Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance

Last edited 06/16/16

Acronyms have become an increasingly prevalent part of western culture. They are used in almost all
occupations as a form of communications shorthand. This list is an attempt to identify and explain those
acronyms in common usage among transportation professionals in California.
The list was compiled by a former Caltrans employee over a number of years and is not an official
Caltrans document. It is offered as an informational tool. Its presence on this website does not
constitute advocacy or requirement of usage. If you have comments, questions or additions, please
contact the Division of Local Assistance Training Coordinator. We will make corrections as appropriate.

Numerical

AB 872

1999: Authorizes local agencies to spend Fed &

State matching funds in current STIP for eligible
work prior to allocation by CTC.

3C

Continuing, Cooperative and Comprehensive

AB1012

1999: Main intent to reduce large cash balance in

planning

State Highway Account by accelerating project

Education, Enforcement & Encouragement

delivery. Contains use it or lose it language

(SR2S)

whereby funds not obligated within three years of

3R

Resurfacing, Restoration & Rehabilitation work

allocation lapse and are distributed to other

4R

All of the above, plus Reconstruction

404

ACOE permit for waterway dredging or filling

3E

projects.
AB1475

SR2S established in CA

AB2928

2000: Traffic Congestion Relief Act, $5 billion.

Also establishes exchange of Fed RSTP & CMAQ

gAA

Affirmative Action

AAEE

American Academy of Environmental Engineers

AA/EO

Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity

AAMAS

Asphalt Aggregate Mixture Analysis System

AAP

Arterial Analysis Package

AAR

Agency Action Request

AARP

American Association of Retired Persons

AASHTO

American Assoc. of State Highway Officials

AADT

Average Annual Daily Traffic (two way)

AADTT

Average Annual Daily Truck Traffic

AB

Aggregate Base

AB69

Created RTPAs

AB140

1988, Deddeh Act, revised the STIP process

AB402

1977, Alquist/Ingalls Act, California

Transportation Reform Act,
set up the STIP process & CTC

funds for State transportation funds.

AB3929

Transportation Enhancement Relief Act

ABA

Appropriated Budget Authority

ABAG

Association of Bay Area Governments

ABET

Accreditation Board for Engineering

and Technology

ABM

Air Blown Mortar

ABME

Area Bridge Maintenance Engineer

ABS

Acroconitril-Butadiene-Styrene,
Antilock Braking System

AC

Advance Construction

A&C

Abatement and Control

ACB

Asphalt Concrete Base

ACE

Alamont Commuter Express;

Rail Program Stockton to San Jose

ACHP

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

ACI

American Concrete Institute

ACOE

Army Corps of Engineers

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 1 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

ACP

Asphalt Concrete Pavement,

ALOADS

Automated Location and Design System

Asbestos Cement Pipe

AL

Acceptable Level,

ACPA

American Concrete Pavement Assoc.

ACPPA

American Concrete Pressure Pipe Association

ALP

Annual Leave Program

ACR

Allocation Change Request

AM

Amplitude Modulation, Anti Meridian

ACSP

Automated Capital Spending Plan

AMBAG

Association of Monterey County Bay Area Govts

ACTA

Alameda County Transportation Authority

AMBER alert

Americas Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response

ACWP

Actual Cost of Work Performed

AMFA

Alternative Motor Fuels Act

ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act,

AMIS

Automated Management Information System

Advance Deposit Application

AMPS

Advanced Mobile Phone System (ITS)

(for local program reimbursements.)

ANPRM

Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making

Americans with Disabilities Act

ANSI

American National Standards Institute

ADAAG

regulatory Action Level (water qual.)

Accessibility Guidelines

ANWR

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Alaska)

ADIS

Advanced Driver Information System

AO

Agency Object (3-digit code used in TRS,

ADM

Arrow Diagramming Method

ADMS

Archived Data Management Subsystem (ITS)

AOA

Activity-on-Arrow

ADR

Alternative Dispute Resolution

AON

Activity-on-Node

AdSC

Administrative Service Center

APA

Asphalt Pavement Alliance

ADT

Average Daily Traffic

APE

Area of Potential Effect

ADUS

Archived Data User Service (ITS)

APCD

Air Pollution Control District

AE

Area Engineer

APDE

Advance Project Development Element

A&E

Architectural & Engineering

APEC

Automated Procedures for Engin. Consultants

AED

Associated Equipment Distributors

APEI

Area of Potential Environmental Impact

AEM

Acoustic Emission Monitoring

APHA

American Public Health Association

AEP

Association of Environmental Professionals

APM

Area Project Managers,

AFD

Architecture Flow Diagram

AFO

Animal Feeding Operation

APN

Assessors Parcel Number

AFT

American Farmland Trust

ARRA

Asphalt Recycling and Reclamation Assoc.

AGC

Association of General Contractors

APS

Advance Planning Study;

AGT

Automated Guideway Transit

AHAR

Automatic Highway Advisory Radio

APSEA

Asian-Pacific State Employees Association

AHS

Automated Highway System,

APT

Accelerated Pavement Testing

Average Highway Speed

APTA

American Public Transit Association

Artificial Intelligence; active ingredient

APTS

Advanced Public Transportation System (ITS)

Asphalt Institute

APU

auxiliary power units

AIA

American Institute of Architects

APWA

American Public Works Association

AIAC

American Indian Advisory Council

AQCP

Air Quality Control Program

AI/E

Architectural Inventory/Evaluation form

AQCR

Air-Quality Control Region

AID

Architecture Interconnect Diagram (ITS)

AQI

Air Quality Index

AIHA

American Industrial Health Association

AQMA

Air-Quality Maintenance Area

AIMS

Agency Information Management Strategy (TMS)

AQMD

Air Quality Management District

AIP

American Institute of Planners

AQMP

Air Quality Management Plan

AIRS

Aerometric Information Retrieval System

ARA

Automatic Road Analyzer

ALGOL

Algebraic Oriented Language

ARB

Air Resources Board

AI

also in WBS)

Assistant Project Manager

Accessible Pedestrian Signals

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 2 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

ARs

Attainment Regulations

AWRA

American Water Resources Association

AREA

American Railway Engineering Association

AWS

Alternate Work Schedule

ARHM

Asphalt-Rubber Hot Mix

ARHM-GG

Asphalt-Rubber Hot Mix - Gap Graded

AWT

Average Weekday Traffic

ARM

Air Resources Management

AWWA

American Water Works Association

ARTBA

American Road & Transportation Builders Assoc.

ARTS

Advanced Rural Transportation Systems

AS

Aggregate Subbase

ASAP

As-Soon-As-Possible

ASC

Admin. Services Center

American Welding Society

BAC

Blood Alcohol Concentration,

Budget at Completion

Accounting Services Center

BACM

Best Available Control Measures

Agricultural Services Center

BACT

Best Available Control Technology

American Society of Civil Engineers

BADT

Best Available Demonstrated Technology

American Standard Code of Info. Interchange

BAGR

Bridge Approach Guard Rail

ASF

Automotive Safety Foundation

BALI

Basic Arterial Local Intersection

ASHRAE

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and

BAMS

Bid Analysis and Management System

Air-Conditioning Engineers

BARM

Basic Asphalt Recycling Manual

Acceleration Severity Index

BART

Bay Area Rapid Transit

ASME

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

BAS

Bridge Approach Slab

ASNT

American Society for Nondestructive Testing

BASS

Black Advocates in State Service

ASPEN

Automated Telephone Answering System

BASIC

Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code

ASR

Archaeological Survey Report;

BAT

Best Available Technology,

ASCE
ASCII

ASI

Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (DOL)

(Evaluation of prehistoric archaeological

resources in the project study area)

BB

Beginning of Bridge

Alkali-silica reactivity

BBS

Bulletin Board System,

Battery Backup System

ASRP

Aluminum Spiral Rib Pipe

AST

Acceptance Samples and Tests

BC

Beginning of Curve

ASTM

American Society for Testing Materials

BCA

Benefit Cost Analysis

ATA

American Trucking Association

BCO

Thin-Bonded Concrete Overlay

ATIS

Advanced Traveler Information Systems

BCP

Budget Change Proposal: Official request to

ATMS

Advanced Traffic Management Systems

D/Finance & Legislature to revise level or sources

ATPB

Asphalt Treated Permeable Base

of funding.

ATSAC

Automated Traffic Surveillance & Control System

BCR

Begin Curb Return

Advanced Transportation System Development

BCT

Breakaway Cable Terminal

ATSSA

American Traffic Safety Services Association

BCWP

Budgeted Cost of Work Performed

ATV

All Terrain Vehicle

BCWS

Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled

AU

Animal Unit

BEA 1990

Budget Enforcement Act of 1990

AVCO

Automatic Vehicle Control Systems

BEAR

Broad Emergency Assistance Radio (System)

AVCS

Advanced Vehicle Control Systems (ITS)

BEES

Basic Engineering Estimating System

AVI

Automated Vehicle Identification

BEP

Business Enterprise Program

Authorized Vehicle Lane;

BER

Bridge Evaluation Report

Automated Vehicle Location (ITS)

BFRs

Brominated Flame Retardants: widely used in

ATSD

AVL
AVO

Automated Vehicle Operation (ITS)

plastics, foams, textiles, many electrical

AVR

Average Vehicle Ridership

appliances, and building materials such as house

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 3 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

walls, roofs and parking decks. Increasing

amounts of BFR residues have been detected in

Cable Anchor Assembly

CAAA

humans and the environment.

Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990,

(1977 & 1970)

BHT

Business, Housing, and Transportation Agency

CA

Contract Authority, Certification Acceptance

BIA

Bureau of Indian Affairs;

CAATS

Calif. Alliance for Advanced Transportation

Building Industry Association

Systems

BIOS

Basic Input/Operating System

BIR

Bridge Inspection Report

CAC

California Administrative Code,

BIT

Binary Digit

CAD

Computer-Aided Drafting

BLA

Bicycle Lane Account program (State)

CADD

Computer-Aided Drafting and Design

BLM

Bureau of Land Management

CAER

Community Awareness and Emergency Response

BMP

Best Management Practice

CAFO

Concentrated Animal Feedlot;

BMS

Bridge Management System, process for

Citizens Advisory Committee

Consent Agreement/Final Order

achieving cost effective maintenance

CAG

Citizens Advisory Group

BNF

Backus- Naur Form (ITS)

CAH

Controlled Access Highways

BNSF

Burlington Northern Santa Fe

CALACT

Calif. Association for Coordinated Transportation

BO

Budget Obligations, Biological Opinion

CASASFMRA

California Association of Farm Managers and

BOD

Biochemical Oxygen Demand,

BOD5
BSO

Rural Assessors

Biological Oxygen Demand

CALNET

Calif. Integrated Telecom. System (8-.)

biochemical oxygen demand (as measured in the

Cal/OSHA

Calif. Office of Safety and Health Administration

standard 5-day test)

CAM

Caltrans Administrative Manual,

Building, Structures and Obstruction report

Cooperative Agreement Manual

(HPSR)

CAMP

Continuous Air Monitoring Program

BP

Before Present, Boiling Point

CANDE

Culvert Analysis and Design

BPM

Beginning Post Mile.

