Expert Task Groups
For each SHRP 2 research project, an Expert Task Group (ETG) will be formed to develop requests for proposals, review research proposals, and recommend project awardees to the SHRP 2 Oversight Committee. ETGs will meet only during this initial phase of a research project, rather than the duration of the SHRP 2 program. Below are links to lists of ETG members by focus area.
Potential Proposers: Please do not contact ETG members. For more information on requests for proposals, please contact the appropriate SHRP 2 staff officer.
Capacity
Reliability
Renewal
Safety
ETG Member Selection Process
When a research project has been approved for inclusion in the annual work plan, staff officers consult with the Technical Coordinating Committee chair and members to determine what expertise and technical background ETG members will need relative to the research topic. Nominations are then solicited from an array of entities such as state transportation agencies, TRB standing committees, universities, AASHTO, US DOT administration, other public agencies with an interest in the research topic, and concerned stakeholder groups.
From the recommendations of these knowledgeable people, a slate of nominees is chosen based on expertise, experience, current employment and factors that are considered in order to reach a balance of gender, race, geography, and private or public sector service. Finally, the slate of nominees is submitted through the SHRP 2 director for approval by the TRB Subcommittee for NRC Oversight.
What to Expect if Selected to Serve on a SHRP 2 Expert Task Group
An Expert Task Group (ETG) is formed to develop the requests for proposals (RFPs) to conduct research once a Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) has defined the problem identified in the SHRP 2 plan and broadly determined the scope of research to address the problem.
Service on a SHRP 2 ETG has proven to be a short but sometimes intense experience. Appointments are officially for one year, but because SHRP 2 operates under the compressed schedule of a short-term program, ETGs typically conclude their work within three months. During that time, there will be two meetings in Washington, one to develop the RFP and one to select the winning proposal. Between the two meetings, the ETG members will review all the proposals received and rank each according to criteria established in the RFP.
Occasionally, an ETG will be formed to provide specialized technical expertise for tasks other than developing RFPs, such as project scoping or assisting a TCC in project monitoring. In such cases, the schedules and missions will be defined according to the specific tasks.
ETG members are selected for their knowledge and experience in specific areas of inquiry, but because SHRP 2 integrates research topics across traditionally distinct areas, ETG members may find it useful to refer to background materials during the RFP development process, which also adds to the demands on their time.
Additionally, the National Academies has a formal process for establishing the credentials and examining the biases and possible conlicts of interest of those who agree to serve on committees of various kinds. ETG members are required to complete a few forms and to provide a resume and a brief biography as conditions of service.
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