Highlight Event: 5th North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum – Oct. 29-31 @ Washington, DC

September 16, 2013 at 11:32 pm

CG-LA 5th North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum

In its 5th year, the North America Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum will present the top 50 infrastructure projects required for bringing the world back to growth and job-producing competitiveness. These projects offer tremendous business opportunities for financial, equipment and technology, engineering and construction firms as well as for the public sector. Projects presented include surface transportation, water and wastewater, new and traditional energy, urban mass transportation, oil & energy, ports & logistics and digital infrastructure.

Transportgooru is excited to be a media partner for this important event that brings together practitioners and policymakers engaged in the infrastructure conversations.  Hope I can get to meet some of you at this event. Here is what you get for registering:

  • Short, clear, project presentations of the Top Infrastructure Projects
  • Pre-scheduled private meetings with project presenters and event sponsors
  • Topical workshops and round tables
  • Multiple networking opportunities
  • Participant contact information
  • Cocktail opening reception

Dates: OCTOBER 29 – 31, 2013.

Location: MAYFLOWER RENAISSANCE HOTEL, WASHINGTON, DC

Registration:  Click here to learn more and to register for the event.

Infograph: Inside The Hyperloop – The 5th Form of Transportation?

August 9, 2013 at 5:00 pm

Mashable shared this nice infograph developed by Gocompare.com that breaks down the details of the much anticipated Hyperloop, a new form of transportation backed by innovative entrepreneur Elon Musk.  It warrants attention, knowing it is backed by Elon Musk, who has already wowed the world with his transportation ventures like SpaceX and Tesla. It is expect that Elon Musk will unveil the Alpha design and discuss the details of the Hyperloop on August 12.. Can’t wait!

Image Courtesy: GoCompare.com via Mashable.com

 

USDOT seeks responses to a task order proposal for two of its traffic flow optimization concepts

April 18, 2013 at 6:33 pm

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is seeking responses to a task order proposal for two of its traffic flow optimization concepts

The Task Order Proposal Request (TOPR) is issued under the FHWA IDIQ contracts listed below.  Task Order Proposal must be submitted by 3:00 pm eastern standard time on April 30, 2013. Please direct any questions to the contracting officer, Daniel Confer. He can be reached at Daniel.Confer@dot.gov .

ALL Contractors are eligible to compete on this Task Order Proposal Request but they need to partner with the following firms:

  • DTFH61-12-D-00040 – Battelle Memorial Institute
  • DTFH61-12-D-00041 – Booz Allen Hamilton
  • DTFH61-12-D-00042 – Cambridge Systematics
  • DTFH61-12-D-00043 – Iteris
  • DTFH61-12-D-00044 – Kittelson & Associates
  • DTFH61-12-D-00045 – SAIC

The scope of work of this task order is to: (i) develop a prototype of Dynamic Speed Harmonization with Queue Warning, which are two component applications of the Intelligent Network Flow Optimization (INFLO) bundle, (ii) conduct a small-scale demonstration of the prototype, and (iii) collect “before” (pre-demonstration) and “after” (during demonstration) data from the small-scale demonstration which will be used to support the assessment of the impacts of the prototype as well as a regional deployment of the two applications in an operational system. The USDOT expects the Contractor to apply sound software development and project management principles in conducting this work.

The INFLO bundle is a collection of high-priority, transformative applications that target maximizing roadway throughput, reducing crashes, and reducing fuel consumption through the use of frequently collected and rapidly disseminated multi-source data drawn from wirelessly connected vehicles, travelers’ communication devices, and infrastructure. This Statement of Work specifically addresses the prototyping of Dynamic Speed Harmonization (SPD-HARM) with Queue Warning (Q-WARN), a small-scale demonstration of the prototype, and collection of before and after data. SPD-HARM and Q-WARN are two component applications of the INFLO bundle.

Although the INFLO bundle includes a third application, namely the Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC), further research outside of the scope of this task order will be required prior to prototyping the CACC application. The USDOT wishes to advance SPD-HARM and Q-WARN from concept formulation (completed in 2012 during Phase 1 of the DMA Program) to prototype development and small-scale demonstration of the prototype (to be completed in Phase 2 of the DMA Program) to test if the two applications can be successfully prototyped and deployed in the future. The data and findings from the small-scale demonstration will help USDOT make more informed decisions regarding the technical feasibility and potential impacts of deploying the two applications more widely. Similar prototyping and small-scale demonstrations will be conducted for each of the DMA high-priority bundles. In Phase 3, the DMA Program will seek suitably tested and promising application bundles from the six high priority bundles for possible inclusion in a larger scale pilot deployment operational test.

