Definitions
Definitions
AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) – A nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing highway and transportation departments in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. AASHTO serves as a liaison between state departments of transportation and the federal government. AASHTO is instrumental in providing technical standards and guidance documents that are commonly used for design, construction of highways and bridges, materials, and many other technical areas.
Access Control – The limiting and regulating of public and private access to highways.
Addendum/ Addenda – Bid proposal revision(s) issued after advertisement and before the bid opening date.
Advertisement – A public announcement inviting proposals for the work to be performed or material to be furnished.
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) – An independent federal agency that promotes the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of the nation’s diverse historic resources. Additionally, the agency advises the United States President and Congress on national historic preservation policy.
After the Fact Waiver – A form that is completed when goods or services, exceeding a threshold value, are requisitioned from and provided by a vendor before funds had not been properly obligated.
Allotment – Money that is “set aside” within authorized funds for a purchase order. The allotment balance is all allotments less expenditures and encumbrance balances.
Alternative Project Delivery – A project delivery method other than DelDOT’s traditional design-bid-build contracting method.
Alternatives Analysis – A process where alternatives are developed, analyzed, and compared against each other. The analysis is complete once a preferred alternative is determined.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Federal legislation passed in 1990 which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.
Attainment Area – A geographic area where air pollution levels consistently stay below the NAAQS established under the Clean Air Act and which are not considered maintenance areas.
Authorization – A cost limit approved by the Bond Bill Committee for a project or program.
Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) – The total yearly traffic volume divided by the number of days in the year.
Average Daily Traffic (ADT) – The total traffic volume during a given time period in whole days greater than one day and less than one-year divided by the number of days in that time period.
Bond Bill – The State’s capital spending plan.
Breakout Sheet – A worksheet that is included in the Invitation to Bid package wherein a lump sum pay item is broken into smaller and more easily quantifiable line items. Typical elements that utilize breakout sheets include various utility work, tree plantings, and certain rehabilitation work.
Byway – A designation for a roadway in recognition of its scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, and archaeological value to the State.
Capital Transportation Plan (CTP) – 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. Delaware Code requires that the CTP cover 6-years and be updated at least every 2-years.
Categorical Exclusion (CE) – Actions that normally do not individually or cumulatively have a significant environmental effect. CEs do not induce significant impacts to planned growth or land use for the area; do not require the relocation of significant numbers of people; do not have a significant impact on any natural, cultural, recreational, historic or other resource; do not involve significant air, noise, or water quality impacts; do not have significant impacts on travel patterns; or do not otherwise, either individually or cumulatively, have any significant environmental impacts.
Chief Engineer – A DelDOT position established in 17 Del. C. § 111(c). The Chief Engineer oversees DelDOT’s Division of Transportation Solutions.
Clean Air Act – Federal legislation initially enacted in 1963. The law authorizes the EPA to establish and enforce NAAQS and to regulate hazardous air pollutants.
Coastal Barrier Resources Act – Federal legislation passed in 1982 that protects the nation’s coastal barrier units by prohibiting the expenditure of federal funds to develop these sensitive areas.
Coastal Barrier – Landscape features that protect the mainland from the full force of wind, storm surges, or other tidal energy.
Coastal Management Program – A program authorized by the 1972 Coastal Zone Management Act which incentives states to develop their own coastal management program to protect, restore, and establish preservation and development responsibilities.
Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) – Federal legislation passed in 1972 that provides for the management of the nation’s coastal resources, including the Great Lakes.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) – The official consolidation and codification of the general and permanent regulations promulgated by the executive departments and agencies of the federal government of the United States.
Community Cohesion – The concept that programs and activities that receive government financial assistance provide just treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability. Community cohesion requires an entity to identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations to achieve an equitable distribution of benefits and burdens.
Community Transportation Fund (CTF) – A fund established by the Bond Bill Committee to speed the process of making relatively small local improvements and to put decision-making about priorities into the hands of each community through their elected representatives. Projects funded through the CTF are limited by Rule 12 of the Joint Committee on Capital Improvements Rules.
