portland Cement Concrete, Hot-Mix Asphalt, Steel, Aggregates, and Soils.
Other available courses include Bridge Maintenance (No. 134029), Bridge
Management (No. 130080), and Introduction to Mechanistic Design. A
course on "Pavement Smoothness---Factors Affecting Inertial Profilers
Used for Construction Quality Control" (No. 131100) will be delivered
soon.

Newman will provide course materials to each regional group, the
resource centers, and FHWA division offices. Mason asked about what kind
of access NHI has to materials developed by others. Newman replied that
it is limited.

**Instructor Development Course---Chris Anderson, Iowa DOT**

Anderson reported that she attended the NHI course in Indianapolis in
April to see if it would be useful to the TCCC. She found it to be an
excellent course, although it would need to be shortened for TCCC
purposes (the course is currently 4 1/2 days).

**Workmanship Training Requirements---Allan Samuels, Arizona DOT**

According to Samuels, there is not a lot available on this subject. An
industry-wide effort is needed to address this issue. Are there any
100-percent end result specs? Some striping specs fall into this
category and pavement smoothness specs are getting there, but that is
about it.

**American Concrete Institute (ACI) Update---Tom Malerk, Florida DOT**

Malerk provided an update from the ACI National Meeting, which was held
April 20--25, 2002, in Detroit, Michigan. ACI Certification Programs
include:

-   Field Testing Technician. This program was revised to include new
    ASTM standards in 2002. A Quality Assurance program will begin in
    2003.

-   Aggregate Technician. There has been activity in several States, It
    is a requirement in Kansas and Florida. About 1,000 people have been
    certified under this program.

-   Laboratory Technician. ACI's Laboratory Technician policy has been
    revised to include reciprocity for completed test methods among
    individual laboratory certifications. ACI programs satisfy CCRL lab
    accreditation requirements for certification of laboratory
    technicians.

-   Transportation Inspector. This course is aimed at lead inspectors
    and project engineers. However, customers are suggesting that this
    is beyond what they really need. Approximately 250 certifications
    were issued in 2001, which represented a dramatic increase over
    previous years.

ACI has a fixed price for examinations and reference materials. Training
and examination sessions are priced by sponsoring groups based on local
market standards. More information can be found on the ACI Web site at
www.concrete.org.

**Superpave ETG for Communications and Training---Linda Mason, TRB**

The TRB Superpave Committee advises FHWA and AASHTO on the evolution and
implementation of Superpave. Twenty major research projects are either
now underway or have been recommended. Three ETGs advise the committee:
the Binder ETG, Mix/Aggregate ETG, and Communications/Training ETG. The
Communications/Training ETG's goals include promoting current and
consistent Superpave training materials and developing a centralized
core curriculum that will be useful to State and local agencies and
industry. The question was raised as to whether TRB would be in the
position of producing modular training. No decisions have been made as
yet. However, Mason believes that there will be a recommendation to have
a central Web site that existing courses can be fed into. The Web site
would also make available the most current updates to Superpave course
material. Are the goals of the ETG and the TCCC similar enough for the
groups to collaborate and share information? Onstott commented that the
purpose of the TCCC is to prevent TRB from going out and hiring someone
to develop what already exists. Mason responded that most Superpave
training is developed by NHI and the five regional Superpave centers.
The ETG's goal is to make those courses easily available to anyone who
needs them. WAQTC has developed a Superpave program and New Mexico has
its own program. It's possible that the TCCC Web site could have a
section on Superpave technology.

**PENNDOT Transportation University---Bob Peda, Chris Drda, PENNDOT**

PENNDOT is having great success with the university. Its mission is to
provide products and services that support the achievement of the
Department's goals and objectives. The University has eight colleges,
including the College of Transportation Trades and the College of
Transportation Professions. Employees are encouraged to develop a work
plan for their training. PENNDOT's goal is for every employee to receive
40 hours of training each year. The eventual goal is to have training on
the Internet.

