Thanks for the excellent question! 
 
For CTPP 2000, FHWA contracted for the TAZ-UP software directly, but this time, it is part of the FHWA Interagency Agreement with the Census Bureau. 
 
For THIS ROUND OF CTPP, the Census Bureau Geography Division is hiring a contractor to develop the software for TAZ (and TAD) delineation.  The CB has asked me not to mention the contractor, as they may still be in negotiations. 
 
Just as a reminder:  The Base TAZs are going to be limited to block equivalencies.  Originally, we thought that TAZs were going to be defined in 2009 and would have allowed for modifications to segments, but this process was shifted to 2011, which is closer in time to the CTPP small area tabulation (using ACS from 2006-2010).  One of the major factors in moving this task  to 2011 was that the CB raised their cost estimate for the software and incorporation into TIGER by a very high margin in summer 2008.  (I don't remember exactly, but it was something on the order of $100,000 more than the original estimate).
 
Elaine Murakami
206-220-4460

From: ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of James Galvin
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 1:10 PM
To: ctpp-news@chrispy.net
Subject: RE: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation business rules

Penelope:

 

I found the following in my read through and added a correction.  I don’t remember reviewing the first.  Is this a RFP for mapping software to be made available top MPO’s (and DOT’S)?

 

Page 4, Section IV

 

B. Ancillary (non-Census) Data

Users must be allowed to import and display the following kinds of data files for use as a

reference when delineating TAZ entities:

 

Jim

 

James J. Galvin, Jr. AICP

Dover/Kent County MPO

302.387.6030 (ph)

 

 

From: ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net [mailto:ctpp-news-bounces@chrispy.net] On Behalf Of Weinberger, Penelope
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 2:28 PM
To: ctpp-news@chrispy.net
Subject: [CTPP] Memo to Census Bureau regarding delineation business rules

 

Hi All,

 

The Census Bureau asked us to refine this document to help them with their software development effort.  There was a three step process and this is step two.  Step three will be the formal version of the attached memo, due to Census Bureau in early 2010.  At this time we are seeking input on this memo for the formal version.  Please reply directly to me with your comments. 

 

Please reply by January 8th, 2010

 

Thanks!

 

Penelope Weinberger

CTPP Program Manager

AASHTO

202-624-3556

http://ctpp.transportation.org/home/default.htm

 

It's just as bad to not make a plan as to blindly follow the one you already have.