The methodology used to evaluate Virginia's applicants for capital grants for transportation aid through the Urban Mass Transportation Act's Section 16(b)(2) program is summarised. Eligible applicants include private non-profit organisations that support program objectives of various state agencies. The previous use of essay questions to assess applicants' proposals produced inconsistent scoring results. Numerical scales of measurement were applied to a fixed-alternative and open-ended questionnaire in February 1990 to allow consistent comparisons of information and to provide consistent scoring assignments for all applicants. Specific variables were assigned different weighted values to gauge agencies of large and small fleet size by similar quality control standards. Various electronic spreadsheet functions were used to quantify and rank data. The relative significance of these measurement techniques to the evaluation process and their influence on future funding policy are discussed. These methods meet the needs and desires of Virginia's Section 16(b)(2) Review Committee and may also be useful to administering agencies of other states.
Abstract