Situation
Concentrance expanded its experience in providing program support when it began working with the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 2004. The DOT enlisted Concentrance to analyze their websites to find ways in which functionality and features could be improved and include those that are most useful for its users.
Approach
We started by gathering statistics on the current websites’ daily usage to help us determine what tools maximize the benefit to users. We also researched individual byway websites to determine what information the Federal Highway Administration need to provide on its sites based on what information the byways’ sites already provide, such as driving directions to byways from major transportation hubs. During the grants solicitation period, we provided technical assistance to users of the application including the addition of a new component, the federal government’s grant application site, www.grants.gov.
Outcome
In researching the websites for individual byways, Concentrance determined what information should be included on the America’s Byways website, www.byways.org. We suggested the inclusion of nearby transportation hubs to byways so travelers can plan road trips that start in cities that are miles away from home. We also recommended the addition of intersections and coordinates of endpoints for the byways for travelers to input into the map server or GPS navigation device of their choosing allowing them to plot a course from their homes to the byways they would most like to visit. The new maps and directions pages are scheduled for release in Summer 2008.
In analyzing web usage statistics, Concentrance found that a number of archived feature stories were still being accessed on a seasonal basis. This information allowed us to recognize trends that help the Federal Highway Administration determine what story topics are of continued interest to the traveler and at what times of year they are being accessed to maximize story value.
Concentrance also became involved with the web registration process in order to effectively guide applicants through it, provide detailed instructions on how to register and apply using grants.gov, and help resolve technical issues on a case-by-case basis to ensure that applicants are able to complete and submit their grant applications on time. In 2008, 334 complete grant applications were received.