The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking to fill the position of Director, Office of Transportation Management. The incumbent serves as a national leader in advancing the operations of metropolitan, rural, and statewide surface transportation systems to enhance mobility, efficiency, productivity, and safety. The incumbent provides leadership and direction to a technical staff in identifying and implementing policies and initiatives to reduce congestion and improve the movement of people and goods across the transportation system. In addition, the incumbent oversees the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems technology to improve routine and non-routine transportation management across the nation.

Additional information and a full list of duties are available on the USA Jobs Website. Applications are due no later than September 22, 2017.

via USDOT/ITS JPO

The USDOT’s connected vehicle program has identified many safety applications and here is an important one – curve speed warning. This application warns a truck driver if the truck is traveling too fast for an approaching curve and potentially avoid a rollover. To learn more about connected vehicles click here.

Steps and Instructions: 

1. Technical Papers

   Papers should address technical subjects as well as the institutional, policy, business and economic aspects of ITS. All papers must be original and report on recent, significant and substantive achievements. All papers must relate to one of the eight main topics provided.

   Papers must be submitted as final, be at least six pages and no longer than 12 pages single spaced. Technical papers will be reviewed by a peer panel that will look for quality, relevance, and significance of the findings.

2. Guidelines for Paper Submission

   • The deadline for submitting papers is Friday, February 6, 2015. Papers will not be accepted after this date. This deadline will not be extended.
   • Submitted papers must be in final form and follow the formatting instructions outlined here.
   • Papers must be submitted as final, be at least six pages and no longer than 12 pages single spaced.
   • Graphics are encouraged to enhance the presentation of the technical material.
   • Authors may submit up to three papers.
   • Papers may have up to five listed authors. Please note only the presenting author will be listed in the 2015 ITS America Annual Meeting and Exposition Final Program.
   • To help organize the technical sessions, please accurately specify the topic area that best describes the subject of your paper.
   • Upon submission, the primary author will receive a confirmation email.
   • If a paper is accepted, the primary author will be informed by mid-March 2015.
   • If the paper is conditionally accepted, the author must make sufficient changes to the paper, suggested by the reviewer, and resubmit the revised paper through the online portal by April 3, 2015.
   • Papers of a predominantly commercial nature will not be selected for presentation.
   • Presenting Authors must be registered for the 2015 ITS America Annual Meeting and Exposition by April 24, 2015 or their paper will be withdrawn from the program.
   • Please note that English is the official language of ITS America’s Annual Meetings. Papers not submitted in English will be automatically rejected.

   For more detailed information on submissions, see the Call For Papers brochure.

   For complete 25th Annual Meeting Paper Formatting Instructions, see
   Formatting Instructions.

3. Technical Support

For help in submitting an abstract online, Contact technical support.

TECHNICAL PAPERS

ASSOCIATION BACKGROUND

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to advancing the research, development and deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to improve the nation’s surface transportation network. ITS America was formed to provide a unified voice with respect to the development and deployment of new technology from the perspective of all potentially affected parties, including industry, government, academia and other association partners. ITS America represents the experience, perspective, and interest of both the public and private sectors.

ITS America’s members include federal, state, local government agencies; national and international companies involved in the development of intelligent transportation systems; universities and independent research organizations; certain national associations, and others. The Society has 27 state and multi-state chapters representing more than 40 states.

The Society’s $5+ million dollar budget is supported primarily through dues, fees derived from meetings, including a triennial World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, technical contracts with the U.S. Department of Transportation and others.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

ITS America Board of Directors

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The President and CEO provides leadership for ITS America. S/he directly oversees the management of a $5+ million budget and 30 staff in Washington, D.C. S/he serves as an ex officio member of the ITS America Board of Directors and on the ITS World Congress Board of Directors. S/he is responsible for translating the mission of the organization into specific goals and expectations relative to market development, research, education, and government affairs activities. S/he also serves as the lead spokesperson for ITS America before current and prospective members, government leaders, key business partners and stakeholders, media, other associations, and the general public.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The President and CEO exercise’s responsibility for the overall strategic direction, coordination, and execution of society programs. S/he may delegate portions of these responsibilities consistent with sound management principles and authorized policies and procedures, together with proportionate authority for their fulfillment; but may not delegate or relinquish accountability for the results. The specific responsibilities of the president are:

