Federal Research Programs
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- Department of Energy (Pending)
- Department of Homeland Security (Pending)
- Department of Education (Pending)
- Environmental Protection Agency (Pending)
- Department of Agriculture (Pending)
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Federal research focuses on national priorities in areas authorized by law and delegated under executive authority. Federal research programs releted to transportation are scattered among many different agencies and offices. Research program priorities and research project selection reflect these limits. The following sections are a first attempt to summarized Federal Research Programs. Other federal research programs will be added over the next few months.
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Research, Development, and Technology (RD&T) is established to foster innovations leading to effective, integrated, and intermodal transportation solutions. Research activities are funded through administrations listed below. Some activities provide funding for competitive programs managed by other organizations, such as the Airport Cooperative Research Program funded through the Aviation Act and managed by TRB. Other activities support research conducted by department employees. Some funding is provided for competitive research programs such as the Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP). This document describes U.S. DOT funding programs that provide competitive opportunity either directly through a U.S. DOT administration program and those funded through U.S. DOT and managed by other organizations.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST)
- Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
- Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)
The following sections summarize programs accepting outside research proposals.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. DOT
The Federal Highway Administration manages many competitive transportation research programs.
FHWA Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP)
Total Annual Funding – approximately $13 million per year FY2006 - FY2009
Range of Project Costs – Varies
General Description
The Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) is a federally administered nationally oriented research program authorized in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to improve the understanding of the relationship between surface transportation and the environment. STEP implements a national research agenda that is reflective of priorities established in TRB Special Report 268 (these include: human health, ecology and natural systems, environmental and social justice, emerging technologies, land use, and planning and performance measures); and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Transportation Research and Development Strategic Plan.
Type of Research Funded
Funds are used to identify, address and reassess national research priorities for planning, environment, and realty related to the implementation of the Federal Aid Highway Program under Chapter 1 of Title 23 United States Code. These research efforts also help achieve national objectives for streamlining, congestion reduction, safety and security. In addition, STEP is the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) authorized source of funding for surface transportation environmental and planning research. It funds ongoing and new nationally focused applied and basic research.
Funding Levels and Project Time Frame
Approximately $13 million of the $16.875 million authorized is expected to be available ach year. In addition, Congress mandated that there be a 50% non-Federal Match for research funds under Title V of SAFETEA-LU, including STEP. The document currently states $12 million in expected available funding each year and a 20% non-Federal match requirement.
Schedule
Winter – Implement current fiscal year STEP plan via appropriate procurement methods, agreements and partnerships (May shift depending on appropriations)
STEP emphasis area contacts lead implementation of STEP research within their emphasis area. They work with staff and other partners to implement the research projects and ensure coordination between projects funded in previous fiscal years.
Spring – Refine STEP implementation strategy/goals/emphasis areas
FHWA solicits feedback on next fiscal year through a Federal Register notice and updated Web site information.
Conduct outreach for next fiscal year by emphasis area, review research needs and identify gaps.
- Spring/Fall – Analyze feedback and develop priorities for and fund critical research
Develop next draft fiscal year STEP Plan that reflects results of the outreach and stakeholder feedback.
- Fall/Winter – The associate administrator for the Office of Planning, Environment and Realty approves the annual STEP Plan
Post current fiscal year plan on STEP Web site. (May shift depending on appropriations.)
Selection Process
Projects are selected using a rolling, yearly process. Each fiscal year, an announcement is published in the Federal Register requesting suggested lines of research. Stakeholders submit feedback regarding research. This feedback is used by the contact persons identified for each research emphasis area to coordinate and develop the annual STEP Plan. Cost sharing can leverage investments in research as well as spread the risk inherent in early-stage concept development. For those reasons, all other things being equal, proposals that include cost sharing from other sources may be given some preference in the evaluations. The FHWA Associate Administrator for the Office of Planning, Environment and Realty makes final funding decisions and approves the annual STEP Plan.
Once the annual STEP Plan is approved, Stakeholders are involved in a variety of ways:
- Outreach and stakeholder input/feedback are on-going and are used to refine and implement this national research agenda. These outreach activities include: national workshops, annual community of practice conferences, program advisory groups, etc.
- Partnerships are formed to leverage funds with other sources including: Federal, State and Local agencies, National Cooperative Highway Research Program, Future Strategic Highway Research Program, pooled funds, foreign jurisdictions, etc.
- Peer reviews are utilized to solicit input from partners and stakeholders in the development of projects and in the review of selected reports and publications.
