Chapter 4 Implementation

Implementation of the ACB framework will help agencies build the organizational capabilities needed to respond effectively to emerging change forces, including workforce transformation, technology evolution, shifting roles, regulatory updates, and heightened public expectations.

State DOTs and other transportation agencies can effectively implement the ACB guidance by applying the following strategies. Agencies can choose to pick and choose which of the strategies are most useful to their situations.

Establish an Internal Capability Building Team

• Who: A cross-functional team including HR, IT, planning, performance management, and executive leadership.
• What to do:
  • Designate an ACB “champion” to guide and coordinate efforts.
  • Familiarize the team with the ACB Portal and digital guidebook.
  • Review the ACB Framework to identify key trends, needs, and relevant strategies.

Conduct a Capability Self-Assessment

• Use the ACB framework to assess the agency’s current situation against the change forces and capability needs.
• Leverage available resources: use the tools, checklists, and assessment templates on the ACB Portal.
• Focus areas may include:
  • Workforce evolution and succession planning
  • Data literacy and digital delivery
  • Knowledge capture and transfer
  • Change management and organizational adaptability

Identify and Prioritize Capability Gaps

• Cross-reference agency challenges with the priority needs in the ACB framework (e.g., agility, resilience, transparency).
• Use existing dashboards or planning tools to map capability gaps against strategic objectives or agency mission goals.
• Consider both short-term wins (e.g., implementing a new knowledge capture tool) and long-term shifts (e.g., redesigning organizational structures).

Adapt Noteworthy Practices and Case Studies

• Explore practices from other DOTs featured in ACB videos and case studies (e.g., Virginia DOT’s Job Books, Oklahoma DOT’s Digital Delivery, or Colorado DOT’s Innovation Challenge).
• Host internal discussions or workshops to review one or two relevant practices and brainstorm how to tailor them to their agencies.
• Reach out to peer agencies through the ACB Community of Practice (COP) or AASHTO networks to learn more about specific implementations.

Pilot and Evaluate Capability Strategies

• Use a pilot approach to test new strategies, such as a new KM tool, a workforce planning dashboard, or an AI governance structure.
• Apply change management best practices by engaging early adopters, collecting feedback, and adjusting based on lessons learned.
• Document implementation efforts using job aids, video testimonials, or shared success stories, and post them to the ACB Portal or other agency knowledge bases.

Institutionalize and Scale Success

• Integrate successful strategies into agency policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Support continued professional development tied to the adopted practices (e.g., formalizing mentoring, codifying career pathways).
• Align with broader agency initiatives such as strategic planning, enterprise risk management, and IT modernization.

Leverage External Communities and Events

• Actively participate in related AASHTO and TRB committees
• Use workshops, peer exchanges, and conferences to:
  • Share progress
  • Learn from others
  • Stay informed of new updates to the ACB Portal

Implementing agency capability building is not a one-time initiative—it is a continuous process of adapting, learning, and improving. The ACB guidance and its resources provide not only tools and how-to’s, but also a national community that transportation agencies can be a part of to ensure they stay resilient in the face of change.