The FESTA Support Action is a vital step in the realisation of scientifically robust and efficiently run Field Operational Tests which aim to evaluate key ICT functions. A consortium of European experts with a wide range of skills has been formed to allow the development of a "best-practise" handbook which will guide the design and implementation of an FOT. The consortium involves the participation of academic institutes and national research laboratories, vehicle manufacturers and system providers, along with representatives of national road authorities. This allows the dovetailing of scientific integrity and practical considerations. This Support Action will consider the whole lifecycle of an FOT, from the analysis of stakeholders' needs, the choice of behavioural and other (performance and individual) indicators, the methods by which they are measured (data acquisition), and analysed, reported and integrated and legal, ethical and procedural considerations. In addition, a whole range of ICT functions will be considered, ranging from vehicle systems (e.g. collision warning systems), cooperative systems (e.g. traffic management systems) and nomadic devices such as driver information systems. Running alongside the standard management functions, will be the development of two key workshops to involve wider participation of stakeholders. They will provide the opportunity to undertake needs analyses and dissemination activities. The potential for exploitation of the results and outputs of the FESTA Support Action are high, given the specific EC call for FOTs in the near future.