- Technical working groups or other informal stakeholder groups (including Federal as well as State partners) are utilized to identify and follow specific projects and to review results related to several initiatives including: climate change, travel model improvements, Eco-Logical grants, traffic noise model development, transportation planning capacity building, bi-national border activities, and outdoor advertising control.
- Stakeholders are also encouraged to distribute and publicize procurement solicitations as well as research results.
Emphasis area contacts lead implementation of STEP research within an emphasis area. They work with staff and other partners to develop and implement specific projects and initiatives.
Project Selection Criteria and Tips for Writing Winning Research Statements
Project Selection process and tipes for STEP program participation:
Review Proposed FY 2010 STEP Implementation Strategy
The proposed FY 2010 STEP Implementation Strategy outlines the likely research priorities for FY 2010. This strategy can help stakeholders understand how potential suggested lines of research might fit within the scope of the proposed FY2010 STEP Implementation Strategy that can be found at the following link: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/HEP/STEP/strategy.htm
Develop Suggested Lines Of Research
After reviewing the proposed STEP Implementation Strategy, stakeholders should develop suggested lines of research that are related to the proposed FY 2010 STEP research priorities.
Submit Feedback
Stakeholders should submit suggested lines of research using the following link: http://knowledge.fhwa.dot.gov/cops/step.nsf/home/. Stakeholders should note that these submissions are not considered formal research proposals.
Review Annual Step Plan
After submitting feedback, stakeholders should review the annual STEP plan once it is approved by the HEP Associate Administrator and posted to the STEP Web site.
Monitor FEDBIZOPPS.GOV
After the STEP Plan has been approved, individual STEP emphasis area contacts will develop specific requests for proposals as appropriate for research projects that are included in the STEP plan. The STEP research funding opportunities will be posted at https://www.fbo.gov/
Contact Step Emphasis Area
Stakeholders should contact individual STEP emphasis area contacts to discuss the status of research in a specific emphasis area. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/hep/step/contacts.htm
FHWA Safety Innovation Deployment Program
Total Annual Funding - Approximately $12.75 million
Range of Project Costs – Approximately $25,000 - $750,000
Statements Due – Due dates specified in individual project requests for proposal
General Information
Section 5203(c) of SAFETEA-LU established the Safety Innovation Deployment Program, with the goals of the program to include: “(A) the deployment and evaluation of safety technologies and innovations at State and local levels; and (B) the deployment of best practices in training, management, design, and planning.” These goals may be accomplished through “grants to, and cooperative agreements and contracts with, States, other Federal agencies, universities and colleges, private sector entities, and nonprofit organizations for research, development, and technology transfer for innovative safety technologies.” There is also an emphasis on ensuring that “the information and technology resulting from research conducted . . . is made available to State and local transportation departments and other interested parties.” SAFETEA-LU Title V matching requirements apply to this program.
The program funds the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) highway safety research, development, and technology deployment activities. FHWA manages the Safety Innovation Deployment Program in a manner consistent with SAFETEA-LU Title V basic principles governing research and technology investments, and FHWA guiding principles and agency commitments laid out in the Corporate Master Plan for Research and Deployment of Technology and Innovation.
Types of Research Funded
The FHWA’s mission for the program is to help reduce highway crashes and related fatalities and injuries by developing and implementing a program of nationally coordinated research and technology safety innovations. The program is guided by the four E’s of highway safety: engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency response. The FHWA Office of Safety, Office of Safety Research and Development, and Resource Center Safety and Design Technical Services Team coordinate to conduct research and development activities and develop products and guidance for practitioners.
The program has five focus areas:
- Roadway departure crash prevention and severity mitigation,
- Intersection safety,
- Pedestrian and bicycle safety,
- Speed management, and
- Comprehensive approach to safety through improved data and data processes, decision making tools and processes, and evaluation.
The program also conducts work in the following crosscutting areas:
- Professional capacity building,
- Communications and outreach,
- Rural and local roads,
- ITS and safety,
- Motorcycle safety,
- Visibility, and
- Human factors.
Funding Levels and Project Time Frame
Section 5203(c) of SAFETEA-LU, and its extensions, established the Safety Innovation Deployment Program authorizing $12.75 million for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2011, for a total authorization of $76.5 million.
Schedule
The Safety Innovation Deployment Program is in effect for the duration of SAFETEA LU.
Project Solicitation and Submission
The Federal Highway Administration Safety Program maintains roadmaps (or multi-year program plans) for each of its programs and identifies projects that will be funded each year. FHWA publishes an annual procurement forecast that identifies major planned procurements in all programs, including the Safety Innovation Deployment Program. Requests for proposals on individual projects are posted throughout the year.