A short description of the two INFLO applications is provided below. For a detailed description, please refer the INFLO Concept of Operations (1 Mahmassani, H., Rakha, H., Hubbard, E., and D. Lukasik. Concept Development and Needs Identification for Intelligent Network Flow Optimization (INFLO): Concept of Operations, Prepared by SAIC for USDOT, June 14, 2012.)

The two applications may be implemented with varying levels of complexities and interrelationships. These levels of complexity and potential interaction may change over time as underlying technologies mature and wireless connectivity between vehicles and the infrastructure becomes increasingly ubiquitous. The USDOT seeks near-term prototype concepts that are likely to yield system and user benefits even at early stages of connected vehicle technology deployment. Further, the concepts prototyped in this task should support an evolutionary path wherein the impacts associated with these applications grow as the number of connected vehicles increases.

Dynamic Speed Harmonization (SPD-HARM): The INFLO SPD-HARM application concept aims to maximize throughput and reduce crashes by utilizing infrastructure-to vehicle (I2V) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication to detect impending congestion that might necessitate speed harmonization; generating appropriate target speed recommendation strategies for upstream traffic; and communicating the recommendations to the affected vehicles using either I2V or V2V communication.

The SPD-HARM concept reflects an operational environment in which speed recommendation decisions are made at a Traffic Management Center (TMC) or a similar infrastructure-based entity, and then communicated to the affected traffic. In such an environment, the SPD-HARM application resides within the infrastructure-based entity and is external to the vehicle. Such an approach was taken since an adhoc V2V communication is not well suited to providing a comprehensive view of the roadway traffic conditions, which is fundamental to effective speed harmonization. Communication of target speed recommendations to the affected vehicles will always give priority to crash avoidance/mitigation safety applications when such applications determine that a safety alert is necessary.

Queue Warning (Q-WARN): The INFLO Q-WARN application concept aims to minimize or prevent impacts of rear-end or secondary collisions by utilizing I2V and V2V communication to detect existing queues and/or predict impending queues; and communicate advisory queue warning messages to drivers in advance of roadway segments with existing or developing vehicle queues. The Q-WARN concept reflects an operational environment in which two essential tasks are performed: queue determination (detection and/or prediction) and queue information dissemination. In such an environment, the Q-WARN application may reside in the vehicle or within an infrastructure-based entity, or utilize a combination of both. The queue warning messages may either be communicated by the infrastructure-based entity using I2V communication or broadcast by vehicles that are in a queued state to nearby vehicles and infrastructure based entities. It is important to note that the Q-WARN application concept is not intended to operate as a crash avoidance system (e.g., like the forward collision warning safety application). In contrast to such systems, Q-WARN will engage well in advance of any potential crash situation, providing messages and information to the driver in order to minimize the likelihood of a crash avoidance or mitigation actions later. As such, Q-WARN-related driver communication will always give priority to crash avoidance/mitigation safety applications when such applications determine that a safety-related alert is necessary.

 

 

Enhanced by Zemanta

Why is America falling behind in global competitiveness? This simple infrastructure spending chart shows why

March 12, 2013 at 4:52 pm

(via Wall Street Journal)

Bridging the investment gap

The U.S. spending on transportation (and infrastructure in general) has flatlined (or some argue that it has declined considerably) over the decades while other countries around the globe, especially in Asia, have ramped up their investment in large-scale infrastructure projects such as building highways and railroads.  So, how does it look when we match our spending versus the other nations.  This chart from Wall Street Journal shows show you how badly we are behind in this race to stay competitive. Recommend reading the related article on WSJ that shows how funding for infrastructure projects may be coming from new sources as ‘wealth advisers are steering clients into infrastructure deals. Let’s not forget that we have already a crazy amount of things to fix and on top of that we have to spend on projects that can cater to the growing need for transportation as the population explodes.  But do we really have the money to fix the broke and embark on starting new projects? With a dwindling highway trust fund account and a political gridlock in Washington, even the basic of needs for keeping the country economically superior seems to be a bigger challenge than ever.