CAO

Corrective Action Order

= zero at south or west County line

CAP

Corrugated Aluminum Pipe,

BPR

Business Process Review

Certification Acceptance Plan

(1997 study of project management in Caltrans)

Corrective Action Plan.

BPR

Bureau of Public Roads

Control Account Plan

BRT

Bus Rapid Transit (ITS)

Cost Allocation Procedure.

BSR

Beginning of Slope Rounding

BSW

Back of Sidewalk

CAPA

Corrugated Aluminum Pipe Arch

BTA

Bicycle Transportation Account

CAPM

Capital Preventive Maintenance

BT&H

Business, Transportation and Housing Agency

CAQP

Congestion and Air Quality Program

BTOS

Basic Traffic Operations System

CAR

Caltrans Action Request,

BTS

Bureau of Transportation Statistics

BUN

Blood Urea Nitrogen

CARB

California Air Resources Board

BVC

Begin Vertical Curve

CARS

Caltrans Auxiliary Radio System

BW

Barbed Wire

CAS

Construction area signs

BWF

Barbed Wire Fence

CASAC

Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee

CASE

Computer Aided Software Engineering;

Criteria Air Pollutant

Cooperative Agreement Report

Computer Aided Systems Engineering (ITS)

CASP

CAA

Federal Clean Air Act (1970),

California Aviation System Plan;

Corrugated Aluminized Steel Pipe

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 4 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

CAT EX

Categorical Exemption (State);

Categorical Exemption, (CEQA)

Categorical Exclusion (Federal)

Construction Engineering

CATIA

Clean Air and Transportation Improvement Act

CEA

Career Executive Assignment (Appointment)

CaTNAP

California Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol

CEAC

County Engineers Association of California;

(http://env.dot.ca.gov/env/noise/index.htm)

Caltrans Employment Advisory Committee

CATV

Cable Television

CEBC

Conference

CB

Catch Basin, Citizens Band

CEC

California Energy Commission;

CBA

Cost Benefit Analysis

CBC

California Bicycle Coalition,

CELSOC

Consulting Engs. and Land Surveyors of Calif.

California Building Code

CEMs

Continuous Emissions Monitors

CBD

Central Business District

CEP

Cumulative Exposure Project

CBMC

Causes Beyond My Control (my coinage)

CEQ

Council of Environmental Quality

CBO

Congressional Budget Office

CBR

California Bearing Ratio

CEQA

California Environmental Quality Act (1970)

CBTP

Community Based Transportation Planning grants

CERCLA

Comprehensive Environmental.Response,

CC

Construction Complete

CCA

California Coastal Act of 1976

CERES

Calif. Envir. Resources Evaluation System

CCAA

Calif. Clean Air Act

CERF

Civil Engineering Research Foundation

CCAPA

California Chapter of the American Planning

CERL

Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

Caltrans Encroachment Committee

(Federal Agency)

Compensation/Liab. Act

Association

CESA

Calif. Endangered Species Act

CCB

Change Control Board

CEU

Continuing Education Unit

CCC

California Coastal Commission;

CFC

Cost of Facilities Capital, Chlorofluorocarbons

California Conservation Corps

CFDA

Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance

CCI

Construction Cost Index

http://aspe.os.dhhs.gov/cfda/index.htm#newsearch

CCIC

Central California Information Center

CFM

Chlorofluoromethanes

CCMP

Comprehensive Conservation and Manage. Plan

CFR

Code of Federal Regulations

CCO

Contract Change Order

CFRA

The California Family Rights Act of 1992 is a

CCR

California Code of Regulations

State law administered and enforced by the

CCROC

California Civil Rights Officers Council

California Department of Fair Employment and

CCS

California Coordinate System;

Housing. CFRA was revised to conform to the

Construction Control Survey

Family Medical Leave Act of 1993.

CCSFCC

City-County-State-Federal Cooperation Council

CFRP

Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced-Plastic

CCTV

Closed Circuit TV

CFS

Cubic feet per second

CD

Contract delegation (purchase order)

CFU

Colony Forming Unit (water qual)

CDC

Centers for Disease Control

C&G

Curb and Gutter

CDF

California Department of Forestry

CGP

Construction General Permit (NPDES)

CDBG

Community Development Block Grant

CH4

Methane

CDFG

Calif. Dept of Fish & Game

CHIN

California Highway Information Network

CDH

California Division of Highways

CHP

Calif. Highway Patrol

CDL

California Drivers License

CHIN

California Highway Information Network:

CDMA

Code Division Multiple Access (ITS)

CDPD

Cellular Digital Packet Data (ITS)

CD(PO)

Contract Delegation (Purchase Order)

CE

Categorical Exclusion (NEPA);

1-800-427-7623, 999
or www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo, #999
CHRIS

Calif. Historical Resources Information System

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 5 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

CIA

Community Impact Assessment; Evaluates the

COE

impacts that a project may have on community,

incl, neighborhoods and farmland.

Category of Expenditure (budgetary grouping)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

COFPAES

Council on the Federal Procurement of

CIC

Critical Intersection Control

Architectural and Engineering Services

CIDH

Cast-in-Drilled-Hole

COG

Council of Governments (local, see LTA)

CIMAC

Caltrans Improves Mobility Across California

COH

Coefficient Of Haze

CIP

Capital Improvement Program 7-year program

COGO

coordinate geometry

to maintain or improve traffic LOS & transit

COL

Collector (Urban)

performance and to mitigate impacts identified by

Congestion

Reduced speeds less than 35 MPH

the CMP;

for longer than 15 min.

Cast-in-Place; cast iron pipe

COP

Capital Outlay Projects

CIPCP

cast-in-place concrete pipe

CORBA

Common Object Request Broker Architecture (ITS)

CIR

Council on Intergovernmental Relations

COS

Capital Outlay Support

Cold In Place (recycling of asphalt)

COTR

Contracting Officer Technical Representative (ITS)

CIT

California Institute of Technology

COZEEP

COnstruction Zone Enhanced Enforcement

CITAB

Calif. Information Technology Advisory Board

CIU

Controller Interface Unit

CP

Capital Projects

CIWMB

California Integrated Waste Management Board

CPC

Consolidated Planning Committee (STANCOG)

C&L

Certification and Licensing

CPF

Combined Pay Factor

CLAS

California Leave Accounting System

CPFF

Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee

CLP

Continuous Learning Program

CPH

California Permit Handbook

CLUP

Comprehensive Land Use Plan

CPI

Cost Performance Index

CMA

Congestion Management Agencies

CPIF

Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee

CMAQ

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality

CPM

Critical Path Method

CMB

Concrete Median Barrier

CPMC

Capital Projects Management Council

CMC

Construction Metrication Council

CPR

Cardio-Pulminary Resusitation

CMP

Congestion Management Program, Plan;

CPRC

California Public Resources Code

Corridor Management Plan (Scenic Highways);

CPSD

Capital Project Skill Development

Corrugated Metal Pipe

CPU

Central Processing Unit

Congestion Management System,

CPUC

Calif. Public Utilities Commission

CMS

Program or Patrol

Changeable Message Signs

CRAC

Cold Recycled AC

CMSA

Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area

CRAP

Construction Records and Procedures

CMV

commercial motor vehicles

CRB

Contract Review Board

CNDDB

California Natural Diversity Data Base

CRCP

Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement

CNG

Compressed Natural Gas

CRDA

Cooperative Research and Development

CNLM

Center for Natural Lands Management.

CNPS

California Native Plant Society (data base)

CRHP

California Register of Historic Places

CO

Carbon Monoxide

CRIP

Cost Reduction Incentive Proposal

COB

Close of Business

CRLF

California Red Legged Frog

COBOL

Common Business Oriented Language

CRP

Conservation Reserve Program;

COBRA

Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act

COCO

Contractor-Owned/ Contractor-Operated

CRSI

Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute

COD

Chemical Oxygen Demand

CRT

Cathode Ray Tube

CODP

Career Opportunity Development Program

CRV

California Redemption Value

Agreement

Combined Road Plans

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 6 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

CSAC

California State Association of Counties;

CVAS

Commercial Vehicle Administration Subsystem (ITS)

California Supervisors Association of California

CVCS

Commercial Vehicle Check Subsystem (ITS)

CSD

Context Sensitive Design

CVHAS

Cooperative Vehicle-Highway Automation Systems

CSEA

California State Employees Association

CVISN

Commercial Vehicle Info. Systems and Networks (ITS)

CSHC

Calif. Streets & Highways Code

CVO

Commercial Vehicle Operations (ITS)

CSI

Common Sense Initiative;

CVS

Commercial Vehicle Subsystem (ITS)

Compliance Sampling Inspection

CWA

Clean Water Act

CSIP

Corridor Safety Improvement Program

CWD

Corridor Wide Display System (ITS)

CSO

Combined Sewer Overflow

CWNS

Clean Water Needs Survey

CSP

Corrugated Steel Pipe;

CY

Calendar Year

Communication Service Provider (ITS)

CYA

Cover Your Assets (not CT);

CSPA

Corrugated Steel Pipe Arch

CSRC

California Special Reference Center

CZMA

Coastal Zone Management Act

(global positioning technologies)

CZARA

Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments

Context Sensitive Solutions (involving all

CSS

stakeholders in the development of a project to ensure

California Youth Authority

that a project fits its physical setting and preserves scenic,

aesthetic, historic and environmental resources while

DAB

Digital Audio Broadcast (ITS)

maintaining safety and mobility.

DAC

Disability Advisory Council

CSTI

California Specialized Training Institute

DAF

Damage Assessment Form

CSUS

California State University, Stanislaus; Sac.

