Revision as of 17:27, 5 April 2024

Chapter 3 - Project Initiation

After a project is originated in accordance with one of the mechanisms described in Chapter 2, it is assigned to a section within DelDOT for further development. This stage in the project development process is generally referred to as project initiation. This chapter serves to document the numerous tasks that a section must perform as part of the project initiation process once assigned a project. Project initiation is a relatively short phase in the project development process but serves an essential role of establishing an initial project baseline to follow through the remainder of the project development process. The activities described within this chapter can be performed in various orders depending on the complexity of a project. For instance, it may be preferrable to perform a detailed scoping and alternatives analysis prior to setting a project schedule while on other projects it may be preferable to account for the scoping and alternatives analysis within the initial project schedule submitted with the Project Number Request.

3.1 Establishment of the Design Team

The section assigned to develop a project should establish a design team comprised of a Project Manager and technical design staff as soon as practical. Collectively, the design team is charged with guiding a project through DelDOT’s project development process outlined within this manual. The Project Manager’s role in the project development process is to coordinate technical design staff assignments and ensure that all work is being completed at the correct performance level, on time, and within budget and scope. The technical design staff’s role in the project development process is to perform the tasks assigned to them by the Project Manager in accordance with this manual as well as other DelDOT standard and guidance documents. The Project Manager should evaluate the composition of the team at regular intervals throughout the project development process to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.

In general, projects can either be developed through in-house staff or can be developed in-whole or in-part by contracted consultant staff through professional service agreements. The Project Manager should consider multiple factors when establishing the design team, including but not limited to, the following:

Availability of in-house staff,
Expertise and experience required to perform project related tasks,
Desired implementation schedule, and
Available funding.

The procurement and subsequent management of professional services is further discussed in Section 3.4 of this manual.

3.1.1 Support Groups

The design team’s efforts are supplemented by Support Groups throughout DelDOT. Support Groups typically oversee a particular area of the of the project development process and perform ancillary tasks to deliver a project. Support Groups are relied upon by DelDOT as subject matter experts within their field due to their focus and expertise on a particular subject matter within the project development process. The process established in this manual is intended to leverage the expertise and experience of DelDOT’s of subject matter experts in order to develop complete, accurate, and thorough project deliverables which meet the applicable state and federal requirements. Coordination with subject matter experts is typically triggered by milestone submittals which are discussed in more detail in Section 6.3; however, communication and coordination with DelDOT subject matter experts should occur fluidly throughout the project development process as needs arise. Early and consistent communication throughout the project development process will promote informed decision-making, reduce duplicated efforts amongst staff, and allow early identification and subsequent remediation of challenges that could jeopardize project delivery.

3.2 Project Baselining

Project baselining is the term assigned to the task of evaluating a project’s specific conditions, parameters, and other associated constraints to determine an estimated project schedule and budget. A project is baselined during the project initiation phase and will typically be re-baselined several times throughout the full project development process. The design team should collaborate with support sections as needed while performing this task to ensure the development of accurate project baselines. Accurate project baselining is essential to the development of a fiscally constrained program to make efficient use of transportation funds.

3.2.1 Initial Project Baselining

Once assigned a project, the assigned section must review the project’s proposed scope and any associated planning and study level documents to create a project schedule, budget, and an initial environmental evaluation. In cases where the project scope and goals are unclear, additional project scoping and alternatives analysis may be performed before establishing the project’s initial baseline. Some projects may come with a previously developed schedule and budget depending upon the program generating the project; in these cases, the design team should evaluate the validity of any previously developed schedules and budgets before formally committing to any previously developed project baselines.

The design team should evaluate the project at this initial baselining stage to determine if an alternative project delivery or alternative contracting method should be pursued for the project. Additional information on the available contracting and project delivery methods are provided in Section 6.1.

At a minimum, the assigned section should make a concerted project scoping effort to identify the key project stakeholders as well as other specific conditions or parameters that could affect the project development process while developing the initial baseline. Additional information on project scoping is included in Section 3.6.

3.2.1.1 Schedule

Project scheduling requires the identification of all necessary work activities, development of work-hour estimates for work activities, and then defining relationships between the work activities to produce the project desired deliverables. The Project Manager is tasked with either verifying a previously developed project schedule or developing a new project development schedule as part of the project initiation process. The initial project development schedule will need to identify the proposed completion month for all milestone project development deliverables. DelDOT’s typical milestone deliverables are discussed in more detail in Section 6.3. The Project Manager is encouraged to use scheduling tools commensurate with the project’s complexity to assist in the development of the initial project schedule. Project scheduling tools can range from a simple Excel spreadsheet to a complex scheduling software that assigns task durations and analyzes critical paths.

The Project Manager should consider all project specific criteria when developing the initial project schedule. Considerations include, but are not limited to, the following:

The potential use of any contracting methods as discussed in Section 6.1,
Availability of the assigned design team,
Experience and associated capability of the assembled design team,
Complexity of the project,
The number and type of desired milestone submittals and deliverables,
Identification of any critical project milestone dates,
Time needed for initial site investigation,
Time needed for any necessary property acquisitions or trespass/ rail agreements,
Time needed to satisfy pertinent environmental requirements (i.e. permitting, wetland mitigation, 106 compliance, NEPA compliance etc.), and
Any publicly committed completion timeframes.

3.2.1.2 Budget

Accurately establishing the budget during the project initiation phase is essential to ensuring a fiscally responsible program and proper project funding. Overestimating the budget will lead to surplus funds being withheld from other infrastructure projects and underestimating the budget could lead to schedule disruptions. A project may be assigned to a section either with or without an already estimated budget depending upon the mechanism generating the project. Whether or not the project is assigned with a pre-estimated budget, the Project Manager and the design team should perform a project cost estimate for the design phase, the right-of-way acquisition, and construction phase which is commensurate with the project’s complexity and overall size. Additional information on cost estimating is included within Section 6.5. In all cases, the project’s budget during this stage in the project development process is to be recorded into the following funding phases:

Preliminary Engineering (PE, includes all design related work required to get the project through the advertisement phase),
Right-of-Way (RW), and
Construction (C, includes any construction contingency, environmental monitoring during construction, railroad construction, traffic construction, reimbursable utility construction, and construction engineering (CE) costs).

Items the Project Manager should consider while developing the initial project budget, include but is not limited to, the following:

Professional services required to perform existing site investigation activities discussed in Section 3.7,
Professional services required to perform project design,
Professional services required to perform any ancillary tasks required to deliver a project (i.e. utility coordination, public outreach, environmental permitting etc.),
The expected cost of any right-of-way acquisitions that may be required, and
The expected cost of all necessary construction and inspection activities.

Another important item to establish is whether the project will receive federal funding during any project funding phase. This will typically be a joint decision between the design team and the Finance section. It is important to note that once federal funds are used in any funding phase that all previous work performed must meet the pertinent federal requirements.

Projects assigned with a pre-estimated budget listed in the Capital Transportation Plan CTP may require a funding increase when determined the dedicated funding is insufficient. Additional information on funding increases is provided in Section 5.8.1 (To be added).

3.2.1.3 Initial Environmental Evaluation

The Project Manager should request an initial environmental evaluation from the DelDOT Environmental Stewardship section as part of a project’s initial baselining. The initial environmental evaluation serves to inform the Project Manager and the design team of the environmental coordination related processes and deliverables which will need to be accounted for during their initial baselining effort. To obtain an initial environmental evaluation, the design team will need to complete the Initial Environmental Evaluation Form and submit it to the Environmental Stewardship section. The Environmental Stewardship section will review the information provided by the design team and complete the remainder of the form. The Environmental Stewardship section will submit the completed form back to the design team and will request that the design team attend the next Environmental Stewardship section group meeting, commonly referred to as the ESO meeting, to discuss the content of the initial environmental evaluation as well as the division of work between the design team and the Environmental Stewardship section. The Environmental Stewardship section may contact the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), or other federal administering agency, in accordance with 23 CFR 771.111(a)(3) to obtain advice, insofar as possible, on the probable class of action and related environmental laws and requirements and of the need for specific studies and findings that would normally be developed during the environmental review process. At a minimum, the initial environmental evaluation will provide the following:


Department Resources
Initial Environmental Evaluation Form

The initial level of environmental documentation and class determination,
Identification of design/project development considerations, including but not limited to, historic properties and structures, archaeological sites, tribal coordination requirements, Section 4(f) and 6(f) properties, wetlands and waterbodies, endangered species, and environmental justice (EJ),
An initial public involvement strategy requirement, and
Funding needs and task assignments.

3.2.2 Project Re-Baselining

A project’s schedule and budget should be re-baselined throughout the project development process to ensure the efficient use of DelDOT resources and to minimize the potential for creating duplicate work products. Projects are typically re-baselined at the milestone submissions described in Section 6.3 and should also be re-baselined when major changes within the project development process occur such as a change in the project team occurs or when previously unanticipated work and coordination efforts become required. Reference should be made to [[Chapter 5 - Stakeholder Coordination|Section 5.8.1 (To be added)] when re-baselining reveals the project has insufficient fund.

3.2.2.1 Re-Baselining at Milestone Submissions


Department Resources
Unifier Training Outline
Youtube Tutorial Video

A project’s schedule and budget are to be updated in Unifier at each milestone submission to communicate a project’s current estimated budget and schedule to the rest of DelDOT. The project’s schedule and budget can be estimated using the same considerations as the initial project baselining effort described in Section 3.2.1. DelDOT maintains written procedures for updating a project’s information in its Unifier Training Outline and maintains a tutorial video on the subject on its Youtube channel.

3.2.2.2 Spend Updates

A spend plan that outlines when the project team estimates money will be spent throughout the project development process is created as part of the procedure outlined in Section 3.2.1. Periodically throughout the course of the project development process, the Project Manager will review the actual rate of project expenditures compared to the expected expenditure rate in order to evaluate the accuracy of the spend plan. After their review, the Project Manager can recommend that money be moved up in the spend plan or moved back. This practice of reviewing and making recommendations on project funding to the DelDOT Finance team is known as making spend updates. DelDOT sections typically use different spend update intervals based on the amount, complexity, typical schedule, and budget of projects being managed by the section. Conducting spend updates also provides a good opportunity for the Project Manager to review the project’s overall budget to determine if the project will require additional funding or if the project has a surplus amount of funds allotted.

3.3 Project Number Request


Department Resources
Unifier Instructions on the DRC

Once the initial project baselining is complete, a New Project Request and subsequent Project Number Request can be performed. DelDOT assigns a state project number and a federal project number, when necessary, to its projects to assist with project identification and tracking. The New Project Request and Project Number Request processes are performed through DelDOT’s Unifier software. DelDOT maintains many Unifier related instructions and tutorials on its Design Resource Center (DRC) website.

3.4 Professional Services

The need for professional services should be considered by the Project Manager as early as feasible during the project initiation phase as their use will need to be factored into the project baselining activities described in Section 3.2.1. Professional services can be used to perform specific portions or all the project design; additionally, professional services can be used to perform design support activities like site investigations. This section summarizes considerations for procuring and managing professional services. In all cases, the need for professional services should be evaluated on a project-by-project basis.

3.4.1 Professional Services Procurement


Department Resources
Professional Services Procurement Manual

DelDOT is required to maintain written procedures related to professional service procurement in accordance with both the Delaware Code and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). DelDOT’s written procedures for obtaining professional services is recorded in its Professional Services Procurement Manual. The manual establishes DelDOT’s procurement procedures and ensures compliance with the applicable federal and state regulations regarding professional service procurement which includes but is not limited to: 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 1201, 23 CFR 1-999, 49 CFR 600-699, and 29 Chapter 69 of the Delaware Code. Accordingly, all professional service procurements must follow the requirements contained within DelDOT’s Professional Services Procurement Manual.