Complete Streets – An approach to transportation planning and design that prioritizes the creation of a comprehensive, integrated, and connected network that is safe and efficient for all modes of transportation. Achievement of complete streets affords users the opportunity to choose among different transportation modes, both motorized and non-motorized.
Conformity – A process to assess the consistency of any transportation plan, program, or project with state air quality implementation plans. The transportation conformity process is defined by the Clean Air Act as amended and implemented by 40 CFR 93.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) – A flexible funding source available to state and local governments for transportation projects and programs to help meet the requirements of the Clean Air Act. Under the program, funding is made available to reduce congestion and improve air quality for areas that are considered nonattainment or maintenance areas.
Context Sensitive Design – A proactive approach to planning and designing improvements to the transportation system that considers each project within the context of its site, while gathering and including information and ideas from the public throughout the planning and design process. Context sensitive design involves a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach in which citizens are part of the project team. It simultaneously advances the objectives of safety, mobility, enhancement of the natural environment, and preservation of community values.
Controlling Criteria – The geometric and structural design criterion in which violation requires the processing of a design exception.
Corridor Capacity Preservation Program – A program that 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.
Council on Transportation (COT) – A body appointed by the Governor which 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.
Critical Habitat – Specific areas occupied by, or which contain physical or biological features that are essential to conservation that may need special management or protection at the time a species is listed as an endangered or threated species under the Endangered Species Act. Critical habitat may also include areas that were not occupied by the species at the time of the listing but are essential to its conservation.
Cumulative Effects – The incremental effects of an action when added to the impacts of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions regardless of what agency or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative effects can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over time.
Delaware Code –A compilation of all statutory laws in effect in the State of Delaware.
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) – The State agency responsible for environmental protection, conservation, and management.
Delaware Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (DE MUTCD) – The DE MUTCD is a regulatory document that serves as a comprehensive set of standards for all traffic control devices.
Delaware State Historic Preservation Office (DE SHPO) – The State of Delaware’s State Historic Preservation Office created through the federal National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Under the legislation, each state must create their own historic preservation office tasked with surveying and recognizing historic properties, reviewing nominations for properties to be included on the National Register of Historic Places, reviewing undertakings for the impact on the properties, and supporting federal organizations, state and local governments, and the private sector.
Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) – An Operating Division of DelDOT, DTC is the operator and coordinator of public transit services in Delaware. DTC operates fixed route, paratransit, and micro transit services throughout the State and contracts with adjoining transit providers such as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and Cecil County to interconnect the transit networks. In coordination with DelDOT, 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.
DelDOT Gateway – A web-based mapping application hosted on the ArcGIS Online cloud platform that consumes both DelDOT mapping services and other services originating from federal, state, and local governmental entities.
Design Exception – Documentation of the reason(s) for violating one of the controlling criteria. Design exceptions require approval of the Chief Engineer.
Design Guidance Memorandum (DGM) – A document that summarizes DelDOT design policy. Design guidance memorandums are typically intended to be included in future DelDOT manual updates.
Design Hourly Volume (DHV) – The peak hourly traffic volume expected in the 30th highest hour during the chosen design year. This metric accounts for unusual seasonal fluctuations or other conditions that may cause capacity problems.
Design Resource Center – A website managed by DelDOT containing numerous design and project development-related documents.
Design Standards – The geometric and structural design criterion selected for highway design. Design standards are selected through establishment of design controls and design criteria.
Design Team – The staff charged with guiding a project through DelDOT’s project development process. The design team is comprised of a Project Manager and technical design staff.
Design Vehicle – The vehicle type whose characteristics will be accommodated for in a project’s design. Pertinent characteristics of the design vehicle include weight, dimensions, and operating traits.
Direct Effects – Effects of an action that occur at the same time and place as the action.
Directional Distribution (D) – A measure of the highest traffic volume in one direction during peak hours, expressed as a percentage of the DHV. This is important principally with relatively high traffic volumes where capacity is being approached.
Distribution List – A listing of staff recommended to receive a milestone submission or other information desired to be distributed across the Department.
Dover/ Kent MPO – Metropolitan planning organization covering Kent County Delaware.
Electronic Design Data Files – Files whose content is generated directly from 3D engineered models.