DAMP

Drainage Analysis & Modeling Program

CSWC

Construction Storm Water Coordinator

DAR

Defense Access Roads

CT

Caltrans Census Tract

DARTS

Dynamic Arterial Responsive Traffic Signal System

CTAA

Community Transportation Assoc. of America

DAT

Diagnostic Acceptance Testing

CTAP

Cooperative Training Assistance Program (Fed)

DAT.COM Directors Advisory Team for Communication

CTB

Cement Treated Base

DBA

Doing Business As, Decibels, "A" Scale

CTC

California Transportation Commission;

DBE

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Nine appointed members

DBELO

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer

CTE

Center For Transportation And The Environment

DBMS

Data Base Management System

CTO

Compensatory Time Off

D/C

Demand Capacity ratio

CTP

California Transportation Plan

DCIU

Discrimination Complaint Investigation Unit

CTIFS

Calif. Transportation Infrastructure Funding System

DCP

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer

CTIPS

California Transportation Improvement Plan

DCS

Data Collection System

System. A computer database used by CT &

DCU

Discrimination Complaint Unit

MPOs to input & track Fed. Funded transportation

DD

District Director; Data Dictionary (ITS)

projects. See LPAMS

DDC

District Division Chief

CTIS

California Transportation Investment Strategy

DDD

Deputy District Director

CTPB

Cement Treated Permeable Base

DDE

Data Dictionary Element (ITS)

CTR

California Toxics Rule

DDT

DichloroDiphenylTrichloroethane

C-TRIS

Calif. Transportation Research Info. System (UCB)

DEB

District Environmental Branch

CTS

Commuter Transportation Services

DED

Draft Environmental Document

CTSA

Coordinated Service Transportation Agency

DEIR

Draft Environmental Impact Report (CEQA)

CUF

Commercially Useful Function (DBE)

DEIS

Draft Environmental Impact Statement

CV

Cost Variance

(NEPA)

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 7 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

DEN

Data Exchange Network (ITS)

DPR

Department of Parks and Recreation (The Office

DES

Division of Engineering Services

of Historic Preservation which administers

Diethylstilbesterol

Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act is

DF

Douglas Fir

part of State Parks and Recreation. Hence, the

DFD

Data Flow Diagram (ITS)

DfE

Design for the Environment

DRB

Dispute Review Board

DFEH

Department of Fair Employment and Housing

DRI

Division of Research & Innovation

(California)

DRIM

Draft Relocation Impact Memo

DFG

Dept of Fish and Game (Cal)

DRIS

Draft Relocation Impact Study/Statement

DGAC

Dense Graded Asphalt Concrete

DROA

departmental restriction of appointments

DGAC(R)

Dense Graded Asphalt Concrete (Rubberized)

DSA

Division of the State Architect,

DGPS

Differential Global Positioning System (ITS)

DGS

Department of General Services

DSB

Donor State Bonus funds

DHS

Department of Health Services

DSC

Division of Structure Construction

DHHS

Department of Health and Human Services (Feds)

DSI

Detailed Site Investigation

DHV

Two way Design Hourly Volume

DSMP

District System Management Plan

DI

Drainage Inlet

DSRC

Dedicated Short Range Communications (ITS)

DIB

Design Information Bulletin

DST

Daylight Savings Time

DIB 82

Pedestrian Accessibility Guidelines for Highway Projects

DSWC

District Storm Water Coordinator

DIP

Diamond Interchange Program

DTA

Dynamic Traffic Assignment (ITS)

DLAE

District Local Assistance Engineer

DTAC

Departmental Transportation Advisory Committee

DLR

Detection Limit for Reporting (water qual.)

DTBB

double thrie beam barrier

DMBB

Double metal beam barrier

DTIM

Direct Travel Impact Model

DME

District Materials Engineer

DTM

Digital Terrain Modeling

DMR

Discharge Monitoring Report

DTR

Directors Tracking Report

DMS

Dynamic Message Sign (ITS)

DMT

Division of Mass Transportation

DVAC

District Value Analysis Coordinator

DMV

Department of Motor Vehicles

DVBE

Disadvantaged Veteran Business Enterprise

DNA

deoxyribonucleic acid

DWEL

Drinking Water Equivalent Level

DND

Draft Negative Declaration

DWNS

Drinking Water Needs Survey

DOA

Division of Aeronautics; Division of Accounting

DWR

Dept. of Water Resources

DOC

Department of Commerce (Feds)

DWS

Drinking Water Standard

DOD

Department Of Defense

DOE

Department Of Energy; District Office Engineer

DOF

Department of Finance

DOJ

Department of Justice (Feds)

DOL

Department of Labor (Feds)

Endangerment Assessment;

DLA

Division of Local Assistance (formerly OLP)

Enforcement Agreement;

DOL FOH

Dept. of Labor Field Operations Handbook (Feds)

Environmental Action;

DOS

Division of Structures; Disk Operating System

Environmental Assessment;

DOT

Dept. of Transportation

Environmental Audit

DOTP

Division of Transportation Planning

EAC

Estimate at Completion

DPA

Dept. of Personnel Administration

EAP

Employee Assistance Program;

DPI

Dots per Inch

DPR forms for Section 106.)

Disturbed Soil Area

(tracks consultant services contracts)

EA

Expenditure Authorization;

Environmental Action Plan

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 8 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

EAR

Employee Action Report

E&P

Environmental & Permit

EBL

Eligible Bridge List

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency

EC

Environmental Coordinator,

EPCRA

Emergency Planning and Community

End Horizontal Curve,

End Curve

Right-to-Know Act

ECPA

Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ITS)

EPI

Economic Policy Institute

ECR

Engineering Cost Reporting system,

EPL

Excluded Partial List (DBE)

End of Curb Return

EPM

Ending Post Mile

ED

Environmental Document

EPROM

Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory

EDA

Employee Development Appraisal

ER

Emergency Relief (Fed)

Environmental Document Approved

ERC

Emergency Resource Center

Efficient Development of Advanced Public

ERISA

Employee Retirement Income Security

Transportation Systems

ERNS

Emergency Response Notification System

EDI

Electronic Data Interchange (ITS)

ERPP

Ecosystem Restoration Program Plan (CALFED)

EDM

Electronic Distance Measuring

ES

Early Start

EDP

Electronic Data Processing;

ESA

Endangered Species Act;

EDAPTS

Early Deployment Plan (ITS)

Environmentally Sensitive Area

EDW

effluent-dominated water

ESAL

EEG

electroencephalogram

ESC

Engineering Services Center

Environmental Enhancement & Mitigation

ESMR

Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio (ITS)

program (State)

ESP

Enhanced Services Program

EEO

Equal Employment Opportunity

ESR

End of Slope Rounding

EEOC

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

ESU

Evolutionary Significant Unit

EEZ

Exclusive Economic Zone,

EEM

Equivalent Single Axle Load, 80 kN

(fall, winter & spring runs of salmon)

200 miles beyond coast, Magnusen-Stevens Act

ET

Earliest Time of Completion

EF

Early Finish

ETC

Estimate to Complete,

EFH

Essential Fish Habitat

EFT

Electronic Fund Transfer

ETBE

Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether

EIR

Environmental Impact Report (CEQA)

ETS

Emergency Telephone Services (ITS)

EIS

Environmental Impact Statement (NEPA)

ETTM

Electronic Toll Collection and Traffic Management

EIT

Engineer-in-Training

ETW

Edge of Traveled Way

EJ

Environmental Justice

EV

Earned Value

EKG

electrocardiogram

EVC

End Vertical Curve

ELI

Element Level Inspection (bridges)

EWRI

Environmental & Water Resources Institute (of ASCE)

Event Mean Concentration (Storm Runoff);

EXPEAR

Expert System Pavement Evaluation and Rehabilitation

Emergency Management Center (ITS)

E-76

Authorization to Proceed Summary Form

EMMS

Emissions Management Subsystem (ITS)

EMS

Extinguishable Message Signs

EMC

Electronic Toll Collection (ITS)

Equipment Management Systems

EO

Equal Opportunity,

EOC

Emergency Operations Center

EOG

Education And Outreach Group

EOS

Equivalent Opening Size (Geotextile-Fabric);

Edge of Shoulder

Executive Order

FAA

Federal Aviation Administration

FACTS

Flexible Advanced Computer Traffic Signal System

FADS

Federal Aid Data System: System which

DLAEs & HQ enter project information and
which links CT to FHWAs FMIS system. Does
not link to LP2000.

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 9 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

FAE

Federal-Aid Eligibility Code: This single-digit

FFS

Fee For Service health plan

code is a prefix used with the three-digit Agency

FFY

Federal Fiscal Year (October 1 thru September 30)

Object Code to form the Caltrans four-digit Object

FHLMC

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

(FAE 6, 7, or 8) and Activity (FAE 1 or 2) Codes.

(Freddie Mac)

The FAE denotes whether or not the

FHPM

Federal Aid Highway Program Manual

Object/Activity Code is eligible for federal

FHWA

Federal Highway Administration;

reimbursement. FAE 1 or 6 denotes eligibility for

administers Federal highway funds

federal reimbursement, FAE 2 or 7 denotes non-

FICA

Federal Insurance Contributions Act

eligibility for reimbursement, and FAE 8 denotes

FIF

Final Inspection Form

undetermined eligibility.

FIP

Federal Implementation Plan

FAHP

Federal Aid Highway Program

FIPS

Federal Information Processing Standard (ITS)

FAI

Federal Aid Interstate

FIR

Federal Indian Reservation

FAP

Federal Aid Primary

FIRM

Federal Insurance Rate Maps (Flood Plains)

FAPG

Federal Aid Policy Guide

F/L

Finance Letter

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

FLEP

Forest Land Enhancement Program

FAR

Federal Acquisition Regulations

FARA

Federal Acquisition Reform Act

FLHD

Federal Land Highway Division

FARES

First American Real Estate Solutions

FLHP

Federal Lands Highway Program

FARS

Fatal Accident Reporting System (ITS)

Floodplain Risk and Location Hydraulic Study:

FAS

Federal Aid Secondary Funding

Analyzes the potential for impacts that a project

FAU

Federal Aide Urban funding

may have on increasing risk of flooding.

F&C

Frame & Cover

FLSA

Fair Labor Standards Act

F&G

Frame & Grate

FM

Function Manager

FCAA

Federal Clean Air Act of 1990

FMC

Freeway Management Center (ITS)

FCWA

Federal Clean Water Act

FMCS

Fleet Management and Control Systems

FCR

Flexible Congestion Relief program

FMCSA

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

(U.S. Forest Service)

(State, discontinued)

FMIS

Federal Management Information System

FDR

Full Depth Reclamation (of pavament)

FMLA

Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993

FE

Fund Estimate; Fugitive Emissions

FMMP

Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program

FEBBS

Federal Electronic Bulletin Board System

FMP

Fishery Management Plan;

FED

Final Environmental Document

FMS

Fleet Management Subsystem (ITS)

(EIS, ND or FONSI)

FMU

Forest Management Unit

FEHA

Fair Employment and Housing Act (Calif.)