Professional services can generally be divided into two categories with unique project level procurement considerations which are further discussed in Section 3.4.1.1 and Section 3.4.1.2. Advanced FHWA approval is required in accordance with 23 CFR 172.7(b)(5) when Federal-aid funds participate in a contract to provide consultant services in a management role (such as managing a project or overseeing other consultants) relating to highway construction. All questions regarding professional procurement should be directed to DelDOT’s Consultant Control Coordinator.

3.4.1.1 Design Related Professional Services


Department Resources
Professional Services Procurement Manual
Funding Increase Request Form
Funding Request Form

Various sections throughout DelDOT advertise and award indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity (IDIQ) project development contracts specifically for the performance of design work. IDIQ contracts are intended for performance of a number of routine or specialized tasks under a single professional service agreement. IDIQ contracts utilizing federal funds have a maximum contract period and a pre-set maximum dollar amount. As such, only services which fall within the advertised scope, funding, and schedule limitations of the established IDIQ contract may be awarded to one of the IDIQ selected consultants. IDIQ contracts are commonly referred to as open-end contracts. The federal requirements for IDIQ contracts are established in 23 CFR 172.9(a)(3).

Open-end contracts save time in the project development process by selecting several qualified firms that can provide the typical services required under an agreement thus eliminating the need to create, advertise, and award specific professional service agreements. Priority should be given to utilizing a firm on an established project development related professional services agreement for design work. If the appropriate expertise cannot be found under an established project development related professional services agreement or if the required work is determined too large for the professional service agreement, the Project Manager may elect to pursue the procurement of the desired professional service through a new and unique agreement in accordance with the DelDOT Professional Services Procurement Manual. It should be noted that it may take months to procure professional services when advertising a new and unique agreement.

When using open-end agreements for the design work, the Project Manager must consider the contracted firms’ strengths, availability, qualifications, and overall ability to complete the task when determining the entity to assign the work to. Once the Project Manager determines the optimum firm to perform the work, they can request a draft scope of work and blank person-hour estimate from the selected contracted firm. The Project Manager should provide the selected firm with all the requisite information necessary for the firm to prepare an informed task proposal. The Project Manager should review the proposal upon receipt to ensure the scope of the work and tasks within the blank person-hour estimate are accurate and in-line with the Project Manager’s expectations. The Project Manager will communicate all comments on the draft scope of work and blank person-hour estimate to the consultant until all comments are sufficiently addressed. At this point, the Project Manager will prepare an independent person-hour estimate for the project that must be signed and dated. The consultant can then submit their person-hour estimate to the Project Manager who will then compare the estimates. The acceptability of the consultant’s proposal will be based on the following two guidelines:

For projects with a DelDOT estimate of less than 500 person-hours, if the consultant is within 15% of the DelDOT estimate (either above or below), the proposal will be acceptable.
For projects with a DelDOT estimate of 500 person-hours or more, if the consultant is within 10% of the DelDOT estimate (either above or below), the proposal will be acceptable.

If the differences between the consultant’s proposal and DelDOT’s independent person-hour estimate exceed these percentages (either above or below), a negotiation meeting should be held to resolve the differences. The negotiation meeting should result in a fair number of person-hours and the consultant should resubmit the proposal based on the negotiated hours. The documentation of the negotiation meeting should be saved within the project files.

Once the task proposal is considered acceptable, the Project Manager will need to assess the project’s authorized funding to determine whether processing the consultant proposal will require additional authorized funding. When additional funds are required, the Project Manager will need to complete and submit the Funding Increase Request Form as further described Section 5.8.1 (To be added). Once the project’s authorized funding has been assessed and the necessary steps performed, the Project Manager can submit the proposal and a completed Funding Request Form to the appropriate Department mailboxes as shown in Table 3.4.1.1 for processing. The Project Manager should also attach the funding increase request email to the funding request email in cases where additional authorized funds were required to expedite the process. The subject line of the email sent to Department mailboxes shown in Table 3.4.1.1 should be the Agreement number, task number, and then supplemental number if applicable. The body of the email submitted should include the following text: “The attached proposal has been reviewed and found acceptable. Please proceed with the NTP process”. For DelDOT’s Traffic section, these funding assessment and processing activities are delegated by the Project Manager to Traffic’s Support Services section.

                       <label style="font-weight: bold;">Table 3.4.1.1 – Department Mailboxes for Proposal Processing</label>


Department Mailbox	When to Include on Funding Request Email>
DOT.AuditManagement@Delaware.gov	Include on all Funding Requests
Funding Increase Request Form	Funding Increase Request Form
Funding Request Form	Funding Request Form

Chapter 5 - Stakeholder Coordination: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:27, 5 April 2024

