As an integral part of 23 CFR 637 B (see Caltrans IAP), the RSP is a materials laboratory proficiency testing program that uses reference or control samples (samples of known characteristics) to evaluate equipment, testing practices, technician competence, and the accuracy and reproducibility of test results.

Purpose and Need, or Need and Purpose - Which is it? The need for a project drives its purpose; this is how the phrase "need and purpose" came into usage. It conveys how practitioners should approach this topic: first define the need(s) for a project, and the project purpose(s) will flow from that.

i CALTRANS PEL STUDY GUIDEBOOK Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) is a new process to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) but not a new process in the transportation sector. This Guidebook outlines how Caltrans teams can apply and take advantage of PEL.

The Guidance for Preparers of Growth-related, Indirect Impact Analyses deals with the subset of indirect effects associated with highway projects that may encourage or facilitate land use or development that changes the location, rate, type, or amount of growth.