FMVSS

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

FEIN

Federal Employer Identification Number

FNMA

Federal National Mortgage Association

FEIR

Final Environmental Impact Report (CEQA)

FEIS

Final Environmental Impact Statement (NEPA)

FNM-76

Form to FMIS, auth. to proceed

FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FO

Functionally Obsolete (bridge)

FERC

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

FOE

Finding of Effect; Friends Of the Earth

FES

Flared end section

FOI

Freedom of Information

FESA

Federal Endangered Species Act

FOIA

Freedom Of Information Act

FF

Free Float / Finish to Finish

FONSI

Finding of No Significant Impact (NEPA)

FFA

Future Farmers of America

FOT

Field Operational Test (ITS)

FFGA

Full Funding Grant Agreements

FPA

Fair Practices Act (subletting and subcontracting)

FFP

Firm Fixed Price

FPIF

Fixed-Price-Incentive-Fee

File Maker Pro

(Fannie Mae)

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 10 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

FPN

Federal Project Number (FADS)

FPPA

Farmland Protection Policy Act (US 1984)

FPPP

Facility Pollution Prevention Plans

FPR

Final Program Review

GAAP

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

FR

Federal Register

GAO

General Accounting Office

FRA

Federal Railroad Administration

GAR

Governor's Action Request

FRIS

Final Relocation Assistance Statement

GARVEE

Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bonds

GASB 34

Governmental Accounting Standards Board

FRM

Federal Reference Method, Final Rule Making

FRO

Federal Resources Office

FRP

fiber reinforced polymer, used in concrete

F-SHRP

Future Strategic Highway Research Program

FSOR

Final Statement of Reasons

FS

Finish-to-Start

FSA

Flexible Spending Account health plan

FSHCC

Fast Setting Hydraulic Cement Concrete

FSP

Freeway Service Patrol

FSR

Feasibility Study Report;

Financial Study Report

FSTIP

Federal Statewide Transportation

Improvement Program. Prepared by CT per
ISTEA, includes all highway and transit projects
funded under Title 23 and Federal Transit Act. It is
the global funding document incorp.
Programming for MPO TIPs, State STIP, SHOPP
and local rural Federal aid work.

FTA

Federal Transit Administration; administers

Federal transit funds, alloc. dir to local agencies.
Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964

FTB

Franchise Tax Board

FTE

Focused Training Evaluation

Full-time Employee

FTIP

Federal Transportation Improvement

Program;
3-year list of transportation projects proposed

statement 34 (calls for state and local transportation

agencies to include the costs of infrastructure assets in
their financial statements)

GATS

General Agreement on Trade in Services

GDP

Gross Domestic Product

GE

Gravel equivalent

GEP

Good Engineering Practice

GERT

Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique

Gf

Gravel Factor

GFE

Good Faith Effort

GHSA

Governors Highway Safety Association

GHSR

Governor's Highway Safety Representative

GIS

Geographic Information Systems

GNMA

Government National Mortgage Association

(Ginnie Mae)

GOGO

Government-Owned/ Government-Operated

GPS

Global Positioning System

GRAS

Generally Recognized as Safe

GR

Guard Rail

GRH

Guaranteed Ride Home

GSA

General Services Admin.

GUI

Graphical User Interface

GVW

Gross Vehicle Weight

GVWR

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

within the planning area of an MPO. Short range

HA

Health Advisory

version of RTP.

H&T

Hub and Tack

Projects are drawn from the STIP and SHOPP.

HABR

Historic American Building Record

FTP

File Transfer Protocol, Federal Test Procedures

HABS

Historic American Buildings Survey

FU

Functional Unit

HAER

Historic American Engineering Record

FVMSS

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

HAP

Hazardous Air Pollutant

FWD

Falling Weight Deflectometer

HAPPS

Hazardous Air Pollution Prioritization System

FWPCA

Federal Water Pollution Control Act

HAR

Highway Advisory Radio

FWS

Fish & Wildlife Service (US)

FY

Fiscal Year

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 11 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

HASR

Historic Architecture Survey Report;

Summarizes findings of HRER, ASR and HASR

Evaluation of historic structures in the project

HR

Human Resource

study area

HRAC

Hot Recycled AC

HAZMAT

Hazardous Materials

HRER

Historic Resource Evaluation Report;

HAZOPS

Hazardous Operations

Evaluation of historic significance of certain man

HB&M

Humbolt Base and Meridian

made features (canals) in the project study area

HBO

Health Benefits Office

HBRR

Highway Bridge Rehab. & Replacement

HRI

Highway Rail Intersection

(Fed program)

HRIS

Highway Research Information Service,

HCM

Highway Capacity Manual

Human Resources Information System

(Transportation Research Bd. )

HSDB

Hazardous Substance Data Base

HCP

Habitat Conservation Plan

HSIS

Highway Safety Information System

HCS

Hazard Communication Standard

HSNS

Highway System of National Significance

HDD

Horizontal Directional Drilling

HSP

Highway Safety Plan

HDM

Caltrans Highway Design Manual

HSPF

Heating Season Performance Factor

HDPE

High Density Polyethylene

HSOPP

Highway Systems Operations & Protection Plan

HEDTL

Harmer E Davis Transportation Library

HSR

High Speed Rail, Historic Survey Report

HEEP

Health and Environmental Effects Profile

HSRI

Highway Safety Research Institute

HEPA

Highly Efficient Particulate Air (Filter)

HTF

Highway Trust Fund

HERS-ST

Highway Economic Requirements System-State

HTIMS

Highway Technology Information Management System

Version software (for planning and scheduling highway work

HTML

Hypertext Markup Language

and determining future highway system needs.)

HTTP

Hypertext Transport Protocol

HUD

Housing & Urban Development;

HES

Hazard Elimination Safety program (Fed)

HFC

Hydrofluorocarbon

HHS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HI

Height of Instrument (surveying)

HIC

Highway Interchange Center

HMA

Hot Mix Asphalt

HMO

Health Maintenance Organization

HMP

Hydromodification Management Plan (to control

post-development peak stormwater runoff
discharge rates and duration)

Head Up Display (ITS)

Hydrology and Water Quality Study: Analyzes
the increase in storm water runoff likely to occur
and the potential impacts on water quality a
project may have.
HUTA

Highway User Tax Account

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning system

HWMP

Hazardous Waste Management Plan

HMS

Highway Maintenance System

HMTA

Hazardous Materials Transportation Act

HMWM

High Molecular Weight Methacrylate

IAST

Independent Assurance Sampling and Testing

(deck crack mitigation)

IBRC

Innovative Bridge Research and Construction

HOV

High Occupancy Vehicle

program (FHWA TEA-21)

(2 and in some cases 3 or more per car.)

IBTC

International Border Trade Corridor

HP

Horse Power

ICAS

Internet Contract Administration System

HPC

High Performance Concrete (also UHPC)

ICES

Inter-modal Corridors of Economic Significance

HPMS

Highway Performance Monitoring System

I/D

Incentive/Disincentive

HP&R

Highway Planning and Research

IDL

Interface Definition Language (ITS)

HPS

High Performance Steel

IDP

Individual Development Plan

HPSR

Historic Properties Survey Report;

IEEE

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 12 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

IEN

Information Exchange Network (ITS)

ITSP

Interregional Transportation Strategic Plan

IFB

Invitation for Bid

ITI

Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure

IGR

Inter Governmental Review

ITII

International Technical Information Institute

IHSDM

Interactive Highway Safety Design Model

ITIP

Interregional Transportation Improvement

(software)

Program; Portion of STIP that includes Caltrans

I/I

Infiltration and Inflow

selected projects (25% of fund)

IIP

Inter-regional Improvement Program

ILD

Inductive Loop Detector

IMMS

Integrated Maintenance Management System

IMPC

Integrated Plant Management and Control

IMPROVE

Interagency Monitoring of PROtected Environments

ITSP

Interregional Transportation Strategic Plan

IMS

Intermodal Facilities and Systems Management System

IUOE

International Union of Operating Engineers

ILV/hr

Intersecting Lane Vehicles per hour

IVHS

Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems (now ITS)

IP

Internet Protocol, Implementation Package

IVI

Intelligent Vehicle Initiative

IPA

Information Practices Act; places specific

IVIS

In Vehicle Information System (ITS)

requirements on State agencies in the collection,

ITMS

Integrated Traffic Management System; or

Intermodal Transportation Management System

use, maintenance, and dissemination of

ITS

Intelligent Transportation Systems;

Institute of Transportation Studies (UC Berkeley)

information relating to individuals.

IPG

Interagency Planning Group

JB

Junction Box

IRIS

Integrated Risk Information System

JCL

Job Control Language

IRP

Interregional Partnership (STANCOG)

JCP

Jointed Concrete Pavement

IRR

Intercity Rail;

JP

joint pole

Interregional Route System

JPA

Joint Powers Agreement

Interregional Road System Plan

JPCP

Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement

Internal Revenue Service

JRCP

Jointed Reinforced Concrete

IRVM

Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management

JS

junction structure

IRWA

International Right of Way Association

JUA

IS

Information Services,

ISA

Initial Site Assessment;

IRRS
IRS

Indian Reservation Roads

Initial Study

Evaluates potential for encountering hazardous

materials in the project study area.
ISC

Indirect Source Control

ISEA

International Safety Equipment Assoc.

ISO

International Standards Organization

http://www.iso.ch/iso/en/ISOOnline.frontpage

KBES

Knowledge Based Expert System

(Symbolic reasoning & Heuristics)

KISS

Keep It Simple, Stupid (not CT)

KSA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

ISP

Information Service Provider

ISSC

Information Systems Service Center

LA

Local Agency

ISTEA

Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act

LAAPS

Local Agency Automated Pay System

IT

Information Technology

LACMTA

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation

ITA

Intertribal Transportation Association

ITE

Institute of Transportation Engineers

LACTC

Los Angeles County Transportation Commission

ITS

Intelligent Transportation System s

LAFCO

Local Agency Formation Commission

ITS America

Intelligent Transportation Society of America

LAMBRA

Local Agency Military Base Recovery Area

Authority

http://www.itsa.org/

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 13 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

LAN

Local Area Network

LPG

Liquid Petroleum Gas

LAP

Local Assistance Program

LPP

Local Programs Procedures

LAPG

Local Assistance Program Guidelines

LPP#

Local Programs Procedure #

LAPM

Local Assistance Procedures Manual

LRDC

Labor Relations Decision Council

LARTS

Los Angeles Regional Transportation Study

LRFD

Load & Resistant Factor Design

LASC

Landscape Architecture Standards Committee

LRH

Last Resort Housing

LCA

Least Cost Alternate

LRMS

Location Reference Messaging Standard (ITS)

LCB

Lean Concrete Base

LROP

Long Range Operations Plan

LCC

Local Coastal Commission,

LRT

Light Rail Transit

LS

Lump sum, Late Start, Land Surveyor

League of California Cities,

Life Cycle Cost

LCCA

Life Cycle Cost Analysis

LSSRP

Local Seismic Safety Retrofit Program

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display (Power Point Projector)

LSTP

Local Surface Transportation Plan

LCO

Labor Compliance Officer

LSUM

Linear Synchronous Unipolar Motor

Local Capital Outlay projects

LT

Limited Term

LCP

Local Coastal Plan

L&T

Lead and Tack (surveying)

