1 a conversation about federal transportation opportunities and challenges robert c. johns director,...
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A Conversation About Federal TransportationOpportunities and Challenges
Robert C. JohnsDirector, USDOT Volpe Center
Humphrey School of Public Affairs University of Minnesota
April 18, 2012
U.S. Department of Transportation
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
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OverviewVolpe The National Transportation Systems Center
U.S. Department of Transportation
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Updated March 2012
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Background Volpe established in 1970 Part of U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)
Named after former DOT Secretary and MA Governor John A. Volpe
Volpe supports DOT goals Safety State of good repair Economic competitiveness Livable communities Environmental sustainability
About Volpe
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Who we are
Our Purpose: Advancing transportation innovation for the public good
Our Mission: Improve the nation’s transportation system by serving as a center of excellence for informed decision making, anticipating emerging transportation issues, and advancing technical, operational, and institutional innovations
Our Values: Public service Innovative solutions Professional
excellence Collaboration and
partnering
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Our most important asset: dedicated transportation professionals
Over 550 federal employees representing a full spectrum of disciplines from engineering to physical and social sciences
More than 260 advanced degrees
Over 400 on-site contractors
Internship and student co-op programs: more than 40 years cultivating the next generation of transportation professionals
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What makes us unique
Multimodal, world-class resource
Decades of experience and expertise in every mode of transportation
Institutional knowledge of the global transportation system and its stakeholder perspectives
Experience in responding to large-scale global and national transportation challenges
Cross-disciplinary expertise
Knowledge in the full spectrum of technologies and disciplines relevant to transportation system improvements
Experience in assembling interdisciplinary teams to address technology and public policy innovations
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What makes us unique
Entrepreneurial, objective, efficient
Fee-for-service; no direct appropriations Flexibility and responsiveness of a consultant A trusted, objective advisor focused on safety and
the public good
Federal advantage
Guided by a deep understanding of federal responsibilities, objectives, and practices
Accessibility of a federal in-house resource that can partner on strategy, tactics, policy, and acquisitions
Driven by public interest—not profit
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Our sponsor base is broad and diverse
U.S. DOT
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Highway Administration Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Federal Railroad Administration Federal Transit Administration Maritime Administration National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of the Inspector General Office of the Secretary of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Research and Innovative Technology Administration Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
State and Local
• Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning• Massachusetts Port Authority • Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments• Minnesota Department of Transportation • New York State Thruway Authority • Orange County Transportation Authority• State of Arizona• University of Florida• Washington Metro Area Transit Authority
Other Federal
Central Intelligence Agency Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce Department of Defense Department of Energy Department of Homeland Security Department of the Interior Department of State Environmental Protection Agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration U.S. Access Board U.S. Postal Service
International
• International Civil Aviation Organization• United Kingdom Ministry of Defence
Others
• Boeing Commercial Airlines• MITRE Corporation
Continuous improvement through biennial customer satisfaction interviews
Annual obligations ~$250M
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A multidisciplinary set of skills and expertise
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Volpe Center organization
Technical Centers
SafetyManagement
SystemsRegina Houston, acting
SafetyManagement
SystemsRegina Houston, acting
Transportation Policy and Planning
Rachel Winkeller
Transportation Policy and Planning
Rachel Winkeller
Environmentaland Energy
SystemsGregg Fleming
Environmentaland Energy
SystemsGregg Fleming
Transportation Logistics and Security
Michael Dinning
Transportation Logistics and Security
Michael Dinning
Air Traffic Systems and OperationsSteven Lang
Air Traffic Systems and OperationsSteven Lang
InfrastructureSystems and EngineeringRobert Dorer