Courses offered by the College of Transportation Professions include:

-   Construction Management Training Workshop

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-   Senior Inspector in Charge

-   Inspector's Training Conference

-   Foreman's Academy

-   Assistant County Manager Academy

-   Maintenance Executive Development Program.

The plan is to develop a Position Analysis Workbook for every job
classification. These workbooks will address career development issues
and duties in the workplace. They can be used when interviewing job
candidates, orienting new employees, structuring cross-training
experiences, and planning training and developmental activities.

The Academies are very interested in the training that the TCCC is
preparing.

**TCCC Curriculum Tracks---Harold VonQuintus, ERES-ARA**

The goal is to develop a comprehensive curriculum to provide guidance in
preparing instructional material for training construction personnel.
The project team for developing the draft curriculum track included
Harold VonQuintus, Doug Hanson of the National Center for Asphalt
Technology, Jim Sorenson, Chris Newman, Mike Ayers of the American
Concrete Pavement Association, and Dave Newcomb of the National Asphalt
Pavement Association. A preliminary draft of the curriculum was
distributed. The curriculum has eight main areas:

-   Statistics & Statistical Concepts/Procedures for Pavement
    Engineering & Construction

-   Pavement Materials

-   Geotechnical---Soils/Foundation for Pavement Construction

-   Pavement Design and Rehabilitation

-   Construction and Maintenance

-   Specifications and Construction Management

-   Work Zone and Highway Safety

-   Project Personnel Management.

The group started with a review of existing training course materials
and has expanded from there. Assumptions made by the team include that
training will be at the national level through NHI. Certification would
be at the regional or local level. The maximum length of courses would
be 2--3 days. Attendees would gain short bursts of knowledge or
information.

Comments included:

-   Should primary audience be agency personnel? It is important to
    include contractors.

-   Need to plan for new specs that might be adopted this year.

-   Focus seems to be on pavements.

-   There are a wide range of skills out there. Some people don't even
    know how to work a hand-held calculator. Math classes need to have
    more of a gradation.

-   There is a lot of overlapping material. How much is too much?

-   There are some very positive aspects to having this curriculum.

-   What is the correlation with performance-related specs (PRS)?
    According to Sorenson, this past winter the PRS team broke into five
    separate task groups.

-   Other topics that could be added include Environment and Snow & Ice.

> Gaps in training and missing topics identified by the team include:

-   Performance tests (to be added after NCHRP project is completed).

-   Database application to QA and acceptance of pavement construction.

-   Surface characteristics (profile, noise, friction).

-   Surface and subsurface drainage inspections.

A final draft of the curriculum is due June 30.

**Resident Engineer Academies---Tim Chavez, NMSHTD**

A team visited academies in California, Washington State, and
Maryland/Virginia. California's program is a 1-week endeavor designed
for newly hired managers and resident engineers. In Washington,
employees have to take courses until they get to a level where they're
running projects on their own. Washington's program was very impressive.

States say that they need "soft skills" training the most. This includes
public relations, contract administration, and how to deal with
landowners and business owners, etc. Onstott commented, "I'm not sure
there is a single answer. We've seen several models and thought that the
team's reports could present different models that States could
consider."

**Training Effectiveness Evaluation---Tom Malerk, Florida DOT**

Malerk proposed establishing a national task team to evaluate the
effectiveness of training following the changes that were made to 23
C.F.R. 637. The evaluation would look at whether training would result
in a better product. Douglas Townes of Florida DOT has offered to lead
this effort. "Is it too soon to draw conclusions?," asked Sorenson. He
proposed that the group define parameters to measure in the future. This
effort could be combined with Anderson's National Training Committee. It
was decided that this committee (Chris Anderson, Bob Peda, Paula McGee,
Linda Mason, Chris Newman, Mike Arasteh of FHWA, and Douglas Townes)
will draft a scope of work for a national synthesis on training
effectiveness evaluation, as well as a scope of work for a National
Certification Conference.

**DOT Key Contact List---Woody Hood, Maryland DOT**

Hood suggested that the regional groups and individual States should
develop a list of key contacts in such areas as materials, construction,
bridges, etc. This would help in getting TCCC mailings to the right
people at the DOTs.

