PDT
From Pact
What is the PDT?
The project development process involves a multi-disciplinary Project Development Team (PDT). In collaboration, the Project Manager (PM) and the PDT communicate project decisions and commitments throughout the life of a project.
The PDT includes functional representatives within Caltrans as well as the community, local agencies, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and other state and federal agencies. Specific task assignments for the PDT members vary by the nature of the task.
PDT Members
Key points of contact on the team are the project sponsor, project engineer, and project manager. Depending on the nature of the project, the PDT may be made up of some or all of these parties:
- Functional Managers
- Coordinators
- Advisors and Consultants
- Project Sponsor
- Project Manager
- Project Engineer
PDT's Role in Cooperative Agreements
The PDT plays an essential role in developing an agreement and must include everybody with a vested interest in the project. The PDT provides a forum in which to develop the commitment and evaluate the impacts and benefits to various aspects of the project.
- In addition to Caltrans resources, the PDT also includes the project sponsor and representatives of any local agency, regional transportation agency, or private developer involved in the project.
- Because there is no formal review and approval stage for cooperative agreements, it is important to include the district cooperative agreement coordinator (CAC) on the PDT. The district CAC works with the OCA during the development process to keep Accounting and Legal actively involved.
- When local assistance funds are involved, the local assistance engineer should also be included on the PDT.
It is vital that every member of the PDT, including the project’s stakeholders, review and understand the commitments proposed by the agreement. Failure to do this poses a substantial risk to the project.
