Enhanced Application Tool Helps VDOT Validate and Score Grant Requests

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CLIENT: Virginia Department of Transportation
LOCATION: Virginia

CHALLENGE

The Virginia Department of Transportation needed to improve its existing web-based application tool to facilitate the intake, validation, and scoring of a constantly increasing number of applications for multiple prioritization-based grant programs. The agency also needed a process to help applicants submit complete applications that are eligible for funding, and re-submit applications not funded in prior cycles.

SOLUTION

The GeoDecisions team used an Agile process to develop an enhanced SMART Portal application tool that would better automate the process of receiving, validating, and scoring grant applications, reducing the manual requirements of VDOT staff. The tool also allows VDOT to maintain previously submitted data so that it is available for resubmission if appropriate and enables the editing of loaded data. As well, it allows applicants to submit for multiple grant programs through a single web-based portal, simplifying the application process.

An administrative toolset helps the agency better manage the SMART Portal system, users, and organizations through user interface controls. Enhancements to the comments module improved communication between VDOT review staff and applicants during application intake and validation to improve the quality of submitted applications. Mapping improvements in the VDOT SMART SCALE program enable updates to boundary layers, enhancing the visibility of key components.

The SMART Portal supports applications submitted for multiple grant programs, including SMART SCALE, Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA), Revenue Sharing (RS), Highway Safety (HSIP), Bike/Ped Safety (BSPS), Systemic Safety Improvements (SSI), Rail Safety Improvements, and State of Good Repair (SGR) Local Owned Bridges and Primary Extensions.

KEY TECHNOLOGY

  • Front-End

    • AngularJS 1.7.9

    • ESRI JavaScript API 3.31 with DOJO Toolkit

    • NodeJS 12 (with NPM)

    • Webpack 4

    • TypeScript 3.8.3

    • Terraformer library

  • Server-Side

    • Hosted in MS Azure

    • Microsoft ASP.NET

    • Database: Azure SQL Server

KEY RESULTS

  • Automated receiving, validation, and scoring of grant applications

  • Support for submitting for multiple grant programs

  • Improved communication between VDOT and grant applicants