Florida Transit Operator Trainer Training Program

(Center Identification Number: 77972-00)

Principal Investigator:

Lisa Staes, Program Director
Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR)
University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CUT 100
Tampa, Florida 33620-5375
staes@cutr.usf.edu
(813) 974-9787

Co-Principal Investigators:

Holly Carapella, Research Associate
Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR)
University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, CUT 100
Tampa, Florida 33620-5375
hollyc@cutr.usf.edu
(813) 974-1446

Administrative Officer:

Sharon Pinson, Division of Sponsored Research
Office of Research and Innovation
University of South Florida
3702 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 165
Tampa, Florida 33612-9445
spinson@research.usf.edu
(813) 974-0360

Introduction

In 2000, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida (USF) partnered to develop the Florida Transit Operator Trainer Training Program. The program offers training courses to Florida’s transit operator trainers through a voluntary state and federal certificate program. The program is overseen by the Florida Operations Network (FON) who serve in an advisory capacity. The FON meets quarterly to discuss the program’s goals and accomplishments and provide direction to the project team. The FON also meets to discuss industry issues, problem-solve, network and institute positive changes in transit on a statewide level. The Florida Operations Network (FON) members are highly motivated Florida transit operations managers.

This proposal outlines CUTR’s effort to continue to meet the goals, missions and objectives set forth for both the training component and FON elements of the Florida Transit Operator Trainer Training Program.

Program Administration

Task 1: Training

CUTR will work with FDOT to re-deploy the electronic training needs assessment evaluation tool (developed previously) for identifying the critical training needs of Florida’s public transit systems. Based on the needs assessment results, FDOT will direct CUTR to offer key essential training classes.

CUTR will schedule and/or develop training courses identified by FDOT and Florida’s public transit agencies. CUTR will provide logistical support and coordination for training courses offered through the Florida Operator Trainer Training Certificate Program. This will include negotiating costs with independent contractors for training, issuing purchase orders, and approving final invoices. Additionally, CUTR will develop training marketing information, coordinate and manage registrations, reminders, and announcements through the Learning Management Systems (LMS) TransportationLearning.org and via email. CUTR will manage and administer all aspects of the LMS to ensure that the program’s mission, goals, and objectives are being effectively met.

CUTR will oversee, administer and manage courses offered through the program. CUTR will coordinate training rooms, audio visual equipment and support, provide training materials, and provide travel related logistical support and pay travel related expenses for training program participants.

CUTR will develop new training classes at the direction of FDOT and will include the development of course curriculum with corresponding instructor guides and participant manuals; Microsoft PowerPoint presentations; and any other media related materials. The direct delivery of new training courses could include, but not be limited to instructor led training (ILT), computer based training (CBT) and/or e-Learning.

CUTR will provide plaque awards and/or certificates to participants who have successfully completed all the required training courses through the certificate program. Plaques and other course completion materials will be an allowable expense through this contract.

Table 1
Deliverables (Training)

