TRB’s Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) has released its annual program announcement that 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. 

NCHRP Highway IDEA proposals for the next review cycle are due September 1, 2012.  Transit IDEA proposals for the next review cycle are due November 1, 2012.  Safety IDEA proposals for the next review cycle are due April 1, 2013.     

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 Things Selection Committees Are Looking For in 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. Benefits -- Describe the expected benefits. Why is this project worth investing in?
3. Science -- Stick to the science. Be sure the research approach is sound and sensible.