The competitive academic agreement program (caap) provides funding for research pursuing innovative solutions for five topics in pipeline safety and integrity challenge areas

Louisiana State University received a $286,974 Cooperative Agreement award from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under the Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CFDA 20.724), effective September 30, 2025 through September 29, 2027. Under this award, LSU will conduct research and development addressing one or more of five designated pipeline safety topics: risk evaluation of vehicle strikes on aboveground pipeline equipment and facilities; technology, equipment, or procedures to prevent human error in pipeline operations; testing, modeling, and verification of strain capacity in vintage pipelines; non-metallic pipe inspection technology; or acceptable methods for modeling shrouding or obstructions for pressurized liquid releases of liquefied natural gas. The research will be performed at LSU's Baton Rouge, Louisiana campus location.

As a standard requirement of the CAAP program, the research initiative will involve student participation and contribute innovative, high-risk solutions intended for potential transition to PHMSA's core research program and nationwide deployment across the nation's pipeline infrastructure. The cooperative agreement structure enables LSU to leverage its comprehensive research capabilities and expertise in engineering and scientific domains to advance pipeline safety and integrity solutions aligned with national priorities in energy infrastructure protection.

Phmsa's 2025 caap focuses on research and development (r & d) are 1) risk evaluation of vehicle strikes on aboveground pipeline equipment and facilities; 2) technology, equipment, or procedures to prevent human error; 3) testing, modeling, and verifying strain capacity in vintage pipelines 4) non-metallic pipe inspection technology; 5) acceptable methods for modeling shrouding or obstructions for pressurized liquid releases (liquefied natural gas).