Encumbrance – Allotted money that has been assigned to a specific entity.
Endangered Species Act (ESA) – Federal legislation passed in 1973 that requires federal and state governments to protect all species threatened with extinction.
Engineer of Record (EoR) – The individual who creates, or causes to be created, engineering work products. The Engineer of Record is in responsible charge of the project design and construction plan development and is expected to comply with all applicable engineering standards, guidelines, policies, regulations, and laws for their project.
Engineering Instruction (EI) – Documents that are published to provide specific technical and typically procedural guidance on a particular element in the project development process.
Environmental Assessment (EA) – A NEPA class of action in which the level of environmental impacts do not have a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on the quality of the human environment or for which the significance of the environmental impact is unknown. All actions that are not classified as either a categorical exclusion or an environmental impact statement class of action are EAs. EAs require consultation with interested agencies and other stakeholders as well as public involvement. If it is determined at any point during the EA process that the action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment, the preparation of an EIS is required. If no significant impact is discovered during the EA process, the EA documentation is submitted to the administering federal agency with the recommendation that a Finding of No Significant Impacts (FONSI) be issued which would serve as the project’s environmental documentation.
Environmental Document – An environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, notice of intent, environmental impact statement, or record of decision.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) – A NEPA class of action in which the level of environmental impact is considered significant. Examples of transportation actions that normally require an EIS are included in 23 CFR 771.115(a).
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – A federal agency that works to protect human health and the environment.
Environmental Statement – A summary used to specify environmental compliance commitments, restrictions, and substantive permit and/or memorandum of agreement (MOA) special conditions. An environmental statement is provided for all advertised DelDOT contracts and all IDIQ contract work order locations.
Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) – Protected designated regions due to the water and substrate contained being necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity.
Existing Site Investigation – Activities that are used to assess a project site’s condition, features, or other physical characteristics as part of the project development process.
Extra Work – Work that is added to a previously agreed upon scope of work.
Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) – Federal legislation passed in 1981 with the goal of minimizing the extent to which federal programs contribute to the unnecessary conversion of farmland to nonagricultural uses.
Federal-aid Projects – Projects which utilize federal funds. Federal-aid projects for DelDOT are typically part of the Federal-aid Highway Program.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – A federal agency that is tasked with overseeing national emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) – An agency of the United States Department of Transportation that supports states and local governments in the design, construction, and maintenance of the nation’s highway system, primarily through the Federal-aid Highway Program.
Federal Project Number – An identification number assigned to a project to assist with project identification and tracking.
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) – An agency of the United States Department of Transportation that oversees the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods by rail.
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) – An agency of the United States Department of Transportation that provides financial and technical assistance to local public transportation systems.
Financial Management and Information Systems (FMIS) – Accounting software used by the FHWA.
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) – A document presenting an agency's determination that a proposed action does not require the issuance of an environmental impact statement.
Fiscal Constraint – Occurs when the projects listed in MTP, TIP, and STIP include sufficient financial information to demonstrate that the plan can be implemented using committed, available, or reasonably available revenue sources, with assurance that the federally supported transportation system is being adequately operated and maintained.
Fiscal Year (FY) – An accounting period that lasts one year. The State of Delaware’s fiscal year extends from July 1st to June 30th while the federal fiscal year extends from October 1st to September 30th.
Floodplain – Areas of land adjacent to a waterbody that help mitigate the effects of flooding during an event by capturing and holding excess water.
Floodway – The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that are under water or otherwise reserved to carry and discharge the overflow of water caused by flooding.
Forestlands – As defined by 3 Del. C § 902 (6), “a contiguous area of trees or forest cover at least 10 acres in size which is capable of being timbered and reforested as determined by the State Forester.”
Functional Classification – A categorization system in which roadways are classified based on the type of trips, mix of traffic, accessibility to the facility, and the overall role of the facility in the total transportation system. The functional classification provides key insight into a roadway’s intended function in the transportation network.
General Description – Included in the invitation to Bid Package and consists of information including but not limited to; location, description, completion time, prospective bidders notes, anticipated notices to proceed, special notices, bidding criteria, construction sequence notes, road user costs, modifications to liquidated damages, addenda issued, questions and answers published, prebid meeting transcripts, construction items units of measure, and table of contents.