Enhanced by Zemanta

An electric motorcycle could be just what the doctor ordered for some urban drivers

October 10, 2012 at 11:13 pm

Via NYTimes

[clip id="LQY1TIZmrsItRBTK1HPysw8iYwZqOr5m6WLe" width="600" height="416"]

U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Request for Information Regarding Nomadic Data Collection Devices

July 17, 2012 at 12:54 pm

Responses Due COB July 24, 2012

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a Request for Information (RFI) for documents related to nomadic devices for real time data collection.  The announcement is not a solicitation for proposals or proposal abstracts.  The purpose of the notice is to obtain information, for planning purposes, regarding:

(1) the availability of nomadic data collection devices for real time travel data with what are perceived to be unique capabilities for operating in a highly mobile environment; and

(2) to determine whether the needed capabilities exist or where there are gaps that need to be filled, through the development and certification of new data acquisition devices and/or systems.

Information gathered through public comment will inform decisions on whether and how to acquire devices as part of the connected vehicle mobility research program’s testing agenda.  The notice provides a high-level description of the envisioned capabilities of the devices.  Respondents are invited to comment on any of the items described herein; in particular, respondents are encouraged to address the specific questions featured at the end of this RFI.

Interested parties can visit www.fbo.gov

Enhanced by Zemanta

Funding Opportunity for Transportation Research at Mineta Transportation Institute @ San Jose State University

February 28, 2011 at 10:49 am

Please see below for information about a funding opportunity from the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) for research on a variety of transportation topics, including transportation finance. As the director of MTI’s National Transportation Finance Center, Asha Agrawal will be assisting researchers with questions about submitting finance-related proposals. So if you have questions, please feel free to get in touch with Asha at asha.weinstein.agrawal@sjsu.edu.

FYI, I have not included the attachments, since they don’t go through well on email groups like this one, but all the forms are available at http://www.transweb.sjsu.edu/MTIportal/research/RFPForms.html

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

Dear Colleagues,

MTI is pleased to announce the release of the 2011-2012 Request for Proposals (RFP). Attached you will find the RFP, the proposal form, and the budget template. These forms may also be downloaded from the MTI web page:http://www.transweb.sjsu.edu/MTIportal/research/RFPForms.html.

As you may know, MTI conducts an open, broad-based process for soliciting and selecting policy research projects. High-quality proposals that best match the results of the needs assessment and the objectives and research emphasis areas of the institute will be selected for funding. MTI supports research projects staffed entirely by San José State University (SJSU) faculty or by SJSU faculty collaborating with researchers from outside the university.

We invite you to submit a proposal in response to this request!  All proposals are due on MONDAY, MAY 16 2011 at 5:00 p.m. PDT.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Some pockets of GOP cheer for high-speed rail … at least when it is in a Hollywood movie!

February 11, 2011 at 8:50 pm

(Source: YouTube via Wonkette)

Washington DC’s political columnist Wonkette says this video below earned cheers during this year’s Conservative Political Action Congress (CPAC).  Hey, wait a second.. aren’t the conservatives dead against all things high speed rail? At least that what one would think reading this rebuttal from House T & I Committee leadership, (chaired by FL Republican  Rep. John Mica), slamming President Obama’s proposal to spend some big money on High Speed Rail projects to prop up the economy and job market.  Watching this makes me wonder if the Republican leadership in the  has seen it already? Did he know that this idea was received warmly by fellow Republicans?

Enhanced by Zemanta

RFP Alert: Release of Monterey Bay Area 511 Feasibility and ImplementationPlan Request for Proposals

November 30, 2010 at 2:33 pm

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) invites interested parties to submit a proposal for developing a Feasibility Analysis and Implementation Plan for a Monterey Bay Area 511 Traveler Information System. The Request for Proposals has been published and can be accessed at the Monterey Bay Area’s 511 project website.

General information is listed below for quick reference:

  • Proposal Due Date: Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00pm, PacificStandard Time, Thursday, January 6, 2011.
  • Proposers’ Conference: A proposers’ conference will be held on Monday,December 6, 2010 at 2:00pm in the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation CommissionConference Room, 1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. Participation will also be available by conference call. To ensure that sufficient resources are available for this meeting, RSVPs to info@sccrtc.org or (831) 460-3200 are requested by Wednesday, December1st at Noon. Please indicate whether you plan to attend in person or by phone.
  • Requests for clarification or exceptions: Requests for clarification or exceptions to RFP requirements must be received byRTC no later than 4:00pm on Monday, December 13, 2010 to guarantee response or consideration.

Addenda:

This RFP and any addenda will be posted on the 511 project website(www.511montereybay.org). All potential bidders should review this pageperiodically for any updated information about the Request for Proposals. To receive email notifications of addenda to this RFP, prospective proposers must submit an email request to the RTC Project Manager.

Point of Contact:

Tegan Speiser, Project ManagerSanta Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060831-460-3200 ~ tspeiser@sccrtc.org

Enhanced by Zemanta