**Computer Based Training---Mike Moravec, FHWA**

Moravec would be willing to coordinate the production of CDs once the
core curriculum has been set. His contractors will be available in May
2003. The CDs would be 508 compliant and could have a pre-test and
post-test component. According to Moravec, his contractors can turn out
about one module a month. Sorenson commented that the product could be
introduced into the public domain and still sold through McTrans.
Sorenson suggested that the Construction RFP could be converted to
include this. However, the group did not reach consensus on that issue.
Comments included:

-   Construction would only be a small part of this.

-   Start with materials.

-   There is no definite curriculum yet.

-   Anything that is done has to be interactive and state of the
    practice.

Moravec will put together a proposal for the August AASHTO meeting.
Samuels will coordinate with VonQuintus and work on developing a matrix.
The construction area will be targeted initially. Perhaps TCCC can fund
some modules.

**Work Plan Discussion**

Sorenson stated that an executive director needs to be brought on board
to 1) Work with the pooled-fund donors and participants; 2) Take care of
organizing meetings; and 3) Develop scope of operations and business
plan. This person should be in place to develop the draft business plan
before the next TCCC meeting. The draft RFP for this position will be
sent out to all TCCC members (a nondisclosure statement will be sent
first). Sorenson suggested creating an executive committee also. A
Technical Panel will be put together to make the final selection on the
executive director. Sorenson hopes to have responses to the RFP by the
end of August.

**Curricula Tracks**

It was decided that the curricula will be divided into Construction;
Materials; Maintenance; Employee Development; and Safety Features, Work
Zones, and Worker Safety. The following working groups were set up for
each curricula track:

*Construction*

Allan Samuels, Arizona DOT (lead)

Bernie Kuta, FHWA

Lee Onstott, NMSHTD

Paula McGee, NMSHTD

Bud Darby, NICET

*Materials*

Woody Hood, Maryland DOT (lead)

Tom Malerk, Florida DOT

Bryan Cawley, FHWA

Garth Newman, Idaho DOT

Bud Darby, NICET

*Maintenance*

Bob Peda, PENNDOT (lead)

Bud Darby, NICET

\[Note: They will try to add a training specialist also\].

*Employee Development*

Chris Anderson, Iowa DOT (lead)

Steve Sawyer, Oklahoma DOT

Tim Chavez, NMSHTD

Chris Newman, NHI

*Safety Features, Work Zones, and Worker Safety*

Jack Cowsert, North Carolina DOT (lead)

Scott Battles, FHWA

Bill Bruemmer, FHWA

Sorenson will work with the five groups to get additional States
involved. The teams will look at the draft curricula developed by
VonQuintus and provide input on how to enhance and further develop it.
Perhaps by October, representatives from each team could meet and look
at how their efforts mesh together. The draft curricula will then be
presented at the December TCCC meeting.

In closing discussions, Sorenson commented that there have been many
complaints about the fees that AASHTO and others charge for specs. He is
trying to work on resolving that. Perhaps there could be a uniform fee
structure for training materials.

Bud Darby gave a brief talk on NICET. He is trying to work on bringing
NICET and FHWA back together. While NICET cannot do the training, it can
do the certification.

Osborn asked if TCCC could pick up \$10,000 of the cost for the Drilled
Shaft course. The group agreed to do this.

Chavez, McGee, and Anderson need to send Sorenson estimates of their
travel costs for meetings that they may need assistance in attending.

The TCCC will hold its next meeting December 3--4, 2002, at a location
still to be determined.

**Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council (TCCC)**

### Santa Fe, New Mexico

### June 2002---Activity Plan

+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| **Work    | # **Descript                | #### Lead         | *     |
| Plan      | ion of Work Plan Activity** |                   | *Prod |
| Act       |                             |                   | uct** |
| ivities** |                             |                   |       |
|           |                             |                   | **    |
|           |                             |                   | Deliv |
|           |                             |                   | ery** |
|           |                             |                   |       |
|           |                             |                   | **D   |
|           |                             |                   | ate** |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| TCCC      | Fund has \$195,000 so far.  | Task Force        | A     |
| Pooled    | Goal is \$1 million per     |                   | ugust |
| Fund      | year for 5 years. This will | Jim Sorenson      | 2002  |
| Project   | fund 8--12 projects a year. | (FHWA-HIAM)       | (u    |
|           |                             |                   | pdate |
|           | FHWA HQ (HIAM) will         | Brian Cawley      | to go |
|           | administer the fund. Fund   | (FHWA-MRC)        | out). |
|           | is 100% FA eligible.        |                   |       |
|           | Private donations are       |                   |       |
|           | accepted. A pooled fund     |                   |       |
|           | update will go out in       |                   |       |
|           | August 2002. Another pooled |                   |       |
|           | fund mailing will also be   |                   |       |
|           | sent.                       |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| TCCC      | NHI & HIAM are working on   | Jim Sorenson      | Dir   |
| Executive | an RFP for a contract for   | (FHWA--HIAM)      | ector |
| Director  | administrative support of   |                   | to be |
|           | the TCCC. This should not   |                   | on    |
|           | exceed 7%--10% of the pool  |                   | board |
|           | amount. SOW will include    |                   | b     |
|           | maintaining Web site,       |                   | efore |
|           | coordinating meetings,      |                   | Dec.  |
|           | promoting TCCC, and         |                   | 2002  |
|           | managing pooled fund.       |                   | TCCC  |
|           | Director should be on board |                   | mee   |
|           | before December 2002 TCCC   |                   | ting. |
|           | meeting.                    |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Core      | Harold Von Quintus made     | Jim Sorenson      | Dec   |
| C         | presentation of proposed    | (FHWA- HIAM)      | ember |
| urriculum | curriculum. Final draft     |                   | 2002  |
| De        | originally due June 30. It  | Construction      |       |
| velopment | was decided that curricula  | (Allan Samuels)   |       |
|           | will be divided into        |                   |       |
|           | Construction; Materials;    | Materials (Woody  |       |
|           | Maintenance; Employee       | Hood)             |       |
|           | Development; and Safety     |                   |       |
|           | Features, Work Zones, and   | Maintenance (Bob  |       |
|           | Worker Safety. Working      | Peda)             |       |
|           | groups were set up for each |                   |       |
|           | curricula track. The teams  | Empl. Dev. (Chris |       |
|           | will look at the draft      | Anderson)         |       |
|           | curricula and provide input |                   |       |
|           | on further development.     | Safety (Jack      |       |
|           | Representatives from teams  | Cowsert)          |       |
|           | will meet in October.       |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Process   | Develop guidelines for      | Tom Malerk        | Dec   |
| for       | implementation of TCCC      | (Florida DOT)     | 2002  |
| C         | products and materials.     |                   |       |
| urriculum | This issue is tabled until  | Chris Newman      |       |
| Imple     | an Executive Director is    | (NHI)             |       |
| mentation | brought on board through    |                   |       |
|           | the pooled fund.            | Garth Newman      |       |
|           |                             | (ITD)             |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| National  | A TCCC task group has been  | Chris Anderson    | Dec   |
| Cert      | established to coordinate   | (Iowa DOT)        | 2002  |
| ification | this potential workshop     |                   |       |
| C         | with the National Training  |                   |       |
| onference | Directors Meeting in 2003.  |                   |       |
|           | The task group will meet in |                   |       |
|           | August 2002. Report to the  |                   |       |
|           | TCCC due on efforts.        |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Concrete  | WAQTC has this course       | Garth Newman      | Dec   |
| & Steel   | scheduled for development.  | (ITD)             | 2002  |
| S         | Procurement of a consultant |                   |       |
| tructures | is on hold for the WAQTC    | Tom Malerk        |       |