General Notices – A section of the Invitation to Bid package that defines the governing federal and state regulations which the contract is subject to.
Geodetic Control – A network that consists of stable, identifiable points with published datum values derived from observations that tie the points together.
Geographic Information System (GIS) – A computer system used for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface.
Grouped Project – An individual project which has been grouped under a line-item program in the CTP. Specific projects within program lines are typically relatively inexpensive improvements compared to standalone CTP projects.
Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract – This contract type provides for an indefinite quantity of services for a fixed time. This contract type is commonly referred to as an “open-end” agreement. IDIQ contracts are intended for the performance of a number of routine or specialized tasks under a single professional service agreement or construction contract.
Independent Utility – An improvement is considered to have independent utility when the result of the improvement will be usable and be a reasonable expenditure even if no additional transportation improvements in the area are made.
Indirect Effects – Effects from an action that occur later in time or are farther removed in distance from the action but are still reasonably foreseeable.
Initial Environmental Evaluation – An assessment conducted as part of the initial project baselining activity that informs the design team of the environmental coordination related processes and deliverables which will need to be accounted for during their initial baselining effort.
Intelligent Transportation Management System (ITMS) – A coordinated system that uses sensing, analysis, control, and communication technologies to ease congestion, improve traffic management, minimize environmental impact, and increase the benefits of transportation to all users.
Invitation to Bid – The portion of the advertisement package that includes the Bid Proposal and is sometimes referred to as the “Request for Proposals” or "RFP".
Hazard Elimination Program (HEP) – A program that 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.
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) – A program with the goal of reducing fatalities and serious injuries resulting from crashes on all public roads.
Historic Properties or Structures – Any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in, or eligible for inclusion on, the National Register of Historic Places, including artifacts, records, and material remains related to such a property or resource.
Level-of-Service (LOS) – A qualitative measure used to rate a facility’s quality of traffic service. The measure is based upon performance measures including vehicle speed, density, and congestion and other physical facility features.
Liquidated Damages – An amount due and payable to DelDOT by a contractor if the contractor fails to complete the contract within the time specified in the contract.
Local Public Agencies – Any city, county, township, municipality, or other political subdivision that may be empowered to cooperate with the state transportation department in highway matters.
Long-Range Transportation Plan – The official, statewide, multimodal, transportation plan covering a period of no less than 20 years developed through the statewide transportation planning process.
Maintenance Area– A geographic area where air pollution levels had designated the area as nonattainment and subsequently been redesignated to attainment.
Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) – The process of establishing a work zone which allows for the movement of traffic around a construction or maintenance activity. Maintenance of traffic is sometimes referred to as temporary traffic control.
Major Project – A Federal-aid Project funded under Title 23 with an estimated total cost of $500 Million or more. Major Projects are required to submit a project management plan and an annual financial plan to FHWA for review in accordance with the Stewardship and Oversight agreement between DelDOT and FHWA.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) – A legal document that describes a partnership or agreement entered into to achieve an agreed upon objective or to complete a project.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – An agreement entered into by two or more parties in a formal but not necessarily legally binding document. The document signals the intent and willingness of the parties to move toward a common objective.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) – A regional entity designated by federal law with responsibility for developing transportation plans and programs for urbanized areas of 50,000 or more in population.
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) – The official multimodal transportation plan addressing no less than a 20-year planning horizon that a metropolitan planning organization develops, adopts, and updates through the metropolitan transportation planning process.
Milestone Submittal – Key points within the project development process in which the Project Manager has decided to transmit work products to key stakeholders.
Miscellaneous Improvement Projects – Projects that do not readily fit into the other project types and are typically performed beyond the existing edge of pavement. They may also include improvements within the roadway intended to improve safety which do not degrade the existing highway geometrics.
Mitigation Bank – A site where wetlands and/or other aquatic resources or natural habitats are restored, created, enhanced, or in exceptional circumstances, preserved, expressly for the purpose of providing compensatory mitigation in advance of authorized impacts to similar resources.
Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) – Air toxics emitted by motorized vehicles.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) – Established under the Clean Air Act to gauge a geographic region’s air quality compared to a national benchmark criterion.
National Bridge Inventory (NBI) – A database compiled by the FHWA with information on all bridges and tunnels in the United States that have roads passing above or below them.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – Federal legislation enacted in 1969 and signed into law in 1970 that establishes a process intended to ensure that actions that are performed by federal agencies or that utilize federal funds, examine and consider the potential environmental effects of the proposed action. The process demands that agencies utilize a systematic interdisciplinary approach to balance infrastructure need with potential effects to the human and natural environment to reach a decision that is in the best overall public interest.
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) – Federal legislation enacted in 1966 which establishes the National Register and the process for adding properties to it.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) – A federal program that regulates point source discharges.
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) – The United States government’s official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or great artistic value.
New Construction Project – A project that consists of all new construction on a new alignment where no road is present for the majority of the project.
No-Build Alternative – A project scoping alternative which includes no upgrades that would change the road’s operation or extend its service life and instead, would only continue the routine maintenance of the existing facility.
Nonattainment Area – A geographic area where air pollution levels exceed the NAAQS established under the Clean Air Act.
Notice to Proceed (NTP) – A statement provided by DelDOT that work on a planned task can commence. Notice to proceed for professional services are issued by DelDOT’s Division of Finance. Notices to proceed are not issued until the associated purchase order has reconciled in FACTS and in FSF.
Obligation – The federal government’s commitment to reimburse for the federal share of an approved project’s eligible costs. This commitment occurs when the project phase is approved.
Open End Contract – See Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity.
Pavement Coring – A cylinder of pavement material (Portland cement concrete, hot mix asphalt, or other solid material) extracted from a road or bridge surface with a hollow drill bit, usually for purposes of discovery or testing.
Peak-Hour Traffic (PHT) – The traffic volume during an interval shorter than a day, usually one hour, that reflects the frequently repeated rush-hour periods.
Pedestrian Access Route (PAR) – An accessible, continuous, and unobstructed path of travel for use by pedestrians with disabilities within a pedestrian circulation path.
Planning and Environmental Linkage Studies (PEL) – A collaborative and integrated approach to transportation decision-making that considers environmental, community, and economic goals early in the transportation planning process, and uses the information, analysis, and products developed during planning to inform the environmental review process.
Point Source Discharge – A release of pollutants into the environment from a specific and identifiable origin. In transportation construction, this is usually any discrete conveyance such as a pipe or a man-made ditch into a waterbody.
Policy Implement (PI) – A document that establishes DelDOT policies, procedures, or processes. The Division of Planning is responsible for maintaining DelDOT’s Policy Implements.
Pre-Bid Meeting – A meeting that is held after a contract is advertised but before the bids are due. Pre-bid meetings offer potential bidders the opportunity to get clarification on the project requirements.
Preconstruction Notification (PCN) – A notice that must be submitted by the permittee as early as possible before an action commences.
Preventive Maintenance (1R and 2R) Project – A project that consists of performing resurfacing and restoration of existing infrastructure that preserves the system, retard future deterioration, and maintains or improves the functional condition of the system without increasing structural capacity. Any enhancements within this alternative type are typically minor and are generally intended to restore the overall condition of the transportation facility.
Professional Services – Nonphysical products or services. Project development professional services utilized by DelDOT can be categorized as design related professional services or as design support related professional services.
Program Management – The process of managing a group of related projects in a coordinated way. Program management provides well defined system goals that are met through the completion of a group of projects.
Programmatic Agreement (PA) – An agreement between two entities which outlines how a program can be carried out. Programmatic agreements are intended to streamline the review and approval process.
Project – An undertaking including planning, preliminary engineering, acquisitioning of right-of-way, and actual construction.
Project Baselining – The process of evaluating a project’s specific conditions, parameters, and other associated constraints to determine an estimated project schedule and budget.
Project Closeout – The process that DelDOT uses to finalize and remove a project from DelDOT’s accounting system.
Project Development – The term assigned to the process which is used to take a project from origination through implementation.
Project Directory – The location where project development related files are kept.
Project Initiation – An early phase in the project development process in which a project is assigned to a section within DelDOT for further development.
