Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

Department of Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a "new technology"??
A new technology is any product, process or material used in the construction and maintenance of roadways and bridges that is NOT covered by existing NJDOT standard specifications or construction details, thereby requiring a formal evaluation for approval.
My product/technology is still in the concept and development stage. Can I submit it to get help in finalizing my design?
No. The NJDOT does not participate in conceptual development. Only finished and marketed products are eligible for submittal.
What criteria must be met in order for my submission to be granted a formal evaluation?
While all products submitted to us receive an initial priority assessment screening by the Department’s subject matter experts (SME), only products that the SME’s consider high priority needs (products that address areas in need of immediate improvement, or products that can provide significant improvement over our current standard) will receive a formal evaluation.
 How do I make a formal submission for consideration and evaluation?
For each product or technology you wish to have evaluated, you must submit the following:
  1. Form DS-1: PDF (1.9m) - Digital Signature Instructions (123k)
  2. Product literature, such as:
    • Technical data sheets
    • List of previous and/or current users with contact information
    • Test reports
    • Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
This information may be emailed to or mailed to:
(If sending your submittal by standard mail please include four copies of all documentation, except for the DS-1 Form)

New Jersey Department of Transportation
Attn: New Technologies & Products
1035 Parkway Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08625-0600
What is the formal evaluation process?
NJDOT has prepared an Evaluation Procedure Flow Chart that shows the evaluation process for products that are granted a formal evaluation.
How do I find out if my product is covered by an existing specification or detail?
Copies of NJDOT current standard specifications and details are available through NJDOT Engineering Documents.
How can I have my product approved if it is covered by existing specifications or details?
Contact the NJDOT Bureau of Materials Engineering and Testing for instructions on how to have your product approved through compliance with the existing NJDOT standards.
How can I find out the evaluation status of a new technology that has already been submitted?
You can search our database for lists that are grouped by Category or Product Name. You may also view the entire database.
Once my product evaluation is complete and it is found acceptable for use by NJDOT, does that mean it is approved and will immediately be implemented into upcoming projects?
No. The NTP evaluation process only determines if the product is found acceptable for use on future NJDOT projects. This is not to be confused with an approval. Before any product can be used on any NJDOT project, a standard specification, construction detail or design guideline must exist for it. Products that have been accepted by NJDOT through the new technology evaluation process still require these guideline documents to be developed and officially implemented. This is done through a baseline document change (BDC) that must be issued by NJDOT office of Configuration Management. This process can take up to one year to complete, depending on the complexity of the changes involved.
Is the New Technologies and Products formal evaluation process the only way to get my product approved for use by NJDOT?
No. NJDOT designers, consultants and/or contractors may propose, for a specific project, the use of alternate methods, products or technologies that they feel can provide added value over current NJDOT standards. Successful, recurrent use of an alternate or non-standard item on several projects can lead to that item being converted to or reclassified as a standard item through the BDC process.
How long does it typically take to evaluate a new technology?
Typically, two to three years. NJDOT will only conduct evaluations that require no longer than two years to yield statistically significant results through demonstration projects. Two separate demonstration projects are required - the first is a very small scale one, which can sometimes be accomplished as part of a formal presentation, followed by a larger one, ideally on an actual construction project. New technologies that require demonstrations that will take longer than two years to complete are handled through commissioned studies with local universities or other research agencies.
Does NJDOT accept technical information or testing data obtained through other testing agencies such as NTPEP, NAASHTO, HITEC, etc.?
Yes, NJDOT accepts and considers evaluation or test data obtained through government-sanctioned research agencies and other state DOTs.  In fact, these evaluations can provide very valuable information that can expedite our evaluation process.


Last updated date: February 5, 2020 2:27 PM