Railroad Research and Development
New program, not applicable.
- FY17 Locomotive Waste Heat Recovery System Integration, Safety and Field Demonstration (Phase III)
- FY17 Supplemental to Wireless Connectivity System Design and Evaluation for North American Passenger Rail Service Operators
- FY17 Gulf Coast High Speed Rail Corridor-Mobile Station Area Planning Study & Final Design Project
- FY17 Rail Safety Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) Co-operative Research Program
- FY17 Supplemental for Short Line Safety Institute Program Development and Implementation
The Department of Transportation's mission is to ensure fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.
Program Accomplishments
New program, not applicable.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Projects must show a relationship towards advancing railroad safety.
Applicants must demonstrate 5 years of railroad research activity.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants must be major academic research institutions with backgrounds in the rail transportation arena.
A minimum of 5 years of railroad or railroad related research experience is required.
Beneficiary Eligibility
No restrictions.
Credentials/Documentation
As specified in program solicitations and Federal Register Notices.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The FRA will announce specific pre- application coordination activities for each project area in the Federal Register.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
As specified periodically in the Federal Register, eligible applicants must submit a Program Application that consists of a University Profile and Proposed Research Projects. The applications are subject to the requirements of OMB Circular A-110. Applications may be obtained from the Office of Research and Development, Mail Stop 20, 1120 Vermont Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 493-6384. Fax: 202-493-1313. Email: Judy.Pharris@FRA.DOT.gov.
Award Procedures
As specified in Federal Register notices, applicants must first demonstrate satisfactory background and experience to the Office of Research and Development, Federal Railroad Administration. Second, proposed research projects are reviewed to determine those which most closely match the Administration's research objectives. Those applicants with one or more projects satisfying the second step criteria will be rank ordered based on qualifications and probability of success. From this rank ordering, the Administration established a group of selected universities as pre-qualified to perform solicited or approved research projects. Applicants within this group will be invited to enter into cooperative agreements.
Deadlines
As specified in Federal Register notices.
Authorization
Public Law 103-44, Section 216.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Four to 16 weeks after application.
Appeals
To Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration.
Renewals
Grants contemplated in this program are predominantly project-oriented rather than on-going efforts and are therefore non-renewable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
There are no formula or matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Not applicable.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
A final report detailing the work conducted and the progress accomplished will be required.
Presentations at an annual workshop are expected.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
In accordance with requirements of the specific project agreement.
Financial Information
Account Identification
69-0745-0-1-401.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $1,097,262; FY 08 est $1,000,000; and FY 09 est. not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$50,000 to $250,000. Average: $100,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Not applicable.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Dr. Magdy El-Sibaie, Office of Research and Development, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington DC 20590.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
In descending order of relative importance: (1) Overall scientific and/technical merit; (2) Degree to which it may improve upon or advance railroad safety; (3) Likelihood for its near term adoption and implementation of possible recommendations; (4) Degree to which the proposed project fits into the Administration's overall research objectives: (5) Reasonableness and realism of the proposed cost, and the availability of funds (to include due consideration for proposed cost-sharing by the applicant).
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
The Social Innovators of 2014
For 2014, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship has recognized 37 individuals for their outstanding work in the field of social enterprise.