| Con       | pooled fund project. HIAM & | (Florida DOT)     |       |
| struction | TCCC pooled fund moneys     |                   |       |
| Inspector | requested to get a contract |                   |       |
|           | underway. NDOT would be the |                   |       |
|           | probable lead agency for a  |                   |       |
|           | sole source contract.       |                   |       |
|           | Interested parties should   |                   |       |
|           | contact Garth Newman of the |                   |       |
|           | Idaho Transportation        |                   |       |
|           | Department (ITD) or Dean    |                   |       |
|           | Weitzel of Nevada DOT. ACI  |                   |       |
|           | training materials will be  |                   |       |
|           | solicited for incorporation |                   |       |
|           | into the new course. An ACI |                   |       |
|           | training course has been    |                   |       |
|           | developed and is currently  |                   |       |
|           | available.                  |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Concrete  | Explore the formation of a  | Bernie Kuta       |       |
| Paving    | technical panel (including  | (FHWA--WRC)       |       |
| Con       | ACPA) to determine          |                   |       |
| struction | priorities in the           |                   |       |
| Inspector | development of core         |                   |       |
|           | materials/curriculum for    |                   |       |
|           | concrete paving inspector   |                   |       |
|           | certification. (No activity |                   |       |
|           | reported--June 2002).       |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| I         | Chris Anderson audited      | Chris Anderson    | Put   |
| nstructor | NHI's instructor            | (Iowa DOT) and    | on    |
| De        | development course on April | Chris Newman      | a     |
| velopment | 22-26 for possible          | (NHI)             | genda |
| Course    | modification and            |                   | for   |
|           | utilization by the TCCC. A  |                   | discu |
|           | two-page report was         |                   | ssion |
|           | prepared, recommending that |                   | at    |
|           | a new, shorter course be    |                   | Dec   |
|           | developed. This new course  |                   | ember |
|           | would use some of the       |                   | 2002  |
|           | lectures from the current   |                   | TCCC  |
|           | class but not as much of    |                   | mee   |
|           | the presentation evaluation |                   | ting. |
|           | material. This should be    |                   |       |
|           | discussed further at the    |                   |       |
|           | next TCCC meeting.          |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| F         | Tom Baker will forward all  |                   |       |
| acilitate | proposed WAQTC changes to   |                   |       |
| AASHTO    | regional contacts. Jim      |                   |       |
| Standard  | Sorenson will request that  |                   |       |
| Changes   | AASHTO wave the fees for    |                   |       |
|           | use of test methods for     |                   |       |
|           | member States. Ongoing with |                   |       |
|           | no report. Baker has        |                   |       |
|           | retired and Perry has moved |                   |       |
|           | to new position.            |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| TCCC Web  | The Web site                | Chris Newman      | A     |
| Site      | ([www.nhi                   | (NHI) Michael     | ugust |
|           | .fhwa.dot.gov/tccc](http:// | Smith (FHWA--SRC) | 2002  |
|           | www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/tccc)) |                   |       |
|           | made its debut in January   |                   |       |
|           | 2002 but still needs work.  |                   |       |
|           | Michael Smith will work     |                   |       |
|           | with Chris Newman to        |                   |       |
|           | improve/refine the site.    |                   |       |
|           | Michelle Cribbs from the    |                   |       |
|           | Office of Infrastructure    |                   |       |
|           | can also provide            |                   |       |
|           | assistance. Michael will    |                   |       |
|           | provide a Strategic Plan to |                   |       |
|           | the TCCC by July 15 and the |                   |       |
|           | site will be fully          |                   |       |
|           | functional by August 15.    |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Geo       | National geotechnical       | Peter Osborn      | Sept  |
| technical | inspection program headed   | (FHWA-RI)         | ember |
| I         | up by Peter Osborn          |                   | 30,   |
| nspection | (FHWA-RI).                  |                   | 2002  |
|           |                             |                   |       |
|           | \- Walk-throughs for two    |                   |       |
|           | courses held June 5--6,     |                   |       |
|           | 2002.                       |                   |       |