Deliverables (Training)	Description	Due Dates
Criteria Evaluation Tool	CUTR will work with FDOT to re-deploy the electronic survey instrument that serves as a critical evaluation tool for identifying the critical training needs of Florida transit systems. The results from the evaluation tool will be used to identify training courses that should be offered.	Two months of NTP
Program Marketing	CUTR will administer and maintain the Program’s website. This includes, but is not limited to updating program information and training announcements. CUTR will also post program related training course announcements on other FDOT sponsored training websites, listservs and eblasts.CUTR will also coordinate the development and delivery of a monthly eblast that will notify Florida’s transit professionals about upcoming program related training courses.	Quarterly
Monitor Training Audience	CUTR will maintain, monitor and update a database of existing trainers who are already participating in the program, and will continue to recruit and monitor new training participants.	Quarterly
Develop Training Strategy	CUTR will work with FDOT to develop a training strategy and schedule for the program year. Every effort will be made to cross reference conferences and other state and national events to avoid schedule conflicts. At a minimum, the following courses will be offered/administered: Instructor’s Course in Bus Operator Training (FT00429), Fatigue Awareness for Transit Employees (online), Managing for Performance, Safety, Customer Service, Conflict and Work Ethic-A Guide for Transit Operator Trainers.	Quarterly
Development/ Implementation	CUTR will provide logistical support and will coordinate training courses. This effort will include identifying training location, negotiating costs with independent trainers for training courses, issuing purchase orders, and approving final invoices. Additionally, CUTR will develop information/registration forms for each training course and coordinate the registration process which will include announcing upcoming training opportunities, registering participants, confirming registrations, funding registration fees, coordinating lodging facilities, coordinating training room locations and providing appropriate audio visual requirements. CUTR will also provide logistics support to process travel reimbursement for class participants, and address all related correspondence needs and requests.	Quarterly
Produce Training Materials	Whenever necessary, CUTR will reproduce, develop and/or update the Program’s training materials.	Quarterly
Training Delivery	CUTR will coordinate the logistics of each training course outlined in the “Development/Implementation” to ensure that both the instructor(s) and participants have everything needed to make the transfer of knowledge successful. This includes administrative support during the delivery of each training course.	Quarterly
Travel Coordination	One of the main components of the program is to provide travel reimbursement to the program’s training participants. CUTR will work with local hotels and training participants to coordinate travel, assist in making travel arrangements, and process and provide travel reimbursement.	Quarterly
Travel Reimbursement	USF will provide travel reimbursement for all eligible training expenditures based on USF’s travel policies and guidelines.
Target Results	The transfer of knowledge determines the success of the training delivery and needs to be appraised through an evaluation process. After each training course, CUTR will disseminate either an electronic or paper evaluation. These evaluations will be reviewed by the project managers and kept on file. The evaluations will be furnished to FDOT upon request.	Quarterly
Onsite Technical Support	General administrative staff support will be provided at each class offered through the program. This includes, but is not limited to classroom setup, and providing computer and audio visual equipment and support.	Quarterly
Learning Management System	CUTR will maintain a Learning Management System (LMS) to electronically track training records and participation. This LMS will be updated regularly and be available to FDOT upon request.	Quarterly
Record Keeping/Filing	Detailed records of attendee data will be maintained and made available to FDOT upon request. Included in each training course file will be a registration flier, registration forms, attendee list, purchase order, invoice, course evaluations and additional correspondence.	Quarterly

Task 2: Florida Operations Network (FON)

The Florida Operations Network (FON) is an important component of the Florida Transit Operator Trainer Training Program. The FON serves as an advisory body to guide the program and its activities. The FON is also critical to Florida’s operations managers because it provides a valuable opportunity to network, share information on industry issues, problem solve and institute policy change on a statewide level.

Table 2
Deliverables (Operations Network)

Deliverables (Florida Operations Network)	Description	Due Dates
Program Website	CUTR will house and maintain the Program’s website. This includes, but is not limited to meeting updates and announcements.	Quarterly
Listserv Management	CUTR will work with FDOT to maintain a database of FON members. CUTR will coordinate the FON listserv and maintain all responses/activities.	Quarterly
Scheduling	CUTR will work with FDOT to identify dates and locations for quarterly meetings and coordinate logistics. This includes reserving the meeting room location.	Quarterly
Travel Coordination	One of the main components of the program is to provide travel reimbursement for FON members for attending meetings. CUTR will work with local hotels and FON members to coordinate travel, arrangements, and reimbursement. CUTR will also coordinate travel and reimbursement for training participants who have successfully completed the program to attend FON meeting in recognition of their accomplishment.	Quarterly
Travel Reimbursement	USF will provide travel reimbursement for all eligible training participants based on USF’s travel policies and guidelines.	Quarterly
Attend and Staff Meetings	Program Managers as well as administrative support staff will attend and/or provide technical support for each FON meeting.	Quarterly
Target Results	CUTR will assist FDOT in all effort associated with quarterly FON meetings including developing an agenda, coordinating the logistics of an agenda, managing the meeting and providing technical assistance and follow up support whenever necessary.	Quarterly
Record Keeping/Filing	CUTR will keep each FON meeting agenda on file along with a list of attendees and bullets notes about the meeting.	Quarterly

Administrative Reports

A progress report shall be prepared and electronically submitted to the FDOT project manager each quarter. The progress report shall include the following items:

An updated project schedule with explanations of any deviations from the planned delivery schedule or budget. The explanations shall include the anticipated impact of any delays and a plan for returning to the target schedule or budget.
An updated list/summary of training courses offered during the quarter as well as details about the courses offered including, number of training participants, location, and overall course evaluation results.
An updated summary of any technical assistance activities, as well as expected completion dates.
A summary of upcoming activities including training courses and technical assistance.
Updates to budget risks previously identified and newly identified risks and recommended mitigation strategies.
Status of unresolved contract questions (if any).

Project Schedule

May 2014 to May 2015

Budget Summary

A budget table summary below (Table 3) has been provided to illustrate the general breakdown of expenses to administer the program over a 12 month period. CUTR will submit a progress report, cost analysis and expense invoice each quarter attesting to the number training contact hours, training participants served, and the level of coordinated service provided. Total Project Cost $186,900

On February 26, 2015 / Project Scopes / Leave a comment