TRB is accepting proposals for the 2021 Transit Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) program, which supports the development and testing of unproven, innovative concepts and methods for advancing public transit practice. The deadline for submitting proposals is May 1, 2021.

The IDEA Program Announcement includes instructions for preparing and submitting an IDEA proposal along with details about the program. The Transit IDEA program provides funding at an early stage of the development process for promising but unproven, innovative concepts and methods. Proposals are permitted up to $100,000 in IDEA funds. The Transit IDEA program seeks innovations that improve the efficiency, safety, security, maintenance, and ridership of public transit systems.

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has issued a request for proposals to assist in conducting an Insight Event to understand how air quality inside transit vehicles might contribute to the spread of infections. Proposals are due June 3, 2021 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has released a request for proposals to identify and address legal issues related to resilience planning at the federal, state, and local levels. Proposals are due June 3, 2021 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has issued a request for proposals to produce a primer on insurance issues for transit agencies that may operate bus, rail, paratransit, and other types of transit service. The primer will include best practices regarding the types of insurance that a public transit agency should purchase to ensure it is properly protected, including how to determine the appropriate policy limits, and the appropriate qualifications or ratings for insurance companies. Proposals are due June 8, 2021 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

Research problem statements are now being accepted for Transit Cooperative Research Program's (TCRP) Fiscal Year 2022. To submit a problem statement, first review and follow the format in this outline. Problem statements may be submitted electronically. Previously submitted proposals may be resubmitted. The deadline for consideration is June 18, 2021.
 
TCRP is managed by TRB and sponsored by the U.S. Federal Transit Administration (FTA). TCRP works in partnership with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). TCRP undertakes research and other technical activities in a variety of transit-related areas, including operations, design, construction, engineering, maintenance, administration, policy, planning, environment, and safety. For more information, please contact Gwen Chisholm Smith,TCRP Manager, at gsmith@nas.edu.

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.