Selection Process
FHWA coordinates closely with stakeholders in administering the program. Stakeholders include other federal agencies with a safety mission, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA); state and local government agencies; and associations representing the full range of safety constituencies, such as enforcement, motor vehicle administrators, governors’ highway safety representatives, and industries supplying safety technology and services.
The program is coordinated with the Transportation Pooled-Fund Program (TPF), the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2), the Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR), the Connected Vehicle Research Program, and the Exploratory Advanced Research Program (EAR).
Further Information
Products of the Safety Innovation Deployment Program can be found at the FHWA Safety Program website (safety.fhwa.dot.gov). For more information contact:
Shirley Thompson
Safety Research and Technology Program Coordinator
Federal Highway Administration, Office of Safety
202-366-2154
FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program
Total Annual Funding – Approximately $10-11 million
Range of Project Costs – about $500,000–2,000,000
Statements Due – may be submitted year round
General Description
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act—A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) establishes an exploratory advanced research (EAR) Program that addresses longer term and higher risk breakthrough research with the potential for dramatic long term improvements to plan, build, renew and operate safe, congestion-free, and environmentally sound transportation systems.
Type of Research Funded
The EAR Program funds exploratory advanced research across the range of issues that are critical to the transportation industry including:
- Predicting societal and complex natural systems,
- Next generation solutions to build, maintain and manage future highways,
- Next generation solutions for system operations and reducing congestion, and
- Next generation pedestrian and driver safety.
Research may include foundational work that anticipates the questions and future needs in applied research or the application of innovations from other industries to the transportation sector. An example of the former is a project entitled “Increased Understanding of Driver Visibility Requirements” that is attempting to develop a rational theoretical framework for determining the quantity and quality of visual information needed by drivers to navigate the roadway safely and effectively, which will assist in future safety research. An example of the latter is a project entitled “Intelligent Multi-Sensor Measurements to Enhance Vehicle Navigation and Safety Systems” that aims to develop an accurate, robust, and reliable vehicle positioning system capable of providing accurate high-update-rate lane-level measurements for future navigation and control (safety) systems by applying technology developed and tested in other industries including aerospace.
Funding Levels and Project Time Frame
Projects in the first two rounds of funding have ranged from around $500,000 to $2,000,000 of program funding. Projects have had a substantial amount of non-federal matching funds leading to a total work value that has ranged from around $1,000,000 to $3,800,000.
Schedule
The first round of projects included a full and open solicitation in January 2007 with awards made starting in September 2007. The second round of projects included a solicitation in May 2008 and anticipates awards starting in September 2008. The third round included deadlines in February, June, and September 2009. Future rounds may be announced in fall or winter quarter of the federal fiscal year (October 1 to September 30) with deadlines in spring or summer, and awards the following fall or winter.
Project Solicitation and Submission
Under SAFETEA-LU, the EAR Program strives to develop partnerships with the public and private sectors. Because the very nature of EAR is to apply ideas across traditional fields of research and engage new approaches to problem solving, partnerships are a good means to step outside of normal practices. Accordingly, the EAR Program conducts initial stage research activities such as scanning and convening and works with stakeholders to identify research areas that have the potential for high-impact, long-term results prior to scoping solicitation topics.
Selection Process
FHWA identified major research universities, government laboratories, and private industry organizations as the most likely entities with the capacity to conduct exploratory advanced research. Accordingly, FHWA requests for proposals have been (and are expected to continue to be) full and open. FHWA continues to seek research partners through extensive outreach, and FHWA wants to ensure that all competent entities are aware of the solicitations and have an opportunity to compete for the work.
In order to ensure the highest technical merit, FHWA has and plans to continue to use peer review panels to evaluate solicitations. The panels have been (and will continue to be) comprised of federal, state, academic, and international scientific and engineering experts and are vetted to avoid conflicts of interest. The panels frequently include multiple disciplines to better assess cross-applications and novel approaches to research. In addition to the peer review, a multi-disciplinary management group also assesses the mission focus and overall balance of projects within a round of research funding.
Projects Selection Criteria and Tips for Writing Winning Research Statements
In the first two rounds of research, criteria included in descending order of relative importance:
- Quality and Technical Merit – Overall scientific and technical merit of the proposal including plans to objectively measure the value and potential impact of the research,
- Partnership – Degree to which the proposal develops partnerships with public and private sector entities,
- Capabilities and Experience – Overall capabilities including the qualifications, capabilities, and experience of the proposed principal investigator, team leader, and key personnel who are critical in achieving the proposal objective, and
- Total Cost and Cost Realism – Proposed cost to the federal government and cost realism.