InfrastructureSystems and EngineeringRobert Dorer
Human FactorsResearch and
SystemApplications
Stephen Popkin
Human FactorsResearch and
SystemApplications
Stephen Popkin
AdvancedTransportationTechnologies
Gary Ritter
AdvancedTransportationTechnologies
Gary Ritter
Chief Financial OfficerWilliam Henrikson
Chief Financial OfficerWilliam Henrikson
Chief CounselMonica Conyngham
Chief CounselMonica Conyngham
EEO Officervacant
EEO Officervacant
Director and Associate Administrator
Robert C. Johns
Director and Associate Administrator
Robert C. Johns
HumanResources
Susan Connors
HumanResources
Susan Connors
AcquisitionsMary DohertyAcquisitions
Mary Doherty
InformationTechnology
Eric Frykenberg
InformationTechnology
Eric Frykenberg
Facilities ManagementDavid Duncan
Facilities ManagementDavid Duncan
Communication and Knowledge Management
Marc Mandler
Communication and Knowledge Management
Marc Mandler
Director Emeritus Richard John
Director Emeritus Richard John
Organizational Cultureand Development
Helen Blackman
Organizational Cultureand Development
Helen Blackman
Strategic Initiatives for Research and Innovation
Ellen Bell
Strategic Initiatives for Research and Innovation
Ellen Bell
Deputy Associate Administrator for Research and Innovation
Anne Aylward
Deputy Associate Administrator for Research and Innovation
Anne Aylward
Deputy Associate Administrator for Operations David Ishihara
Deputy Associate Administrator for Operations David Ishihara
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Technical Centers
SafetyManagement
Systems
SafetyManagement
Systems
Transportation Policy and Planning
Transportation Policy and Planning
Transportation Logistics and
Security
Transportation Logistics and
Security
Economic Analysis
Economic Analysis
TransportationPlanning
TransportationPlanning
OrganizationalPerformance
OrganizationalPerformance
Safety Information
Systems
Safety Information
Systems
Safety Measurement
and Analysis
Safety Measurement
and Analysis
Aviation Safety
Management
Aviation Safety
Management
EnvironmentalMeasurement and Modeling
EnvironmentalMeasurement and Modeling
EnvironmentalScience and Engineering
EnvironmentalScience and Engineering
EnergyAnalysis Energy
Analysis
Security andEmergency
Management
Security andEmergency
Management
Situational Awareness and
Logistics
Situational Awareness and
Logistics
Structuresand Dynamics
Structuresand Dynamics
InfrastructureEngineering
andDeployment
InfrastructureEngineering
andDeployment
Systems Safety and
Engineering
Systems Safety and
Engineering
Surface TransportationHuman Factors
Surface TransportationHuman Factors
Aviation Human Factors
Aviation Human Factors
TechnologyInnovation and
Policy
TechnologyInnovation and
Policy
Advanced Vehicle
Technology
Advanced Vehicle
Technology
CAFE Program
Office
CAFE Program
Office
Environmentaland Energy
Systems
Environmentaland Energy
Systems
Air Wakes andWeather
Air Wakes andWeather
Air Navigationand
Surveillance
Air Navigationand
Surveillance
Air TrafficManagement
Systems
Air TrafficManagement
Systems
Aviation Systems
Engineering
Aviation Systems
Engineering
Aviation Facilities
and BusinessServices
Aviation Facilities
and BusinessServices
NextGenProgram
Office
NextGenProgram
Office
Air Traffic Systems and Operations
Air Traffic Systems and Operations
Human FactorsResearch and
SystemApplications
Human FactorsResearch and
SystemApplications
InfrastructureSystems and Engineering
InfrastructureSystems and Engineering
AdvancedTransportationTechnologies
AdvancedTransportationTechnologies
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Transportation Policy and Planning
Focus Transportation policy and economic
analysis and research that contribute to a compelling vision of transportation
Guidance that helps decision-makers make smart investments in the planning, development, management, operations, and financing of transportation systems and agencies
Example projects Transportation planning for national parks and public lands – FHWA, FTA,
National Park Service Implementation of Strategic Highway Research Program initiatives – FHWA Understanding effects of policies and economics on traveler behaviors – FHWA,
ITS JPO
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Safety Management Systems
Focus Application of safety management
principles to the transportation enterprise Acquisition, maintenance, distribution,
and analysis of safety data Development of large-scale IT solutions
to support safety inspection, enforcement, and compliance
Example projects Safety Performance Analysis System (SPAS) – FAA Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program – FMCSA Vehicle defects reporting and tracking (safercar.gov) – NHTSA
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Environmental and Energy Systems
Focus Measurement, analysis, and modeling of
energy consumption, climate variability, air quality, and noise
Research and analyses of data to provide scientific basis for energy and environmental policy
Example projects Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) – FAA, NASA Fuel economy research, analysis, and modeling (CAFE) – NHTSA Environmental compliance – FAA, EPA, NPS, PHMSA
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Transportation Logistics and Security
