Form ProjStat
(Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
Research Project Statement 17-130
FY 2017 Annual Program
Title:
Development of TxDOT UAS Flight Operations Manual, Policy Recommendations, and Initial
Application Evaluations
The Problem:
TxDOT personnel regularly perform data collection tasks. Many of these tasks are routine and
monotonous, while other tasks are difficult, and place an employee in harm’s way. The use of
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) should be explored in order to evaluate opportunities to
improve field data collection safety, reduce data collection time, effort, and costs. Currently,
TxDOT does not have a standardized process, or policies and procedures for use of UAS to
perform transportation-related data collection.
Technical
Objectives:
The goals of this project will be accomplished through completion of the following objectives:
1. Develop procedural guidance, business practices, and workflows.
2. Conduct field and laboratory evaluation of specific pavement forensics.
3. Conduct railway operations data collection and processing tasks.
This project will immediately address a knowledge gap on how to gain FAA flying clearance and
meet all Texas laws regarding UAS operations. The results will be used statewide to facilitate all
state agency UAS usage. It will provide standardized guidance for a UAS program and a
resource to be clear to fly UAS according to the parameters of a specific public agency
Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA).
Specific benefits include:
1. Reduced traffic control and traffic delays during monitoring.
2. Increased safety operations.
3. Inexpensive and accurate when compared to time consuming conventional surveys.
4. Easy to monitor inaccessible or remote areas.
The researchers shall partner with commercial services providers to observe and use the
commercial vendor’s experience and expertise to develop best-practices for both air and field
operations, and to develop data collection and processing standards and workflows. The
researchers shall incorporate the same operational safety standards currently employed by the
TxDOT Aviation Division. The researchers shall adhere to TxDOT safety standards for all field
activities. All service providers are required to have a FAA Part 333 exemption. All service
providers are required to have a Registered Professional Land Surveyor licensed in Texas,
and on staff or available as a research team member. All service providers are required to
provide a demonstration to TxDOT and the project awardee of their capabilities prior to final
selection. The researchers shall evaluate which UAS platforms are best for performing the
identified missions. The researchers shall obtain vendor’s Part 333 submissions to aid in
developing the TxDOT UAS Flight Operation Manual and Policy Recommendations. It is
preferred that commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software be used to conduct this
project. Based on interim project deliverables and cost-benefit analyses, this will be used to
simplify future equipment acquisition by TxDOT. The researchers and service providers may
have already developed in-house systems. Use of in-house developed systems is acceptable,
as long as 1st person viewing and top mounting for optics is available; however, the researchers
shall thoroughly examine COTS hardware and software, and identify suitable COTS systems
capable of meeting or exceeding the results achieved using customized systems. The
researchers shall provide and be prepared to conduct the management of a communications
plan in compliance with current TxDOT public notification policies.
Project Statement 17-130
Form ProjStat
(Rev. 5/2013)
(RTI)
Desired
Deliverables:
1. Value of Research (VoR) that includes both qualitative and economic benefits.
2. R1: A technical report comprehensively documenting the activities performed, methodologies
used, research findings, recommendations for implementing the products from this project,
and updated estimates of the value of research (VoR). Updated VoR shall include cost
benefit-analysis for at least two options: (1) complete in-house operation of the UAS program
by TxDOT; and (2) TxDOT UAS program ownership while outsourcing the UAS work effort to
3rd party vendors.
3. PSR: Project Summary Report encapsulating the detailed research effort to include the
project background, work completed, the research results, the final assessment of the VoR
and recommendations for moving forward with implementing the products from this project.
4. P1: Unmanned Aerial System Operational manual and Guidebook
5. P2: TxDOT UAS Flight Operation Manual and Policy Recommendations (to be delivered
within 90 days of contract execution).
Proposal
Requirements:
1. Utilize the deliverable based templates (see the University Handbook).
2. Proposals will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted for technical
evaluation if they are not received by the deadline or do not meet the requirements stated in
RTI’s University Handbook.
3. Proposals should be submitted in PDF format, 1 PDF file per proposal. File name should
include project name and university abbreviation.
Pre-Proposal
Meeting
Information:
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
1:30 – 2:30 PM
Austin Riverside Campus
118 E. Riverside Dr.
RTI Conference Room, 1st Floor
Webex Information:
1. Go to https://txdot.webex.com/txdot/j.php?MTID=mfc14ab977fe5e9b0f08bd6c460e4a647
2. Meeting Number: 738 720 136
3. If requested, enter your name and email address.
4. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: 1234
5. Click "Join".
Teleconference Information:
Provide your phone number when you join the meeting to receive a call back. Alternatively, you
can call:
Call-in toll-free number: 1-866-637-1408 (US)
Conference Code: 199 125 9183
Notifying RTI of
Intent to
Propose:
Notify your University Liaison of your intent to submit a proposal. Your Liaison will provide
information regarding the RFP.
Proposal
Deadline:
Proposals are due to RTI by 4:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time, June 2, 2016. Email submissions
should be sent to rtimain@txdot.gov.
Project Statement 17-130