FHWA anticipates using similar criteria in the future rounds of research.
Further Information
The EAR Program Website has up-to-date information about the Program including current research and current solicitations. For more information contact:
David Kuehn, Team Director
Office of Corporate Research, Technology, and Innovative Management
202-493-3414
FHWA Highways for LIFE Technology Partnerships Program
Total 2009 Funding – $2,000,000 million
Range of awards – up to $500,000
Solicitation is open until September 23, 2009
General Description
The purpose of the Technology Partnership Program is to work with the highway construction industry to accelerate the adoption of promising innovations. Innovations is an inclusive term used by HfL to convey all of the following, but is not limited to: technologies, materials, tools, equipment, procedures, specifications, methodologies, processes, or practices used in the financing, design, or construction of roads or highways. This component of the Highways for LIFE Program is intended to provide the financial impetus to adapt a proven non-highway related innovation or to refine or improve existing equipment, materials, practices, or processes that have been demonstrated but not become adopted as routine or common practice in the highway industry.
Type of Research Funded
The innovations must make a significant contribution to one of the Highways for LIFE goals and be late-stage developed prototypes needing final testing and evaluation under real-world conditions before they can be commercialized. FHWA looks for innovative approaches and technologies that will improve work zone safety, reduce congestion due to construction, improve quality or accelerate construction.
Previous grants have helped the development of temporary wet reflective pavement markings to make work zones more easily seen under rainy conditions; equipment that installs pavement markers quickly, reducing time and risk for workers who treat the highways; and a device that tells at what temperature asphalt binders crack.
Funding Levels and Project Time Frame
In the two previous solicitations, grants between $200,000 and $500,000 have been awarded for up to 2 years. Previous awards have had a minimum of twenty percent non-federal matching funds.
Schedule
The solicitation is open until September 23, 2009. A pre-proposal conference call is scheduled for September 2nd, 2009 at 2:00. Pre-registration is required.
Eligibility and Submission
Both for-profit, private companies and industries, and non-profit domestic and international organizations can apply. FHWA encourages partnership with state and local governments and academic institutions.
Selection Process
FHWA plans to continue to use peer review panels comprised of federal, state and local engineering experts to evaluate proposals.
Award Selection Criteria
In the 2008 solicitation criteria included:
· Significance of Innovation— Does the application meet the HfL program objectives and at least one of the HfL goals? Will the innovation produce a significant advancement to conventional practice? Is there a demonstrated market need? Will the innovation benefit the transportation industry nationally?
· Technical Merit – Is the innovation a significant refinement of an existing innovation or is the innovation a non-highway related innovation that has been successfully used either domestically or internationally and has demonstrated clear potential for success? Does the application demonstrate that the technology is a prototype in late-stage development and the proof of concept is well established?
· Meets Program Objectives – Is the project management plan accomplishable within 2 years? Is there potential for successful deployment after 2 years?
FHWA anticipates using similar criteria in the future solicitations.
Further Information
Previous awardees
Julie Zirlin
Technology Partnerships Program Manager
Highways for LIFE
202-366-9105
Research and Innovation Technology Administration (RITA)
The Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) coordinates the U.S. Department of Transportation's (U.S. DOT) research programs and is charged with advancing the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve our Nation’s transportation system. As directed by Congress in its founding legislation, RITA leads U.S. DOT in:
- Coordinating, facilitating and reviewing the U.S. DOT’s research and development programs and activities;
- Advancing innovative technologies, including intelligent transportation systems;
- Performing comprehensive transportation statistics research, analysis and reporting; and
- Providing education and training in transportation and transportation-related fields.
RITA brings together important data, research and technology transfer assets of the Department of Transportation. RITA also provides strategic direction and oversight of U.S. DOT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Program. Much of RITA’s coordinating function within U.S. DOT is overseen by the Research, Development and Technology (RD&T) Planning Council, an advisory board made up of all of U.S. DOT’s modal Administrators and chaired by the RITA Administrator. While U.S. DOT’s individual operating administrations continue to conduct research based on their unique agency missions, mandates and stakeholder needs, the Council’s work ensures that U.S. DOT’s research and technology programs are integrated and that they fully support U.S. DOT’s strategic objectives.
RITA’s University Transportation Centers program has been placed under its own heading, because project selection occurs at the university level.
US DOT Center for Climate Change and Environmental Forecasting
Total Annual Funding – Periodic funding available through competitve awards
Statements Due – Varies
Web Address
General Description
The Center for Climate Change and Environmental Forecasting is the focal point in the DOT of technical expertise on transportation and climate change. Through strategic research, policy analysis, partnerships, and outreach, the Center creates comprehensive and multi-modal approaches to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gases and to mitigate the effects of global climate change on the transportation network.