Contents

Chapter 3 - Project Initiation

3.1 Establishment of the Design Team

3.1.1 Support Groups

3.2 Project Baselining

3.2.1 Initial Project Baselining

3.2.1.1 Schedule

3.2.1.2 Budget

3.2.1.3 Initial Environmental Evaluation

3.2.2 Project Re-Baselining

3.2.2.1 Re-Baselining at Milestone Submissions

3.2.2.2 Spend Updates

3.3 Project Number Request

3.4 Professional Services

3.4.1 Professional Services Procurement

3.4.1.1 Design Related Professional Services

Navigation menu

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-<!--Chapter 2 HTML-->
+<!--Chapter 3 HTML-->
-<h1>Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning</h1>
+<div class="noautonum cFloat">__TOC__</div>
-<p>Project origination and planning is the first step in DelDOT’s project development process. Project origination refers to the creation of the project, including initial development and conceptualization of a transportation project. It involves the identification of transportation needs and deficiencies, assessment of alternatives, and the initiation of a project planning process. Project origination typically includes activities such as conducting feasibility studies, evaluating potential impacts, determining project scope, and identifying potential funding sources. It is the starting point for formally defining and advancing a transportation project from an initial idea to a well-defined concept that can be further developed and eventually implemented.</p>
+<h1>
+    Chapter 3 - Project Initiation
-<p>Transportation project planning and programming is regulated at a federal-level and conducted through regional, state, and local-scale to ensure implementation of a process and improvements that consider the needs and desires of the end users. Understanding a project’s origination and purpose and need is crucial to ensure the development of contextually sensitive solutions that effectively address the underlying transportation deficiency. This chapter describes the mechanisms, processes, and associated standards that are used to plan, prioritize, and program projects within the State of Delaware.</p>
+</h1>
+<p>
+    After a project is originated in accordance with one of the mechanisms described in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning|Chapter 2]], it is assigned to a section within DelDOT for further development. This stage in the project development process is generally referred to as project initiation. This chapter serves to document the numerous tasks that a section must perform as part of the project initiation process once assigned a project. Project initiation is a relatively short phase in the project development process but serves an essential role of establishing an initial project baseline to follow through the remainder of the project development process. The activities described within this chapter can be performed in various orders depending on the complexity of a project. For instance, it may be preferrable to perform a detailed scoping and alternatives analysis prior to setting a project schedule while on other projects it may be preferable to account for the scoping and alternatives analysis within the initial project schedule submitted with the Project Number Request.
+</p>
      <div class="tab"> <!--h2-->
-         <h2>2.1 Planning Standards</h2>
+         <h2>
-         <p>To be eligible to receive federal funds, a state department of transportation (DOT) is required to carry out a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive performance-based statewide multimodal transportation planning process in accordance with [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450]. DelDOT’s Division of Planning is charged with overseeing and coordinating with necessary stakeholders both internal and external to DelDOT to maintain a federally compliant statewide planning process that considers the factors described in [https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title23-section135&num=0&edition=prelim 23 U.S.C. 135(d)(1)] and [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.206(a)]. This section of the manual serves to summarize several key aspects of a compliant planning process.</p>
+.1 Establishment of the Design Team
+        </h2>
+         <p>
+            The section assigned to develop a project should establish a design team comprised of a Project Manager and technical design staff as soon as practical. Collectively, the design team is charged with guiding a project through DelDOT’s project development process outlined within this manual. The Project Manager’s role in the project development process is to coordinate technical design staff assignments and ensure that all work is being completed at the correct performance level, on time, and within budget and scope. The technical design staff’s role in the project development process is to perform the tasks assigned to them by the Project Manager in accordance with this manual as well as other DelDOT standard and guidance documents. The Project Manager should evaluate the composition of the team at regular intervals throughout the project development process to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.
+        </p>
+        <p>
+            In general, projects can either be developed through in-house staff or can be developed in-whole or in-part by contracted consultant staff through professional service agreements. The Project Manager should consider multiple factors when establishing the design team, including but not limited to, the following:
+        </p>
+        <ul>
+            <li>
+                Availability of in-house staff,
+            </li>
+            <li>
+                Expertise and experience required to perform project related tasks,
+            </li>
+            <li>
+                Desired implementation schedule, and
+            </li>
+            <li>
+                Available funding.
+            </li>
+        </ul>
+        <p>
+            The procurement and subsequent management of professional services is further discussed in [[Chapter 3 - Project Initiation#3.4 Professional Services|Section 3.4]] of this manual.
+        </p>
              <div class="tab"> <!--h3-->
-                <h3>2.1.1 Contributing Organizations</h3>
-                <p>
-                    DelDOT is charged with overseeing the entire statewide transportation planning process and for producing the deliverables that are described in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.2.1 Entities Outside of DelDOT|Section 2.1.2]]. Continuous collaboration and coordination are required throughout the planning process to ensure effective constituent involvement. The regulatory requirements of the collaboration required in the planning process is explicitly defined in [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.208]. This subsection identifies and further describes the role of organizations that are directly involved in DelDOT’s planning process.
-                </p>
-                    <div class="tab"> <!--h4-->
-                        <h4>
-.1.1.1 Metropolitan Planning Organizations
-                        </h4>
-                        <p>
-                            A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a regional agency responsible for transportation planning in metropolitan areas with populations over 50,000, as determined by the United States Census. MPOs are required for urbanized areas to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to transportation planning and decision-making. Accordingly, MPOs play an instrumental role in the planning process.
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            MPOs have a governing board composed of representatives from local governments, transit agencies, and other stakeholders. They engage in a collaborative process involving public input, data analysis, and coordination with local constituents to ensure the development of planning deliverables that consider the needs of the local population.
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            MPOs play a crucial role in ensuring that transportation planning aligns with federal regulations, such as the transportation planning requirements of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning process outlined in [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450]. By coordinating transportation investments and addressing regional priorities, MPOs help enhance mobility, manage congestion, and support the overall development of the metropolitan area’s transportation system.
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            MPOs are formally designated by agreement between the Governor and local governments that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population including the largest incorporated city, based on population. MPO boundaries are reviewed after each census to determine if existing boundaries meet the minimum statutory requirements for new and updated urbanized area(s).
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            An urbanized area with a population over 200,000, as defined by the Bureau of the Census and designated by the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT), is defined as a Transportation Management Area (TMA). MPOs located within a TMA are charged with developing additional planning products in recognition of the greater complexity of transportation challenges that are inherently present in large urban areas. The structure and roles of TMAs are more fully described in [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.310(d)].
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            Delaware contains three MPOs within its boundaries:
-                        </p>
-                        <ul>
-                        <li>Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) covering New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County Maryland,</li>
-                        <li>Dover/ Kent MPO covering Kent County, and</li>
-                        <li>Salisbury/ Wicomico MPO covering portions of Sussex County.</li>
-                        </ul>
-                        <p>Additionally, WILMAPCO is also considered a TMA.</p>
-                        <h4><b>
-.1.1.2 Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) and Local Governments
-                        </b></h4>
-                        <p>
-                            Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) are comprised of multijurisdictional nonmetropolitan local officials or their designees who volunteer to provide input into the state planning process. RTPOs are established by a state’s Governor to enhance the planning, coordination, and implementation of the statewide planning program with an emphasis on addressing the needs of nonmetropolitan areas of a state. There are currently no RTPOs designated within the State of Delaware.
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            When an RTPO is not designated for a region, the state is required to consult directly with affected nonmetropolitan local officials to determine projects that may be of regional significance. Additionally, states are required under [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450|23 CFR 450.210(b)] to have a documented process(es) for cooperating with nonmetropolitan local officials to develop the deliverables described in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.1.4.1 Long-Range Transportation Plan|Section 2.1.4.1]] and [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.1.4.2 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)|Section 2.1.4.2]]. DelDOT’s consultation process is contained within its [https://www.deldot.gov/Publications/reports/DelDOT_Non-Metropolitan_Consultation_Process_2021.pdf|Consultation Process for Non-Metropolitan Officials] document.
-                        </p>
-                        <h4><b>
-.1.1.3 Public Transportation Operators
-                        </b></h4>
-                        <p>
-                            Public transportation operators refer to a public entity or government-approved authority that participates in the continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process and is a recipient of federal funds to provide transportation to the public within a specific area or jurisdiction. These operators can include various types of organizations, such as transit agencies, transportation authorities, or private companies contracted to provide public transportation services. Public transportation operators typically manage and operate various modes of public transportation, including buses, trains, light rail, streetcars, and ferries. The primary objective of a public transportation operator is to provide safe, efficient, and accessible transportation options to the public, helping to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance mobility within communities. These organizations coordinate directly with MPOs to assist in the development of the MPOs required planning deliverables. DelDOT will coordinate with these organizations during the planning process to solicit input as needed. Public transportation operators within Delaware’s boundaries include Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC), Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), and Cecil Transit.
-                        </p>
-                        <h4><b>
-.1.1.4 Council on Transportation
-                        </b></h4>
-                        <p>
-                            The Council on Transportation (COT) serves as an important advisory body, helping to shape transportation policies and plans in Delaware. The COT is responsible for advising the Governor, DelDOT, and other relevant agencies on matters related to transportation. The goal of the COT is to enhance transportation systems, promote economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors in the State.
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            The COT is comprised of members appointed by the Governor. The duties of the COT are described in [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html|29 Del. C § 8409] of the Delaware Code. The COT plays an instrumental role in the development and approval of the planning document deliverables described in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.1.4.1 Long-Range Transportation Plan|Section 2.1.4.1]] and [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.1.4.2 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)|Section 2.1.4.2]]. The specific tasks that the COT performs in the planning process include the following:
-                        </p>
-                        <ul>
-                            <li>Approve DelDOT’s performance-based criteria which is further described in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.1.2 Performance-Based Approach|Section 2.1.2]], in accordance with [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html|29 Del. C § 8419 (1)] and [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html|29 Del. C § 8419 (2)] of the Delaware Code.</li>
-                            <li>Hold public meetings in each county to inform the public and solicit comment on the proposed program contained in the federally required Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP is commonly referred to in Delaware as the Capital Transportation Plan (CTP).</li>
-                            <li>Make priority changes to the proposed CTP in an open meeting by documenting the reasons and justifications for the changes. This allowance is provided only after the written public comment period ends.</li>
-                            <li>Review and approve the Long-Range Transportation Plan, which is further described in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.1.4.1 Long-Range Transportation Plan|Section 2.1.4.1]], in accordance with [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html|29 Del. C § 8419 (3)].</li>
-                            <li>Approve the CTP before it is sent to the full Delaware General Assembly for approval in accordance with [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html|29 Del. C § 8409 (b)(3)] of the Delaware Code.</li>
-                        </ul>
-                    </div>
-                <h3>
-.1.2 Performance-Based Approach
-                </h3>
-                <table class="wikitable" cellpadding="15" style="text-align:center;width: 45%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;float:right">
-                    <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                    <tr>
-                    <th colspan="4" style="color:white;background-color:navy;font-weight: bold;text-transform: uppercase;" id="table 1-1">Department Resources</th>
-                    </tr>
-                    <tr>
-                        <td>[https://deldot.gov/Publications/reports/CTP/pdfs/DelDOT_project_prioritization_criteria_summary.pdf?cache=1685790517045 DelDOT Project Prioritization Criteria]</td>
-                    </tr>
-                </table>
-                <p>
-                    Performance-based prioritization involves evaluating and selecting projects based on measurable criteria. The criteria may include: the condition of existing assets, their expected performance, cost-effectiveness, and the overall benefit to the transportation system and users. States are required to employ a performance-based approach to the transportation planning process in accordance with [https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title23-section135&num=0&edition=prelim 23 U.S.C. 135(d)(2)] and [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.206(c)] to achieve a planning process that considers the factors described in [https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title23-section135&num=0&edition=prelim 23 U.S.C. 135(d)(1)] and 23 [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 CFR 450.206(a)]. Additionally, [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html 29 Del. C § 8419 (1)] and [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html 29 Del. C § 8419 (2)] of the Delaware Code requires the adoption of a formula-based process for setting priorities on DelDOT transportation projects. This approach helps ensure that funding resources are allocated to projects that provide the greatest overall value while addressing critical needs.
-                </p>
-                <p>