• Serves as the liaison between the Board and ITS America staff.
• Participate in policy formulation actions undertaken by the Board of Directors; Identifies strategic gaps and provides input; interprets major policies and objectives for officers and key executives; recommends courses of action; and establishes operating policies and standards within the general framework established by the Board.
• Ensure that the ITS America Board of Directors and the Executive Committee are kept timely informed about the operations of ITS America.
• Directs the enforcement of the Association Bylaws and the execution of all resolutions of the membership, the Board, and the Executive Committee.
• Directs the development of the strategic plan, budgets, programs, and campaigns required to achieve the objectives of the Society.
• Presents recommended annual operating work programs for approval by the Board of Directors.
• Administers the financial affairs of the Society within applicable Board policies, budgets, and accounting controls to ensure the overall fiscal health of ITS America.
• Builds effective relationships with individuals and organizations with shared interests. Identifies and engages partners, building alliances that advance ITS America’s mission and efforts to promote, conduct research, and provide educational opportunities.
• Serves as a spokesperson for ITS America and the industry before a wide variety of government leaders, the media and related organizations.
• Develop, recruit and retain a high quality staff.
• Work to optimize the effectiveness of the relationship with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Energy and other appropriate agencies.
• Provide a forum and environment for the public and private sectors to meet to examine, discuss and resolve complex ITS issues.
• Work closely with the ITS America Leadership Circle as well as any other forums organized at the Society to benefit the organization and its members.
• Provide leadership for ITS America’s participation in international programs and activities.
• Provide and active membership development and retention program.

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

The president maintains constant contact with the volunteer leadership of ITS America and:

• Maintain contact with appropriate regulatory and legislative bodies, associations, public service representatives and organizations to achieve ITS America’s objectives and to enhance the image of the Society.
• Where appropriate and feasible, seek to jointly develop policies, advice, recommendations and programs on ITS matters in cooperation with interested and affected organizations such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the America Public Transportation Association (APTA), the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), SAE International, the Transportation Research Board (TRB), the Association of Global Automakers, and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
• Represent ITS America in activities with its international partners, including ERTICO-ITS Europe and ITS Japan, and other national ITS organizations, to support a successful ITS World Congress and promote international cooperation on standards, research and deployment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The next ITS America President and CEO will be a strategic and innovative leader with a minimum of 10 years’ senior executive-level leadership and management experience with an organization of similar size, scale and complexity either in related sectors, a relevant association or government. The ideal candidate possesses the following experience and attributes:

• World class leader with a demonstrated track record as a leader in an organization known for innovation; Growth and customer/member service.
• Senior management experience including strategic planning, financial management, staff leadership, Board relations, market promotion and advocacy.
• Capable of anticipating and proactively addressing significant industry challenges and opportunities.
• Proven track record as a principal spokesperson and advocate before all forms of media and at the highest levels of government and business.
• Must have the intellectual courage to define and defend new ideas in an evolving organization environment and learn about member’s technologies and passionately advocate the Society’s mission internally and externally.
• A successful track record of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with an active volunteer Board, external partners and stakeholders.
• A highly recognizable, marquee executive who will bring high credibility to the organization.
• A history of successful engagement, partnering and alliance building.
• Experience attracting, developing, motivating and retaining a high performing, team- oriented staff.
• Ability to manage staff remotely.
• Experience leading the development and execution of strategies for identifying new value-added services and products and generating sustainable revenue streams.
• Experience leading a federation of independent chapters is a plus. Effective at leading through persuasion.
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills for building and fostering key internal and external relationships.
• Outstanding communication skills, including speaking and presentation skills; an active listener.
• Familiarity with sectors and issues related to the transportation and technology industry is a strong plus.
• Has strong presence and judgment. Equally effective at all levels within and outside the organization. Has unquestionable ethics and integrity.
• Committed to the association, its mission and members, and all the issues that affects their success.
• Servant leader; diplomatic; politically savvy.
• Willingness to undertake a robust domestic and international travel schedule.

LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

Keeps on Point: Can quickly separate the mission-critical from the nice to dos and the trivial; quickly senses what’s the next most useful thing to work on; focuses on the critical few tasks that really add value and puts aside or delays the rest.

Gets Work Done Through Others: Manages people well; gets the most and best out of the people he/she has; sets and communicates guiding goals; measures accomplishments, holds people accountable, and gives useful feedback; delegates and develops; keeps people informed; provides coaching for today and for the future.

Organizationally Savvy: Maneuvers well to get things done; maze bright; knows where to go to get what he/she needs; politically aware and agile; knows the right thing to do; presents views and arguments well.

Communicates Effectively: Writes and presents effectively; adjusts to fit the audience and the message; strongly gets a message across.

