PHMSA Pipeline Safety Research and Development “Other Transaction Agreements”
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
The most recent R&D program announcement focused on developing new technologies or products to advance pipeline safety through four focus areas:
Anomaly/Threat Detection
1. Technology Development – Inspection Technologies for Facility and Station Piping, Tanks, and Equipment
2. Technology Development – Non-Metallic Pipe Inspection Technology
3. Technology Development – Technology for Unpiggable or Difficult to Inspect Pipelines
Liquid Leak Detection
4. Technology Development – Innovative Technologies for Locating Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Leaks
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
5. Knowledge Development – Acceptable Methods for Modeling Shrouding or Obstructions for LNG Pressurized Liquid Leaks
6. Knowledge Development – Evaluation of Overpressure Technologies for LNG Facilities
Threat Prevention
7. Knowledge Development – Testing, Modeling, and Verifying Strain Capacity in Pipelines
8. Knowledge Development – Risk Evaluation of Outside Force Damage on Pipeline Equipment and Facilities
9. Technology Development – Technology, Equipment, or Procedures to Prevent Human Error
Thirty-Four proposals were received, the selection processes in underway, but no obligation have been made for 2025 at the time of this publication. Projects will continue developing innovative technology, strengthening consensus standards and promoting knowledge to decision makers that can be implemented to improve pipeline System safety. The projects will run 1-3 years in length and progress may be viewed through the PHMSA R&D Project Management System (MIS).
PHMSA is maintaining a collaborative process in the program, by holding peer reviews on all post-award or active research projects. This action ensures that quality is addressed throughout the lifecycle of research (pre-solicitation, pre-award, and post-award). These projects must stay true to the goals conceived in consensus at R&D Forums and as promised by researchers receiving the government research award. If projects deviate, they are adjusted or modified using the feedback from peer review panels.
Program Objective
To sponsor research and development (R&D) projects that focus on providing near-term solutions which will improve safety, reduce environmental impact, and enhance reliability of the nation’s pipeline transportation system.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Nonprofit Organization
- Not-for-Profit Organization
- For-Profit Organization
- Builder/Contractor/Developer
- Farmworker
- Small Business Person
- Homeowner
- Land/Property Owner
- Veteran (including dependents)
- Active-Duty Service Person (including dependents)
- Reservist (including dependents)
Any responsible source (excluding foreign entities and federal, state, and local governments) may submit proposals for consideration. Eligible entities include, but are not limited to, universities or institutions of higher education, hospitals, non-profit organizations, private individuals, corporations, and businesses or commercial organizations. All offerors must be registered in the Federal Government’s System for Award Management (SAM) prior to submitting a proposal (www.sam.gov).
How to Apply
Application Procedure
https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/rd/
Award Procedure
In response to a PHMSA RA. Full proposals will be awarded by “Other Transaction Agreement,” requiring the relevant resource sharing stated within this document.
30-45 days for review of proposals (if requested).
Program details & compliance
Description
PHMSA’s R&D Program supports development of innovative technology, strengthening consensus standards, and promoting knowledge to decision makers that may be implemented to improve pipeline system safety.
Mission Categories
Primary: Research and Development
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
This research program is used for: fostering the development of new technologies and new knowledge so that pipeline operators can improve safety performance and more effectively address regulatory requirements; targeting and feeding new knowledge into the process of keeping standards relevant to their purpose; and generating and promoting general knowledge to decision makers.
Required Documentation
Proposals should be direct and concise and must not exceed a total of 20 single-sided pages, not including the Title Page or Table of Contents. The merit review panel uses the first 20 pages to complete its evaluation. Any “appendix” submitted is not included with in the 20-page limitation and should include Resumes, Letters of Co-Funding Commitment(s), and Audit Reports (Accounting System Approval). Each proposal must also include completed versions of Attachments 1 through 6 of this announcement in its appendix. Proposals must be typed, double-spaced, and must use 12-point font on 8-½ by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins on all sides. Tables/graphs may use a smaller font. Proposals that do not meet these format specifications may be removed from the review. Directive 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 200, Subpart E—Cost Principles—applies to this program.
Matching Requirements
Statutory Formula: The Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2016 Public Law 114-183 requires the following matching funds in Section 22 (b)(2)(C):
‘‘(i) at least 50 percent of the costs of technology research and development activities may be carried out using non-Federal sources;
‘‘(ii) at least 20 percent of the costs of basic research and development with universities may be
carried out using non-Federal sources; and
‘‘(iii) up to 100 percent of the costs of research and development for purely governmental purposes may be carried out using Federal funds.’’
If selected for award an “Other Transaction Agreement” is awarded by PHMSA. Matching requirements are mandatory.
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
Formula
49