About Program
The TPF Program is a collaborative program that has existed for more than 45 yr. The program was first defined in 1977 per Title 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 560.3 as a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administered program in coordination with State departments of transportation (DOT). The TPF program creates an opportunity for partners to pool their funds, subject matter expertise, and resources to conduct high-priority research to meet a wide variety of shared transportation problems. Being able to pool funds allows participants to get more out of a study than if they conducted a study on their own. There are hundreds of active pooled fund studies, to help assist partners in finding and funding projects applicable to their agency’s needs.
Who Can Partner?
For interested participants, TPF studies must be initiated and led by either a State DOT or FHWA. The TPF Program is unique in that it allows for a wide variety of partners to participate and collaborate. For example, the program embraces public/private partnerships and international organization participation. The following types of agencies are encouraged to join as study partners:
- FHWA.
- State DOTs.
- Federal agencies.
- Regional and local agencies.
- Academic institutions.
- Associations.
- Private industry.
- Foreign entities in positive standing with the U.S. Government.
Combine Resources and Share the Benefits
Collaboration between TPF Program participants eliminates duplicative research efforts, allowing for more efficient use of funds. Beyond its funding and administrative advantages, the variety of expertise and experience brought together for a TPF study can have a much broader impact. The TPF Program focuses on national-and regional‑related transportation research, planning, and technology transfer activities in a range of categories, including pavements, bridges, design, safety, administration, environment, security, and maintenance.
