FY 2026 Evaluation Plan

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) adopts the FY 2026 Evaluation Plan, as required by 5 USC § 312(b). It describes four new significant evaluations that DOT will undertake in FY 2026. It also reports progress on 23 evaluations introduced in prior Annual Evaluation Plans. For each evaluation, the Plan reports on what we will learn or have learned, and how the information will be or has been used to improve DOT’s programs, policies, regulations, or operations. The FY 2026 Evaluation Plan adheres to the DOT Evaluation Framework’s commitment to supporting “rigorous, relevant evaluations…that result in continuous improvement across the Department."

DOT conducts numerous evaluations each year, but the FY 2026 Evaluation Plan only highlights a subset that are the most significant. DOT defines “significant” evaluations as including Administration priorities; examining programs that are large in their scale, scope, budget, or number of people or entities served; or analyzing programs that are critical to fulfilling DOT’s mission. These evaluations will all produce preliminary, actionable findings that will be shared with Operating Administrations’ leadership during FY 2026. The document reflects DOT’s current thinking on the appropriate strategies to meet its evidence needs; however, these activities may change and are subject to availability of funds.