Annual Project Assignment Announcement for 2021 GRF August2021_FINAL.pdf

693JJ318NF5229-2021

DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER

TRANSPORTATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM (DDETFP)

GRANTS FOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (GRF)

ASSIGNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

2021 AWARD CYCLE (AUGUST 2021)

These guidelines are in effect until further notice and were prepared for participation in the DDETFP GRF. Earlier versions do not apply for this award cycle.

DWIGHT DAVID EISENHOWER TRANSPORTATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

(DDETFP)

Grants or Research Fellowship (GRF)

Assignment Announcement for Fiscal Year 2021

Attachment to Notice of Funding Opportunity number 693JJ318NF5229-2021

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 3

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 3

DDETFP GRF APPLICATION PACKAGE 4

EVALUATION CRITERIA 5

TENURE 5

FUNDING 5

TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB) ANNUAL MEETING 6

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS 6

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT 6

TALENT DEVELOPMENT DIVISION CONTACT INFORMATION 7

NARRATIVE RESPONSE: PERSONAL STATEMENT 9

NARRATIVE RESPONSE: PROJECT EXPERIENCE 10

PROPOSED PROJECT ASSIGNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT 11

PROJECT A: COOPERATIVE DRIVING AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT 11

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Applicants are students seeking a DDETFP GRF. If selected:

o Students will be referred to as “Student Designees” and “Fellows” o The Institution of Higher Education (IHE) the student is attending will be referred to as the “Recipient” o Applicants will be required to provide necessary documents for a background check before starting proposed project assignment at a USDOT facility.

Applicants will not be selected for award if they do not pass the background check.

• Electronic Application Due Date/Time for Fiscal year (FY) 2021 is September 17, 2021 at 4:00pm Eastern Time.

• The DDETFP GRF requires online submission through www.grants.gov.

• Paper applications will not be accepted.

• By submitting an application, applicants certify that they have read and meet eligibility criteria defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the respective annual DDETFP GRF Assignment Announcement.

• Endorsement letter from Faculty Advisor is required.

• The IHE in which the student is enrolled in must be accredited by a federally-recognized accrediting agency and must be located within the United States or its territories, both administratively as well as the campus the student is attending.

• Reimbursements of IHE administrative or overhead costs are prohibited.

• Applicants should print a copy of their application and the NOFO for their files. The IHE may request these items if Fellowship is awarded.

• The proposed projects that are available for student applications are listed in this assignment announcement.

• Only one type of DDETFP Fellowship may be awarded to a Student Designee in each award cycle.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

This funding opportunity is open to students that are U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. The students must be enrolled in an IHE which must be accredited by a federally-recognized accrediting agency1 and must be located within the United States or its territories, both administratively as well as the campus the student is attending.

Current U.S. Department of Transportation employees are not eligible for the DDETFP.

In addition to the Program Office prerequisites stated in the assignment announcement, all student applicants of the DDETFP GRF must:

• Possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited IHE within the U.S. or its territories;

• Demonstrate confirmation of acceptance in a graduate degree program at an accredited

IHE in the U.S. or its territories;

• Be enrolled in an accredited IHE within the U.S. or its territories;

1 The U.S. Department of Education publishes a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies on https://www.ed.gov/accreditation http://www.grants.gov/ https://www.ed.gov/accreditation

• Be pursuing a graduate degree in a full-time program in a transportation-related discipline identified in the assignment announcement;

• Have at least one full academic year remaining in program of study;

• Conduct ongoing research in one or more transportation-related disciplines; and

• Plan to enter the transportation profession after completing their higher-level education.

Non-U.S. citizens must also submit a valid copy of their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Form issued by the IHE the student is enrolled in, or the Form I-202 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status”, or the Form I-551 “Permanent Resident Card” issued by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service.

Applications without this information will not be considered complete.

DDETFP GRF APPLICATION PACKAGE

The DDETFP GRF requires the submission of a complete Application Package through www.grants.gov in response to one of the assignments posted this announcement.

General Instructions: Please read the NOFO and this announcement in their entirety before preparing the application materials.