-                    DelDOT currently uses a software called “Decision-Lens” to ensure the development of a performance and formula-based program. DelDOT’s prioritization process is more fully described within its [https://deldot.gov/Publications/reports/CTP/pdfs/DelDOT_project_prioritization_criteria_summary.pdf?cache=1685790517045 Project Prioritization Criteria] summary document.
-                </p>
-                <p>
-                    There are several projects and programs that are not included within the formula-based ranking system. However, they are prioritized within each of their funding programs based on performance-based criteria that ensures those assets are restored, rehabilitated, and/or maintained in a state of good repair. The projects and programs not included in the formula-based prioritization process include:
-                </p>
-                <ol>
-                    <li>Projects that represent system preservation are excluded from the formula-based prioritization process per [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html 29 Del. C § 8419 (2)(b)] of the Delaware Code. These projects are designated as State of Good Repair (SOGR) projects. In accordance with [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-667 23 CFR 667], State of Good Repair projects aim to preserve existing assets in a condition that meets or improves their performance and safety standards. These projects typically focus on preserving the condition and functionality of highways, bridges, tunnels, transit systems, and other transportation facilities.</li>
-                    <li>Projects and programs that receive a dedicated funding source from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that can only be spent on those specific types of projects.</li>
-                    <li>Projects and programs that provide the ability to make small improvements that allow for the improved management and operation of the system.</li>
-                    <li>Projects that are mandated for DelDOT to complete either through a regulatory requirement, contractual obligation, legislative action, or a judicial action.</li>
-                </ol>
                  <h3>
-.1.3 Public Involvement
+.1.1 Support Groups
                  </h3>
                  <p>
-                     The planning process ultimately establishes the transportation priorities which will shape the community for years to come. Accordingly, ensuring effective public involvement throughout the planning process is of paramount importance to guaranteeing all interested parties are afforded an opportunity to participate in the decision-making which will directly impact them. For this reason, states are required to engage in planning processes that create opportunities for public involvement, participation, and consultation in accordance with [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.210]. To ensure a proactive and well-thought-out public involvement strategy, states are required to develop a documented public involvement process that provides opportunities for public review and comment at key decision points. The requirements of the public involvement process are established in [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.210(a)(1)]. Additional information about DelDOT’s public engagement strategies can be found in Section 5.1 and are additionally detailed in DelDOT Policy Implement O-003 entitled 'Public Involvement Policy'. DelDOT is required to review and solicit comments on its public involvement process at least once every 5-years in accordance with [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.210(b)(1)].
+                     The design team’s efforts are supplemented by Support Groups throughout DelDOT. Support Groups typically oversee a particular area of the of the project development process and perform ancillary tasks to deliver a project. Support Groups are relied upon by DelDOT as subject matter experts within their field due to their focus and expertise on a particular subject matter within the project development process. The process established in this manual is intended to leverage the expertise and experience of DelDOT’s of subject matter experts in order to develop complete, accurate, and thorough project deliverables which meet the applicable state and federal requirements. Coordination with subject matter experts is typically triggered by milestone submittals which are discussed in more detail in Section 6.3; however, communication and coordination with DelDOT subject matter experts should occur fluidly throughout the project development process as needs arise. Early and consistent communication throughout the project development process will promote informed decision-making, reduce duplicated efforts amongst staff, and allow early identification and subsequent remediation of challenges that could jeopardize project delivery.
-                </p>
-                <h3>
-.1.4 Deliverables
-                </h3>
-                <p>
-                    When performed properly, planning products serve as a foundational element in the DelDOT project development process and can even be used in a project’s eventual NEPA documentation. Though the DelDOT Division of Planning creates many planning products, this section is intended to only describe the minimum planning process deliverables required per [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450] and [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html 29 Chapter 84] of the Delaware Code. [Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#Programs Generating DelDOT Projects|Section 2.2] more fully describes the planning processes and other DelDOT programs that generate projects. Additionally, this section does not fully describe the planning process deliverables that planning organizations outside of DelDOT are responsible for.
                  </p>
-                    <div class="tab"> <!--h4-->
-                        <h4>
-.1.4.1 Long-Range Transportation Plan
-                        </h4>
-                        <p>
-                            States are required to prepare a statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan that provides for the development and implementation of a multimodal transportation system with a minimum 20-year forecast period at the time of adoption in accordance with [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.216] and [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html 29 Del. C § 8419 (3)] of the Delaware Code. Similarly, MPOs are required to prepare a minimum 20-year forecast planning document entitled a Metropolitan Transportation Plan in accordance with [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.324]. The Long-Range Transportation Plan is intended to guide DelDOT in creating principles, policies, and performance measures with the ultimate aim to achieve the State’s long-range economic, transportation, development, and sustainability goals. DelDOT’s current [https://deldot.gov/Publications/reports/plan/ Long-Range Transportation Plan] was approved in December of 2019 and is entitled “Innovation in Motion”. Additionally, a [https://www.deldot.gov/Publications/reports/plan/pdfs/DelDOT Long Range Plan Full Document.pdf supplemental report] was published in 2020.
-                        </p>
-                        <h4>
-.1.4.2 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
-                        </h4>
-                        <p>
-                            The STIP, which is commonly referred to in Delaware as the CTP, is required in accordance with [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.218] and [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html 29 Del. C § 8401 (b)(6)] of the Delaware Code. The STIP is a staged, multi-year, statewide intermodal program comprised of transportation projects and programs that are consistent with the Long-Range Transportation Plan. The CTP can be viewed as the culmination of the statewide planning process. The CTP serves to program planned expenditures by fiscal year and by project phase for capital projects. The FHWA and FTA require that the STIP cover a period of 4-years and be updated at least every 4-years; however, Delaware Code requires that the CTP cover 6-years and be updated at least every 2-years. MPOs are required by [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.326] to develop a Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) that covers a period of 4-years and be updated at least every 4- years. The MPO’s approved TIPs must be included without change either directly or by reference into the STIP. Both the TIP and the STIP must be fiscally constrained meaning that the planned expenditures are to match the expected income.
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            Projects listed within the CTP must meet the following federal requirements:
-                        </p>
-                        <ul>
-                            <li>The project must be consistent with the Long-Range Transportation Plan described in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.1.4.1 Long-Range Transportation Plan|Section 2.1.4.1]].</li>
-                            <li>The project must be included within the pertinent MPO’s approved TIP.</li>
-                            <li>The project must conform with the applicable State air quality Implementation Plan (SIP) if the project is carried out in an area designated as nonattainment for ozone or carbon monoxide. Delaware’s air quality implementation plan was developed in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Controls (DNREC) to address air quality standards and achieve or maintain compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).</li>
-                        </ul>
-                        <p>Delaware's air quality implementation plan was developed in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Controls (DNREC) to address air quality standards and achieve or maintain compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            The proposed 6‐year CTP is generated early in the program year through coordination with the pertinent contributing organizations identified in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.1.1 Contributing Organizations|Section 2.1.1]] and in accordance with the public involvement plan described in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.1.3 Public Involvement  |Section 2.1.3]]. The first year of the CTP is reflected in DelDOT’s annual capital budget and is submitted to the State for review and approval. Funding is programmed to various projects and programs in accordance with DelDOT Policy Implement A-33 entitled ''Infrastructure Project Classification'' which describes a standardized method of assigning project costs to a proper infrastructure classification in a manner that is compliant with the federal requirements, based on projected state revenues, projected federal funding, as well as the prioritization process described in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.1.2 Performance-Based Approach|Section 2.1.2]]. The draft CTP is then updated through coordination and review efforts as well as when anticipated revenues change. After the public involvement period is complete, the CTP is approved by the COT in accordance with [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html 29 Del. C § 8409 (b)(3)] of the Delaware Code and then sent to the Governor for inclusion in the State Capital Improvement Program. The CTP is then submitted concurrently to the FHWA and the FTA for joint approval. At the time of the submittal, DelDOT is required to certify that the transportation planning process is being carried out in accordance with all applicable federal requirements contained in [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-450 23 CFR 450.220(a)]. The FHWA and the FTA will review the STIP and make a joint finding on the extent to which the STIP is based on a statewide transportation planning process that meets or substantially meets the federal requirements. Once approved, changes to the STIP may require public review and comment and may require formal federal approval. The process for updating the STIP is discussed in more detail in [[Chapter 5 - Stakeholder Coordination|Section 5.8.1.1 TBD]]. The CTP process is more fully described at DelDOT’s [https://www.deldot.gov/Publications/reports/CTP/ CTP informational website].
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            Federal approval of the CTP allows DelDOT to proceed with authorization of federal funds for highway and transit projects. Projects not included in the federally approved CTP will not be eligible for federal funding.
-                        </p>
-                    </div>
-             </div> <!--This ends 2.x.x / h3 indent-->
+             </div> <!--end of h3-->
          <h2>
-.2 Programs Generating DelDOT Projects
+.2 Project Baselining
          </h2>
          <p>
-             DelDOT is tasked with planning, constructing, and then maintaining an intricate and interdependent multi-modal transportation network throughout the State as established in [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c084/index.html 29 Del. C. § 8401(b)] of the Delaware Code. To facilitate efficient performance of its designated responsibilities, DelDOT has divided and assigned specific duties amongst entities across DelDOT which each have their own unique process for generating and prioritizing projects. This section defines the programs and the processes that are used to generate DelDOT transportation projects.
+             Project baselining is the term assigned to the task of evaluating a project’s specific conditions, parameters, and other associated constraints to determine an estimated project schedule and budget. A project is baselined during the project initiation phase and will typically be re-baselined several times throughout the full project development process. The design team should collaborate with support sections as needed while performing this task to ensure the development of accurate project baselines. Accurate project baselining is essential to the development of a fiscally constrained program to make efficient use of transportation funds.
-        </p>
-        <p>
-            All DelDOT projects must be included on the CTP as either a standalone line item or as a project included under a program line of the CTP, otherwise known as a “grouped project”. Specific projects within program lines are typically relatively inexpensive improvements compared to standalone CTP projects. Group projects are usually $5,000,000.00 or less and always $10,000,000.00 or less, except for rare bridge projects. While the program lines are included in and approved as part of the CTP document, specific projects do not go through this process. Each grouped project must go through its own unique public involvement process, as appropriate.
          </p>
              <div class="tab"> <!--h3-->
                  <h3>
-.2.1 Entities Outside of DelDOT
+.2.1 Initial Project Baselining
                  </h3>
                  <p>
-                     DelDOT may develop projects that are originated by entities outside of the Department.
+                     Once assigned a project, the assigned section must review the project’s proposed scope and any associated planning and study level documents to create a project schedule, budget, and an initial environmental evaluation. In cases where the project scope and goals are unclear, additional project scoping and alternatives analysis may be performed before establishing the project’s initial baseline. Some projects may come with a previously developed schedule and budget depending upon the program generating the project; in these cases, the design team should evaluate the validity of any previously developed schedules and budgets before formally committing to any previously developed project baselines.
+                </p>
+                <p>
+                    The design team should evaluate the project at this initial baselining stage to determine if an alternative project delivery or alternative contracting method should be pursued for the project. Additional information on the available contracting and project delivery methods are provided in Section 6.1.
                  </p>
+                <p>
+                    At a minimum, the assigned section should make a concerted project scoping effort to identify the key project stakeholders as well as other specific conditions or parameters that could affect the project development process while developing the initial baseline. Additional information on project scoping is included in [[Chapter 3 - Project Initiation#3.6 Project Scoping|Section 3.6]].
+                </p>
                      <div class="tab"> <!--h4-->
                          <h4>
-.2.1.1 MPO Planning Studies
+.2.1.1 Schedule
-                        </h4>
-                        <p>
-                            DelDOT provides annual pass-through funding from the FHWA and FTA to the MPOs within its boundaries. With this funding, MPOs perform a variety of studies that examine travel and transportation issues and needs in the geographic area it represents. The planning studies that the MPO performs directly contribute to the deliverables the MPO is responsible for creating, including its TIP which must be included without modification into DelDOT’s STIP. Additional information on planning standards is included in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.1 Planning Standards|Section 2.1]].
-                        </p>
-                        <h4>
-.2.1.2 Studies Generated by a Third Party
                          </h4>
                          <p>
-                             Various transportation organizations, advocacy groups, or citizens outside of DelDOT and the MPOs can submit study results or project ideas for nomination as a project in the CTP.
+                             Project scheduling requires the identification of all necessary work activities, development of work-hour estimates for work activities, and then defining relationships between the work activities to produce the project desired deliverables. The Project Manager is tasked with either verifying a previously developed project schedule or developing a new project development schedule as part of the project initiation process. The initial project development schedule will need to identify the proposed completion month for all milestone project development deliverables. DelDOT’s typical milestone deliverables are discussed in more detail in Section 6.3. The Project Manager is encouraged to use scheduling tools commensurate with the project’s complexity to assist in the development of the initial project schedule. Project scheduling tools can range from a simple Excel spreadsheet to a complex scheduling software that assigns task durations and analyzes critical paths.
