Railroad Research and Development Centers of Excellence
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To establish a center to advance research and development efforts that seek to improve the safety, performance, and sustainability of freight, intercity passenger, and commuter rail. This Assistance Listing 20.331 created in August 2025 was included in the previous ALN 20.313, please refer to former ALN 20.313 for FY24 and FY25 financial obligations. The new Assistance Listing 20.331 will be utilized by DOT at the start of FY 2026.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Other
Applicants can be major academic and industry research institutions with backgrounds in the rail transportation arena. A minimum of 5 years of railroad or railroad related research experience is typically required.
Beneficiaries
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- State
- Nonprofit Organization
Federal, Profit organization, Anyone/general public, State, Public nonprofit institution/organization, Other public institution/organization
No restrictions.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
FRA will contact applicants with successful applications with information and instructions about the award process. This notification is not an authorization to begin proposed project activities. A formal grant agreement or cooperative agreement signed by both the grantee and the FRA, including an approved scope, schedule, and budget, is required before the award is considered complete.
2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program.
Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for this listing will be posted on Grants.gov (opens in new window) (opens in new window).
The applicant must submit the following information: SF424 – Application for Federal Assistance, SF 424C – Budget Information for Construction, or SF 424A – Budget Information for Non-Construction, SF 424D – Assurances for Construction, or SF 424B – Assurances for Non-Construction, FRA’s Additional Assurances and Certifications, and other information such as project narratives, statements of work, and budgets.
FRA is committed to responding to applicants in a reasonable and timely manner. Response times will vary based on size, scope, complexity and volume of applications.
Program details & compliance
Description
This program provides financial assistance to fund the cost of establishing and maintaining the Center of Excellence (CoE) and related research activities. Only one CoE may be established, but that CoE may reside at one institution or be a consortium of member institutions.
Mission Categories
Primary: Rail Transportation
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Projects must show a relationship towards advancing railroad safety and technology. Applicants must typically demonstrate 5 years of railroad research activity.
Restrictions
No restriction on period of time the assistance normally is available. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Assistance is usually awarded upon request for reimbursement.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements