FY22-23 Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence Grant Program

Background
This NOFO funds the cost of establishing and maintaining 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.

Grant Details
The CoE would provide funding to entities that meet the criteria for research activities including 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. The CoE will evaluate Project applications and provide funding to entities that meet the eligibility criteria for Projects consistent with the goals described.

The Program Narrative must adhere to specific outline requirements including a cover page, program summary, program funding summary, applicant eligibility, program eligibility, location, detailed CoE description and research plan, meeting the evaluation and selection criteria, program implementation and management, DOT Strategic Goals.

Eligibility Requirements
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; would have regional and national impacts that align with DOT Strategic Goals. The Federal share of total costs of establishing and maintaining the CoE will not exceed 50 percent.

The estimated total cost to an applicant must be based on the best available information. The minimum 50 percent non-Federal share may be comprised of public sector or private sector funding.

Period of Performance
Applications for funding under this solicitation are due no later than 5:00 p.m. ET July 3, 2023. Applications that are incomplete or received after 5:00 p.m. ET on June 16, 2023 will not be considered for funding.

Grant Value
The total funding available for an award under this NOFO is $2.5 million annually. The combined funding amount available for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 under this NOFO is $5 million.

An additional $2.5 million will be made available in fiscal year 2024 subject to the availability of appropriations.

Place of Performance
The address of the lead applicant and all other members in the consortium must be included as well as the location of potential research activities if known.