for Technical Training and Human Performance
🏛 FAA-COE-TTHP
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 17, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for establishing Centers of Excellence (COE) focused on technical training and human performance in aviation and transportation. Eligible applicants typically include accredited universities, community colleges, and educational institutions with existing aviation or technical training programs. Recipients must demonstrate capacity to conduct research, develop curriculum, and deliver training related to human factors, technical proficiency, and performance optimization in the aviation sector. The program supports activities including research, curriculum development, training delivery, and workforce preparation. Geographic scope is nationwide, and the program is administered by the Federal Aviation Administration under the Department of Transportation.</eligibility_summary>
<parameter name="faq_text">Q: Who is eligible to apply for this COE grant?
A: Typically accredited universities, community colleges, and educational institutions with demonstrated expertise and infrastructure in aviation or technical training programs. Some grants in this category also allow partnerships with industry and government entities.
Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: The fixed deadline is September 30, 2026. Applications should be submitted before this date. Check the official FAA website for any specific submission time requirements.
Q: What types of activities does this grant support?
A: Common supported activities include research in human performance and technical training, curriculum development, training program delivery, workforce development initiatives, and applied research that advances aviation safety and operational efficiency.
Q: How competitive is this grant program?
A: Federal COE grants are typically highly competitive. Strong applicants demonstrate existing research capacity, institutional commitment, industry partnerships, and a clear plan for sustainability and broader impact beyond the grant period.
Q: What is the typical funding range for awards?
A: While specific amounts vary by year and program focus, FAA COE grants typically provide multi-year funding ranging from several hundred thousand to several million dollars, depending on the scope and institutional capacity of the recipient.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
COE for Technical Training and Human Performance
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project narrative describing research goals, methodology, and training innovation plans
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Curriculum vitae of key personnel and research leadership
- Letters of support from industry partners and stakeholders
- Evidence of institutional commitment and matching funds or in-kind contributions
- Resumes or descriptions of existing research infrastructure and capabilities
- Sustainability plan outlining post-grant period operations and funding strategies
Program contact
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 20.109 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$72,287,133
-
$34,343,386
-
$22,978,775
-
$22,942,120
-
$21,594,529
-
$12,733,190
-
$12,348,295
-
$11,650,568
-
$11,149,999
-
$9,671,279
Top States by Funding
- KS 5 awards $91.3M
- GA 3 awards $37.4M
- MS 2 awards $34.1M
- MA 2 awards $32.7M
- PA 3 awards $25.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 20.109). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $61,825,301 | |
| 2025 | $22,531,532 | |
| 2026 est. | $40,000,000 |
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your institution's existing research infrastructure, faculty expertise, and track record in aviation or technical training to demonstrate readiness to lead a Center of Excellence.
- Develop strong partnerships with industry stakeholders, airlines, training providers, and government agencies—these demonstrate relevance and increase sustainability prospects.
- Clearly articulate the human performance or technical training challenge you will address, the research methodology, and how findings will be translated into practical training innovations or policy recommendations.
- Include a detailed budget narrative that explains how funding will support research activities, curriculum development, graduate student training, and dissemination of results through publications, conferences, and training programs.
- Plan for sustainability beyond the grant period by identifying future funding sources, commercialization opportunities, or institutional commitment to maintain the Center's mission and operations.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail when they lack clear institutional commitment or demonstrated research capacity in the target area. Weak partnerships with industry or government agencies, vague descriptions of how research findings will be implemented in actual training programs, and unrealistic budgets without detailed justification for staffing and research activities are also common reasons for rejection. Additionally, applicants sometimes underestimate the importance of showing how the Center will sustain itself and maintain relevance after federal funding ends.
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