|           |                             |                   |       |
|           | \- Pilot course for Drilled |                   |       |
|           | Shafts scheduled for August |                   |       |
|           | 13--15, 2002, in Portland,  |                   |       |
|           | Oregon.                     |                   |       |
|           |                             |                   |       |
|           | \- Pilot Course for Driven  |                   |       |
|           | Piles scheduled for July    |                   |       |
|           | 30--August 1, in Milford,   |                   |       |
|           | MA.                         |                   |       |
|           |                             |                   |       |
|           | Deliverables due September  |                   |       |
|           | 30, 2002.                   |                   |       |
|           |                             |                   |       |
|           | TWG is looking at           |                   |       |
|           | developing Driven Pile and  |                   |       |
|           | Drilled Shaft tutorials     |                   |       |
|           | next, as well as a          |                   |       |
|           | Subsurface Investigation    |                   |       |
|           | course if the funding can   |                   |       |
|           | be found.                   |                   |       |
|           |                             |                   |       |
|           | NICET certification is      |                   |       |
|           | available and will be input |                   |       |
|           | to TCCC for review and      |                   |       |
|           | update.                     |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Training  | This activity has been      | Chris Anderson    |       |
| Effe      | combined with planning for  | (Iowa DOT)        |       |
| ctiveness | a National Certification    |                   |       |
| E         | Conference and with a       |                   |       |
| valuation | Benefit/Cost Analysis Study |                   |       |
|           | of Training. The TCCC       |                   |       |
|           | National Training Committee |                   |       |
|           | will draft a scope of work  |                   |       |
|           | to present to TRB for a     |                   |       |
|           | national synthesis on       |                   |       |
|           | training effectiveness      |                   |       |
|           | evaluation/benefit analysis |                   |       |
|           | study, as well as a scope   |                   |       |
|           | of work for a National      |                   |       |
|           | Certification Conference.   |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Ben       | This activity has been      | Chris Anderson    |       |
| efit/Cost | combined with the Training  | (Iowa DOT)        |       |
| Analysis  | Effectiveness Evaluation    |                   |       |
| Study of  | and planning for National   |                   |       |
| Training  | Certification Conference    |                   |       |
|           | (see above).                |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Compu     | Mike Moravec (FHWA) will    | Mike Moravec      | A     |
| ter-Based | put together a proposal for | (FHWA--ERC)       | ugust |
| Training  | the August AASHTO meeting.  |                   | 2002  |
|           | Allan Samuels (Arizona DOT) | Allan Samuels     | (pro  |
|           | will coordinate with Harold | (Arizona DOT)     | posal |
|           | VonQuintus (ERES) on        |                   | for   |
|           | developing a matrix for the |                   | A     |
|           | training. The construction  |                   | ASHTO |
|           | area will be targeted       |                   | mee   |
|           | initially.                  |                   | ting) |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Resident  | Phase I: Review of programs | Bill Beuter       | Aug   |
| Engineer  | in California, Washington   | (VDOT)            | 2002  |
| Academy   | State, and                  |                   |       |
|           | Maryland/Virginia was done  | Tim Chavez        |       |
|           | by task group. California's | (NMSHTD)          |       |
|           | program is a 1-week         |                   |       |
|           | endeavor designed for newly |                   |       |
|           | hired managers and resident |                   |       |
|           | engineers. In Washington    |                   |       |
|           | State, employees have to    |                   |       |
|           | take courses until they get |                   |       |
|           | to a level where they're    |                   |       |
|           | running projects on their   |                   |       |
|           | own. Maryland has a minimal |                   |       |
|           | involvement program. Each   |                   |       |
|           | program was unique with a   |                   |       |
|           | few common elements and     |                   |       |
|           | could be applied according  |                   |       |
|           | to a State DOT's needs and  |                   |       |
|           | sophistication level. Tim   |                   |       |
|           | Chavez of NMSHTD noted that |                   |       |
|           | the model from WA will be   |                   |       |
