The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintains a continuing interest in the development of new and improved products for use on PennDOT construction projects.
PennDOT has an ongoing interest in the implementation of new materials, products, and processes for construction projects. New technologies submitted by manufacturers are evaluated for conformance to the expected specification, performance, and cost effectiveness.
For state-owned roads, PennDOT receives applications from manufacturers who have new products they feel would benefit the Department's construction programs. The web-based Product Evaluation Application within the PennDOT’s Electronic Construction and Materials Management System (eCAMMS) is the means to submit products for consideration for approval and listing in Publication 35 (Bulletin 15, “Qualified Products List for Construction”). eCAMMS allows users to submit product evaluation applications, track the progress of their submitted applications, and communicate electronically with PennDOT.
Manufacturers submit a Product Evaluation Application which is used to determine whether a product meets an existing specification, standard drawing, or standard special provision. These applications are assigned an Evaluation Number when entered into eCAMMS.
Product Evaluation Categories
Product applications fall into one of three categories: Product Evaluation Qualification (PEQ) or Product Evaluation (PE) or Research Projects (RP).
A PEQ is a product that meets current PennDOT Publication 408 Specifications, Standard Drawings, or Standard Special Provisions. If your product is categorized as a PEQ, your application will be processed and PennDOT will proceed with evaluating the product against that specification.
A PE or RP is a product that does NOT meet (in part or in whole) current PennDOT Specifications, Standard Drawings, or Standard Special Provisions.
A PE, a needs assessment will be performed by a product review panel with a product interest survey. If it is determined that your product may serve the needs of PennDOT, the product will be evaluated. If the product is deemed by the panel as not filling any current or anticipated need, you will be notified, and the application will be closed without further review or evaluation.
An RP is an evaluation for Products that need further investigation are placed in construction projects. A work plan is prepared to outline the required monitoring, testing and documentation during the evaluation period. The placement of the product is documented in a construction report. Long term performance and durability are monitored over an evaluation period and documented in a final report. The results of the research project are used as part of the product evaluation to determine approval or rejection of the product based on performance.
Specifications
When assessment and research show that the product should perform as expected, a provisional specification is drafted to cover the use of the product by the Department until a permanent specification is written and approved.
If you have any questions, please contact the New Products and Innovations (NPI) Section via phone at (717) 425-5816 or e-mail at RA-pdBOPDNPETS@pa.gov.
Resources
Product Evaluation Eligibility Guidance (PDF)
Register for an eCAMMS Account for Product Evaluation (PDF)
How to Apply for Your Product Evaluation (PDF)
eCAMMS Search Product Evaluations
eCAMMS Search Construction Bulletins
Bulletin 15 (Qualified Products List for Construction)
PUB 72M – Standards for Roadway Construction Series (RC Standards)
PUB 219M – Standards for Bridge Construction BC-700M (BC Standards)
PUB 218M – Standards for Bridge Design BD-600M Series (BD Standards)
PUB 111 – Traffic Control – Pavement Markings & Signing Standards (TC Standards)
PUB 148 -- Traffic Standards – Signals TC-8800 Series (TS Standards)