Abstract
This report has two purposes: (1) to present the research findings -- the state-of-the-art in contracting for maintenance and (2) to provide guidelines to assist highway agencies with contracting for maintenance services. Data were collected from 58 highway agencies (42 states, seven provinces, six counties, one city, and one regional agency), the U.S. Forest Service, and 29 contractors. The guidelines include sections on deciding whether contracting will be advantageous for an agency, making cost comparisons, preparing for contracting, developing specifications, soliciting bids, administering contracts, and modifying contracts. (A)