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							                  AASHTO STANDING COMMITTEE ON RESEARCH
     AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS

                                       NCHRP Problem Statement Outline

I.         PROBLEM NUMBER

           To be assigned by NCHRP staff.

II.        PROBLEM TITLE

     Guidelines for Decision Making On The Use Of Agency and Vendor Resources For Equipment Fleet
     Operations


III.       RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT

     Nearly all DOT equipment fleets outsource some repairs or services. Reasons vary from cost
     effectiveness and/or lack of internal resources to political pressure to outsource/ privatize. DOT fleet
     managers and management personnel need a guidebook for objectively determining the most efficient
     and effective use of agency and vendor resources.


IV.        LITERATURE SEARCH SUMMARY

           An initial literature search was conducted. There was no information found related to this subject.


V.         RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

     The objective of this research effort is to develop a guidebook that would document and describe the
     current and “best practice” fleet outsourcing and privatization practices at DOTs and related fleets,
     including concepts such as managed competitions (where agency employee compete against private
     sector vendors to perform services) and having vendors collocated on DOT facilities to provide parts
     support and/or equipment maintenance. Also such a guidebook should identify the critical cost and
     performance measures for stakeholders examine in making initial determinations about the potential to
     save money or improve service through privatization or outsourcing

VI.        ESTIMATE OF PROBLEM FUNDING AND RESEARCH PERIOD

           Recommended Funding: $200,000

           Research Period: One Year


VII.       URGENCY, PAYOFF POTENTIAL, AND IMPLEMENTATION

     This is a considered a high priority due to recent outsourcing, privatization and managed competition
     fleet initiatives at DOTs.




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VIII.   PERSON(S) DEVELOPING THE PROBLEM

        Erle Potter, VA DOT
        AASHTO Subcommittee on Maintenance
        Equipment Focus Group Chair

IX.     PROBLEM MONITOR
        Erle Potter, VA DOT
        AASHTO Subcommittee on Maintenance
        Equipment Focus Group Chair


X.      DATE AND SUBMITTED BY

 July 21, 2005
       Erle Potter, VA DOT
       AASHTO Subcommittee on Maintenance
       Equipment Focus Group Chair




              Please submit completed problem statement to the following e-mail address:


                                    nchrp@nas.edu
          Questions on the process can be directed to the same address or cjencks@nas.edu.




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