Manages Up: is ambitious and is comfortable marketing himself/herself to higher management; knows how to relate effectively with top management.

Relating Skills: warm, friendly, and interpersonally agile; easy to approach and talk to; relates well to all kinds of people; makes a pleasant first impression and builds solid relationships.

Manages Diverse Relationships: Relates well to a wide variety of diverse styles, types, and classes; open to differences; effective up, down, sideways, inside, and outside; builds diverse networks; quick to find common ground; treats differences fairly and equitably; values diversity and treats all people with respect and dignity.

Education: An undergraduate degree is required. An advanced degree is highly desirable.

Compensation: A competitive compensation package will be provided to attract outstanding candidates.

Search by ITS America: Please submit your letter of interest and resume to Human Resources at CEOsearch@itsa.org. pinterest-1f3bb

The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), the nation’s largest nonprofit association representing the transportation technology industry, is seeking a Government and External Affairs Manager to support the organization’s legislative affairs, communications and media outreach activities. ITS America’s membership includes more than 450 public agencies, private sector companies, and research institutions as well as state chapter affiliates in 40 states dedicated to advancing the research, development and deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems to improve mobility and build a safer, smarter, more efficient and sustainable surface transportation network. The Government and External Affairs Manager will be responsible for the following activities:

• Serve as a liaison for personal offices with the U.S. House of Representatives;
• Schedule and manage logistics for monthly Congressional Roundtable events with Members of Congress;
• Manage logistics and outreach for ITS America’s annual Capitol Hill Transportation Technology Showcase & Reception and Legislative Fly-in;
• Schedule, prepare materials for, and when needed represent ITS America at Congressional meetings and briefings;
• Assist in maintaining relationships and managing logistics related to ITS America’s Legislative Steering Committee;
• Plan and manage media, Congressional and stakeholder outreach events;
• Plan and manage Smart Solution Spotlight awards and related promotional activities;
• Write and manage the distribution of ITS America’s monthly member e-newsletter;
• Draft press releases, media statements, and other communications as needed;
• Perform legislative and regulatory research and writing;
• Write, edit and update copy regularly on www.itsa.org;
• Assist with government and media outreach for ITS America’s quarterly Regional Symposium Series events;
• Assist with government and media outreach for ITS America’s Annual Meeting and the global ITS World Congress;
• Serve as the point of contact for the ITS America SmartBrief—a daily email of the industry’s top news articles–and respond to content questions as necessary from the external editor
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date Congressional, media and stakeholders contacts and distribution lists; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The incumbent will report to the Senior Vice President for Government and External Affairs, with day-to-day management provided by the Vice President for Legislative Affairs and Director of Communications. Candidates should have at least 2-4 years of relevant legislative and/or government experience, extremely strong writing skills with a working knowledge of AP Style, the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, and attention to detail. Congressional affairs, media relations, and transportation and/or technology policy experience are all a strong plus. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please submit your resume and at least two writing samples to pfeenstra@itsa.org.

TRB 2015 Annual Meeting – Vehicle-Highway Automation Projects and Programs

Call for Abstracts – Special Poster Session 

Committee on Vehicle-Highway Automation (AHB30)

Committee on Intelligent Transportation Systems (AHB15)

Joint Subcommittee on Challenges and Opportunities of Road Vehicle Automation

Vehicle-Highway automation has generated strong interest within the past year, leading to the initiation of a wide variety of new projects and programs.  Because of the novelty of this field, many of the new activities have not yet advanced to the stage that they can present sufficiently definitive results that would pass the normal peer review criteria for a technical paper.  Nevertheless, the plans and focus areas of these projects and programs are likely to be of significant interest to the TRB Annual Meeting participants. This poster session provides exposure to a wide range of topics and activities in the field of vehicle-highway automation.

Abstracts are invited now. The following topic areas related to vehicle-highway automation are suitable for the poster session:

•  introductions to research centers or programs
•  research agendas
• prospective studies and work in progress
• qualitative research studies

Please note that abstracts will be peer reviewed.  A limited number of posters will be selected for presentation based on the following criteria:

• technical quality
• originality
• direct relevance to the field of vehicle-highway automation
•  appropriateness of the methodology
•  non-commercial nature of the content.

Abstracts are due by September 15, 2014.  Peer review decisions will be announced by October 15, 2014.

• Please submit your abstract by emailing to TRBposter.automation@gmail.com
• Abstracts should be limited to 300 words.
• Abstracts should include:
  • Name, affiliation, and contact information for all authors
  • A descriptive title
  • A short description (300 words) of the proposed poster content

The U.S. Department of Transportation will host a free public meeting and webinar to inform stakeholders on the progress, products, and next steps of the Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program.

