The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) has released Central Building Information Modeling (BIM) Transportation Library: Proof of Concept and Deployment Plan, establishing a practical, evidence-based framework for evaluating and potentially implementing a nationally coordinated digital resource for U.S. transportation infrastructure.

This report, prepared under contract to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), builds upon the foundational CBTL research published in 2025 and outlines a structured approach for advancing BIM interoperability, digital information sharing, and standards alignment across transportation agencies. The report presents a proof of concept (PoC) framework, a hybrid technical architecture, pilot testing and validation methods, and a phased deployment strategy to guide future implementation decisions. It emphasizes the importance of governance, organizational readiness, workforce development, and long-term sustainability in establishing a trusted national BIM transportation resource.

Key findings include:

• A federated approach enables interoperability: A hybrid Directory–Gateway–Repository model provides unified access to BIM resources while preserving authoritative state and federal systems, reducing duplication and supporting cross-platform collaboration.
• Targeted pilot testing establishes feasibility: A bounded proof of concept focused on high-value transportation workflows enables systematic evaluation of technical performance, usability, interoperability, security, and operational readiness before broader implementation.
• Governance and collaboration are essential: Clear ownership, content stewardship, national coordination, and active participation from state departments of transportation, federal agencies, and industry partners are fundamental to long-term success.
• Phased deployment supports sustainable adoption: A four-phase framework progresses from targeted pilots and peer exchanges to expanded state participation and potential national harmonization, with advancement guided by demonstrated readiness and measurable outcomes.
• Workforce development strengthens implementation: Training, knowledge management, and organizational change strategies are critical to preserving institutional expertise, improving digital capabilities, and supporting consistent adoption across transportation agencies.

The report highlights the potential for a nationally coordinated CBTL to improve information discovery, reduce redundant efforts, strengthen collaboration, and support more consistent digital delivery throughout the transportation infrastructure lifecycle. By providing a structured pathway from research to pilot validation and potential deployment, NIBS and FHWA establish a foundation for informed investment, national standards alignment, and long-term innovation. The framework positions federal and state transportation stakeholders to evaluate the CBTL’s feasibility and value before making decisions regarding broader national implementation.