University Transportation Centers Program FY 2025 NOFO

Background
The University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology. This program aims to establish and operate university transportation centers that advance transportation expertise and technology, provide a critical multimodal transportation knowledge base, and address workforce needs while educating future transportation leaders.

The current funding opportunity is a re-opened competition for five UTC grants authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with a total funding of $33 million available over three years.

Grant Details
The UTC Program will fund one Regional Center in Region 2 and four Tier 1 Centers. Each center must focus on national transportation issues aligned with DOT's statutory research priorities, including improving mobility, reducing congestion, promoting safety, enhancing infrastructure durability, preserving the environment, maintaining existing systems, and mitigating cybersecurity risks.

The Regional Center must also address regional needs and coordinate with other UTCs in its region. Funding amounts are set at approximately $3 million for the Regional Center and up to $2 million for each Tier 1 Center annually from FY2025 to FY2026.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S. non-profit institutions of higher education as defined under 20 U.S.C. § 1001(a). Institutions may form consortia but cannot include entities outside this definition as lead applicants. Current lead institutions of existing UTC grants are not eligible to apply as lead institutions but may participate as consortium members.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance for funded projects is from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2030.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant opportunity is $33 million over three years, with individual awards potentially reaching up to $3 million for the Regional Center and up to $2 million for each Tier 1 Center annually.

Place of Performance
The Regional Center must be located within Federal Region 2, which includes New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.