                          </p>
-                        <h4>
-.2.1.3 Projects Mandated to Complete
-                        </h4>
                          <p>
-                             DelDOT may be required to generate and complete certain projects either through regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, legislative actions, or judicial actions. The following is an incomplete list of example mechanisms that can generate DelDOT mandated projects:
+                             The Project Manager should consider all project specific criteria when developing the initial project schedule. Considerations include, but are not limited to, the following:
                          </p>
                          <ul>
-                             <li>Projects or actions specifically listed in the Bond Bill,</li>
+                             <li>
-                             <li>Projects required to satisfy DelDOT’s MS4 permit issued through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or Industrial permits issued by the DNREC, and</li>
+                                The potential use of any contracting methods as discussed in Section 6.1,
-                             <li>Projects required to create, enhance, or preserve environmental mitigation sites created to offset capital project actions.</li>
+                            </li>
+                            <li>
+                                Availability of the assigned design team,
+                            </li>
+                             <li>
+                                Experience and associated capability of the assembled design team,
+                            </li>
+                            <li>
+                                Complexity of the project,
+                            </li>
+                            <li>
+                                The number and type of desired milestone submittals and deliverables,
+                            </li>
+                             <li>
+                                Identification of any critical project milestone dates,
+                            </li>
+                            <li>
+                                Time needed for initial site investigation,
+                            </li>
+                            <li>
+                                Time needed for any necessary property acquisitions or trespass/ rail agreements,
+                            </li>
+                            <li>
+                                Time needed to satisfy pertinent environmental requirements (i.e. permitting, wetland mitigation, 106 compliance, NEPA compliance etc.), and
+                            </li>
+                            <li>
+                                Any publicly committed completion timeframes.
+                            </li>
                          </ul>
-                    </div>
-                <h3>
-.2.2 Division of Planning
-                </h3>
-                <p>
-                    DelDOT’s Division of Planning is tasked with performing a comprehensive and inclusive transportation planning process that seeks solutions to the State’s transportation needs by balancing safety, choice, environmental stewardship, economic development, financial accountability, and quality of life. To this end, DelDOT’s Division of Planning will perform planning level studies in agreement with the goals and strategies within DelDOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan to support the creation of transportation plans for regions and communities in the State of Delaware. Specific planning projects for study are selected with the concurrence of the Secretary of Transportation throughout the year based on the demands placed on the Department by local needs. Other sections within DelDOT may additionally perform planning level studies which may become eventual projects. The Division of Planning also maintains several specific planning programs further described within the following subsections that may generate DelDOT projects.
-                </p>
-                    <div class="tab"> <!--h4-->
                          <h4>
-.2.2.1 Corridor Capacity Preservation
+.2.1.2 Budget
                          </h4>
                          <p>
-                             The Corridor Capacity Preservation Program is established in [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title17/c001/sc03/index.html 17 Del. C § 145] of the Delaware Code. The program performs transportation studies and develops plans with the goal of delaying future transportation network expansion. The program’s focus is to establish development strategies and identify future system expansion in ways that preserve quality of life. As part of the program, DelDOT can purchase property access rights, development rights, or properties in whole, to make needed transportation improvements or preserve the corridor's capacity. The program may also include the recommendation of individual improvements such as frontage roads, intersection improvements, or overpasses.
+                             Accurately establishing the budget during the project initiation phase is essential to ensuring a fiscally responsible program and proper project funding. Overestimating the budget will lead to surplus funds being withheld from other infrastructure projects and underestimating the budget could lead to schedule disruptions. A project may be assigned to a section either with or without an already estimated budget depending upon the mechanism generating the project. Whether or not the project is assigned with a pre-estimated budget, the Project Manager and the design team should perform a project cost estimate for the design phase, the right-of-way acquisition, and construction phase which is commensurate with the project’s complexity and overall size. Additional information on cost estimating is included within Section 6.5. In all cases, the project’s budget during this stage in the project development process is to be recorded into the following funding phases:
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            The Corridor Capacity Preservation Program has five main goals:
-                        </p>
-                        <ol>
-                            <li>Maintain a road's ability to handle traffic efficiently and safely,</li>
-                            <li>Minimize the transportation impacts of increased economic growth,</li>
-                            <li>Preserve the ability to make future transportation-related improvements as needed,</li>
-                            <li>Prevent the need to build an entirely new road, and</li>
-                            <li>Sort local and through traffic.</li>
-                        </ol>
-                        <p>
-                            Four corridor capacity corridors have currently been approved:
                          </p>
                          <ul>
-                             <li>SR 48 from Hercules Road to SR 41 (2 miles),</li>
+                             <li>
-                            <li>US 13 from the Maryland line to SR 10 in Camden (46 miles),</li>
+                                Preliminary Engineering (PE, includes all design related work required to get the project through the advertisement phase),
-                             <li>US 113 from the Maryland line to Milford (33 miles), and</li>
+                             </li>
-                             <li>SR 1 from Nassau to the Dover Air Force Base (31 miles).</li>
+                             <li>
-                        </ul>
+                                 Right-of-Way (RW), and
-                        <h4>
+                            </li>
-.2.2.2 Multi-Modal Program
+                            <li>
-                        </h4>
+                                 Construction (C, includes any construction contingency, environmental monitoring during construction, railroad construction, traffic construction, reimbursable utility construction, and construction engineering (CE) costs).
-                        <p>
+                             </li>
-                            DelDOT’s Active Transportation & Community Connections (ATCC) section maintains multiple programs which generate DelDOT projects that mainly focus on the multi-modal facilities in the State.
+                         </ul>
-                        </p>
-                            <div class="tab"> <!--h5-->
-                                <h5>
-.2.2.2.1 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP Program)
-                                 </h5>
-                                <table class="wikitable" cellpadding="15" style="text-align:center;width: 45%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;float:right">
-                                    <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                                    <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                                    <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                                    <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                                    <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                                    <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                                    <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                                    <tr>
-                                    <th colspan="4" style="color:white;background-color:navy;font-weight: bold;text-transform: uppercase;" id="table 1-1">Department Resources</th>
-                                    </tr>
-                                    <tr>
-                                    <td>[https://deldot.gov/Programs/byways/index.shtml Documents DelDOT TAP Program]</td>
-                                    </tr>
-                                    <tr>
-                                    <td>[https://deldot.gov/Programs/byways/index.shtml DelDOT Byways Program]</td>
-                                    </tr>
-                                    <tr>
-                                    <td>[https://deldot.gov/Programs/srts/index.shtml DelDOT Safe Routes to School Program]</td>
-                                    </tr>
-                                </table>
-                                <p>
-                                    The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP Program) is a federal program administered by the FHWA that is implemented at the local level by the states. The TAP Program is a key program for helping states build complete streets that are safe for all users and achieve safe, connected, and equitable on and off-road networks. The TAP Program was initially created through the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) as the Transportation Enhancements Program but was later renamed to the Transportation Alternatives Program in 2012 under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The TAP Program selects projects for funding through a selection process that includes, but is not limited to, transportation equity and service to disadvantaged communities, safety, ADA improvement needs, public support, connectivity, proximity to public transit and community amenities, community enhancement, level of bike stress, and environmental improvement. The TAP Program funds activities encompassing a variety of small-scale transportation projects such as:
-                                </p>
-                                <ul>
-                                    <li>Pedestrian and bicycle facilities</li>
-                                    <li>Shared-use pathways and overlooks</li>
-                                    <li>Safe routes to school projects and/or infrastructure-related elements for non-drivers such as measures for older adults and individuals with disabilities to access daily needs</li>
-                                    <li>Conversion of abandoned rail corridors for nonmotorized uses</li>
-                                    <li>Vegetation management</li>
-                                    <li>Environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity</li>
-                                    <li>Sidewalk installation</li>
-                                    <li>Inventory, control, or removal of outdoor advertising for enhancement of scenic/historic views</li>
-                                    <li>Historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic transportation facilities</li>
-                                    <li>Creation of designated bicycle lanes</li>
-                                    <li>Renovation of streetscapes</li>
-                                    <li>Installation of lighting, signals, and crosswalks</li>
-                                 </ul>
-                                <p>
-                                    DelDOT provides more information on these programs on their website with links provided below:
-                                </p>
-                                <ul>
-                                    <li>[https://gpinet.sharepoint.com/sites/DelDOTPDManualUpdate/Shared Documents/General/Manual Development/Department Documents DelDOT TAP Program],</li>
-                                    <li>[https://deldot.gov/Programs/byways/index.shtml DelDOT Byways Program], and</li>
-                                    <li>[https://deldot.gov/Programs/srts/index.shtml DelDOT Safe Routes to School Program].</li>
-                                </ul>
-                                <h5>
-.2.2.2.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
-                                </h5>
-                                <p>
-                                    This program plans and prioritizes improvements that enhances Delaware’s multi-modal transportation network and encourages movement of people and goods through means other than single occupant vehicles. The projects generated from this program include pedestrian and bicycle facilities, transit access, park and ride facilities, traffic calming, and other non-motorized transportation projects.
-                                </p>
-                                <h5>
-.2.2.2.3 Pedestrian Access Route Program
-                                </h5>
-                                <p>
-                                    The Pedestrian Access Route Program (PAR Program) facilitates the creation of new accessible pedestrian circulation paths or converts existing non-compliant pedestrian circulation paths to acceptable standards. The goal of the PAR Program is to create an inclusive pedestrian network that is connected, safe, reliable, and convenient for all pedestrian users. Additionally, the PAR Program coordinates with all of DelDOT’s other programs and projects to ensure that existing DelDOT pedestrian facilities are evaluated and or upgraded to acceptable standards when included in the scope of a project. Additionally, the PAR Program works with DelDOT Civil Rights section and the DelDOT ADA Title II Coordinator to ensure that DelDOT is meeting its obligations including creation of a detailed schedule to upgrade pedestrian circulation path deficiencies that were initially identified through DelDOT's Self-Assessment and Transition Plan.
-                                </p>
-                                <h5>
-.2.2.2.4 Recreational Trails Program
-                                </h5>
-                                <p>
-                                    The Recreational Trails Program (RTP Program) is a federal program administered by the FHWA that is implemented at the local level by states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. Funds from the program are intended to benefit recreation including hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles. This is a statewide program in Delaware administered by DNREC with funding transferred through DelDOT. Additionally, a 20% match is funded by DNREC. An annual work plan is developed by DNREC for DelDOT approval that includes a listing of RTP Program funded activities and programs to support DNREC’s annual program.
-                                </p>
-                             </div> <!--End of h5-->
-                        <h4>
-.2.2.3 Transportation Improvement Districts (TIDs)
-                         </h4>
                          <p>
-                             DelDOT’s Development Coordination Manual defines a transportation improvement district (TID) as “a geographic area defined for the purpose of securing required improvements to transportation facilities in the area". TIDs are created to better define and ultimately provide the transportation improvements needed to support development in locations identified as appropriate in local comprehensive plans. TIDs are created by agreement between DelDOT and the relevant local government(s) within the improvement area. MPOs in the defined area also participate in the agreement. TIDs provide the following benefits:
+                             Items the Project Manager should consider while developing the initial project budget, include but is not limited to, the following:
                          </p>
                          <ul>
-                             <li>Focus transportation investments to high-priority growth areas,</li>
+                             <li>
-                             <li>Support complete communities,</li>
+                                Professional services required to perform existing site investigation activities discussed in [[Chapter 3 - Project Initiation#3.7 Existing Site Investigation|Section 3.7]],
-                             <li>Complement master plans,</li>
+                            </li>
-                             <li>Provide for "fair share" contributions to transportation improvements,</li>
+                             <li>
-                             <li>Foster market-ready development or redevelopment, and</li>