LCS

Lane Control Sign

LTA

Local Transportation Authority

LDAP

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol

LTAP

Local Technical Assistance Program

LDPE

Low Density Polyethylene

LTC

Local Transportation Commission

LDS

Labor Distribution System

LTEC

Least Total Expected Cost to the public design

LEAD

Local Equivalent Area Drainage method

LTF

Local Transportation Fund; receives TDA

LED

Light Emitting Diode

LEDPA

Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative

LEL

Lowest Explosive Level

LTMA

Lightweight Truck Mounted Attenuator

LEM

Location Efficient Mortgage (see TOD)

LTPP

Long-Term Pavement Performance

LEO

Low-Earth Orbit Satellite System

LTS

Lime Treated sub-Base

LEP

Limited English Proficiency

LUICE

Land use Inventory Contingency and Edit

LESS

Least Cost Estimating & Scheduling System

LUST

Leaking Underground Storage Tank

LF

Late Finish; Linear Foot

LVDT

Linear Variable Differential Transformers

LIBOR

London InterBank Offered Rate

LVR

Low Volume Road

LIM

Land Inventory and Monitoring system (SCS)

LIP

Local Intersection Program

LJAC

Local Jurisdiction Advisory Committee

LLP

Limited Liability Partnership

LOC

Local

revenues = 0.25% sales tax for transit, bike &

pedestrian

MA

Master Agreement; Minimum Allocation funds:

Minor Arterial

LOE

Level of Effort

MACT

Maximum Achievable Control Technology

LOL

Layout Line

MADT

Monthly average daily

LOP

Letter of Permission

MAGLEV

Magnetic Levitation Transportation Technology

LOS

Level of Service (A=freeflow, F=gridlock)

Deployment Programs

LPA

Local Programs Accounting

MAIT

Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team

LPAMS

Local Programs Accounting Management

MAN

Metropolitan Area Network (ITS)

System: provides appropriation management

MAP

Million Annual Passengers,

Multiple Alternative Planning

and tracks expenditures for local assistance

projects. Extracts data from CTIPS allowing

MAR

Material Adjustment Report

LP2000 to process allocations.

MATES

Materials and Technology Engineering and Science

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 14 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

MB

Metal Beam, Megabytes

MOA

Memorandum of Agreement

MBB

Metal Beam Barrier

MODEM

Modulator/Demodulator

MBE

Minority Business Enterprise

MBGR

Median Barrier Guard Rail

MOE

Measure of Effectiveness

MBO

Management by Objectives

MOS

Metal-Oxide Semiconductor,

MC

Medium curing

MCAG

Merced County Assoc. of Governments

MOST

Methodology for Optimizing Signal Timing

MCD

Minor Civil Division

MOU

Memorandum of understanding

MCE

Maximum Credible Earthquake

MPGR

Metal Plate Guard Railing

MCEDC

Merced City Economic Development Corp.

MPO

Metropolitan Planning Organization

MCFC

Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell

MPU

Microprocessing Unit

MCL

Maximum Contaminant Level

MSA

Merit Salary Adjustment

MCLG

maximum contaminant level goal (water qual)

Metropolitan Statistical Area

MCM

Minimum Control Measures (water qual)

Management System Activities, a two digit code

MCP

Municipal Compliance Plan

for levels 5,6 or 7 in WBS, also on TRS

MCSAP

Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program

Medical Savings Account health plan

MDB&M

Mt. Diablo Base and Meridian (surveying)

Maintenance Superintendents Association

MDI

Model Deployment Initiative (ITS)

MS-DOS

MicroSoft-Disk Operating System

MEA

Master Environmental Assessment

MSDS

Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet

MEP

Minority Engineering Programs,

MSE

Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining

Maximum Extent Practicable (water qual)

MS4

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System

MERS

Maintenance Employees' Reporting System

MSL

Maintenance Service Level,

MESO

Maintenance Employee Safety Orientation

MSW

Municipal Solid Waste

META

Maintenance Equipment Training Academy

MT

Mass Transit

METS

Materials Engineering and Testing Services

MTA

Mass Transit Account

MG

Minimum Guarantee funds

MTC

Metropolitan Transportation Commission

MID

Modesto Irrigation District

MIME

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension

Minor Project- Less than $750,000, not STIP or SHOPP. In California, minor
capital outlay consists of construction projects or equipment acquired to complete a
construction project estimated to cost less than $750,000. The California
Transportation Commission allocates a fiscal year level for this category with
specific project allocation approval delegated to the Department. Minor is further
segregated into two categories: Minor A - Minor construction projects with an
estimated contract value between $117K - $750K. Minor B - Minor construction
projects with an estimated value less than $117,000.

MIS

Management Information Systems,

Major Investment Study

MITMT

Major Incident Traffic Management Team

MJC

Major Collector (Rural); Modesto Junior College

MLRA

Major Land Resources Area

MMANC

Municipal Management Association of Northern

California

MMI

Man-Machine Interface (ITS)

MMSI

Maintenance Management System Improvement

MNC

Minor Collector (Rural)

(Convert binary to analog signal for phone)

margin of safety

Mean Sea Level

(Bay Area)
MTD

Memo-To-Designers

MTDB

Metropolitan Transit Development Board (San Diego)

MTMC

Military Traffic Management Command

MTP

Mass Transportation Program,

Metropolitan Transportation Plan

MUTCD

Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices

MVMA

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association

MWBE

Minority Women-owned Business Enterprise

N
NA

National Architecture (ITS)

NAA

Non-attainment Area

NAAQS

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NACE

National Association of Corrosion Engineers,

National Association of County Engineers

NACG

National Association of County Governments

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 15 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

NAC

National Association of Counties

NCEER

National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research

NAD

North American Datum (surveying)

NCHRP

National Cooperative Highway Research Program

NAE

no adverse effect,

NCPP

National Center for Pavement Preservation

National Academy of Engineering

NCSL

National Conference of State Legislatures

NAER

National Architectural and Engineering Record

ND

Negative Declaration, None Detected (water qual)

NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement

NDAA

Natural Disaster Assistance Act

NAGPRA

Native American Graves Protection &

NDI

Non-Industrial Disability Insurance

Repatriation Act of 1990

NDSP

National Dam Safety Program

NAHC

Native American Heritage Commission

NDT

Non-Destructive Testing

NAHSC

National Automated Highway System Consortium

NE

no effect

NAICS

North American Industrial Classification System

NEAR

National Emergency Aid Radio

NALEO

National Association of Latino Elected and

NEDS

National Emissions Data System

Appointed Officials

NEEP

National Experimental and Evaluation Program

NAMS

National Air Monitoring Stations

NEHRP

National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

NAP

Non-attainment Area Plan

NEIS

National Environmental Information Service

NAPA

National Academy for Public Assistance, National

NEMA

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Asphalt Paving Association, National Automobile

NEPA

National Environmental Policy Act (1969)- all

Parts Association

Fed. funded projects require Fed. review

NAPCA

National Air Pollution Control Administration

NES/BA

NAR

National Architecture Review (ITS)

Assessment; Evaluation of native species and

NARD

Numerical Analysis of Roadside Design

habitat found in project study area.

NARSTO

North American Research Strategy for

NESHAP

Tropospheric Ozone

Natural Environmental Survey / Biological

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air

Pollutants

NAS

National Academy of Sciences

NET

National Emissions Trends Inventory

NASA

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NFIP

National Flood Insurance Program

NASR

Negative Archeological Survey Report

NFPA

National Fire Prevention Association

NASS

National Accident Sampling System

NGS

National Geodetic Survey

NATTTC

National Association of Transportation

NGVD

National Geodetic Vertical Datum

Technology Transfer Centers

NHI

National Highway Institute

NAV

Navigation

NHPA

National Historic Preservation Act,

NAWCA

North American Wetlands Conservation Act

Federal, 1966, esp. section 106. See also State

NB

Northbound

Public Resources Code Sections 5024 and 5024.5

NBI

National Bridge Inventory, bridge data supplied

NHPN

National Highway Planning Network

by states for the NBIS (see also BMS)

NHS

National Highway System

National Bridge Inspection Standards, are

NHSB

National Highway Safety Bureau

minimum requirements for inspection standards

NHTSA

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

National Bridge Inventory System

NIA

National ITS Architecture

NBS

National Bureau of Standards

NICET

National Institute for Certification in

NBSSR

Noise Barrier Scope Study (or Summary) Report

NBIS

Engineering Technologies

for sound wall projects

NIH

National Institutes of Health

NCAC

National Crash Analysis Center

NII

National Information Infrastructure (ITS)

NCAPA

Northern California Asphalt Producers Assoc.

NIMBY

Not In My Back Yard

NCAT

National Center for Asphalt Technology

NIOSH

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NCCER

National Council for Civil Engineering Research

NIPC

National Infrastructure Protection Center (FBI)

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 16 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

NIST

National Institute of Standards and Technology

NS

Non-Regulatory Supplement

NLAA

Not Likely to Adversely Effect

NSF

National Science Foundation

NLT COB

No Later Than Close Of Business

NSIS

National Safety Information Systems

NMCSP

National Motor Carrier Safety Program

NSPE

National Society of Professional Engineers

NMFS

National Marine Fisheries Service

NTCIP

National Transportation Communications

NMSL

National Maximum Speed Limit

NO

Nitric Oxide

NOA

Naturally Occurring Asbestos; Notice of Arrival

NOAA

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NTIS

National Technical Information Service

NOAEL

no-observed-adverse-effect level

NTN

National Truck Network

NOEL

No Observable Effect Level

NTP

Notice To Proceed,

NOC

Notice of Construction

NOCC

Notice of Construction Completion

NOD

Notice of Determination

NTPAW

National Transportation Public Affairs Workshop

(CEQA project approval)

NTR

New Technology and Research

Notice of Intent

NTSB

National Transportation Safety Board

(NEPA process, notice placed in Federal Register

NTU

Nephelelometric Turbidity Units

advising public that EIS will be prepared for a

NURP

Nationwide Urban Runoff Program

project)

NWI

National Wetland Inventory

NOL

Naval Ordinance Laboratory

NWP

Nation Wide Permit (Section 404)

NOP

Notice of Preparation

NOI

(CEQA notice that EIS will be prepared)

for ITS Protocol

NTI

National Transit Institute

National Toxics Inventory

National Transportation Policy,

National Toxicology Program

NOPR

Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking

NOS

National Oceanic Survey

OA

Obligation Authority (Federal, $/year)

n.o.s.

not otherwise specified

OAQPS

Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards,

NOT

Notice of Termination

N2O

Nitrous Oxide

OBM

Office of Business Management

NOx

Nitrogen Oxides

OBS

Organization Breakdown Structure

NORM

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material

OBRA90

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination

OC

Over-crossing

OCP

Office of Community Planning

OCTA

Orange County Transportation Authority

O&D survey

Origin and Destination

O&M

Operation and Maintenance

OE

Office Engineer, Operating Expense

OEA

Office of External Audits,

NPDES
System

(revised, thanks to Mary MacGillivray, District 7 Office of Project Studies)

NPHQ

National Partnership for Highway Quality

NPRM

Notice of Proposed Rule Making

NPS

National Park Service

Non-point Source

NRC

National Research Council

NRCS

Natural Resources Conservation Service,

formerly SCS

NRCP

Non Reinforced Concrete Pipe

NRDC

Natural Resources Defense Council

NRHP

National Register of Historic Places

NRI

National Resources Inventory

NRVMA

National Roadside Vegetative Management Association

U.S. EPA

Office of Energy Assessments,

Office of Environmental Analysis
OECA

Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance

(U.S. EPA)

OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer

OES

Office of Emergency Services

OFCCP

Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs

OGAC

Open Graded Asphalt Concrete

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 17 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

OGAC(R)

Open Graded Asphalt Concrete (Rubberized)

PAC

Policy Advisory Committee

OH

Overhead

PACT

Program Accountability in Caltrans

OHP

Office of Historic Preservation (Cal.)