The public meeting is scheduled for April 30, 2014, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm in Washington, DC. The public meeting will also be webcast at no charge.

Summary

Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program Description

On March 12, 2014, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a Request for Information (RFI) that will be used to help refine the plans for one or more connected vehicle pilot deployments  (https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/03/12/2014-05414/connected-vehicle-pilot-deployment-program-request-for-information).

The Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program seeks to combine connected vehicle and mobile device technologies in innovative and cost-effective ways to improve traveler mobility and system productivity, while reducing environmental impacts and enhancing safety. The FHWA anticipates a procurement action for one or more pilot deployment concepts in 2015.

Purpose of Public Meeting and Webinar

The purpose of the meeting is to inform private sector stakeholders on upcoming opportunities and to seek input from public sector implementers as they prepare to integrate emerging connected vehicle and mobile device technologies into operational practice.   The meeting will provide information on the organizing principles and preliminary schedule of the Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program.  In addition, the meeting will provide a summary of challenges identified in the RFI and facilitate a further discussion with stakeholders regarding the most salient challenges. This meeting is being sponsored by the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Programs Office (ITS JPO).

The meeting will take place at:

HOLIDAY INN CAPITOL 
550 C Street S.W.
Washington, DC 20024,
(202) 479-4000

To register, visit: www.itsa.org/cvpilotsregistration

For further information contact:

Carlos Alban
Transportation Program Specialist
Intelligent Transportation Society of America
1100 New Jersey Ave., SE, Suite #850
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-721-4223
Email:  calban@itsa.org

– See more at: http://www.its.dot.gov/meetings/cv_pilot_deployment.htm#sthash.D84C5YAq.dpuf

Federal Highway Administration – Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

Upcoming Position: Research Transportation Specialist

Image courtesy. www.dot.gov

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is looking for a Research Transportation Specialist (GS-12/13) to lead state-of the-art transportation operations research projects at the nationally recognized Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, Virginia.  This position is for a junior or mid-level professional in the Transportation Operations Applications Team in the Office of Operations Research and Development (R&D).  The incumbent is experienced in research related to one or more of the following areas:

(a) Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS),
(b) traffic adaptive control systems,
(c) freeway management systems,
(d) wireless communications systems, and/or
(e) cooperative vehicle-highway systems to help achieve the FHWA’s system performance strategic goal.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative environment at the Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory and with nationally recognized experts on meaningful cutting edge research projects such as the connected vehicle initiative and vehicle automation, as well as nearer-term applied problems in transportation operations.  The incumbent will be expected to guide in-house research, manage extramural contracts, and encourage partnerships for on-site research at our Cooperative Vehicle-Highway Testbed, as well as offsite field research on public or private roads and/or test tracks. The ideal candidate will preferably have an advanced degree in an engineering or scientific field, with course work related to one or more aspects of ITS, traffic engineering, or telecommunications.  He/she should have 5 or more years of relevant work experience.  Strong leadership, organization and people skills are a must.

FHWA expects to announce the position soon.  The office will not be accepting resumes, please refer to the USA Jobs web site periodically for the specific vacancy announcement:  https://www.usajobs.gov/

Also see: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/research/tfhrc/labs/operations/

Contact:  Ben McKeever, 202-493-3270 or ben.mckeever@dot.gov

Your colleagues are already taking advantage of the USDOT’s web-based textbook on intelligent transportation systems, the ITS ePrimer. It’s not too late to jump on the bandwagon. Visit the USDOT website and explore the electronic resource’s in-depth modules describing key ITS topics.

The ITS ePrimer helps transportation professionals and students better understand how ITS is integrated into the planning, design, deployment, and operations of surface transportation systems. It’s both a stand-alone reference document for practitioners as well as a text for education and training programs.

Image Courtesy: ITS JPO @ USDOT

Each module includes interactive content via video and web links. Learn more about:

• Systems Engineering
• Transportation Management Systems
• Traffic Operations
• Personal Transportation
• Freight, Intermodal, and Commercial Vehicle Operations
• Public Transportation
• Electronic Toll Collection and Pricing
• Supporting ITS Technologies
• Rural and Regional ITS Applications
• Sustainable Transportation
• Institutional Issues
• Connected Vehicles
• Emerging Issues.

The ePrimer is a free resource offered via the USDOT website. All materials can be downloaded for later use.

What are you waiting for? Click here and expand your knowledge now!