|           | followed in NM and is       |                   |       |
|           | working in that direction.  |                   |       |
|           | A written summary report    |                   |       |
|           | will be prepared prior to   |                   |       |
|           | the AASHTO Subcommittees on |                   |       |
|           | Materials and Construction  |                   |       |
|           | meetings in August 2002.    |                   |       |
|           |                             |                   |       |
|           | Phase II: Develop a course  |                   |       |
|           | for resident engineers      |                   |       |
|           | around core best practices. |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Managing  | AASHTO SOC initiated to     | Chris Newman      |       |
| Con       | capture experience before   | (NHI)             |       |
| struction | retirements. Allan Samuels  |                   |       |
| Wo        | (Arizona DOT) has been      |                   |       |
| rkmanship | working on a Qualitative    |                   |       |
|           | Check List. NHI             |                   |       |
|           | construction workmanship    |                   |       |
|           | initiative. Outline         |                   |       |
|           | available. Awaiting bids    |                   |       |
|           | for next phase of course    |                   |       |
|           | development. RFP to go out  |                   |       |
|           | in mid June.                |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Training  | Woody will conduct a survey | Woody Hood        | Jan   |
| for High  | of States to determine need | (Maryland DOT)    | 2002  |
| Strength  | for training. Problem       |                   |       |
| Bolting   | statement will be           |                   |       |
| I         | developed; target date for  |                   |       |
| nstallers | survey is the end of March  |                   |       |
| for       | 2002.                       |                   |       |
| Overhead  |                             |                   |       |
| Sign      |                             |                   |       |
| S         |                             |                   |       |
| tructures |                             |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Training  | MD DOT is developing        | NHI, Mid-Atlantic | Mar   |
| for       | courses on operator         | Regional Group    | 2002  |
| Profilers | certification and           |                   |       |
|           | construction inspector      |                   |       |
|           | training in concert with    |                   |       |
|           | RPUG findings. NHI courses  |                   |       |
|           | are being developed on      |                   |       |
|           | "Measuring And Interpreting |                   |       |
|           | Road Profiles" and "Factors |                   |       |
|           | Affecting Inertial Profile  |                   |       |
|           | Measurements for            |                   |       |
|           | Construction Quality        |                   |       |
|           | Control." NHI will provide  |                   |       |
|           | an update at the June 2002  |                   |       |
|           | TCCC meeting. MD DOT        |                   |       |
|           | operator construction       |                   |       |
|           | inspection course should be |                   |       |
|           | ready by June 2002.         |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Training  | Research efforts are        | Lee Gallivan      | June  |
| for       | ongoing. Update will be     | (FHWA---IN)       | 2002  |
| No        | provided at the next TCCC   |                   |       |
| n-Nuclear | meeting.                    | Tom Malerk        |       |
| Density   |                             | (Florida DOT)     |       |
| Gage      |                             |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| National  | John Perry, FHWA-HIAM, and  | Joe Kinnikin      | Mar   |
| Pollution | Lee Onstott, NMSHTD, to     | (NM-AGC)          | 2002  |
| Discharge | distribute materials to     |                   |       |
| El        | TCCC group. The NPDES       | John Perry        |       |
| imination | PowerPoint presentation by  | (FHWA-HIAM)       |       |
| System /  | NM-AGC/EPA will be          |                   |       |
| EPA       | available on TCCC's Web     |                   |       |
|           | site in late January 2002   |                   |       |
|           | at                          |                   |       |
|           | [www.nhi                    |                   |       |
|           | .fhwa.dot.gov/tccc](http:// |                   |       |
|           | www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/tccc). |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Pavement  | Courses are complete and    | Chris Newman      | Jan   |
| Distress  | NHI will distribute CDs to  | (NHI)             | 2002  |
| and       | the TCCC. Three CDs         |                   |       |
| Pe        | available and distributed.  |                   |       |
| rformance | PCCP Design Details &       |                   |       |
| Mea       | Construction Practices      |                   |       |
| surements | Course #131060, PCCP Course |                   |       |
|           | #131062, HMA Course         |                   |       |