The Center functions as a virtual DOT-wide organization, with a membership of nine DOT operating administrations and the Office of the Secretary of DOT. Strategic direction is provided by a Climate Council comprised of the administrators of the member organizations. A steering committee of senior executives from each of the member organizations leads the Center. Operating administrations support the Center's work through contributions of funds, staff, and technical expertise, and by participating in Center efforts to share information, build partnerships, and coordinate activities related to climate change. A cross-modal, virtual structure helps to ensure strong participation throughout the DOT, while avoiding unnecessary administrative and institutional costs.
The Center advances timely and effective transportation initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases and preserve the transportation infrastructure. The Center develops and evaluates strategies, and promotes technologies that encourage livable communities by fostering economic development, mobility, safety, and social equity.
Activities
Research and Analysis
The Center researches transportation strategies and technologies to reduce greenhouse gases, identifies facilities that may be at risk from possible effects of climate change and climate anomalies, and develops an array of tools to assess the transportation system's ability to adapt to variances in global climate. Recent and continuing research has focused on a diverse range of topics, including emission modeling, evaluation of state and local efforts, early action, tax credits, alternative fuels, and urban ferries. DOT is also working with other agencies to launch an interagency study of how climate changes may impact transportation systems and planning.
Outreach, Partnerships and Communications
The Center builds DOT capacity and awareness by conducting educational forums and establishing a clearinghouse for research and policy coordination related to transportation and climate change. It leverages resources by building strategic partnerships, and reaches out to State and local agencies, environmental advocates, industry, and academia. This ranges from simple information exchange to ongoing partnerships in major research projects and conferences.
Strategic Planning and Operations
To respond to the dynamic technological and policy environment, the Center continuously assesses and redirects its activities to make the best use of emerging science and technology. The center develops performance measures to assess proposed climate change strategies and promote the most cost-effective strategies through synergies with other agencies' environmental and climate change policies. The Center tracks the progress of technological developments and the relative costs of climate change mitigation strategies, ensuring that resulting transportation policies are congruent with policies in other sectors.
Policy Assessment and Leadership
The Center ensures a DOT voice in climate change policy formulation through active participation in domestic and international policy activities. The Center participates in the interagency Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI), and in initiatives such as the 21st Century Truck, National and international conferences, and through peer review and publication of research results and policy papers.
Past Research Funded
Effects of Sea Level Rise on National Transportation Infrastructure
The study uses multiple data sources to quantify the potential impact of sea level rise on land and transportation infrastructure in coastal areas of the eastern United States. The study will provide several relevant pieces of information imperative to the security of our infrastructure, including: (1) digital elevation models (DEMs) to describe the elevation in the coastal areas and create tidal surfaces to describe the current sea water levels; (2) identify land and transportation infrastructure that, without protection, will be inundated regularly by the ocean or be at risk of periodic inundation due to storm surge; and (3) provide statistics to demonstrate the potential extent of inundated and at-risk land surge at given temporal intervals. Research conducted by ICF International. This project is also listed below in the "Modeling" research area.
The Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Transportation Workshop
DOT's Center for Climate Change and Environmental Forecasting, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, and the US Global Change Research Program co-sponsored this workshop on October 1-2, 2002 to discuss the potential impacts of climate change on transportation systems and services. The DOT Center is undertaking a multi-year research program to study how short and long-term changes in climate could affect transportation, and how transportation decision-makers could address possible impacts. The workshop brought together 64 transportation and planning professionals and experts in climate change and assessment to explore these issues and provide input on the research questions that should be given top priority for investigation by the Center.
Integrating Transportation, Energy Efficiency, and GHG Reduction Policies: A Guidebook for State and Local Policy Makers
This project presents a unique opportunity to work with EPA to develop a guidebook that evaluates the emission impacts of transportation policy measures. The project complements EPA's focus on demand-side measures with an additional section on quantification and evaluation of vehicle technologies and fuel policies. The guidebook is a resource for state DOTs and MPOs in establishing GHG inventories and deciding among various mitigation strategies. Research conducted by the Center for Clean Air Policy.
Assessing State Long-Range Transportation Planning Initiatives in the Northeast for Climate Energy Efficiency Benefits
This project identifies tools and methodologies to help the Northeastern states develop and implement strategies to reduce GHG emissions through the statewide, long-range transportation planning process. This research will raise the awareness among state transportation planners for correlating long-range plans with statewide GHG emissions. It will also provide best practices and methods by which states can integrate GHG-reduction/mitigation goals in their long-range plans. Research conducted by The BBG Group.