A complete DDETFP GRF application package includes the following:

• Individual SF 424 (available through www.grants.gov)

• Completed Student File Information Sheet

• Personal statement: Narrative of relevant background and future goals

• Project experience: Narrative of relevant personal project specific experience

• Transcripts are required from all institutions in which a degree was obtained o Applicant must provide official transcripts from institutions o Applicant must certify that the electronic transcripts have not been modified

• Endorsement letter from the applicant’s Faculty Advisor regarding the applicant's qualifications for the project specific assignment

• Resume / Curriculum Vitae (Not to exceed two pages)

• Citizenship status o Non-U.S. citizens must provide a valid copy of current Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Form I-20 issued by the educational institution attending or Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status", or Permanent Resident Card Form I-551 issued by the USCIS.

Incorrect, missing documents/items, or incomplete applications are grounds for rejecting the application.

2 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Form I-20 is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for foreign exchange students who attend an educational program in the United States.

Educational institutions issue Form I-20.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The DDETFP GRF applications will be reviewed by the sponsoring Program Office.

Fellowships will be awarded on the basis of merit. Merit includes (in descending order of importance with the top three criteria being equal in importance):

• Experience in research area identified in the proposed project announcement

• Unique qualifications for the proposed project described in the announcement

• Academic record: Class standing and grade point average

• Recommendation regarding the applicant's qualifications: Caliber of Faculty

Advisor endorsement of applicant's qualifications related to project requirements in the announcement

• Potential for outstanding career in transportation: Demonstration of applicant's potential through personal statements summarizing long-range professional goals in transportation, including transportation work experience (if applicable).

TENURE

• The length of assignment (“Period of Performance”) may range from 3 to 12 months depending on the project

• Student Designees are eligible for funding only during the months of full-time enrollment in graduate degree programs and during on-site research projects or internships with approved transportation agencies.

• During the tenure of the award, the Student Designee must maintain satisfactory academic performance as established by the IHE.

FUNDING

The fellowship, if applicable, may cover tuition, fees, and/or program-related expenses. All student designees may not receive a full award (i.e. tuition, stipend, and travel to the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting). Fellowship awards will be based on selection for assignment and available funding.

The anticipated stipends for the DDETFP GRF are based on academic level and shall be calculated as follows:

Monthly Stipend Master’s Level Up to $2,000 Doctoral Level Up to $2,500

Actual stipend level may vary based upon IHE formal policy and available funding.

Additional stipend amounts may be added by the IHE or other sources.

• Student designees are advised that the stipend portion of the award is taxable3

• All program-related expenses must be supported by receipts/invoices

• All unused funds must be returned to the FHWA within 90 days of the conclusion of the agreement.

3 Refer to the Internal Revenue Service Publication 970 – Tax Benefits For Education

TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD (TRB) ANNUAL MEETING

Student Designees will be provided a one-time expenditure (up to $1,500) for travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the TRB Annual Meeting held January. Attendance at the TRB Annual Meeting is mandatory. Failure to meet this requirement will result in loss of funding designated for this activity.

The Student Designees are responsible for arranging travel and hotel accommodations following IHE travel policy to obtain the most cost-efficient rates. Registration is to be completed by logging on to www.trb.org. In addition to attendance at TRB, it is also required that students attend ALL DDETFP Research Showcase events. All students should plan to arrive by Sunday morning, and leave after the Networking Reception on Tuesday evening. If students have other commitments (i.e., presentations or poster sessions) during TRB they must notify the FHWA Talent Development Division staff in advance to be excused from the Showcase session that conflicts with the event they would like to attend. Faculty Advisors are responsible for students securing per diem for their trip.

Student Designees may be requested, regardless of funding level, to submit an abstract of their research (or proposed research) for review and consideration for presentation at TRB. The abstract shall be submitted by the Student Designees (with a copy to their Faculty Advisor) to FHWA Talent Development Division at FHWA_UGP@dot.gov as indicated in the request. The FHWA Talent Development Division will notify Student Designees if their abstract was selected for presentation. Student Designees selected for TRB presentation will be required to deliver a 10 to 15-minute presentation describing their research project at the TRB Annual Meeting.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

• Student Designee shall prepare project specific assignment deliverables as indicated in the proposed project announcement.

