Attachment_J.3.pdf

DTFH6115R00009 Page 1 of 1

Attachment J.3: NHI Needs Assessment Overview

An NHI needs assessment is a focused, off-site meeting of affected stakeholders designed to reach an agreement on key aspects related to developing or updating an NHI course. Invitees include FHWA

Headquarters Program office and Field staff (Resource Center and/or FHWA Division office representatives); State Department of Transportation staff; representatives from other Federal agencies; Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) staff; resource agency staff; representatives from academia, among other partners and stakeholders.

Information gleaned from participants will be incorporated into the contracting documents provided to those who will be involved in an NHI course development or update. Facilitated by the NHI

Training Program Manager, those invited are asked to:

• provide background information on the need for a new or updated training course

• articulate the overall course objective: what is the point or purpose of this training?

• define the target audience: for whom is this training intended?

• determine the delivery method for the training offering: instructor-led, web-based, web conferencing, etc.?

• list 5- 7 performance-based course outcomes: what participants will be able to do upon completing the training course,

• suggest resources to assist in new course development or update: regulations, guidance documents, websites, publications, case studies, best practices, et al

• establish minimum course requirements/prerequisites,

• agree on the course title, if this is a new course development, Ground Rules

• time constrained-- one day meeting,

• turn off cell phones, pagers, et al,

• one person speaks at a time,

• limit side bar discussions– share thoughts with entire group,

• agreement must be reached.