The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) was created under the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act (Public Law 108-426). The establishment of RITA will enable the Department to more effectively coordinate and manage the Department's research portfolio and expedite implementation of cross-cutting innovative technologies.

Under the reorganization, RITA's resources will be used to:

• Coordinate and advance transportation research efforts within DOT;
• Support transportation professionals in their research efforts through grants and consulting services, as well as professional development through training centers; and
• Inform transportation decision-makers on intermodal and multi-modal transportation topics through the release of statistics, research reports, and a variety of information products via the internet, publications, and in-person venues such as conferences.

RITA administers the University Transportation Centers program, under which UTRC operates.