AASHTO gives the following guidance on structuring the VE team. A team of five to seven persons with diverse areas of expertise usually produces the best results. A team of fewer than five tends to limit the amount and variety of creative input, and a team of more than seven can be unwieldy. Teams should be structured so there is appropriate expertise to evaluate the major problem areas anticipated within the project, e. g., traffic, right-of-way, structures, soils, paving, etc. Including general expertise from the areas of design, construction, right-of-way, maintenance, or traffic operations makes for a good team balance.
Team Leader. One individual should be appointed as team leader to guide the team in its efforts and be responsible for its actions during the study. The team leader should be an individual who is very knowledgeable of, and proficient in, the VE process and able to direct the team’s activities toward its goal. Additional training in motivation and leadership techniques may be warranted for team leaders. A VE consultant serving as team leader should be a certified value specialist with highway experience.
Team Members. Representatives from disciplines other than engineering can provide greater objectivity to a team effort. Expertise from outside the state organization (e. g., local agency, citizen groups, United States Forestry Service (USFS), FHWA, consultants, etc.) may be appropriate on certain projects. Federal law prohibits individuals directly involved in the design of a project from being on the VE team analyzing the project; however, the original designer is an excellent resource individual for the team to consult. Specific training in the concepts, application, and techniques of VE is highly desirable for those working as VE team members. Occasionally, a team may include one or two members who are untrained in VE, but highly skilled in disciplines that are vital to the study.
