Overview Flowchart: Process Steps for a Local Agency Project
Once funding has been identified for your project, Flowchart 1 outlines the steps for preparing and executing an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between your agency and CDOT.
If you will be using a consultant to design or to provide construction administration services for your project, you will need to review the steps for procuring engineering services in Flowchart 2. If the design will be completed in-house, review FHWA's video on project development and initiate your project.
Flowchart 2 outlines the steps for procuring engineering services on projects using Federal Aid Highway Program funds.
Once you have an executed IGA, you will initiate the project to meet the requirements of the agreement. Flowchart 2A provides the steps for consultant management and monthly reimbursement, and Flowchart 2B outlines the reimbursement process for engineering services.
Flowchart 4 outlines the steps of the environmental clearance process.
For any federally funded project, there are three major milestones: NEPA approval, PS&E approval and final acceptance of the constructed project.
The first federal milestone to complete is NEPA. This establishes the project purpose and need, the "conceptual" location and design, and approval of the selected alternative based on the scope of work for the transportation project. Environmental commitments may be necessary to mitigate the impacts anticipated from constructing the project.
Flowchart 3 includes the project development steps from notice to proceed (NTP) with design through plans, specifications, and cost estimate review (PS&E) approval. It also provides information on utility and railroad clearance. Flowchart 3A provides information on the project development process and the design scoping review meeting, and Flowchart 3B reviews FHWA's finding in the public interest (FIPI) or public interest finding (PIF) process. General information on project development can be found in FHWA's video on project development for construction.
The second major federal milestone is the approval of the PS&E package, which permits authorization for physical construction. Your project must not be advertised for bids unless you have received approval from CDOT.
Flowchart 6 outlines the steps to achieve CDOT concurrence to advertise and discusses the ongoing public involvement needed for your project.
If you will be using a consultant for construction administration services, the requirements are outlined in Flowchart 2.
The procurement process for construction administration is provided in Flowchart 2: LPA Procurement of Engineering Services Using Federal-Aid Highway Program (FAHP) Funds.
Flowchart 7 outlines the steps from receiving CDOT concurrence to advertise to your notice of award to the construction contractor.
After you issue a notice of award to your contractor, Flowchart 8 outlines the steps necessary to get to contractor mobilization.
Flowchart 9 outlines the construction process. Flowchart 9A reviews the reimbursement process, Flowchart 9B outlines the change order process and Flowchart 9C describes the materials process during construction.
Flowchart 10 outlines project acceptance from final project inspection though the contractor's finals documentation.
Project closure, Flowchart 11, outlines the finals documentation submittals and final reimbursement steps for the project.
The third major federal milestone is closing out the project, which incorporates final acceptance and final vouchering (reimbursement) for the project. Closing out the project is when your responsibilities transition to maintaining and operating the facility.
Your project is considered complete after it is turned over to the entity responsible for maintenance.
