Build a Better Mousetrap Competition

Innovation Starts at the Local Level

 

The Build a Better Mousetrap (BABM) Competition celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of local and tribal transportation professionals. Sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and supported through National LTAP network, BABM recognizes practical, cost-effective solutions that improve transportation operations, increase safety, save time, and make jobs easier.

 

Since 2009, transportation agencies across the country have shared innovative ideas ranging from custom-built tools and equipment modifications to streamlined maintenance practices and improved data collection methods. Many of the most effective innovations are simple solutions to everyday challenges that can be replicated by other agencies.

 

 

What Types of Innovations Are Eligible?

 

Multiple nominations may be submitted across several categories, ensuring broad representation of innovative practices. All submissions should feature non-proprietary ideas that can be freely shared and adopted by other agencies.

  

Submissions are organized into five primary categories:

 

Innovative Project - Original and creative solutions addressing any phase of the project lifecycle, including planning, design and engineering, construction, and operations and maintenance.

 

Bold Steps - High-risk initiatives or processes that demonstrate breakthrough solutions with significant, high-reward outcomes.

 

Smart Transformation - Significant improvements to transportation activities or processes that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound, resulting in measurable efficiency gains.

 

Pioneer - Locally developed products or tools that provide first-of-their-kind, home-grown solutions to maintenance challenges.

 

Putting Families First Innovation - A new program, initiative, tool, or process that greatly enhances transportation and mobility for families in communities and within tribal areas.

 

 

Why Participate?

 

BABM provides an opportunity to:

 

• Showcase your agency's innovation and creativity
• Receive state and national recognition
• Share successful practices with transportation professionals across the country
• Improve safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness throughout the transportation industry
• Demonstrate how local solutions can have a statewide or national impact

Nebraska entries are first considered for the regional "You Show Us" Competition, with winners recognized at the annual Local Roads Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota. Regional winners may then advance to the National Local Technical Assistance Program Association's Build a Better Mousetrap (BABM) Competition, where national winners are recognized at the annual National LTAP/TTAP Conference. 

 

FHWA publishes an annual National Entry Booklet featuring winning projects and innovative submissions from local and tribal transportation agencies across the country. The booklet serves as a resource for agencies looking to replicate proven ideas, improve operations, and learn from their peers. View current and past National Entry Booklets on the FHWA Build a Better Mousetrap website.

 

 

Judging Criteria

 

Entries are typically evaluated on factors such as:

 

• Innovation and originality
• Cost effectiveness
• Time savings
• Safety benefits
• Overall impact and applicability

Categories and evaluation criteria may vary from year to year based on national competition guidelines.