|           | #131063.                    |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Training  | TCCC activities will be     | Lee Gallivan      | June  |
| and       | shared with the Midwestern  | (FHWA-IN)         | 2     |
| Certi     | Partnership for Pavement    |                   | 0June |
| fications | Preservation (MPPP) for     |                   | 2002  |
| for       | inclusion in pavement       |                   |       |
| Ma        | preservation activities and |                   |       |
| intenance | shared with Julie Trunk,    |                   |       |
| Te        | FHWA-HIAM. Update to be     |                   |       |
| chnicians | provided by April 2002.     |                   |       |
| with MPPP |                             |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Work Zone | Four NHI courses are under  | Jack Cowsert      | June  |
| Traffic   | development. A New Jersey   | (NC-DOT)          | 2002  |
| Control   | DOT computer course is      |                   |       |
| Safety    | currently available. Celso  |                   |       |
|           | Gatchilian, FHWA-HIAM, and  |                   |       |
|           | Jim Sorenson, FHWA-HIAM,    |                   |       |
|           | will provide support to     |                   |       |
|           | Jack Cowsert, NC-DOT.       |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Con       | Survey States to identify   | Bill Beuter       | June  |
| struction | the basic principles of     | (VDOT)            | 2002  |
| Contract  | contract administration     |                   |       |
| Admin     | courses for project level   | ??? (FHWA-HIAM)   |       |
| istration | administrators,             |                   |       |
|           | availability, and core      |                   |       |
|           | content. Contact ASCE; Bill |                   |       |
|           | Hakala, FHWA-WRC; and Gerry |                   |       |
|           | Yakawenko, FHWA-HIPA, to    |                   |       |
|           | identify States with        |                   |       |
|           | courses.                    |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| E         | New England (NETTCP) has a  | Garth Newman      | June  |
| mbankment | soils and aggregate         | (ITD)             | 2002  |
| and Base  | inspector course available. |                   |       |
| I         | FHWA has an inspection      |                   |       |
| nspection | course available for soils  |                   |       |
|           | and base course             |                   |       |
|           | construction. The           |                   |       |
|           | Mid-Atlantic Regional Group |                   |       |
|           | offers a course for soils   |                   |       |
|           | and aggregate compaction.   |                   |       |
|           | IA State University and IA  |                   |       |
|           | DOT also have certification |                   |       |
|           | courses in soils and        |                   |       |
|           | aggregate compaction.       |                   |       |
|           | Coordinate with Peter       |                   |       |
|           | Osborn, FHWA-RI.            |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| Field     | Activities are underway by  | Greg Doyle        | Jan   |
| S         | FHWA, AASHTO, SSPC, NACE &  | (FHWA-MA, NETTCP) | 2003  |
| tructural | eight States. An ETG was    |                   |       |
| Coatings  | formed during the Winter of |                   |       |
| I         | 2001-02 and met in April. A |                   |       |
| nspection | training course is          |                   |       |
|           | scheduled to be online in   |                   |       |
|           | the Winter of 2002-03 that  |                   |       |
|           | will result in a "baseline  |                   |       |
|           | certification." Other       |                   |       |
|           | modules will be for         |                   |       |
|           | specialty topics in         |                   |       |
|           | coatings. Funding has been  |                   |       |
|           | requested from TCCC.        |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+
| QA        | Course under development by | Greg Doyle        | Jan   |
| Tec       | NHI Contractor (Fugro-BRE)  | (FHWA-MA)         | 2003  |
| hnologist | was determined insufficient |                   |       |
|           | in November 2001. A new     |                   |       |
|           | consultant was selected by  |                   |       |
|           | NETTCP (Atech-Center) and a |                   |       |
|           | pilot course scheduled for  |                   |       |
|           | November 2002 in Methuen,   |                   |       |
|           | MA. Course is being         |                   |       |
|           | prepared "generically" for  |                   |       |
|           | use by States or Regional   |                   |       |
|           | Groups. Coordinate with     |                   |       |
|           | NETTCP to provide final     |                   |       |
|           | course. Part of the         |                   |       |
|           | \$69,750 contract has been  |                   |       |
|           | requested from TCCC.        |                   |       |
+-----------+-----------------------------+-------------------+-------+

Blue titles indicate that an update was provided in Santa Fe, NM, on
June 11-12, 2002.