National Tribal Transportation Facility Inventory (NTTFI) - “Three Decades of Evolution”
History and Experience
The inventory and condition assessment of transportation infrastructure across Indian Country has evolved tremendously over the past three decades. At every stage of that evolution, our project team has been at the forefront—committed to innovation and dedicated to doing the hard work required to get it right.
In the GIS and database world, there’s a saying: “garbage in, garbage out.” We take that to heart. Our firm is committed to accurate, verifiable field data collection and meaningful condition assessments that help Tribes manage and prioritize their limited transportation funding and assets effectively. While many firms claim expertise in NTTFI Inventory, none can match our depth of experience, active certified RIFDS technicians, or proven track record of innovation in assisting Tribes, the BIA, and FHWA in modernizing inventory processes to “Official” status.
From the original Phase I-III Nationwide Inventory Update efforts of the late 1980s and 1990s—when BIA Regional Roads Engineers led the Tribal Transportation Program—to today’s push toward ESRI GIS-driven “GeoRIFDS” in a program now strongly implemented through tribal shares and tribal DOT’s, we’ve played a key role in shaping its evolution. With an in-depth understanding of the program’s original intent—calculating “Relative Need” among competing Tribes for IRR/TTP funding—we have helped streamline cost computations, transition from hardbound “Turquoise Books” to modern databases, and integrate GIS into inventory processes.
Our team has a long history of leadership in this space. Mr. Robideau developed the first-ever Microsoft Access Inventory Database, capable of integrating GIS data, decoding field condition assessment codes, generating readable strip maps, and producing the first “smart” 5704 Forms. This innovative system became a model for many that followed, with some organizations still using modified versions of it today, despite the vast advancements in Asset Management and GIS technologies over the last 20 years.
As the Tribal Transportation Program has navigated six major federal highway bills—from ISTEA to BIL (and whatever comes next)—we’ve worked alongside Tribes, the BIA, and FHWA to adapt and evolve with each legislative shift. As an ESRI Bronze Partner, we are actively shaping the future of GeoRIFDS, having contributed a significant historical GIS dataset (with client approval) to aid in data migration and system development.
Our deep institutional knowledge of the program’s history enables us—like no other firm—to develop innovative, user-friendly, and intuitive GIS-driven Asset Management Systems that are responsive to Tribal and agency needs.
Our Approach to Inventory and True Asset Management Systems
Today, we are leading the way in high-accuracy transportation asset management for Tribes across Indian Country. With delays in developing a federal-level GIS AMS, our dedicated team is delivering cutting-edge GIS AMS solutions, specifically tailored to each Tribal client and small municipality.
Whether your Tribal Transportation Inventory consists of a few roads, pedestrian facilities, and parking lots serving a small rural area, or spans thousands of miles of multimodal infrastructure, our services are designed to scale with your program’s needs. From the most remote villages in Alaska to diverse climates, terrains, and cultures across the lower 48, we are committed to providing practical, effective, and culturally respectful solutions.
Our Process & Project Approach
Listen First – We begin by understanding your program’s unique needs.
Collaborate – We work closely with you to develop GIS and AMS solutions that align with your goals.
Digitize Historical Records – Converting legacy data into modern, usable formats.
Develop a Strategic Work Plan – Maximizing field efficiency, respecting Native and private lands, and ensuring logistical success.
Collect & Verify Data – Conducting high-accuracy, uniform, and verifiable field assessments using standardized protocols that minimize post-processing.
Process & Deliver – Cleansing field data into a polished, ready-to-use format for reporting, analysis, and decision-making.
Design & Publish GIS Solutions – Creating user-friendly, interactive GIS environments tailored to your team’s skill set:
Web Maps, Dashboards, and Story Maps
Google Earth Exports
Large-format printed maps and binders
Atlas-style map books
Straightforward, efficient deliverables catered for real-world use designed specifically for the end user’s capacity.
Provide Training & Support – Empowering your team to maintain and update systems independently.
Guide NTTFI Inventory Updates – Ensuring successful navigation of the “error and omission” process to achieve “Official” status in RIFDS.
Foster Long-Term Relationships – We are invested in ongoing technical support and prioritize sustained partnerships with our Tribal clients, even offering online data or system hosting services.
At Red Plains Professional, we don’t just deliver GIS solutions—we develop meaningful, functional, and enduring systems that support the success of Tribal Transportation Programs nationwide. Whether you need a comprehensive Asset Management System or simply assistance navigating the NTTFI Inventory process, our team is ready to stand by your side—offering trusted, knowledgeable, and practical support every step of the way.