University Transportation Centers Program

UTC Program
CFDA 20.701 Active Grant
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$89.1M FY2026
$86.2M
FY24
$70.3M
FY25
$89.1M
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 USDOT funded 35 UTCs to receive funding including five HBCUs (one of which is the first National Center) along with a record number of HBCUs, MSIs, and Tribal colleges participating as consortia partners this year. Following the re-opening of the FY 2022 solicitation, a Region 8 UTC was selected and funded in December 2023.

Program Objective

The program awards grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning for the purpose of establishing and operating university transportation centers that conduct research, education, and technology transfer programs addressing regional and national transportation issues.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Nonprofit Organization
  • Other

For the program's competitive grants, public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning that have established transportation research programs including community colleges. Non-competitive grants must also be to public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning but may or may not have established programs.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Proposals are evaluated by a panel of SMEs from within the Department and industry on the basis of demonstrated ability toward the current goals of the Department. The final selection is made by the Secretary.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 90 to 120 days
Program details & compliance

Description

DOT invests in the future of transportation through its University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program, which awards and administers grants to consortia of colleges and universities across the United States. The mission of the UTC Program is to advance innovative transportation research and technology, and develop the next generation of transportation professionals. Each UTC is a consortium of two- and four-year colleges and universities the come together to form a unique center of transportation excellence on a specific research topic.

Mission Categories

Primary: Research and Development

Other categories:
Highways, Public Roads, and BridgesHigher EducationSTEM Education

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

The University Transportation Centers will address surface transportation problems and issues and will seek solutions to both long-range and immediate transportation problems. See below for information about grant matching requirements.

Restrictions

Any restriction on the use of Federal funds applies equally to non-Federal matching funds.

Required Documentation

A formal written response to the application outlining in detail how the institution proposed research topic advances the goals identified in the Department's Strategic Plan, the program mission outlined in the soliciation; as well as the institution's proposed management of the center; detailed delineation of organization, staff, faculty, and budget.

Matching Requirements

Subject to the type of grant awarded.
Regional and National grants = 100%; Tier 1 grants = 50%

Reporting & Compliance

Audit Required
Yes — Determined at Time of Award
Records Retention
3 years

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

Contacts

Britain C. Bruner, PhD — Denise E. Dunn
2023655184
Department of Transportation Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R) Office of Innovation, Research, and Education (RDT-30) 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-01-16. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:43:33.