TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has issued a request for proposals to understand how taxis, ride-sourcing services, and other non-dedicated service providers are being used for alternative services for individuals with disabilities. Proposals are due July 21, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has issued a request for proposals to develop a guide for public transportation agencies and concerned stakeholders on effective approaches and best practices that are responsive to people who are experiencing homelessness. This project is intended to help public transportation agencies preserve the quality of their services and facilities, while respecting the rights and mobility needs of people experiencing homelessness, including the need for safe places. Proposals are due July 22, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has issued a request for proposals to develop a framework to evaluate fare-free public transportation. The framework should address the benefits and costs and the trade-offs that must be considered by public transportation providers, policy-makers, and other stakeholders as they consider eliminating fares, in whole or in-part, for public transportation. Proposals are due July 23, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has issued a request for proposals to produce a legal research digest that includes lessons learned from transit agencies, sample provisions from third party contracts and intergovernmental agreements to address legal issues, links to transactional documents, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidance, instructive court or arbitration decisions, and other legal references. Proposals are due August 10, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has issued a request for proposals to develop a comprehensive, evidenced-based guide for bus operator workforce management from pre-employment through retirement. The guide should present both best practices and innovative practices that enhance and sustain public transit and support bus operators who provide fixed-route, flexible-route, and on-demand services. Proposals are due August 11, 2020 at 5:00 PM Eastern.

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) has issued a request for proposals to complete the development and implementation of the Intercity Bus Atlas (ICBA) as an ongoing, comprehensive and publicly available inventory of intercity bus services. In particular, research is needed to populate the ICBA with General Transit Feed Specification data. Proposals are due August 20, 2020 by 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.