Estimating Transportation-Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Use in New York State
This project, done in partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation, studies the development and the implementation of the New York State Energy Plan (SEP), focusing on the transportation-related components of the SEP. Research conducted by ICF Consulting.
Transportation Emissions Charges: Analysis of Costs to Achieve Emissions Reductions. Phase I of this project funds a literature search for cost-benefit analysis reports on charging systems to reduce emissions in any transportation mode. The information allows DOT to respond to advocates of fees and charges and supports the Administration's voluntary approach to emission reductions.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Through State and Local Transportation Planning
This project evaluates how and why states, metropolitan planning organizations, cities, and transportation providers are pursuing GHG emission reductions, with a focus on transportation planning. The research improves understanding of how states and localities might contribute to GHG reduction through transportation decisions. Research conducted by the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center.
Fuel Options for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Motor Vehicles.
This project reviews several alternatives to current transportation fuels. Fuels included in the analysis include gasoline, ethanol, methanol, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, reformulated diesel, biodiesel, electricity, and hydrogen. Each fuel is under consideration as part of an overall vehicle/fuel system, and is characterized both in near and longer-terms based on economics, expected fuel-cycle emissions and energy consumption. Research conducted by the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center.
Highway/Transit/Ferry Integration.
This project evaluates the potential greenhouse gas benefits achievable through better integration of passenger ferries with land transportation systems, considering ferry technology and fueling options. The San Francisco Bay Area is analyzed as a point of reference and as a potential basis for consideration of other areas where passenger ferries might be effective. Research conducted by CALSTART.
Further Information
Additional information can be found at www.climate.dot.gov. For specific questions regarding the US DOT Center for Climate Change and Environmental Forecasting, please contact:
JoAnna Smith
Research and Innovative Technology Administration
202.366.5680
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RITA Commercial Remote Sensing and Spatial Technology Program
Total Annual Funding – about $7 million
Range of Project Costs – $600,000–1,800,000
Statements Due – Varies
Web Address
General Description
Public Law 109-59 § 5506: The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), authorizes the U. S. Department of Transportation to establish and carry out a program to validate Commercial Remote Sensing and Spatial Information (CRS&SI) technologies for application to national transportation infrastructure development and construction.
Type of Research Funded
The CRS&SI Program is intended to fund applied research towards finding solutions and validating commercially available remote sensing and spatial information technology applications related to transportation infrastructure development and construction. In doing so, the Program:
- Establishes and carries out a program to validate CRS&SI technologies,
- Provide products and applications to national transportation infrastructure development and construction,
- Establishes and maintains a national policy for the use of CRS&SI technology and products in transportation,
- Validates new applications, and
- Collaborates with a consortium of university research centers.
A specific research focus area is in infrastructure development, planning and decision making process. Two specific objectives of this research are (1) validation of the application of CRS&SI technologies to collect data and provide a framework for analysis in studies and projects related to infrastructure development planning and (2) application of advances in space-based technology application to increase efficiency, reduce congestion and shorten the time required to develop multimodal transportation options.
Another focus of research is geared towards validating new methods, tools and systems for cost effectively monitoring the quality of construction and condition of the physical transportation infrastructure. Two specific objectives of this research are (1) validation of new applications of CRS&SI technologies for monitoring the quality of infrastructure construction and (2) application of CRS&SI technology integration and products to monitor the condition of constructed infrastructure systems.
Funding Levels and Project Time Frame
Funding varies from project to project depending on individual project scope and scale. The Program was formulated into two distinct phases of two-year execution period for each phase. Funding for each phase is approximately $7 million with individual projects ranging from $600,000 to $1,800,000.
Schedule
Individual projects may have varying start dates of execution but the overall time for completion is two years per project.
Project Solicitation and Submission
Project solicitation is carried out by publishing a statement of needs in the form of a Broad Agency Announcement published in the Federal Business Opportunities. Prospective proposers are required to submit White Papers for research consideration of the proposed topic.
Selection Process
Sufficient information is required to be included in the White Papers for a successful evaluation of factors such as concept, technical approach, background, partnerships and costs. A final list of proposers is selected by a technical panel for further consideration. Subsequently, detailed cost and technical proposals are solicited from the proposers for final consideration.
Project Selection Criteria and Tips for Writing Winning Research Statements
Information in development.
Further Information
For general questions regarding the CRS&SI program, contact:
Caesar Singh, P.E.
Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA)
202-366-3252
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RITA Intelligent Transportation Systems Program
Total Annual Funding – $110 million (under SafeTea-Lu)
Range of Project Costs – a few hundred thousand to several million dollars
Statements Due – solicitations posted as necessary; selection often takes several months
General Description
The U.S. Department of Transportation's (U.S. DOT) Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program focuses on intelligent vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and the creation of an intelligent transportation system through integration with and between these two components. The federal ITS program supports the overall advancement of ITS through investments in major initiatives, exploratory studies and a deployment support program.
The ITS Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) is managed by a corporate-style board of directors—the ITS Management Council. The ITS Management Council develops and directs Federal ITS policy and ensures the effectiveness of the ITS program. The ITS Management Council is chaired by the Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration. Advising the ITS Management Council is the ITS Strategic Planning Group. Membership is generally at the Associate Administrator and office director level, and is chaired by the ITS program manager. The ITS program director leads the ITS JPO, which is composed of program managers and coordinators of the U.S. DOT's multimodal ITS initiatives. In addition, individual staff members manage technology transfer functions, such as National ITS Architecture development and maintenance, Standards development, professional capacity building, and program assessment. The Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration oversees the ITS Program. The JPO has Department-wide authority in coordinating the ITS program and initiatives among FHWA, FMCSA, FTA, FRA, NHTSA, and MARAD.
Lastly, the ITS Program Advisory Committee (ITSPAC) was established pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) to act solely in an advisory capacity to the Secretary of Transportation on all matters relating to the study, development, and implementation of intelligent transportation systems. Through its sponsor, the ITS Joint Program Office, the ITSPAC makes recommendations to the Secretary regarding ITS program needs, objectives, plans, approaches, content, and progress. All ITSPAC meetings are open to the public and will be announced in the Federal Register. Non-committee members wishing to present oral statements at an ITSPAC meeting or to submit written comments to the ITSPAC are requested to notify the Committee Management Officer listed in the “ITSPAC U.S. DOT Contacts.”
Type of Research Funded
The ITS Management Council reorganized the functions of the ITS program to focus on eleven particular high payoff areas. Milestones have been designated in each initiative area, at which point the Management Council evaluates progress. Each major initiative is multimodal, public-private sector involved and aims to improve safety, mobility and/or productivity.
Information about the ITS research is available at the following links:
• Connected Vehicle Research: http://www.its.dot.gov/connected_vehicle/connected_vehicle.htm
• Mode Specific Research: http://www.its.dot.gov/mode_specific.htm
• Cross Cutting Research: http://www.its.dot.gov/research/cross_cutting.htm
• Exploratory Research: http://www.its.dot.gov/research/exploratory.htm
The ITS JPO also provides resource for deployers and supports development of the ITS profession through technology transfer, training, evaluation of ITS deployments, ITS standards development, and online knowledge communities. More information is available at:
• Technology Transfer: http://www.its.dot.gov/tech_transfer.htm
Funding and Project Scale
ITS JPO research funding varies but all research projects are guided by the ITS JPO strategic plan and most are awarded through a completive bidding process. Open procurements may become available through a variety of solicitations (RFP) and Broad Agency Announcements (BAA). Opportunities can be found on http://www.its.dot.gov/exit/fedbizopps.htm. Interested parties should register at the aforementioned site to receive procurement announcements and notifications. Some RFP’s may be preceded by a request for information (RFI) to solicit stakeholder input. The procurement process can take several months from time of release of RFP to final award.
Schedule
Usually, ITS research projects are competitively awarded through standard federal procurement processes. This may involve the issuance of a Request for Information (RFI) to the general public to solicit stakeholder, public, and private industry feedback. After an analysis of responses, a Requests for Proposal (RFP) or Requests for Application (RFA) is then developed and posted to the Web site for a standard period of time. A formal evaluation team will then evaluate submitted proposals against a set of criteria. Selected proposals or applications are then funded. This entire procurement process can take normally several months from time of release of RFP or RFA to final award.
Selection Process
The ITS JPO follows all FHWA procurement processes and regulations.
Project Selection Criteria and Tips for Writing Winning Proposals
If a RFP is issued or proposals are solicited in another way, make sure you understand the requirements and meet the requirements by the deadline. Keep in mind the proposal selection panel will evaluate proposals against the formal requirements listed in the RFP.