+                                Professional services required to perform project design,
-                             <li>Promote intergovernmental coordination.</li>
+                             </li>
+                             <li>
+                                Professional services required to perform any ancillary tasks required to deliver a project (i.e. utility coordination, public outreach, environmental permitting etc.),
+                            </li>
+                             <li>
+                                The expected cost of any right-of-way acquisitions that may be required, and
+                            </li>
+                             <li>
+                                The expected cost of all necessary construction and inspection activities.
+                            </li>
                          </ul>
-                        <h4>2.2.2.4 Aviation Planning</h4>
                          <p>
-                             DelDOT is charged with encouraging, fostering, and assisting in the development of aeronautics in the State and encourage the establishment of airports and other air navigation facilities in accordance with [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title2/c001/sc02/index.html 2 Del. C. § 131] of the Delaware Code. This program performs studies and prioritizes initiatives and potential projects related to fostering and maintaining aviation within the State.
+                             Another important item to establish is whether the project will receive federal funding during any project funding phase. This will typically be a joint decision between the design team and the Finance section. It is important to note that once federal funds are used in any funding phase that all previous work performed must meet the pertinent federal requirements.
                          </p>
-                        <h4>2.2.2.5 Freight Planning</h4>
                          <p>
-                             DelDOT’s Division of Planning maintains a freight study and planning program which prioritizes and recommends projects. The goals guiding the freight planning and investment program are as follows:
+                             Projects assigned with a pre-estimated budget listed in the Capital Transportation Plan CTP may require a funding increase when determined the dedicated funding is insufficient. Additional information on funding increases is provided in [[Chapter 5 -Stakeholder Coordination|Section 5.8.1 (To be added)]].
                          </p>
-                         <ul>
-                            <li>Provide a safe freight transportation system that sustains or improves existing levels of freight access and mobility,</li>
+                         <h4>
-                            <li>Support the State’s economic well-being, while remaining sensitive to environmental needs and concerns, and </li>
+.2.1.3 Initial Environmental Evaluation
-                             <li>Achieve efficiency in operations and investments in the freight transportation system. </li>
+                        </h4>
-                        </ul>
-                        <h4>2.2.2.6 Federal Land Access Program (FLAP)</h4>
                          <p>
-                             The Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) is established in [https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title23-section204&num=0&edition=prelim 23 U.S.C. 204] to improve transportation facilities that provide access to, are adjacent to, or are located within federal lands. The access program supplements state and local resources for public roads, transit systems, and other transportation facilities, with an emphasis on high-use recreation sites and economic generators.
+                             The Project Manager should request an initial environmental evaluation from the DelDOT Environmental Stewardship section as part of a project’s initial baselining. The initial environmental evaluation serves to inform the Project Manager and the design team of the environmental coordination related processes and deliverables which will need to be accounted for during their initial baselining effort. To obtain an initial environmental evaluation, the design team will need to complete the Initial Environmental Evaluation Form and submit it to the Environmental Stewardship section. The Environmental Stewardship section will review the information provided by the design team and complete the remainder of the form. The Environmental Stewardship section will submit the completed form back to the design team and will request that the design team attend the next Environmental Stewardship section group meeting, commonly referred to as the ESO meeting, to discuss the content of the initial environmental evaluation as well as the division of work between the design team and the Environmental Stewardship section. The Environmental Stewardship section may contact the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), or other federal administering agency, in accordance with [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/part-771 23 CFR 771.111(a)(3)] to obtain advice, insofar as possible, on the probable class of action and related environmental laws and requirements and of the need for specific studies and findings that would normally be developed during the environmental review process. At a minimum, the initial environmental evaluation will provide the following:
                          </p>
-                    </div> <!--End of h4-->
-                <h3>
-.2.3 Structures Program
-                </h3>
-                <p>
-                    DelDOT’s Structures section is responsible for the management of nearly 1,800 bridges, over 600 overhead sign and high mast lighting structures, and 35 state-regulated dams. The Structures section defines three separate programs that evaluate, plan, and prioritize structure maintenance throughout the State of Delaware, accordingly.
-                </p>
-                    <div class="tab"> <!--h4-->
-                        <h4>
-.2.3.1 Bridge Structures Program
-                        </h4>
                          <table class="wikitable" cellpadding="15" style="text-align:center;width: 45%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;float:right">
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
                              <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
                              <tr>
@@ Line 364: / Line 162: @@
                              </tr>
                              <tr>
-                                 <td>[https://deldot.gov/Programs/TAM/pdfs/DelDOT%202022%20TAMP%20Final_v1.1.pdf?cache=1697474986776 DelDOT Transportation Asset Management Plan]</td>
+                                 <td>Initial Environmental Evaluation Form</td>
-                            </tr>
-                            <tr>
-                                <td>[https://www.deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/bridge_inspection/pdfs/bridge_element_inspection_manual.pdf Bridge Element Inspection Manual] </td>
-                            </tr>
-                            <tr>
-                                <td>[https://www.deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/bridge_inspection/pdfs/bridge_inspection_manual.pdf Bridge Inspection Manual]</td>
-                            </tr>
-                            <tr>
-                                <td>[https://deldot.gov/Business/drc/pdfs/bridge/manuals/bridge_load_rating_manual.pdf?cache=1697648923566 Bridge Load Rating Manual]</td>
                              </tr>
                          </table>
-                        <p>
-                            In Delaware, any structure under the public roadway with an opening greater than 20 square feet and a minimum vertical clearance of 4 feet is defined as a bridge. The term “bridge” pertains to frame/box culvert and pipe culvert structures as well as traditional bridge types. All such structures are included in the bridge inventory and are subject to routine inspection. Any structure with a span of greater than 20 feet and carrying vehicular traffic is included in the National Bridge Inventory (NBI). The DelDOT Structures section evaluates its bridge inventory for current conditions, sets targets for the future bridge conditions, and examines how the conditions are expected to change over time using established element deterioration modeling and condition forecasting capabilities of the Bridge Management System (BMS). Based on this information, an investment plan is developed for bridge projects that supports the achievement of the condition targets and extension of the life of DelDOT’s bridge network. The process in which bridge structures are prioritized for work utilizes a deficiency formula and is outlined in detail in Chapter 3 of the DelDOT [https://deldot.gov/Programs/TAM/pdfs/DelDOT%202022%20TAMP%20Final_v1.1.pdf?cache=1697474986776 Transportation Asset Management Plan].
-                        </p>
-                        <p>
-                            DelDOT maintains the following manuals which are used to assess current structure condition and load carrying capacities:
-                        </p>
                          <ul>
-                             <li>[https://www.deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/bridge_inspection/pdfs/bridge_element_inspection_manual.pdf Bridge Element Inspection Manual],</li>
+                             <li>
-                             <li>[https://www.deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/bridge_inspection/pdfs/bridge_inspection_manual.pdf Bridge Inspection Manual], and</li>
+                                The initial level of environmental documentation and class determination,
-                             <li>[https://deldot.gov/Business/drc/pdfs/bridge/manuals/bridge_load_rating_manual.pdf?cache=1697648923566 Bridge Load Rating Manual].</li>
+                            </li>
+                            <li>
+                                Identification of design/project development considerations, including but not limited to, historic properties and structures, archaeological sites, tribal coordination requirements, Section 4(f) and 6(f) properties, wetlands and waterbodies, endangered species, and environmental justice (EJ),
+                            </li>
+                             <li>
+                                An initial public involvement strategy requirement, and
+                            </li>
+                             <li>
+                                Funding needs and task assignments.
+                            </li>
                          </ul>
+                    </div>
+                <h3>
+.2.2 Project Re-Baselining
+                </h3>
+                <p>
+                    A project’s schedule and budget should be re-baselined throughout the project development process to ensure the efficient use of DelDOT resources and to minimize the potential for creating duplicate work products. Projects are typically re-baselined at the milestone submissions described in Section 6.3 and should also be re-baselined when major changes within the project development process occur such as a change in the project team occurs or when previously unanticipated work and coordination efforts become required. Reference should be made to [[Chapter 5 - Stakeholder Coordination|Section 5.8.1 (To be added)] when re-baselining reveals the project has insufficient fund.
+                </p>
+                    <div class="tab"> <!--h4-->
                          <h4>
-.2.3.2 Overhead Sign and High Mast Lighting Structures Program
+.2.2.1 Re-Baselining at Milestone Submissions
                          </h4>
                          <table class="wikitable" cellpadding="15" style="text-align:center;width: 45%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;float:right">
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
                              <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
                              <tr>
@@ Line 402: / Line 197: @@
                              </tr>
                              <tr>
-                                 <td>[https://deldot.gov/Programs/TAM/pdfs/DelDOT%202022%20TAMP%20Final_v1.1.pdf?cache=1697474986776 DelDOT Transportation Asset Management Plan]</td>
+                                 <td>[https://deldot.gov/Business/drc/pdfs/unifier/unifier_training_doc.pdf?cache=1689883703128 Unifier Training Outline]</td>
                              </tr>
                              <tr>
-                                 <td>[https://www.deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/bridge_inspection/pdfs/bridge_element_inspection_manual.pdf Bridge Element Inspection Manual] </td>
+                                 <td>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5dDS9ITTdU&list=PLZrnWsoNR9WQJ_UVaeKnmpYseK1OlWMQe&index=3 Youtube Tutorial Video]</td>
                              </tr>
                          </table>
                          <p>
-                             Overhead sign structures consist of any structure supporting signage or toll sensors that span partially or fully over a public roadway. High mast lighting structures include all highway / rest stop lighting and closed CCTV camera structures with a height greater than 60 feet. Inspection of overhead sign and high mast lighting structures is not mandated or regulated by the FHWA, but DelDOT has a routine inspection program for ensuring that these structures are structurally safe. DelDOT uses the data from the inspections to prioritize the structures for repair or replacement through the use of a deficiency formula. Current conditions and performance goals for overhead sign and high mast lighting structures can be found in the 2023 [https://deldot.gov/Programs/TAM/sogr/pdfs/Sign SOGR Summary_2023.pdf Overhead Sign and High Mast Lighting State of Good Repair (SOGR) Summary]. Additionally, DelDOT maintains a [https://www.deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/sign_inspection/pdfs/SignStructureInspectionUserManual-2016-07-18.pdf Sign Inspection Program Manual] that can be used for reference.
+                             A project’s schedule and budget are to be updated in Unifier at each milestone submission to communicate a project’s current estimated budget and schedule to the rest of DelDOT. The project’s schedule and budget can be estimated using the same considerations as the initial project baselining effort described in [[Chapter 3 - Project Initiation#3.2.1 Initial Project Baselining|Section 3.2.1]]. DelDOT maintains written procedures for updating a project’s information in its [https://deldot.gov/Business/drc/pdfs/unifier/unifier_training_doc.pdf?cache=1689883703128 Unifier Training Outline] and maintains a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5dDS9ITTdU&list=PLZrnWsoNR9WQJ_UVaeKnmpYseK1OlWMQe&index=3 tutorial video] on the subject on its Youtube channel.
                          </p>
                          <h4>
-.2.3.3 Dam Program
+.2.2.2 Spend Updates
                          </h4>
-                        <table class="wikitable" cellpadding="15" style="text-align:center;width: 45%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;float:right">
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
-                            <tr>
-                            <th colspan="4" style="color:white;background-color:navy;font-weight: bold;text-transform: uppercase;" id="table 1-1">Department Resources</th>
-                            </tr>
-                            <tr>
-                                <td>[https://deldot.gov/Programs/TAM/sogr/pdfs/Dam%20SOGR%20Summary_2023.pdf?cache=1697481590595 Dam SOGR Summary]</td>
-                            </tr>
-                        </table>
                          <p>
-                             State Dam Safety Regulations apply to all public-owned significant and high hazard dams. DelDOT owns or co-owns 35 regulated dams and has complete ownership and maintenance for 11 of those 35 dams. DelDOT owns and maintains the earthen dam portion for the other 24 dams while the spillway is owned and maintained by DNREC or other owners. Due to the shared responsibilities at many of the state regulated dams and a significant number of dam failures over the past century, the Dam Preservation Program was established in December 2013 by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) executed by the secretaries of DelDOT and DNREC. The Dam Preservation Program allows the two agencies to pool their resources for improvement of state-owned regulated dams to meet the State Dam Safety Regulations. Work on dams is prioritized by populating a dam deficiency formula with data from Hydrology and Hydraulic studies and the dam inspections. Note that tide gate and dike water control structures are not included with the Dam Program despite sometimes having resources dedicated to them. Current conditions and performance goals for dams can be found in the 2023 [https://deldot.gov/Programs/TAM/sogr/pdfs/Dam%20SOGR%20Summary_2023.pdf?cache=1697481590595 Dam SOGR Summary].
+                             A spend plan that outlines when the project team estimates money will be spent throughout the project development process is created as part of the procedure outlined in [[Chapter 3 - Project Initiation#3.2.1 Initial Project Baselining|Section 3.2.1]]. Periodically throughout the course of the project development process, the Project Manager will review the actual rate of project expenditures compared to the expected expenditure rate in order to evaluate the accuracy of the spend plan. After their review, the Project Manager can recommend that money be moved up in the spend plan or moved back. This practice of reviewing and making recommendations on project funding to the DelDOT Finance team is known as making spend updates. DelDOT sections typically use different spend update intervals based on the amount, complexity, typical schedule, and budget of projects being managed by the section. Conducting spend updates also provides a good opportunity for the Project Manager to review the project’s overall budget to determine if the project will require additional funding or if the project has a surplus amount of funds allotted.
                          </p>
                      </div> <!--End of h4-->
+            </div> <!--End of h3-->
