U.S. DOT hereby requests applications to result in the award of a new Cooperative Agreement, that will establish a research initiative on climate change and transportation. This opportunity is being issued under assistance listing number 20.946.
This funding opportunity will provide extramural research support for the existing DOT Climate Change Center (implementing 49 USC 102(g), which is a coordinating body internal to DOT led by OST-R and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy.
U.S. DOT seeks to fund a climate and transportation research center that advances research to support Administration efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, incorporate evidence-based climate resilience and adaptation measures and features, reduce the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from the project materials, avoid adverse environmental impacts to air or water quality, wetlands, and endangered species, and address the disproportionate negative environmental impacts of transportation on disadvantaged communities, consistent with Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (86 FR 7619). Further, U.S. DOT seeks to fund a climate and transportation research center that will advance research to support Administration efforts to create proportional impacts to all populations in a project area, remove transportation related disparities to all populations in a project area, and increase equitable access to project benefits, consistent with Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government (86 FR 7009).
Deadline: Nov. 27, 2023
The climate and transportation research center shall advance the following research and technology goals: (1) support decarbonization of the transportation sector; (2) build resilience of transportation infrastructure, networks, and operations; (3) address adverse climate and environmental impacts related to transportation; and (4) otherwise advance understanding of solutions to the nation’s climate change and transportation challenges.
This competition is open to all eligible parties and their partnering organizations. Eligible parties include, but are not limited to, institutions of higher education, public research entities (e.g., University Affiliated Research Initiatives (UARCs), Federally Funded Research and Development Initiatives (FFRDCs), national laboratories, and similar entities), and private and 501(c)3 nonprofit research entities.
Cost sharing or matching is required.
This NOFO will result in the award of one (1) cost- reimbursable cooperative agreement for three years, with the opportunity for extension up to five years total. U.S. DOT anticipates Federal funding in the amount of $2,500,000 for year one and up to $2,500,000 for years two and three, subject to availability of funds.