Focus
Transportation security assessment
Deployment and evaluation of security
technologies
Cyber security vulnerability assessment
and solution development
Logistics and supply chain analysis
Example projects Maritime Safety and Security Information System (MSSIS) – DoD Cyber security of transportation infrastructure – FAA, DHS, NHTSA Real-time active management of cargo operations worldwide – UK Ministry of
Defence
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Infrastructure Systems and Engineering
Focus Engineering and systems analysis of
guideways (e.g., tracks), vehicles, vessels, ports, systems, and facilities
Application of state-of-the-art infrastructure engineering expertise
Modeling of the dynamics and interactions of vehicles and guideways
Example projects Rail passenger equipment crashworthiness and occupant protection – FRA Improving grade crossing safety – FRA Marine engineering, fire system design and development, and life-cycle cost
analysis – U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, MARAD, NOAA
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Air Traffic Systems and Operations
Focus Development of aviation systems that
alleviate air traffic congestion, improve safety, and mitigate environmental impacts
Planning, testing, research, and evaluation in support of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen)
Development and assessment of real-time operational communication, navigation, surveillance, and decision support systems
Example projects Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) – FAA Aircraft wake turbulence program – FAA NextGen modeling and simulation – FAA Air traffic facilities support – FAA
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Human Factors Research and System Applications
Focus Provide internationally recognized human
factors research and development capabilities supporting all modes of transportation
Pioneer new insights about the relationships between humans and policies, processes, automation, and technologies
Example projects Confidential Close Call Reporting System – FRA Improving safety culture in rail – FRA Human system interaction and cockpit displays – FAA
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Advanced Transportation Technologies
Focus Explore advanced communications,
navigation, and information technologies Assess crash avoidance and electronic
systems safety and resilience Perform field tests, evaluations, strategic
planning, and research program management
Example projects Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program – DOT Connected vehicles evaluation and safety assessment – ITS JPO, NHTSA Intelligent Transportation Systems policy and planning – ITS JPO
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End-to-end project support
Acquisitions Develops innovative contract vehicles with
high performing vendors to meet our customer requirements
Conducts large and multifaceted procurements for our customers
Human Resources Advances training and professional
development of our workforce Recruits aggressively to ensure skilled, diverse workforce
Information Technology End-to-end customer IT support services, including internet and intranet, IT
program/project management, and computer security
Facilities Management Ensures our facility meets the needs of a 21st century workforce Award-winning sustainability programs
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Volpe is a good citizen
One of Cambridge’s 10 largest employers Twenty years as volunteer organizer of the
Kendall Square Learning Project, which offers free ESL classes
Nearly 100 staff volunteer as reading buddies at Kennedy-Longfellow School
Over $1.3 million donated to the charities of the Combined Federal Campaign since 2000
Continuing investments in “greening” initiatives for Volpe facilities
Member of Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Greater Boston Federal Executive Board, and Kendall Square Association
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Transportation thought leadership
Speaker series that brings together thought leaders from across the global transportation enterprise
International relationships in areas of common interest Knowledge management to support knowledge
retrieval, knowledge sharing, and collaboration Leadership and technical contributions to many
transportation scientific and standards committees
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Volpe and DOT Jobs: How to Apply
For Volpe Center Jobs visit Careers Website: www.volpe.dot.gov/careerFor internships
Visit the Student Employment websiteSubmit resume, cover letter, unofficial transcripts to [email protected]
For jobs after graduationVisit the Professional Jobs websiteClick on a position and apply via www.usajobs.gov
For all U.S. DOT jobs visit Careers-In-Motion website: www.dot.gov/careersStay tuned for brand new Pathways Programs available government-wide
Targeted towards hiring students and recent graduatesVisit www.opm.gov/hiringreform/pathways to learn more
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Contact us
Phone: (617) 494-2000 www.volpe.dot.gov Questions [email protected] Subscribe to E-news:
http://www.volpe.dot.gov/infosrc/highlts/subscribe.html