+        <h2>
+.3 Project Number Request
+        </h2>
+        <table class="wikitable" cellpadding="15" style="text-align:center;width: 45%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;float:right">
+            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
+            <tr>
+            <th colspan="4" style="color:white;background-color:navy;font-weight: bold;text-transform: uppercase;" id="table 1-1">Department Resources</th>
+            </tr>
+            <tr>
+                <td>[https://deldot.gov/Business/drc/index.shtml?dc=unifier Unifier Instructions on the DRC]</td>
+            </tr>
+        </table>
+        <p>
+            Once the initial project baselining is complete, a New Project Request and subsequent Project Number Request can be performed. DelDOT assigns a state project number and a federal project number, when necessary, to its projects to assist with project identification and tracking. The New Project Request and Project Number Request processes are performed through DelDOT’s Unifier software. DelDOT maintains many Unifier related instructions and tutorials on its [https://deldot.gov/Business/drc/index.shtml?dc=unifier Design Resource Center (DRC)] website.
+        </p>
+        <h2>
+.4 Professional Services
+        </h2>
+        <p>
+            The need for professional services should be considered by the Project Manager as early as feasible during the project initiation phase as their use will need to be factored into the project baselining activities described in [[Chapter 3 - Project Initiation#3.2.1 Initial Project Baselining|Section 3.2.1]]. Professional services can be used to perform specific portions or all the project design; additionally, professional services can be used to perform design support activities like site investigations. This section summarizes considerations for procuring and managing professional services. In all cases, the need for professional services should be evaluated on a project-by-project basis.
+        </p>
+            <div class="tab"> <!--h3-->
                  <h3>
-.2.4 Pavement Management Program
+.4.1 Professional Services Procurement
                  </h3>
                  <table class="wikitable" cellpadding="15" style="text-align:center;width: 45%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;float:right">
@@ Line 436: / Line 247: @@
                      </tr>
                      <tr>
-                         <td>[https://deldot.gov/Programs/TAM/pdfs/DelDOT%202022%20TAMP%20Final_v1.1.pdf?cache=1697474986776 Transportation Asset Management Plan]</td>
+                         <td>[https://deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/professional_services/pdfs/ProfessionalServicesProcurementManual2016.pdf Professional Services Procurement Manual]</td>
                      </tr>
                  </table>
                  <p>
-                     The Pavement Management Program systematically identifies candidate project locations using pavement distress data, life cycle costs, condition rating, and projected budgets to determine the most cost-effective treatment and timing for rehabilitation projects. The program performs rehabilitation in the form of pavement preservation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. The statewide program is managed by DelDOT’s Pavement and Rehabilitation section. For more on the Pavement and Rehabilitation Program, see Chapter 2 of the DelDOT [https://deldot.gov/Programs/TAM/pdfs/DelDOT%202022%20TAMP%20Final_v1.1.pdf?cache=1697474986776 Transportation Asset Management Plan].
+                     DelDOT is required to maintain written procedures related to professional service procurement in accordance with both the Delaware Code and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). DelDOT’s written procedures for obtaining professional services is recorded in its [https://deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/professional_services/pdfs/ProfessionalServicesProcurementManual2016.pdf Professional Services Procurement Manual]. The manual establishes DelDOT’s procurement procedures and ensures compliance with the applicable federal and state regulations regarding professional service procurement which includes but is not limited to: [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200 2 CFR 200], [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-XII/part-1201 2 CFR 1201], [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I 23 CFR 1-999], [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-VI 49 CFR 600-699], and [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title29/c069/index.html 29 Chapter 69] of the Delaware Code. Accordingly, all professional service procurements must follow the requirements contained within DelDOT’s [https://deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/professional_services/pdfs/ProfessionalServicesProcurementManual2016.pdf Professional Services Procurement Manual].
-                </p>
-                <h3>
-.2.5 Traffic Engineering and Traffic Operations
-                </h3>
-                <p>
-                    DelDOT’s Traffic Engineering and Traffic Operations sections manage numerous strategic programs that identify operational and mobility deficiencies and potential safety related infrastructure improvement needs. Projects generated include, but are not limited to, the following types of improvements:
                  </p>
-                <ul>
-                    <li>New and reconstructed vehicular and pedestrian signals (including rectangular rapid flash beacons (RRFBs)),</li>
-                    <li>New and upgraded intersection control applications, such as roundabouts or all-way stops, </li>
-                    <li>Auxiliary lane improvements, </li>
-                    <li>Design and installation of integrated transport management system (ITMS) components, and</li>
-                    <li>New and upgraded roadway lighting and other related devices.</li>
-                </ul>
                  <p>
-                     In addition to this broad program, the Traffic Engineering section also manages several other more specific programs which are further described in the following subsections. Design and construction of smaller projects such as signing, striping, traffic signals, and lighting are most often implemented within the Traffic Engineering section.  Larger projects that are recommended via one or more of the programs below, such as roundabouts or additional turn lanes, are transferred to another section within DelDOT for design, most often one of the Project Development sections.
+                     Professional services can generally be divided into two categories with unique project level procurement considerations which are further discussed in [[Chapter 3 - Project Initiation#3.4.1.1 Design Related Professional Services|Section 3.4.1.1]] and [[Chapter 3 - Project Initiation#3.4.1.2 Design Support Related Professional Services|Section 3.4.1.2]]. Advanced FHWA approval is required in accordance with [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-172 23 CFR 172.7(b)(5)] when Federal-aid funds participate in a contract to provide consultant services in a management role (such as managing a project or overseeing other consultants) relating to highway construction. All questions regarding professional procurement should be directed to DelDOT’s Consultant Control Coordinator.
                  </p>
                      <div class="tab"> <!--h4-->
                          <h4>
-.2.5.1 Traffic Calming Program
+.4.1.1 Design Related Professional Services
-                        </h4>
-                        <p>
-                            This program is managed by DelDOT Traffic’s Traffic Studies section and aims to enhance Delaware's roadways through strategies that maintain mobility and access while improving quality of life and preserving communities. The program employs a collaborative approach to performing studies that concern traffic volumes and travel speeds to provide for increased safety on Delaware's roadways, primarily those in residential subdivisions and other similar environments. Projects generated by this program include, but are not limited to, the following types of improvements:
-                        </p>
-                        <ul>
-                            <li>Roundabout location and designs, </li>
-                            <li>Pedestrian and bicycle facilities, </li>
-                            <li>Traffic calming devices, </li>
-                            <li>Traffic control device improvements, and </li>
-                            <li>Other alternative solutions.</li>
-                        </ul>
-                        <h4>
-.2.5.2 MUTCD Compliance Program
                          </h4>
                          <table class="wikitable" cellpadding="15" style="text-align:center;width: 45%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;float:right">
@@ Line 481: / Line 266: @@
                              </tr>
                              <tr>
-                                 <td>[https://deldot.gov/Programs/TAM/sogr/pdfs/Long%20Line%20SOGR%20Summary_2022.pdf?cache=1697482402208 Signage and Pavement Markings SOGR Summary]</td>
+                                 <td>[https://deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/professional_services/pdfs/ProfessionalServicesProcurementManual2016.pdf Professional Services Procurement Manual]</td>
                              </tr>
-                        </table>
-                        <p>
-                            All traffic control devices along Delaware’s roads must conform to the requirements within the Delaware Manual on Uniform Traffic Control (DE MUTCD). This informal program identifies general traffic control device compliance issues and then programs work to make the needed remedial actions. The signage retroreflectivity program evaluates the need for statewide improvements of signage which is inclusive of new installations, maintenance of existing signs, and sign upgrades based on federal nighttime reflectivity requirements and DE MUTCD compliance. The pavement marking program evaluates the condition and need for pavement marking replacement and maintenance of raised pavement markers (RPMs) statewide. Both programs are managed by DelDOT’s Traffic Field Operations section. For more information, see the 2023 [https://deldot.gov/Programs/TAM/sogr/pdfs/Long Line SOGR Summary_2022.pdf?cache=1697482402208 Signage and Pavement Markings SOGR Summary].
-                        </p>
-                        <h4>
-.2.5.3 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
-                        </h4>
-                        <p>
-                            DelDOT Traffic's Safety Engineering section is tasked with maintaining a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) that meets the requirements within [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-J/part-924 23 CFR 924]. The goal of the HSIP Program is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries resulting from crashes on all public roads. [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-J/part-924 23 CFR 924] specifically requires that states develop a data-driven Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), Railway-Highway Crossings Program, and program of highway safety improvement projects. The following subsections detail the individual programs within DelDOT's HSIP Program which may generate DelDOT projects.
-                        </p>
-                            <div class="tab"> <!--h5-->
-                                <h5>
-.2.5.3.1 Hazard Elimination Program (HEP)
-                                </h5>
-                                <p>
-                                    The Hazard Elimination Program (HEP) identifies high crash locations and makes recommendations to reduce the severity and frequency of the crashes. This is done through identifying locations with statistically significant crash patterns or rates, conducting engineering studies (such as road safety audits and other safety assessments or reviews), and developing potential solutions. The HEP Committee reviews completed studies and recommendations and then prioritizes identified projects for implementation that may have the greatest potential to reduce the State's roadway fatalities and serious injuries. Projects developed under this program typically include low-cost safety enhancements such as traffic control device upgrades (signs, pavement markings, etc.), traffic signal construction or upgrades, guardrail installation or enhancements, maintenance activities and other safety countermeasures that typically do not require full design or right-of-way acquisition for their completion. On occasion, the HEP will identify improvements beyond the typical low-cost safety improvements usually recommended which will require more substantial work be completed and will nominate projects to be included in DelDOT's capital program.
-                                </p>
-                                <h5>
-.2.5.3.2 High-Risk Rural Roads Program
-                                </h5>
-                                <p>
-                                    The High-Risk Rural Roads Program (HRRRP) is a federally required program in accordance with [https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title23-section148&num=0&edition=prelim 23 U.S.C. 148(g)(1)]. The goal of the HRRRP is to identify high crash locations and reduce the severity and frequency of crashes on rural collector and local roadways where the crash rate for fatalities and incapacitating injuries exceeds average crash rates. This is done through identifying locations and crash patterns, conducting engineering studies, and developing potential solutions. Improvement alternatives are developed that include low-cost safety improvements such as signing, pavement marking, intersection traffic control upgrades, guardrail upgrades, maintenance activities, and other low-cost type improvements that typically do not require full design or right-of-way acquisition.
-                                </p>
-                                <h5>
-.2.5.3.3 Railway-Highway Crossing Safety (RCHP)
-                                </h5>
-                                <p>
-                                    DelDOT maintains a Rail Crossing Safety Program in accordance with [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-J/part-924 23 CFR 924] which requires each state to develop a Railway-Highway Crossing (RHCP) Safety Program. As such, DelDOT has developed the Highway Rail Grade Crossing (HRGX) Safety Program. Under this program, DelDOT utilizes the Federal Railroad Administration's (FRA) GradeDec.NET (system for HRGX investment analysis) software to calculate benefit/cost ratios for all of Delaware's public highway-rail grade crossings. The benefit/cost ratios take into account the most recent 5-years of crash data, train speeds, the number of trains per day and average annual daily traffic (AADT) volume, in addition to several other factors. All public grade crossings statewide are ranked according to their benefit/cost ratios to identify candidate locations for safety upgrades. Selected candidate locations are then studied to determine if improvements are warranted based on field conditions, traffic data, and crash data. The HRGX Committee then reviews the recommendations for each candidate location and recommends those to move forward for implementation. Additional railroad programs outside of the RCHP are discussed in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.2.5.4 Railroad Program|Section 2.2.5.4]].
-                                </p>
-                                <h5>
-.2.5.3.4 Systemic Safety Programs
-                                </h5>
-                                <p>
-                                    The Traffic Safety Engineering section will periodically implement additional crash countermeasures through network screening and other systemic methods that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Delaware SHSP to address the State’s safety needs. Examples include projects to install horizontal curve warning signs, high friction surface treatments, and median guardrails.
-                                </p>
-                            </div>
-                        <h4>
-.2.5.4 Railroad Program
-                        </h4>
-                        <p>
-                            DelDOT’s Railroad section is tasked with operating several railroad related programs that generate DelDOT projects. In addition to the programs described in the following subsections, the group also manages DelDOT’s railroad pavement and rehabilitation work which coordinates its identified locations and work with the Pavement and Rehabilitation Program described in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.2.4 Pavement Management Program|Section 2.2.4]].
-                        </p>
-                            <div class="tab"> <!--h5-->
-                                <h5>
-.2.5.4.1 Statewide Railroad Rideability Program
-                                </h5>
-                                <p>
-                                    This program prioritizes existing highway and rail crossing locations for performing in-kind replacements or upgrades to the surface to address poor ride and hazardous conditions.
-                                </p>
-                                <h5>
-.2.5.4.2 Rail Preservation Maintenance Program
-                                </h5>
-                                <p>
-                                    The Rail Preservation Maintenance Program aims to sustain and upgrade the condition of the statewide rail network by prioritizing work locations. Preserving Delaware’s railroad network provides the State a competitive position by maintaining its current industrial and agricultural base, thereby retaining employers in the State. Additionally, maintaining the existing rail system provides alternate transportation choices to help reduce the use of single passenger vehicles on roadways.
-                                </p>
-                                <h5>
-.2.5.4.3 Railroad Capital Improvements
-                                </h5>
-                                <p>
-                                    DelDOT’s Railroad section performs engineering studies to identify deficient locations and to prioritize monetary investment.
