TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has released a request for proposals to produce a legal research digest that provides guidance to stakeholders on the legal issues and decisions that need to be addressed when considering or negotiating multijurisdictional agreements relating to funding and service. Proposals are due September 17, 2019.

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has released a request for proposals to identify SSI and PCII regulations and requirements relevant to transit agencies, and produce a report that includes common industry understandings or questions regarding the designation of potential protected information. Proposals are due September 26, 2019.

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has issued a request for proposals to develop a common, practical approach to storing, accessing, and managing fixed-route transit intelligent transportation system data. Proposals are due September 26, 2019.

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has released a request for proposals to produce a legal research digest that provides potential remedies available to the sponsor and contractors who experience increased costs due to delays and illustrate how those damages are measured. Proposals are due October 2, 2019.

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 October 10, 2019.

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.