Project Management – The process of managing a task in a thoughtful manner with the goal of ensuring that all work is completed at the correct performance level, on time, and within budget and scope.
Project Manager – The qualified employee who is placed in responsible charge of a project. In accordance with 23 CFR 172.9(d)(1), the Project Manager ensures that the work delivered is complete, accurate, and consistent with the terms, conditions, and specifications of the professional services contract. Independent consultants may be procured to serve in a program or project manager support role, as specified in 23 CFR 172.7(b)(5).
Project Origination – The initial development and conceptualization of a transportation project. Project origination involves the identification of transportation needs and deficiencies, assessment of alternatives, and the initiation of a project planning process.
Project Permitting – The process used to obtain approval or other required agreement from regulatory agencies prior to proceeding with an activity.
Project Phase – Portions of a project typically defined by the work being performed. Project phases are also used as an accounting tool to separate money that will be used for different purposes. FHWA divides project funding phases into Preliminary Engineering (PE), Right-of-Way (ROW), Construction (CON), and Other. DelDOT’s project funding phases include Preliminary Engineering (PE), Right-of-Way (RW), Construction (C), Utility, Traffic, and Construction Engineering (CE).
Project Prioritization – A performance-based process which involves evaluating and selecting projects based on measurable criteria.
Project Scoping – The process that is used to evaluate a transportation deficiency and determine what work should be included within a proposed project to address the deficiency.
Project Statements – Project statements that are included in the Invitation to Bid Package are used to summarize third-party actions or coordination that either has been performed or which still needs to be performed. Project statements that are not included in the Invitation to Bid Package are used to formally communicate information between DelDOT sections.
Project Team – The project team includes the design team and the support staff assigned to a project.
Project Tracking – The act of monitoring a task’s progress to ensure on-time and on-budget deliverables that are complete, accurate, and consistent with the terms, conditions, and specifications of the contract under which they were developed.
Projects of Division Involvement (PODI) – Projects which have been identified as having an elevated risk, contain elements of higher risk, or present a meaningful opportunity for FHWA involvement to enhance meeting program or project objectives. PODI projects are selected by the FHWA and will have a specific Stewardship and Oversight Plan crafted outside of the general DelDOT and FHWA Stewardship and Oversight Agreement that establishes the responsibilities of both entities.
ProjectWise – A cloud-based Document Management System (DMS) designed specifically to manage documents related to design and construction projects. ProjectWise provides a secure file management system where access is controlled by security groups managed by DelDOT’s ProjectWise Administrators.
Protected Resources – Elements or features that contribute to the human and built environment or the natural environment and which are protected in some capacity by law, regulation, or other policy.
PS&E (Plans, Specifications, and Estimate) – The milestone in the project development process ahead of project advertisement. The PS&E submittal includes all elements of a construction project that will become the contract between the advertising agency and the awarded contractor.
Public Transportation Operators – 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.
Purchase Order (PO) – A document that holds a specific sum of money to be paid to a specific vendor for a specific project or purchase.
Purpose and Need Statement – A summary of a project’s objectives. Purpose and need statements are required for EIS and EA classes of actions and are a good practice for all other projects. The need statement provides the factual foundation for the project while the purpose is the desired transportation outcome.
Quality Assurance (QA) – Involves reviewing work products prior to submission to verify the appropriate QC processes were followed, that it is complete, accurate, and high‐quality, and that it meets the Standard of Care. QA is performed at a global level across a project by a third party qualified to conduct the review. It may involve a multi‐disciplinary team on complex projects.
Quality Control (QC) – Involves a detailed review of a work product by a second party qualified to conduct the review. QC is performed on each work product making up the various component pieces of a larger deliverable.
Railroad Statement – A summary of the railroad involvement required on a contract.
Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species (RTE) – A designation applied to a species by a regulatory agency. A designation as rare, threatened, or endangered creates additional protections for the species.
Reconstruction (4R) Project – A project that consists of utilizing an existing roadway alignment or making only minor changes to an existing alignment but involves changing the basic roadway type. Typical work includes improving operation by widening, horizontal and/or vertical realignment, addition of travel lanes, access improvement, and replacing bridges.