PADP

Ports Access Demonstration Project

OHWM

Ordinary High Water Mark

PA&ED

Project Approval & Environmental Document

OIG

Office of the Inspector General

PAI

Principal Arterial Interstate

OIP

Order of Immediate Possession

PAMS

Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations

OJT/SS

On the Job Training/Supportive Services

PA/SI

Preliminary Assessment / Site Investigation

OLP

Office of Local Programs, @ HQ;

PAP

Perforated aluminum pipe

admin of Fed. Aid & Local Assist. Now DOLA

PAQSD

Primary Air Quality Standards

OJT

On-the-job training

PAR

Personnel Action Request,

OMB

Office of Management and Budget

Project Authorization Request,

OPA

Other Principal Arterial

Project Approval Report

OPEC

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

PARF

Position Action Request Form

OPO

Office of Personnel Operations

PASSER II

Progression Analysis and Signal System

OPPD

Office of Project Planning and Design

OPPTS

Office of Prevention, Pesticides,

Evaluation Routine
PATH

and Toxic Substances (U.S. EPA)

Partners for Advanced Transportation

and Highways

OPR

Office of Planning and Research (governors)

PAYT

Pay As You Throw

ORC

Organizational Review Committee

PB

Paint binder;

ORCP

Oval Reinforced Concrete Pipe

Pb

Lead

OREA

Office of Real Estate Appraisers

PBA

Performance Based Asphalt

OSC

Office of Structure Construction

PBDEs

polybrominated diphenyl ethers (see BFRs)

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PBMS

Performance Based Measurements Systems

PBO

Programmatic Biological Opinion

(U.S.)

Pull Box

OSI

Open Systems Interconnection (ITS)

PBX

Private Branch Exchange

OSM&I

Office of Structures and Maintenance Inspection

PC

Program Coordinator;

O3

Ozone

OST

Office of the Secretary of Transportation;

PCA

Portland Cement Association

Party Chief;

Prime Coat;
Personal Computer

Out of State Travel

PCBs

Polychlorinated Biphenyls

OT

Overtime

PCC

Point of compound curvature;

OTI

Office of Traffic Improvement

OTP

Operational Test Plan (ITS)

OTS

Office of Traffic Safety

OWM

Office of Wastewater Management (EPA)

OWP

Overall Work Plan or Program

Portland Cement Concrete

PCCP

Portland Cement Concrete Pavement,

Pre-stressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe

PCE

Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (NEPA),

Perchloroethylene

PCEPH

Passenger Car Equivalents Per Hour

PCI

Paint Condition Index;

Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

P2

Pollution Prevention

PCi/L

Pico Curies per Liter (water qual., radioactivity)

P3

Primavera Project Planner (software)

PCP

Primary Care Physician

P4

Pollution Prevention Permitting Project

PCS

Personal Communications System

P&P

Policy and Procedure Directive

PCSD

President's Council on Sustainable Development

P&R

Park-and-Ride

PCR

Project Change Request

PABS

Programming and Budgeting System

PCS

Project Control Survey;

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 18 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

Permit Compliance System

PKm

Post Kilometer

PCVC

Point of compound vertical curve

PLH

Public Land Highway (Fed program)

PD

Project Development

PI

Permanent Intermittent

PDA

Personal Digital Assistant

(Civil Service Appointment),

PDF

Portable Document Format

preliminary investigation,

Adobe Acrobat stuff

Point of Intersection

PDH

Professional Development Hour

PIB

Personnel Information Bulletin

PDM

Probabilistic Dilution Model ;

PIC

Private Industry Council

Precedence Diagramming Method

PID

Project Initiation Document

PDO

Property Damage Only

PIER

Post-Implementation Evaluation Report

PDPM

Project Development Procedures Manual

PIMS

Personnel Information Management System

PDRC

Pavement Design and Rehabilitation Committee

PIN

Personal Identification Number,

PDS

Project Development Support

PDT

Project Development Team

PE

Preliminary Engineering,

Polyethylene,

PIO

Public Information Officer

Professional Engineer,

Project Engineer

PIP

Payroll Input Process, Project Initiation Proposal

PISA

Project Information System & Analysis,

Priority Index Number

(for barrier rail replacement projects)

PEAR

Preliminary Environmental Assessment Report

PECG

Professional Engineers in California

Government

or Administration
PK

Parker-Kalan Nail

PEDP

Professional Engineer Development Program

P/L

Property line

PEER

Permit Engineering Evaluation Report

PLA

Project Labor Agreement

PeMS

Performance Measurement System

PLP

Personal Leave Program

PERMIS

Personnel Employee Records for the Management

PLUM

Projected Land Use Model

Information System

PM

Project Manager; Post Mile;

Permit 106

Review process for the National Historic

Preventive Maintenance; Particulate Matter

Preservation Act

PMBOK

Project Management Body of Knowledge

A streambed alteration agreement for U.S.

PMCS

Project Management Control System

Department of Fish & Game

PMDW

Project Management Data Warehouse

Permit 4(f)

Use of parkland Permit

PMI

Project Management Institute

404 Permit

issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

PMP

Perforated Metal Pipe;

Permit 7

Pertains to the Endangered Species Act

Permit 1601

PERS

Public Employees Retirement System

Project Management Professional

PMPM

Project Management Procedures Manual

PERT

Project Evaluation and Review Technique

PMR

Position Management Report

PES

Preliminary Environmental Study

PMS

Pavement Management System;

PET

Project Estimating Tool

PF

Planned Finish Date, Pay Factor

PMSU

Project Management Support Unit

PFCs

Perfluorinated Carbons

PM-10

Particulate Matter 10 microns or smaller

PFT

Permanent Full Time

PN

Paving Notch

PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric

PO

Purchase Order

PHG

Public Health Goal (water qual) set by CEPA

POC

Pedestrian Over-Crossing;

PHS

U.S. Public Health Service

PI

Permanent Intermittent

POE

Port of Entry

PIA

Project ITS Architecture

POGO

Privately-Owned/ Government-Operated

PIAS

Personal Information Access Subsystem (ITS)

POM

Parking Management System (ITS)

Point on (horizontal) curve

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 19 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

PONTIS

AASHTO supported bridge management program

POP

Post Office Protocol

POS

Point Of Service health plan

PSS

Personnel Services Specialist

POT

Point on tangent

PSSR

Project Scoping Summary Report

POVC

Point on vertical curve

P&P

Policy & Procedure

PSTIP

Proposed State Transportation Improvement Program

ppb

Parts Per Billion

PSTN

Public Switched Telephone Network

PPC

Plastic Pipe Culvert

PTA

Public Transportation Account;

PPDG

Project Planning and Design Guide

PPE

personal protective equipment

PTMS

Public Transportation Management System

PPIC

Public Policy Institute of California

P2P TCD

Peer-to-Peer program on Traffic Control Devices (FHWA)

PPM

Planning, Programming & Monitoring,

PTS

Positive Train Separation (ITS)

Policy and Procedures Memorandum

PUC

Public Utilities Commission

ppm

Parts Per Million

PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride

PPNO

Planning and Programming Number

PVEA

Petroleum Violation Escrow Account

PPO

Preferred Provider Organization

PY

Person Year (1758-1800 hours)

PPT

Permanent-Part Time (Employee)

PYE

Person Year Equivalent

ppt

part per trillion

PYPSCAN

Person Year Project Scheduling & Cost Analysis

PQS

Professionally Qualified Staff

PR

Project Report

PRC

Point of Reversing Curve

Prop 116

State bicycle program

PRF

Pavement Reinforcing Fabric

PRISM

Performance and Registration Information System

QA/QC

Quality Assurance/ Quality Control

Management (not PRSM)

QBS

Qualification Based Selection

Fed/State supplemental agreement and

QCIP

Quality and Continuous Improvement Program

modification to agreement (being phased out)

QCRP

Quality Control Review Process

Performance Related Specifications

QIP

Quality Improvement Plan

Project Resources and Schedule Management

QoS

Quality of Service

(not PRISM)

Polycyclic Organic Matter

PR2/2A
PRS
PRSM
PRVC

point of reverse vertical curve

PS

Planned Start Date

PSA

Program Supplemental Agreement;

perforated steel pipe

PSR

preprogramming information.

for SHOPP projects

the major State account for mass transportation

QAP

Project Schedule and Control System

PSDP

Planning Staff Development Program

PS&E

Plans, Specs and Estimate

PSI

Preliminary Site Investigation;

pounds per square inch
Pollutant Standards Index

psig

Pressure Per Square Inch Gauge

PSM

Point Source Monitoring

PSP

Pedestrian Safety Program;

Quality Assurance Program,

Qualification Appraisal Panel

RA

Reasonable Alternative; Regulatory Alternatives;

Regulatory Analysis; Remedial Action;

Precursor System Architecture (ITS)

PSCS

Project Study Report for STIP projects,

Resource Allocation;

Risk Analysis;

Risk Assessment
RABA

Revenue Aligned Budget Authority, annual

funding adjustment highway program to firewall
level reflecting receipt estimates.

RAC

Rubberized Asphalt Concrete

Research Advisory Committee

RACM

Reasonable Available Control Measures

(air qual.)

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 20 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

RAD

Rapid Application Development,

RNA

Ribonucleic Acid

Radiation Adsorbed Dose

ROD

Record of Decision

RAM

Responsibility Assignment Matrix

ROE

Report of Expenditures

RAN

Revenue Anticipation Note

ROG

Reactive Organic Gases

RAO

Regional Administrative Officer

RRC

Rural Residential Center

RAP

Relocation Assistance Program or Payments;

RRR

Resurfacing (overlay), Restoration (to original

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement

condition), Rehabilitation (upgrade guardrail,

RAPID

Rural Agency Project Implementation District

widen shoulders, etc.)

