Do you have a problem you need solved? Is there a topic you would like to know more about? Ever wondered how your colleagues ae dealing with a particular issue and what the best practices are for handling it could be? All of these (and more) could be addressed through research!
How the Ideas Solication Process Works
ORIL accepts research ideas all year (there is a formal solicitation that goes out in the Summer) and everyone is invited to submit ideas. In addition to Ohio’s local public agencies (e.g.: villages, townships, cities, counties, MPOs, and RTPOs), ideas may also be submitted by university researchers, students, consultants, associations, and ODOT staff. All ideas must be applicable to the local transportation system and must be research. The ORIL Board reviews all ideas submitted and select those that propose the biggest benefit for Ohio. Selected ideas will be developed into Requests for Proposals, which will be posted for response from the transportation research community in January. Research projects may begin any time after July of the current fiscal year
Requirements for Consideration
Ideas must be related to transportation issues. (See NOTE below.)
Ideas must be responsive to at least one of the research focus areas identifed in the ORIL Strategic Research Plan.
Ideas must be received by the published deadline date on the official idea solicitation to be considered for the upcoming program.
For more information on the ORIL program, how it works and details about the criteria used by the ORIL Board to select the ideas, visit the ORIL Guidebook.
To learn more about current ORIL projects, visit ORIL Projects.
NOTE:
ORIL funding is currently provided through the State Planning & Research Part B Program, which carries the following eligibility criteria: According to 23USC505, SP&R2 funds may only be used to support two specific activities:
(5) Research, development, and technology transfer activities necessary in connection with the planning, design, construction, management, and maintenance of highway, public transportation, and intermodal transportation systems.
(6) Study, research, and training on the engineering standards and construction materials for transportation systems described in paragraph (5), including the evaluation and accreditation of inspection and testing and the regulation and taxation of their use.
