Fully qualified items
Once an item is fully qualified, we will:
- Add it to the appropriate QTCE section
- Draft a letter to the product application
- It may be used without restriction on all Department projects
Provisionally qualified items
When an item is provisionally qualified, we will:
- Add the item to the appropriated QTCE section
- Place a note in the Remarks section stating the limits of use
- Draft a letter to the product applicant
- It may be used on all Department projects within the scope of its restrictions
Example:
An LED-enhanced sign was submitted and provisionally qualified. While the Committee feels that this product is beneficial to the traveling public, it is not appropriate for use on state highways. It may be given Provisional qualification and "For Municipal Use Only" would be added to the Remarks section. This product is still eligible for use on state- and federal-aid projects on locally-owned roads.
Experimentally qualify the item
Products may be listed as experimentally under certain conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Products that may be one of the first of its type in Massachusetts
- Do not have an extensive record of use in states that have a climate similar to Massachusetts
- Do not conform to the Department’s Standard Specifications
- Have maintenance or operational concerns
Experimentally qualified items are added to the appropriate section of the QTCE and a letter will be drafted to the product applicant describing the conditions and terms of the experimental status.
Upon completion of the experimental period it will be put back onto the Committee's agenda for a final determination.
Example:
A passive vehicle detection device is submitted. It uses a technology or combination of technologies not previously used in Massachusetts. Although interested, the Committee is concerned with how it will perform during inclement weather. The product may be given Experimental qualification so that it may be installed at a test location for a predetermined duration. Upon completion of the testing period, the results of the test and feedback from District staff are given to the Committee for a final determination.
Tabled items
The Committee typically tables a product if more information is needed before it can make a determination. Generally, the applicant, their references, and/or District staff provides the additional information. Tabled items are immediately added to the next month's agenda.
Rejected items
A product may be rejected for one or more reasons, including:
- Lack of proper certification
- Poor performance record
- Lack of positive references
- Operational or maintenance concerns
- It does not meet a current need of the Commonwealth
Unless otherwise approved by the State Traffic Engineer, rejected items must wait at least 12 months before they are resubmitted.