In 1999 the firm developed a stratified random sample survey instrument for Harvard University. The response rate achieved is consistently 100 percent. The University is complicated by its location in two major cities (Boston and Cambridge) both of which are experiencing dramatic growth in development and traffic. The results of the survey are the basis for implementing university wide commuter services program, and for meeting the requirements of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Rideshare Program and the City of Cambridge Parking and Transportation Demand Management Ordinance (PTDM). Harvard University surveys its employee and student population annually. In additon, Ashton Associates assists the CommuterChoice Program with other planning tasks.

Ashton Associates is a consultant to the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT). The firm is presently working with MDOT to review all Section 5311, 5310, 5307 Grants and assist staff in updating monitoring procedures and reporting requirements where necessary to meet any new regulations identified in SAFETEA-LU. The project includes: creating electronic forms and documents for tracking and monitoring, gathering data and analyzing information gathered. The firm is also developing a process for monitoring Local Provider ADA Plans statewide and creating an integrated Statewide ADA Plan.The firm is on contract with ORC Macro (a national opinion research firm located in Maryland) to assist the Massachusetts Department of Education (MADOE) conduct a series of surveys required by the Federal Government. The project is a part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-2004) which requires states to develop a six-year strategic State Performance Plan that evaluates each state’s efforts to implement the requirements and purposes of IDEA.  As part of the Massachusetts State Performance Plan, the Massachusetts Department of Education is currently implementing a system to collect, analyze, and report data for Indicator #8: Parental Involvement. This Indicator requires states to report the “percent of parents with a child receiving special education services who report that schools facilitated parent involvement as a means of improving services and results for children with disabilities.”The bi-annual surveys are mailed to approximately 40,000 parents.

Ashton Associates assists five other companies that must conduct annual and bi-annual surveys for compliance with certain federal, state and local regulations.