FRA Announces $2.5M for FY2023 Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence
Eligible applicants: higher education institutions, nonprofits. Applications are due: June 26, 2023
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (this program is currently accepting applications)
Opportunity: Federal Railroad Administration Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence
Overview and Eligible Uses: BIL authorized the funding of a rail research and development center of excellence (CoE) to advance research and development that improves the safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger and freight rail transportation.
The CoE program would provide funding to entities for research activities that would include basic and applied research, evaluation, education, workforce development, and training efforts related to safety, project delivery, efficiency, reliability, resiliency, and sustainability of urban commuter, intercity high-speed and freight rail transportation, to include advances in rolling stock, advanced Positive Train Control, human factors, rail infrastructure, shared corridors, grade crossing safety, inspection technology, remote sensing, rail systems maintenance, network resiliency, operational reliability, energy efficiency, and other advanced technologies.
Amount: Each year, for a total of three years, FRA anticipates providing $2.5 million to the CoE, subject to the availability of appropriations. The total amount available for the first two years of funding under this award is $5 million—$2.5 million for fiscal year 2022 and $2.5 million for fiscal year 2023. An additional $2.5 million will be made available in fiscal year 2024 subject to the availability of appropriations.
Award Type: Cooperative Agreements
Eligible Applicants:
Higher education institutions
A consortium of nonprofit institutions of higher education
Eligible applicants are those with strong past performance related to rail research, education, and workforce development activities; whose proposal would involve public and private sector passenger and freight railroad operators in establishing and maintaining the CoE; and would have regional and national impacts that align with DOT Strategic Goals.
Key Dates: Applications are due June 26, 2023
Key Links:
Website: Notice of Funding Opportunity
For a full list of currently available grant programs under the Infrastructure Law and other helpful tools, take a look at our Helpful Resources page.
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