RAQS

Regional Air Quality Strategy

R/S

Resource / Schedule

RAS

Regional Arterial System

RSP

Roadway Safety Program (ATSSA)

RAW

Revenue Anticipation Warrant (bridge loan)

RSPA

Research and Special Programs Admin.

RBS

Resource Breakdown Structure

RSTP

Regional Surface Transportation Program

RCA

Recycled Concrete Aggregate

RTIF

Regional Transportation Impact Fee

RCM

Reliability Centered Maintenance

RTIP

Regional Transportation Improvement

RCP

Reinforced Concrete Pipe

Program, 75% of STIP funds. List of projects

RCR

Route Concept Report, part of planning process

submitted to CTC by RTPAs for seven year

which provides a service concept

horizon, updated every two years.

RCRA

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

RTL

Ready To List

R&D

Remove & Dispose

RTP

Regional Transportation Plan,

RDO

Regular Day Off

Federally required 20-year plan by MPOs,

RDP

Route Development Plan, part of planning process

updated every 3-years

which provides alternatives

RTPA

Regional Transportation Planning Agency,

RDNA

Recombinant DNA

State designated agency responsible for prep. of

RDS

Radio Data Systems (ITS)

RTP & RTIP

R&S

Remove & Salvage

RTS

Remote Traveler Support Subsystem (ITS)

RE

Resident Engineer

RWQCB

Regional Water Quality Control Board

REMOVE

Reduced Motor Vehicle Emissions Program

REVISIT

RBS Evaluation, Verification, Integration &

Support Improvement Team

RFA

Request for Authorization

SAAMP

Special Area Aquatic Management Plan

RFB

Request for Bid

SAB

Seismic Advisory Board

RFG

Reformulated Gasoline

SACOG

Sacramento Area Council of Governments

RFP

Request for Proposal

SADBU

Small And Disadvantaged Business Utilization

Request for Qualifications

SAE

Society of Automotive Engineers

Request for Quotation

SAFEs

Service Authorities for Freeway Emergencies

RFS

Richmond Field Station (UCB)

SAFETEA

Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient

RIA

Regulatory Impact Analysis;

RFQ

Regional ITS Architecture

Transportation Equity Act of 2003

SAIN

Substance Abuse Information Network

SAM

State Administrative Manual

RICO

Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act

RIFA

Red Imported Fire Ant

SAME

Society of American Military Engineers

RIP

Regional Improvement Plan

SAMI

Stress-Absorbing Membrane Interlayer

RLF

Red Legged Frog

SANBAG

San Bernardino Associated Governments

risk management

SANDAG

San Diego Association of Governments

Regional Mobility Plan

SAP

Sampling and Analysis Plan

RM
RMP

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 21 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

SAPA

State Asphalt Paving Associations

Section 404

of the 1977 Federal Clean Water Act

SAVE

Society of American Value Engineers

SER

Standard Environmental Reference

SB

Senate Bill

SBB&M

San Bernardino Base and Meridian (surveying)

SB45

1997; State increased authority of RTPAs, etc.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/ser/
SF

Scheduled Finish Date / Start-to-Finish;

Standard Form;

Superfund

Est. current STIP process; timely use

SFOBB

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge

SBS

Sick Building Syndrome

SFP

Single Focal Point

SC

Slow Curing;

S&H Code

Streets & Highways Code laws governing

SCADA

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitions

SCAG

Southern California Association of Governments

SCANDI

Surveillance Control and Driver Information System

highways (gas tax & weight fees)

SCBT

segmental concrete bridge technology

State Highway Agency

SCC

self-consolidating concrete (use of plasticizers)

SHBSB

State Historic Building Safety Board

SCE

Southern California Edison

SHELL

Subsystem of Highways for the Movement of

SCEDCO

Stanislaus County Economic Development Corporation

SCFM

Standard Cubic Feet Per Minute

SCH

State Clearing House

Program, four & ten-year capital improvement

SCO

State Controllers Office

program for rehabilitation, safety, and operational

SCOH

Standing Committee on Highways

improvements on state highways.

SCS

Soil Conservation Service (now NRCS)

SCSP

Storm and Combined Sewer Program

SHRP

State Highway Research Program

SD

Structurally Deficient (bridge),

SHS

State Highway System

Standard Deviation

SHPO

State Historic Preservation Officer

SDC

Seismic Design Criteria

SHRC

State Historical Resources Commission

SDO

Standards Development Organization

SHWL

Seasonal High Water Level

SDP

Strategic Deployment Plan

SI

International System of Units

SDWA

Safe Drinking Water Act

SEA

Systems Engineering Analysis

SI&A

Structure Inventory and Appraisal

SEAC

Sulfur Extended Asphalt Concrete

SIB

State Infrastructure Bank

SEC

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

SIC

Standard Industrial Classification,

SEP

Special Emphasis Program

Section 4(f)

Start Construction

funding & development of projects

SHA

State Highway Account; Major account for

Extralegal Permit Loads

SHOPP

State Highway Operation and Protection

Cannot increase roadway capacity. SB 1435-Kopp

(The Modernized Metric System)

Standard Industry Code

Special Experimental Project; (ex.: FHWA

SIG

Special Interest Group

allowed states to evaluate the design-build method

SIGOP

Signal Optimization

on an experimental basis through SEP-14.

SIMS

Sign Inventory Management System

USDOT Act of 1966, Protects publicly owned

SIP

State Implementation Plan; air qual. Required by

parks, recreational areas, wildlife and water fowl

Fed, CAA of 1970. In order to be eligible for Fed

refuges and land from historic sites

$ projects must demonstrate conformity to SIP.

Section 7

Of Endangered Species Act of 1973

SISA

Special In-grade Salary Adjustment

Section 9

Prohibited Acts

SJCOG

San Joaquin Council of Government

Section 10

Habitat Conservation Plans

SJHTC

San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor

Section 106

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

SJVAPCD

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District

Protection of cultural resources and historic properties.

SLA

Structures Local Assistance,

Section 130

Railroad / Highway At-Grade Crossings

Simbionese Liberation Army

Safety Program

(different people, same acronym)

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 22 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

SLAE

Structure Local Assistance Engineer

SPMIT

Statewide Project Management Improvement

SLAMS

State and Local Air Monitoring Stations

SLIMS

SPRR

Southern Pacific Railroad

SLC

State Land Commission

SQL

Standard Query Language

SLD

Sea Level Datum

SR

Sufficiency Rating (bridge) or State Route

SLIP

Serial Line Internet Protocol

SRF

State Revolving (Loan) Fund (Clean Water Act)

SLPDP

State and Local Project Development Program

SROA

State Restriction of Appointments

SLTC

Soluble Threshold Limit Concentration (Cal)

SRP

Secondary Road Plans

SLTPP

State Local Transportation Partnership Program

SRT

Slotted Rail Terminal

State, discontinued)

SRTP

Short Range Transit Plans

SMARA

Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (Calif.)

SS

Scheduled Start Date / Start-to-Start

SMART

Structure Maintenance Automatic Report

SSE

Separate State Estimate

Transmittal system

SSA

Sole Source Aquifer

Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable,

SSB

Scope, Schedule, and Budget

Realistic, Time limited.

ssambn

such sums as may be necessary

SMBB

single metal beam barrier

SSN

Social Security Number

SMR

Specialized Mobile Radio

SSES

Sewer System Evaluation Survey

SMS

Highway Safety Management System

SSO

Sanitary Sewer Overflow

SMSA

Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area

SSPP

Structural Steel Plate Pipe

SMTP

Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

SSPs

Standard Special Provisions

SNAFU

Situation Normal All Fouled Up (polite form)

SSR

Standard Speed Rail

SNAP

Sonic Nap Alert Pattern

SSTAC

Social Service Transportation Advisory Council

(Penn. Turnpike type rumble strip)

STA

State Transit Assistance;

Team

State funding for mass transit oper. & cap. Imp.,

SNC

Significant Noncompliance

SNMP

Simple Network Management Protocol (ITS)

By law, STA must receive 50% of PTA revenues

SO

Sulfur Dioxide

STA

SOAP

Signal Operations Analysis Package

STAA

Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982

SOC

Synthetic Organic Chemicals

STANCOG

Stanislaus Council of Governments

SOF

State Only Funding

STAPPA

State And Territorial Air Pollution Program

SOFC

solid oxide fuel cell, see APU

SONET

Synchronous Optical Network (ITS)

STBB

Single Thrie Beam Barrier

SOQ

Statement of Qualifications

STC

State Training Center

SOV

Single Occupancy Vehicle

STD

Sate Transportation Department

Statement of Work

STE

State Transportation Enhancement

SO2

Sulfur Dioxide

STEL

short-term exposure limit

SOx

Sulfur Oxides

STIP

State Transportation Improvement Program,

SPB

State Personnel Board

4-year list of projects approved by CTC and is a

SPE

Start Preliminary Engineering

list of major projects.

SPI

Schedule Performance Index

ITIP (25%) & RTIP (75%)

SP&R

State Planning & Research

STC

State Training Center

Safe Routes to School

STMF

Simple Transportation Management Framework (ITS)

(Fed) (est. by AB 1475, ext. by SB 10)

STMP

Simple Transportation Management Protocol (ITS)

State Personnel Board

STO

Smart Testing Operations

STP

Surface Transportation Program (Fed)

SOW

SR2S
SPB

State Transportation Agency

Administrators

program

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 23 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

(Formerly FAU or FAS)

TB

Top of Bank

Study; Standard Temperature and Pressure

TBB

Thrie beam barrier

STPP

Surface Transportation Policy Project

TBC

Top Back of Curb

STPL

Surface Transportation Program (Local)

TC

Top of Curb

STRAHNET

STRAtegic Highways NETwork

TCA

Transportation Corridor Agency

STRUDL

Structural Design Language (computer program)

TCB

Traffic Control Box

STURAA

Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation

TCCC

Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council

Assistance Act (1987)

(FHWA led pooled fund study for training

SU

Source Unit

SUDP

Specific Urban Development Plan

TCDD

management and development under NHI)

Dioxin (Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin)

SULEV

super ultra low emission vehicles

TCDH

Traffic Control Devices Handbook

Superpave

Superior PERforming asphalt PAVEments

TCE

Trichloroethylene

SUSMP

Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan

TCI

Transit Capital Improvement program

SV

Schedule Variance

TCIP

Transit Communications Interface Profiles (ITS)

SW

Sidewalk Storm Water

TCLP

Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (Fed)

SWAG

Stuff We All Get

TCM

Transportation Control Measure

to reduce pollution emissions.

