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Operations Benefit/Cost Analysis TOPS-BC User's Manual

Overview

This document provides guidance on the setup and application of the Tool for Operations Benefit/Cost (TOPS-BC). This User’s Manual provides instruction on the installation and setup of TOPS-BC Version 1.0, instruction for using the basic capabilities, and discussion of adapting the available capabilities to the unique needs of an individual analysis. The TOPS-BC tool was developed to support and complement the guidance developed as part of the FHWA Operations Benefit/Cost Analysis Desk Reference project. The Desk Reference provides more general discussion on the field of B/C analysis and methods for structuring analyses to overcome the many challenges often present when attempting to apply B/C analysis to Operations strategies.

Specifically the TOPS-BC tool was developed to provide key decision support capabilities including: 

  • The ability for users to investigate the expected range of impacts associated with previous deployments and analyses of many TSM&O strategies; 
  • A screening mechanism to help users identify appropriate tools and methodologies for conducting a benefit/cost (B/C) analysis based on their analysis needs; 
  • A framework and default cost data to estimate the life-cycle costs of various TSM&O strategies, including capital, replacement, and continuing operations and maintenance (O&M) costs; and 
  • A framework and suggested impact values for conducting simple sketch planning level B/C analysis for selected TSM&O strategies.

 

Source Organization Location

Washington
,
DC

Operations Area of Practice

    ITS System architecture
    Strategic Planning
    Cost / Benefit Analysis

Organizational Capability Element

    Programming/Budget/Funding

Role in Organization

Senior Engineer
Researcher/Academic
Manager / First Line Supervisor
Engineer
Senior Manager
Associate Engineer

Publishing Organization

FHWA

Document Downloads

Prime Contractor
Cambridge Systematics, Inc.
Author
Doug Sallman,
Krista Jeannotte,
Rich Margiotta, and
Jennifer Strasser
TOM Chapters
6.5
8.3
View Related
Issue Date
Publication Number
HOP-31-041