Overview
Traditional Department of Transportation (DOT) contracting and procurement systems are primarily designed around a predictable framework of design, construction, and maintenance services for roadway infrastructure. This legacy framework creates challenges when applied to Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) programs. Unlike typical highway infrastructure projects that can be easily purchased on a standardized, per-unit or per project basis, TSMO is a complex, multifaceted program of services.
TSMO encompasses an interconnected portfolio of multiple individual projects, on-going operational programs and services, rapidly evolving physical and digital infrastructure, specialized software assets, and human resources. While the strategic value of TSMO has become well understood within the program delivery offices of transportation agencies, there remains in many places knowledge gaps within the procurement role. The procurement function is frequently isolated in a separate department or division without dedicated personnel experienced in acquisition of TSMO supporting technology applications.