Further Information
Additional information can be found at the ITS Web site. For specific questions regarding the ITS Joint Program Office, please contact:
Alasdair Cain
Transportation Specialist
Phone: (202) 366-0934
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
FTA is one of 11 operating administrations within the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) with 517 employees located in Washington, D.C., and 10 regional offices across the nation. Headed by an administrator who is appointed by the President of the United States, FTA provides stewardship of combined formula and discretionary programs totaling more than $10 billion to support a variety of locally planned, constructed, and operated public transportation systems throughout the U.S., including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, streetcars, monorail, passenger ferry boats, inclined railways, and people movers. FTA performs core functions aimed at serving different customer groups through State and local transit authorities. These core functions include providing:
- grants for construction, facilities and in some cases operation,
- technical assistance,
- program management and oversight to ensure projects are built on time and within budget,
- transit policy and guidance to customers; and by proposing to Congress legislative initiatives, and
- ideas and strategies to improve operations, promote state of good repair and introduce new technologies and innovation.
FTA engages in research to provide the transit industry and policy makers with the information and skills to make good business decisions about transit technology, operational, and capital investments; to share research results that identify best practices and, to show a range of outcomes that help chart the course of future investments.
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FTA National Research and Technology Program
Total Annual Funding – from 2006–2009 $78.28 million authorized
Range of Project Costs – $50,000–1,000,000+; typically $200,000-500,000
Statements Due – Posted by project
General Description
The Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) National Research and Technology Program (NRTP) is designed to deliver solutions that improve public transportation. A total funding amount of $208.65 million was authorized for NRTP through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) from 2005 to 2009. Of this amount, from 2006 to 2009, SAFETEA-LU funded $78.28 million towards specific projects (earmarks) and purposes (designations). Additional amounts have been earmarked by Congress in the annual Appropriation Bills. The NRTP is funded out of FTA’s Research and University Research Centers account, using General Funds.
The NRTP is guided by FTA’s Strategic Transit Research Plan that sets forth three goals for the program:
- provide national transit research leadership,
- support increasing transit’s market share, and
- support improving the conditions of transit operations and systems.
Each year FTA develops a multi-year research program plan to help guide the next five year term of research investments.
Type of Research Funded
In general, FTA makes grants, cooperative agreements, and other agreements for research, development, demonstration, and deployment projects, and evaluation of technology of national significance to public transportation that will help improve public transportation service or improve public transportation efficiency.
NRTP funds are programmed by FTA. Research typically consists of applied research and demonstrations. Research activities may include application of new technologies, and what is commonly known as technology transfer, which is the process that encourages the implementation of successful research findings through demonstrations, training, and information dissemination.
Funding Levels and Project Time Frame
Funds and project scale vary greatly from project to project. Funding for individual projects can run from about $50,000 to over $1,000,000. Typical project funding ranges from about $200,000 to $500,000.
Schedule
FTA programs funds based on the President’s Budget Request to Congress. This occurs after Congress appropriates funds for a fiscal year, which in recent years has varied from November to as late as February. Once funds are programmed by FTA, solicitations are posted on a project-by-project basis throughout the year.
Project Solicitation and Submission
Solicitation recipients, topics, and schedule vary from project to project, as well as submission schedule. Some projects are awarded as contracts, others are awarded to other government agencies—such as the U.S. DOT Volpe Center, others are awarded as grants open to any interested party. Grant opportunities for specific research areas are posted throughout the year on grants.gov. Parties can subscribe on grants.gov to receive all solicitations from NRTP using the Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number 20.514. Contract opportunities are posted on fedbizopps.gov. FTA generally does not have sufficient funding to fund unsolicited proposals.
Selection Process
FTA establishes criteria for project selection in each solicitation. Applicants should refer to the solicitation for specific selection criteria.
Project Selection Criteria and Tips for Writing Winning Proposals
A key to success in obtaining funds for a research project using NRTP dollars is matching your interests with FTA’s Strategic Research Plan. Talk with the technical staff in your area of expertise and with transit agencies or suppliers to make sure your proposed project is of national significance and would benefit public transportation. Also, speak with research staff to make sure you understand the process. As with all research, make sure the research hasn’t been done already or isn’t in progress.
Further Information
For general questions regarding the NRTP program, along with FTA’s latest Multi-Year Research Program Plan or contact:
Bruce Robinson
Federal Transit Administration
202-366-4209
Additional information about application and program requirements can be found in FTA Circular 6100.1C, Transit Research and Technology Programs: Application Instructions and Program Management Guidelines
These other federal programs will be completed over the coming months.
Section 3.2.4
Federal Aviation Administration
Section 3.2.4
National Science Foundation
Section 3.2.5
National Institute of Health
Section 3.2.6
Department of Energy
Section 3.2.7
Department of Homeland Security
Section 3.2.8
Department of Education
Section 3.2.9
Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Agriculture
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