USDOT opens 2020 programme to develop transportation technologies

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has opened the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Fiscal Year 2020 Phase I Solicitation, featuring 12 research topics that aim to develop transport infrastructure in the U.S..

“America’s small businesses are key to developing innovative transportation technologies that strengthen our country’s transportation infrastructure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary, Elaine L. Chao.

The SBIR programme awards contracts to domestic small businesses to pursue research on and develop innovative solutions to the nation’s transportation challenges to reduce congestion, provide safer infrastructure and offer better connected services,

The topics are expected to be funded this year and focus on applying innovation and technology to address research challenges in the areas of materials, infrastructure and safety across the following USDOT Operating Administrations:

• Federal Highway Administration
• Federal Railroad Administration
• National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

The SBIR programme awards aims to encourage domestic small businesses to engage in federal research/research and development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialisation. The programme awards contracts in two phases, and provides opportunities for a third phase leading to commercialisation and extensive roll out.