-                                </p>
-                            </div>
-                        <h4>
-.2.5.5 Intelligent Transportation Management System (ITMS)
-                        </h4>
-                        <table class="wikitable" cellpadding="15" style="text-align:center;width: 45%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;float:right">
-                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
                              <tr>
-                            <th colspan="4" style="color:white;background-color:navy;font-weight: bold;text-transform: uppercase;" id="table 1-1">Department Resources</th>
+                                <td>[https://www.deldot.gov/Business/drc/forms/funding_increase_form.xlsx Funding Increase Request Form]</td>
                              </tr>
                              <tr>
-                                 <td>[https://deldot.gov/Programs/itms/ Integrated Transportation Management Program]</td>
+                                 <td>[https://deldot.gov/Business/drc/forms/transportation_solutions_funding_request.pdf?cache=1692186180259 Funding Request Form]</td>
                              </tr>
                          </table>
                          <p>
-                             This program funds many transportation operational efforts including facility upgrades at the Transportation Management Center (TMC), software, hardware, databases, integration efforts, staffing, etc. From a capital project standpoint, projects may include telecommunications systems (e.g., fiber optics lines), closed circuit television cameras, variable message signs, various traffic detection systems, etc. ITMS projects pursued under this program are to be incompliance with DelDOT’s regional plan in accordance with [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-K/part-940 23 CFR 940.9]. DelDOT provides more information on this program on its [https://deldot.gov/Programs/itms/ Integrated Transportation Management Program] website.
+                             Various sections throughout DelDOT advertise and award indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity (IDIQ) project development contracts specifically for the performance of design work. IDIQ contracts are intended for performance of a number of routine or specialized tasks under a single professional service agreement. IDIQ contracts utilizing federal funds have a maximum contract period and a pre-set maximum dollar amount. As such, only services which fall within the advertised scope, funding, and schedule limitations of the established IDIQ contract may be awarded to one of the IDIQ selected consultants. IDIQ contracts are commonly referred to as open-end contracts. The federal requirements for IDIQ contracts are established in [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-23/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-172 23 CFR 172.9(a)(3)].
                          </p>
-                    </div>
-                <h3>
-.2.6 Division of Maintenance and Operations
-                </h3>
-                <p>
-                    DelDOT performs the majority of the work required to maintain its infrastructure in a state of good through routine maintenance operations that are funded out of DelDOT’s operating budget; however, on occasion, larger or more complex state of good repair work may generate a project requiring stricter adherence to the processes described within this manual. DelDOT’s Division of Maintenance and Operations will evaluate the scope of necessary state of good repair work and generate projects or work orders accordingly.
-                </p>
-                <p>
-                    Additionally, DelDOT’s Division of Maintenance and Operations maintains several specific programs that may generate DelDOT projects.
-                </p>
-                    <div class="tab"> <!--h4-->
-                        <h4>
-.2.6.1 Community Transportation Fund
-                        </h4>
                          <p>
-                             DelDOT’s Community Transportation Fund (CTF) was established by the Bond Bill Committee to speed the process of making relatively small local improvements and also to put decision-making about priorities into the hands of each community through their elected representatives. CTF funding provides a fixed amount of funds annually to each State Senator and House Representative to be used as they and their constituents believe is best for transportation improvements within their district. Legislators may also scope and fund their own project ideas and have the option of banking a portion of their yearly CTF budget for up to 3-years in order to fund a larger transportation improvement. Funding expires after 3-years if it is not allocated to projects or estimates that are actively moving forward. Each project to be funded by CTF funds must meet the following three requirements:
+                             Open-end contracts save time in the project development process by selecting several qualified firms that can provide the typical services required under an agreement thus eliminating the need to create, advertise, and award specific professional service agreements. Priority should be given to utilizing a firm on an established project development related professional services agreement for design work. If the appropriate expertise cannot be found under an established project development related professional services agreement or if the required work is determined too large for the professional service agreement, the Project Manager may elect to pursue the procurement of the desired professional service through a new and unique agreement in accordance with the DelDOT [https://deldot.gov/Publications/manuals/professional_services/pdfs/ProfessionalServicesProcurementManual2016.pdf Professional Services Procurement Manual]. It should be noted that it may take months to procure professional services when advertising a new and unique agreement.
                          </p>
-                        <ul>
-                            <li>Have a transportation component,</li>
-                            <li>Be on public property or land dedicated to public use, and</li>
-                            <li>Benefit more than one individual.</li>
-                        </ul>
                          <p>
-                             Projects are limited to items listed in Rule 12 of the Joint Committee on Capital Improvements Rules. Common projects funded through the CTF Program include repaving, correcting existing drainage deficiencies, curb replacements, sidewalk creation and repair, and traffic control devices. Each county has CTF representative that manages CTF construction projects. Projects can be administered by DelDOT staff or third parties.
+                             When using open-end agreements for the design work, the Project Manager must consider the contracted firms’ strengths, availability, qualifications, and overall ability to complete the task when determining the entity to assign the work to. Once the Project Manager determines the optimum firm to perform the work, they can request a draft scope of work and blank person-hour estimate from the selected contracted firm. The Project Manager should provide the selected firm with all the requisite information necessary for the firm to prepare an informed task proposal. The Project Manager should review the proposal upon receipt to ensure the scope of the work and tasks within the blank person-hour estimate are accurate and in-line with the Project Manager’s expectations. The Project Manager will communicate all comments on the draft scope of work and blank person-hour estimate to the consultant until all comments are sufficiently addressed. At this point, the Project Manager will prepare an independent person-hour estimate for the project that must be signed and dated. The consultant can then submit their person-hour estimate to the Project Manager who will then compare the estimates. The acceptability of the consultant’s proposal will be based on the following two guidelines:
                          </p>
-                         <h4>
+                         <ol>
-.2.6.2 Building Facilities
+                             <li>
-                         </h4>
+                                For projects with a DelDOT estimate of less than 500 person-hours, if the consultant is within 15% of the DelDOT estimate (either above or below), the proposal will be acceptable.
+                            </li>
+                            <li>
+                                For projects with a DelDOT estimate of 500 person-hours or more, if the consultant is within 10% of the DelDOT estimate (either above or below), the proposal will be acceptable.
+                            </li>
+                         </ol>
                          <p>
-                             DelDOT maintains several building facilities within its asset inventory. The buildings DelDOT maintains can generally be classified as either an administrative building which provides office spaces for staff or buildings that facilitate operations. The majority of DelDOT’s buildings are maintained by DelDOT’s Division of Maintenance and Operations. The Division of Maintenance and Operations operates the Maintenance Facilities program. The mission of the Maintenance Facilities program is to perform capital projects to keep facilities in a state of good repair and increase energy efficiency. Under this program, asset condition is reviewed annually, and projects are selected based on a scoring formula factoring overall building condition, operational need, building category, and size.
+                             If the differences between the consultant’s proposal and DelDOT’s independent person-hour estimate exceed these percentages (either above or below), a negotiation meeting should be held to resolve the differences. The negotiation meeting should result in a fair number of person-hours and the consultant should resubmit the proposal based on the negotiated hours. The documentation of the negotiation meeting should be saved within the project files.
                          </p>
-                        <h4>
-.2.6.3 Subdivision Street Pavement Management Program
-                        </h4>
                          <p>
-                             This program was established to accelerate improvement and quality of the subdivision streets that DelDOT maintains. This program provides a dedicated improvement funding source to supplement legislator Community Transportation Funds. Locations are selected using a priority-based scoring system similarly to DelDOT’s Pavement Management Program discussed in [[Chapter 2 - Project Origination and Planning#2.2.4 Pavement Management Program|Section 2.2.4]].
+                             Once the task proposal is considered acceptable, the Project Manager will need to assess the project’s authorized funding to determine whether processing the consultant proposal will require additional authorized funding. When additional funds are required, the Project Manager will need to complete and submit the [https://www.deldot.gov/Business/drc/forms/funding_increase_form.xlsx Funding Increase Request Form] as further described [[Chapter 5 -Stakeholder Coordination|Section 5.8.1 (To be added)]]. Once the project’s authorized funding has been assessed and the necessary steps performed, the Project Manager can submit the proposal and a completed [https://deldot.gov/Business/drc/forms/transportation_solutions_funding_request.pdf?cache=1692186180259 Funding Request Form] to the appropriate Department mailboxes as shown in Table 3.4.1.1 for processing. The Project Manager should also attach the funding increase request email to the funding request email in cases where additional authorized funds were required to expedite the process. The subject line of the email sent to Department mailboxes shown in Table 3.4.1.1 should be the Agreement number, task number, and then supplemental number if applicable. The body of the email submitted should include the following text: “The attached proposal has been reviewed and found acceptable. Please proceed with the NTP process”. For DelDOT’s Traffic section, these funding assessment and processing activities are delegated by the Project Manager to Traffic’s Support Services section.
                          </p>
+                        <label style="font-weight: bold;">Table 3.4.1.1 – Department Mailboxes for Proposal Processing</label>
+                        <table class="wikitable" cellpadding="15" style="text-align:center;width: 90%;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;">
+                            <caption style="caption-side:bottom;font-size: 12px;text-align: left;"></caption>
+                            <tr>
+                                <th style="color:white;background-color:navy;font-weight: bold;text-transform: uppercase;"><b>Department Mailbox</b></th>
+                                <th style="color:white;background-color:navy;font-weight: bold;text-transform: uppercase;"><b>When to Include on Funding Request Email</b>></th>
+                            </tr>
+                            <tr>
+                                <td>[mailto:Dot.AuditManagement@delaware.gov DOT.AuditManagement@Delaware.gov] </td>
+                                <td>Include on all Funding Requests
+                                </td>
+                            </tr>
+                            <tr>
+                                <td>[https://www.deldot.gov/Business/drc/forms/funding_increase_form.xlsx Funding Increase Request Form]</td>
+                                <td>[https://www.deldot.gov/Business/drc/forms/funding_increase_form.xlsx Funding Increase Request Form]</td>
+                            </tr>
+                            <tr>
+                                <td>[https://deldot.gov/Business/drc/forms/transportation_solutions_funding_request.pdf?cache=1692186180259 Funding Request Form]</td>
+                                <td>[https://deldot.gov/Business/drc/forms/transportation_solutions_funding_request.pdf?cache=1692186180259 Funding Request Form]</td>
+                            </tr>
+                        </table>
                      </div>
-                 <h3>
-.2.7 Sustainability
+             </div> <!--end of h3-->
-                </h3>
-                <p>
+     </div> <!--end of h2-->
-                    DelDOT’s Division of Transportation Resilience and Sustainability operates several programs that have the capability to generate DelDOT projects. The following subsections describe the programs that the Division uses to plan and prioritize DelDOT’s resiliency and sustainability projects.
-                </p>
-                    <div class="tab"> <!--h4-->
-                        <h4>
-.2.7.1 Resilience and Sustainability Program
-                        </h4>
-                        <p>
-                            The State of Delaware has the lowest mean level elevation (60 feet) in the nation and is particularly vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels. Roadway flooding, as a result of coastal flooding inundation, storm surge and/or sunny day flooding from tide cycles and wind patterns, is the biggest threat to our transportation infrastructure. DelDOT’s Resilience and Sustainability Division plans and prioritizes a variety of transportation resilience and climate-related projects to address the vulnerabilities of the State’s transportation network by performing transportation infrastructure flooding mitigation work.
-                        </p>
-                        <h4>
-.2.7.2 Carbon Reduction Program
-                        </h4>
-                        <p>
-                            DelDOT’s Division of Transportation Resilience and Sustainability coordinates with other state agencies, MPOs, and local governments under this program to identify and implement carbon reduction strategies and projects that will support the reduction of emissions from the transportation sector.
-                        </p>
-                        <h4>
-.2.7.3 Electric Vehicle Charging Program
-                        </h4>
-                        <p>
-                            The Electric Vehicle Charging Program is overseen by DelDOT’s Division of Transportation Resilience and Sustainability. Working closely with DNREC, the program’s goal is to plan and construct electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the State to support the transition from internal combustion vehicles to zero emission vehicles.
-                        </p>
-                    </div>
-                <h3>
-.2.8 Transit Systems (Delaware Transit Corporation)
-                </h3>
-                <p>
-                    The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) oversees the operation and planning of the State’s public transportation services. DTC is responsible for maintaining its existing public transportation infrastructure and for planning future services and needed facilities to provide the highest quality public transportation services that satisfy the needs of the customer and the community. Projects generated by DTC include, but are not limited to, minor maintenance to existing facilities, ITMS installation and upgrades, creation of new facilities ranging from small pads to large buildings.
-                </p>
-                <p>
-                    DTC projects will commonly use Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds and may have projects administered by the FTA as opposed to the FHWA. DTC projects administered by the FTA, may be required to slightly deviate from the project development process outlined within this manual accordingly.
-                </p>
-             </div><!--End of h3-->
-     </div> <!--End of h2-->

Chapter 5 - Stakeholder Coordination: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:27, 5 April 2024

Chapter 3 - Project Initiation

3.1 Establishment of the Design Team

3.1.1 Support Groups

3.2 Project Baselining

3.2.1 Initial Project Baselining

3.2.1.1 Schedule

3.2.1.2 Budget

3.2.1.3 Initial Environmental Evaluation

3.2.2 Project Re-Baselining

3.2.2.1 Re-Baselining at Milestone Submissions

3.2.2.2 Spend Updates

3.3 Project Number Request

3.4 Professional Services

3.4.1 Professional Services Procurement

3.4.1.1 Design Related Professional Services

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