Motor Vehicle Safety Research
Program Objective
This assistance listing encompasses: (1) motor vehicle safety research, development, and testing programs and activities, including activities related to new and emerging technologies that impact or may impact motor vehicle safety; and (2) the collection of motor vehicle and highway safety data and related information to determine the relationship between motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment performance characteristics and crashes involving motor vehicles and deaths or personal injuries resulting from those crashes.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Unrestricted by Entity Type
- U.S. Federal Government
- U.S. State Government
- Interstate Organization
- Municipality/Township Government
- Local
- Nonprofit Organization
- For-Profit Organization
Designations vary by project, but may include other Federal agencies, interstate authorities, State and local governments, other public entities, private organizations and persons, nonprofit institutions, colleges and universities, consumer advocacy groups, corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, trade associations, Federal laboratories (including government-owned, government-operated laboratories and government-owned, contractor-operated laboratories), and research organizations.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Varies by project.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 90 to 120 days
Program details & compliance
Description
The Motor Vehicle Safety Research program provides technical and financial assistance to support research, development, and demonstration projects aimed at reducing traffic-related fatalities and injuries. This work focuses on identifying vehicle safety defects, evaluating crashworthiness, and advancing new technologies such as automated driving systems and cybersecurity. By partnering with academic, public, and private organizations, the program generates the data necessary to establish Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and consumer information programs. Ultimately, this research ensures that vehicles on American roads meet the highest possible safety and performance standards for all occupants.
Mission Categories
Primary: Highways, Public Roads, and Bridges
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Varies by project.
Restrictions
Funds are restricted to activities authorized under Section 403. Assistance may not be used for general highway construction, standard law enforcement operations, or unrelated capital expenditures.
Required Documentation
Applicants must: Register with the System Award for Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov; 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles apply to this program.
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