Getting Help
There are many resources to guide an agency in deploying MDSS. These include: knowledgeable individuals to contact, training, articles, information on MDSS software offerings, and sample requests for proposals. Many of these resources are available online and are updated on a continual basis; links are included in this guide. MDSS offerings and associated information continue to evolve so care must be taken in using information to ensure that it is current.
Planning and Justification
Flyers and brochures have been developed to provide users with an overview of MDSS and its capabilities. Contact information for experts who can guide future users in planning and justifying the system for their agency is available at:
http://www.transportation.org/sites/aashtotig/docs/mdss_v2.pdf
All MDSS prototype software has been made available at no cost. This allows interested parties to test and evaluate the package. Steps for obtaining the latest MDSS prototype source code can be obtained at:
http://www.ral.ucar.edu/projects/rdwx_mdss/products/steps.php
Acquisition and Implementation
The National Center for Atmospheric Research has created a document that provides a template for creating an MDSS RFP. This document is available at:
http://www.ral.ucar.edu/projects/rdwx_mdss/documents/MDSS_FRD_Procurement_Template_22July06.doc
The Aurora Program (DOT Pooled Fund) has a web page that contains RFPs that are associated with previous MDSS acquisitions. These RFPs can be accessed at:
http://www.aurora-program.org/matrix.cfm
"Deployment of Maintenance Decision Support Systems for Winter Operations" provides the overview of the functionalities of an MDSS:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec098.pdf
Use and Evaluation
The National Center for Atmospheric Research maintains a web site that summarizes steps on how to use the MDSS prototype at:
http://www.rap.ucar.edu/projects/rdwx_mdss/prototype.php
The most recent MDSS prototype technical documentation can be obtained from:
http://www.rap.ucar.edu/projects/rdwx_mdss/documents/
For Additional Information
Further information on MDSS and the federal prototype can be found on the Federal Highway Administration web site at:
http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/mitigating_impacts/programs.htm#p3
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