The Office of Policy and Research (OPR) supports MDOT SHA’s mission by managing legislative, policy, research, and performance management activities. OPR makes recommendations to the MDOT Secretary and the SHA Administrator to ensure that Maryland has adequate input on both technical and policy issues to be developed by or presented to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and other organizations.

Policy and Government Relations Division

The division prepares the administrator by recommending policy stances for state and/or federal bills being considered. When a bill is passed, the division assesses its impact on MDOT SHA.

Research Division

The division delivers the Research Work Program ($3.3 million annually) that supports MDOT SHA's business goals and objectives.

Research Projects: Completed Reports and Requests for Proposals

Performance Management Division

The Performance Management Division oversees Maryland’s participation in the AASHTO Transportation and Civil Engineering (TRAC) and Roadways In Developing Elementary Students (RIDES) programs. It is the sole source of performance measure reports for the governor, legislature, Department of Transportation, general public and MDOT SHA, describing how well MDOT SHA is performing.