Record of Decision (ROD) – Documentation of the environmental decision made by the administering federal agency for a project. The ROD includes the basis for the decision, identifies the selected alternative, and summarizes any mitigation measures that will be incorporated in the project.
Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs) – A policy board of nonmetropolitan local officials or their designees created to carry out the regional transportation planning process.
Regulatory Agencies – Government authorities that are given the ability to set and enforce standards.
Resurfacing, Restoration, and Rehabilitation (3R) Project – A project that consists of resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation (3R) of an existing facility with the intention of preserving and extending service life and enhancing highway safety. This project type could include pavement improvements of the existing road, minor roadway widening, and typically includes minor drainage improvements within the scope of the project.
Right-of-Way (R/W) – Land, property, or an interest therein possessed by DelDOT, or other entity acquired for, or devoted to, transportation purposes.
Right-of-Way Statement – A summary of a project’s required property rights acquisition status.
Right-to-Enter (RTE) – A police power which provides an authority permission to enter onto a property. In general, this authority is typically limited to specified applications.
Road User Costs (RUC) – Additional costs borne by motorists and the community at-large that are a result of a work zone activity.
Safe System Approach – A principles-based approach to transportation design and operation that recognizes that safe roads are a continuum and not an absolute. The approach emphasizes the use of multiple layers of protection to both prevent crashes and to reduce harm caused to those involved when crashes occur.
Salisbury/ Wicomico MPO – Metropolitan planning organization covering portions of Sussex County.
Scope Management – The act of evaluating work proposed after the initial scoping phase and determining whether the proposed work fits within the project objectives and should be included or if it is outside of the project’s objectives and should be excluded. Scope management is primarily concerned with defining, and then controlling, what is and is not included in the project scope.
Scope of Work – A detailed list of the items required to complete a contract.
Section 4(f) – A reference to Section 4(f) of the DOT Act of 1966 which declares that it is the policy of the United States Government that special effort be made to preserve the natural beauty of the countryside and public park and recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites.
Section 6(f) – A reference to Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act of 1964 which contains strong provisions to protect federal investments made through said act.
Soil Boring – A subsurface investigation performed to determine the existing soil profile. Consistency of cohesive soils and relative density of cohesionless soil are determined for design purposes. The soil samples obtained in the drilling operation are tested for physical, index, and engineering properties to facilitate decisions on construction issues.
Special Provision – Project specifications that are modifications of standard specifications or are new specifications. Special provisions must be incorporated into each contract in which they apply.
Spend – Cash that is used to pay for goods and services on a project. Spend limits are set after funds are authorized.
Spend Plan – A schedule of cash payments on a project or program typically projected over fiscal years.
Standard Construction Details – Drawings that are incorporated into DelDOT contracts by reference, thereby making them an enforceable part of the contract.
Standard Specifications – DelDOT’s general contracting, material, and construction method requirements for typical road and bridge construction. The Standard Specifications are incorporated into DelDOT contracts by reference, thereby making them an enforceable part of the contract.
State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) – The official designated by the governor of each state to carry out the responsibilities of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 and administer the State’s historic preservation program and the duties, as described in 36 CFR 61. While the SHPO is an individual, it is also an office that performs a variety of functions under the NHPA and associated state laws.
State Implementation Plan (SIP) – A plan that is required under the Clean Air Act which outlines how a state will achieve, maintain, and enforce the NAAQS.
State of Good Repair (SoGR) – A condition in which a transportation asset is able to operate at a full level of performance.
Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) – A federally required staged, multi-year, statewide intermodal program comprised of transportation projects and programs that are consistent with the Long-Range Transportation Plan. The STIP is required to cover a period of 4-years. The STIP is commonly referred to in Delaware as the Capital Transportation Plan (CTP).
State Project Number – An identification number assigned to a project to assist with project identification and tracking.
Stewardship and Oversight (S&O) Agreement – 23 U.S.C. 106 requires that FHWA and each state enter into an agreement documenting the extent to which a state assumes the responsibilities of FHWA under Title 23. The Stewardship and Oversight Agreement formalizes these delegated responsibilities and agreements to address how the Federal-aid Highway Program will be administered in a state.
Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) – A comprehensive plan, based on safety data, developed by a state DOT that requires consultation with a broad range of safety stakeholders. The plan provides a framework for reducing highway fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads.
STIP Amendment – A change to the STIP that is considered a major revision and requires public review and comment and a redemonstration of fiscal constraint. If an amendment involves “non-exempt” projects in nonattainment and maintenance areas, a conformity determination is required.
STIP Modification – A change to the STIP that is considered a minor revision and does not require public review and comment, a redemonstration of fiscal constraint, or a conformity determination (in nonattainment and maintenance areas).
Supplemental Task – A change to an initial task order. Supplemental tasks are usually the result of unanticipated, new, or extra work.
Support Sections – A group within DelDOT that oversees a particular area of the project development process and perform ancillary tasks to deliver a project. Support sections are relied upon by DelDOT as subject matter experts within their field due to their focus and expertise on a particular subject matter.
Task Upset Limit – A maximum amount above which an entity cannot charge.
Time of Year Restriction (TOYR) – A period in which certain work is prohibited by a regulatory agency.
Timing Statement – – A summary of the analysis conducted to determine the contract duration which will be included in a contract’s General Description.
Traffic Statement – A summary of the traffic related responsibilities of the project contractor, traffic contractor, and the traffic supply items required.
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) – A program administered by DelDOT that chooses projects for funding through a selection process. DelDOT’s TAP receives funding through FHWA’s Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program. The TAP is a key program for building complete streets that are safe for all users and achieve safe, connected, and equitable on and off-road networks.
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) – A prioritized listing/ program of transportation projects covering a period of 4 years that is developed and formally adopted by a metropolitan planning organization as part of the metropolitan transportation planning process.
Transportation Management Area (TMA) – 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, or any additional area where TMA designation is requested by the Governor and the metropolitan planning organization and designated by the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation. Metropolitan planning organizations 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.
Transportation Management Plan (TMP) – A set of coordinated strategies to manage the work zone impacts of a project.
Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) – A plan required per 23 CFR 515 that establishes a process for managing an asset base over a period of time in order to deliver desired performance targets in a cost-effective way.
Transportation System Management and Operations (TSMO) – A set of strategies that focus on creating operational improvements which do not require adding system capacity. The goal of TSMO alternatives is to maintain or even restore the performance of the existing transportation system.
Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) – The financial account in which DelDOT generated revenues are deposited and money withdrawn to pay expenses encumbered through DelDOT’s activities.
Transportation User Groups – A categorization of transportation network users based on distinct characteristics and needs.
Transportation Improvement District (TID) – A geographic area defined for the purpose of securing required improvements to transportation facilities in the area.
Unifier – A software platform that DelDOT uses to perform, track, and manage several of its business processes performed throughout the project development process.
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – A branch of the United States Army that performs several functions including civil works which entails providing navigation, flood and storm damage protection, and aquatic ecosystems restoration.
United States Coast Guard (USCG) – The maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Coast Guard serves as a regulatory agency in matters concerning marine environment and navigation.
United States Code (U.S.C.) – The official consolidation and codification of the general and permanent laws of the United States.
United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) – A federal agency with the responsibility of overseeing and planning all federal transportation projects and for setting regulatory policy. The Department includes several agencies including the FHWA, FTA, FRA, and FAA.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – A federal agency within the United States Department of the Interior that is dedicated to the management of fish, wildlife, and natural habitats.
Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) – An aircraft without any human pilot, crew, or passengers on board. A UAV is a component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS).
Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) –An unmanned aircraft and the equipment necessary for the safe and efficient operation of that aircraft.
Utility Designation – The process of using a geophysical method or methods to interpret the presence of a subsurface utility and to mark its approximate horizontal position (its designation) on the ground surface.
Utility Statement – A summary of the existing utilities within the project area, the temporary and permanent relocations, and work responsibilities and associated conditions.
Wild and Scenic River – A waterway that is protected under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.
Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) – Metropolitan planning organization covering New Castle County in Delaware and Delaware and Cecil counties of Maryland. WILMAPCO is additionally considered a TMA.