Scientific Wild Ass Guess

(not CT. We dont guess, we know)

TCP

Traffic Control Plan

SWDR

Storm Water Data Report

TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

SWITRS

Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System

TCR

Transportation Concept Report;

SWLF

Solid Waste Landfill

SWMP

Storm Water Management Plan

TCRA

Traffic Congestion Relief Act (AB2928)

Solid Waste Management Unit

TCRF

Traffic Congestion Relief Fund

SWPPP

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan

TCRP

Transportation Congestion Relief Program,

SWQAG

Storm Water Quality Assessment Guide

TCS

Transportation Control Strategy,

SWMU

Transportation Corridor Report

Transit Cooperative Research Program

SWRCB

State Water Resources Control Board

SWTF

Storm Water Task Force

Traffic Controller Synchronizer,

SYSOP

Systems Operator

Traffic Control Systems,

Transportation Corridor Study

T
T2

Toll Collection Subsystem

Technology Transfer

T&D

Training and Development

TDA

Transportation Development Act; State law, 1971,

TA

Technical Advisory

TAC

Technical Advisory Committee

TDD

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf

TAC/ALC

Technical Advisory Committee for Agricultural

TDIP

Technology Deployment Initiatives and

0.25% sales tax for transit & bike

Land Conservation
TAG

Technical Advisory Group

TAM

Transportation Asset Management

Partnerships
TDM

Transportation Demand Management;

Travel Demand Management

(FHWA, resource allocation strategies)

TDMA

Time Division Multiple Access (ITS)

TAS

Toll Administration Subsystem

TDP

Transportation Development Plan

TAR

Tribal Authority Rule

TASAS

Traffic Accident Surveillance and Analysis System

TAT

Tire Anchor Timber Wall

TDS

Total Dissolved Solids

TAU

Temporary Authorization Appointment

TE

Transportation Engineer

(Formerly RDP),
Tons Per Day (air qual.)

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 24 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

T&E

Threatened and Endangered (species)

TMP

Transportation Management Plan

TEA

Transportation Enhancement Act

TMS

Traffic Management (or Monitoring or

or Activities program (Fed)

Maintenance) System or Subsystem, see TSM

TEAM

Together Everybody Achieves More (not CT)

TNT

Trinitrotoluene

TEC

Travel Expense Claim; Total Escalated Cost

TOC

Traffic Operations Center;

TEA-21

Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century

TeNS

Total Organic Carbon/ Compound, Section 4(f)

(Fed); 1998-2004

TOD

Transit Oriented Development

Technical Noise Supplement

TOMIS

Traffic Operations Management Information Service

(http://env.dot.ca.gov/env/noise/index.htm)

TON

Threshold of Odor Number (water qual)

TERO

Tribal Employment Rights Office or Ordinances

TOPICS

Traffic Operations Program to Improve

TF

Total Float / Target Finish Date

TFHRC

Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

Capacity & Safety

TOPSS

(McLean, VA)

Transportation Operations and Project Support

System (New time system)

THC

Total Hydrocarbons

TOS

Traffic Operations System

THM

Trihalomethanes

TOT/MVM

Total Accidents Per Million Vehicle Miles

TI

Traffic Index, = 9.0(ESAL/1,000,000)^0.119;

TP

Turning Point (surveying)

Temporary Intermittent

TPB

Treated Permeable Base

TIC

Technical Information Center

TPC

Technical Planning Committee

TID

Turlock Irrigation District

TP&D

Transportation Planning & Development account

TIE

Toxicity Identification Evaluation

TPL

Truck Passing Lane

TIES

Total Integrated Engineering System

TPM

Transportation Planning Manual

TIF

Transportation Investment Fund;

TQM

Total Quality Management

Truck Inspection Facility

TRAMS

Transportation Accounting & Management

TIFIA
TIGER

Transportation Infrastructure Finance

System: developed to meet the Department's

& Innovation Act

reporting needs and to respond effectively to the

Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding

requirements placed on the Department as a result

Referencing System

of the implementation of the California Fiscal

TIP

Transportation Improvement Program

Information System.

TIS

Travelers Information System

TRAQ

Transportation Air Quality Center

TISE

Take It Somewhere Else

TRARR

Traffic on Rural Roads

TISP

The Infrastructure Security Partnership

TRB

Transportation Research Board

(Congress of Infrastructure Security for the Built

(formerly Highway Research Board)

Environment)

TRIP

The Road Information Program

T&L

Time and Labor

TRIS

Transportation Research Information System

TL

Transportation Laboratory

TLI

Terrain Line Interpolation

TLV

Threshold Limit Value

TMA

Transportation Management Assoc. or Area

TRMC

Transit Management Center

TMC

Transportation Management Center;

TRMS

Transit Management Subsystem

(UCB), see C-TRIS

TRIS

Transportation Research Information System;

Toxic Release Inventory System

Traffic Management Center

TRRL

Transportation Road Research Laboratory

TMCC

Truck-Mounted Crash Cushion

TRS

Time Reporting System (history)

TMDD

Traffic Management Data Dictionary (ITS)

TRSP

Traffic-Responsive Plan (Generation)

TMDL

Total Maximum Daily Load; .Limit

TRT

Technical Review Team

TMIP

Travel Model Improvement Program

Transportation Research Thesaurus

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 25 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

TRVS

Transit Vehicle Subsystem (ITS)

ULEV

Ultra Low Emission Vehicles

TSC

Transportation Systems Center

UMRA

Un-funded Mandates Reform Act

TSCA

Toxic Substances Control Act

UMTA

Urban Mass Transit Agency, Administration

TSDP

Transportation System Development Plan

UNESCO

United Nations Educational, Scientific and

TSDF

Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities

TSIP

Transportation Systems Information Program

UNPARs

Unprogram Project Approval Requests

TSM

Transportation System Management program

UP

Underpass

(State, discontinued) See TMS

URISA

Urban and Regional Information Systems Assoc.

TSN

Transportation System Network

URL

Universal Resource Locator;

TSO

Time-share operation

TSP

Total Suspended Particulates,

UROAD

Urban Mass Transportation Agency

Traffic Synchronization Projects

USA

United States of America;

Cultural Organization

Universal Reader Language

TSS

Total Suspended Solids

TSSS

Total Station Survey System

USC

United States Code;

TTHM

Total Trihalomethane

USC&GS

United States Coast and Geodetic Survey

TTLC

Total Threshold Limit Concentration

USCE

United States Corps of Engineers (ARMY)

TTIA

Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 1995

USCG

United States Coast Guard

TTN

Technology Transfer Network

USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture

TTP

Technology Transfer Program (UCB)

USFS

U.S. Forest Service

TTY

Teletype

USFWS

United States Fish & Wildlife Service

TUF date

Timely Utilization of Funding?

USGS

United States Geological Survey

TVA

Tennessee Valley Authority

USM

Urban Simulation Model

TVOC

Total Volatile Organic Compounds

USPLS

United States Public Land Surveys

TWLTL

Two Way Left Turn Lane

USPS

US Postal Service

USR

User Service Requirement

UST

Underground Storage Tank

Underground Service Alert

Unified Soil Classification

USTIP

Updated State Transportation Improvement Program

UA

Urbanized Area

USTR

Unites States Trade Representative

UAA

Use Attainability Analysis (water qual)

UTC

Ultimate Transportation Corridor

UAM

Urban Air-shed Model

UTCS

Urban Traffic Control System

UAQI

Uniform Air Quality Index

UTPS

Urban Transportation Planning System

UART

Universal Asynchronous Transmitter Receivers

UUA

use attainability analysis,

(Computer Chip)

(EPA, water body recreational use.)

UC

Under-crossing

UV

Ultraviolet

UCITS

University of California Institute of

UZA

Urbanized Area

Transportation Studies

UCP

Unified Certification Program (DBE)

UCS

Unconfined Compressive Strength

UFAS

Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards

VA

Veterans Administration

UG

Underground

VC

Vertical Curve

UGB

Urban Growth Boundaries

V/C

Volume /Capacity ratio

UHPC

Ultra High Performance Concrete

VCM

Vertical Control Monumentation

ultrasonic impact treatment, for welds

VDT

Video Display Terminal

International Union of Public Transport

VE

Value Engineering

UIT
UITP

Value Analysis

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 26 of 27

Transportation-Related and Other Acronyms in Common Usage

Bold = Deemed to be particularly common in Caltrans Local Assistance
Last edited 06/16/16

VECP

Value Engineering Change Proposal

WSPRO

Water Surface Profile

VELB

Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle

WSTP

Wastewater Sewage Treatment Plant

(lives in stems > one inch)

WWBE

White Women-owned Business Enterprise

VEP

Value Engineering Proposal

WWTP

Wastewater Treatment Plant

VFC

Vehicle Fuel Consumption

WWW

World-Wide Web

VGA

Virtual Graphics Array

WYSIWYG

What you see is what you get

VHT

Vehicle-Hours of Travel

WZS

Work Zone Safety

VISTA

Video Information System Training Assoc., Inc.

WZTC

Work Zone Traffic Control

VKT

Vehicle Kilometers Traveled

VMS

Variable Message Sign

VMT

Vehicle Miles Traveled,

VOC

common measurement for driving demand

XPM

Volatile Organic Compounds;

Volume and Occupancy Control (Constant)

VOS

Vehicle Operating Survey

VRC

Vehicle/Roadside Communications (ITS)

W
WADS

Wide Area Detection Systems

WAN

Wide Area Network

WASHTO

Western Association of State Highway &

Transportation Officials

WBE

Woman-owned Business Enterprise

WBS

Work Breakdown Structure

WC

Worker's Compensation

WCC

Work Category Code

WDT

Weight-Distance Tax

WEN

Workload Estimating Norm

WES

Waterways Experiment Station

WET

Wetland Evaluation Technique

WGRA

Western Governmental Research Association

WHO

World Health Organization / United Nations

WIB

Workforce Investment Board

WPA

watershed protection approach

WPCM

Water Pollution Control Manager

WPCP

Water Pollution Control Program

WQBEL

water quality-based effluent limit

WQC

Water Quality Criteria

WQI

Watershed Quality Index

WQS

water quality standard

WS

White Stripe

WSP

Welded Steel Pipe

WSRA

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

Expert Project Management

YARTS

Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System

YATI

Yosemite Area Traveler Information

YS

Yellow Stripe

Y2K

The Year 2000 Computer Problem

Z
ZBB

Zero Based Budgeting

: process

requiring justification of every dollar (and personyear) of an organization's/program's proposed

budget for the budget year. The assumed program
level for the budget year is zero, thus intensive
justification and critical review of all components
is required before approval
ZEV

Zero Emissions Vehicle

ZRL

Zero Risk Level

A compiled list of acronyms encountered, mostly, in relation to work at Caltrans. If you have comments, corrections, or
additions, forward to dla-training@dot.ca.gov
Page 27 of 27