TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) has issued a request for proposals to develop and present an analytical framework and guidelines for multifaceted decision-making to support state transportation agencies in fulfilling their missions and ensuring that future system performance supports our nation’s prosperity and well-being. Proposals are due September 22, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has issued a request for proposalsto present key quantitative procedures for designing and operating scheduled and fixed-route ferry transit services and facilities that serve passengers-only and passengers and vehicles. Proposals are due October 13, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) has issued a request for proposals to develop a guidebook for state transportation agency fleet managers and others, presenting a readily usable methodology, supportive computational tools, and examples of effective practices for (1) describing and evaluating repair and replacement options when a particular piece of highway maintenance equipment fails and (2) judging which options represent the best value for the fleet and agency. Proposals are due October 15, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

The AASHTO Highway Safety Manual (HSM) has become a key safety management and evaluation resource for state and local roadway agencies; metropolitan planning organizations; and the safety, design, and traffic engineering professional community. The HSM was developed largely through NCHRP research and the first edition was published in 2010. TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) has issued a request for proposals to complete the work begun in NCHRP Project 17-71 to develop and prepare a proposed HSM2 in a format suitable for adoption as an AASHTO publication. Proposals are due October 29, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

TRB’s Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) annual program announcement solicits funding proposals for the upcoming review cycles.  The announcement explains the IDEA programs, describes the types of eligible projects and their funding structures, suggests general areas for which IDEA proposals can be submitted, and provides guidelines and forms for submitting proposals.

• Highway IDEA proposals are due March 1 and September 1, 2019, depending on which of the two funding cycles is targeted.
• The Transit IDEA and Rail Safety IDEA will have one review cycle in 2019. Transit IDEA proposals will be due May 1 and Rail Safety IDEA, September 15.

If the proposal submission due date for any IDEA program falls over a weekend or on a federal holiday, the due date automatically moves to the next business day.

The IDEA programs provide start-up funding for promising, but unproven, innovations in surface transportation systems. The programs’ goals are to seek out and support new transportation solutions that are unlikely to be funded through traditional sources.

Top 3 Criteria by Which Selection Committees Evaluate IDEA Proposals:
1. Innovation -- Emphasize the innovation. Say it first, say it fast, and make it clear. What problem does your project address? How is your solution better than current practice?
2. Payoff -- Describe the expected benefits. Why is this project worth investing in?
3. Research Approach -- Stick to the science. Be sure the research approach is sound and sensible.