• The results of all research will be the property of FHWA and a copy must be made available to FHWA and can be used on an unlimited, royalty-free basis.

• GRF Student Designee shall prepare a thesis/dissertation or research paper for submission to the Program Office and the DDETFP Manager. The Program Office will work with the IHE to ensure a year-end report is submitted.

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

The information is required under the authority of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended and Title 49 U.S.C. 332(b) (3) (4) (5). Your request cannot be processed unless all required data is submitted. Disclosure of your race and ethnicity are optional. Refusal to furnish your race and/or ethnicity will not result in the denial of any right, benefit or privilege provided by law.

Records maintained in the system are routinely used to determine eligibility/qualifications for fellowships, and for program evaluation and analysis purposes.

http://www.trb.org/ mailto:FHWA_UGP@dot.gov

TALENT DEVELOPMENT DIVISION CONTACT INFORMATION

Federal Highway Administration Office of Human Resources Talent Development Division 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590

E-mail: FHWA_UGP@dot.gov

2021 GRANTS FOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (GRF)

STUDENT FILE INFORMATION SHEET

Information MUST be typed and included as an attachment through www.grants.gov

STUDENT NAME

First Name Last Name

ANNOUNCEMENT

PROJECT TITLE

[NOTE: please indicate the project from those listed in the Announcement]

RACE (optional) American Indian Alaskan Native Asian African/African American Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander White Other

ETHNICITY (optional) Hispanic or Latino Not Hispanic or Latino Hispanic or Latino in Puerto Rico Not Hispanic or Latino in Puerto Rico

Check one box and place X to indicate your status as of September 1st of the application year:

Masters Doctoral

1st Year 1st Year 3rd Year 2nd Year 2nd Year 4th Year

Institution of Higher Education (IHE) Applicant’s Major (e.g. Civil Engineering, Urban Planning)

Academic Department Applicant’s Field of Study (e.g. Traffic Studies, Physical Planning)

Faculty Advisor Name:

Title:

Telephone No.:

E-mail Address:

STUDENT APPLICATION CONTENT CHECKLIST

Complete this Student File Information Sheet SF 424 Individual Application Essays

Personal Statement: Should include relevant background and future goals. Please outline your educational and professional development plans as well as your career goals. Describe how your education will prepare you for a career in transportation (Limit 8000 characters).

Project Experience: Describe your unique qualifications for the project. Incorporate educational, personal and work experiences, and accomplishments that substantiate your qualifications. Please propose how you would obtain the identified project outcome. (Limit 8000 characters).

Endorsement Letter from Faculty Advisor Current Resume Official Transcripts

I am applying for funding to support the following degree: I have submitted the following official transcript(s) to complete my application:

Master* Transcript from current institution Transcript from institution that awarded bachelor’s degree

Doctorate*

Transcript from current institution Transcript from institution that awarded bachelor’s degree Transcript from institution that awarded master’s degree

*Individuals applying must possess a baccalaureate degree from an Institution of Higher Education (IHE) which must be accredited by a federally-recognized accrediting agency and must be located within the United States or its territories, both administratively as well as the campus the student attended.

NARRATIVE RESPONSE: PERSONAL STATEMENT

Application MUST be typed and included as attachment through www.grants.gov

Personal Statement

Include relevant background and future goals to outline your educational and professional development plans as well as your career aspirations. Describe how your education will prepare you for a career in transportation.

(Limit 8000 characters)

NARRATIVE RESPONSE: PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Application MUST be typed and included as attachment through www.grants.gov

Project Experience

Please propose how you would obtain the identified proposed project outcome. Describe your unique qualifications for the project. Incorporate educational, personal and work experiences, and accomplishments that substantiate your qualifications. (Limit 8000 characters)

PROPOSED PROJECT ASSIGNMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOTE: For the Student File Information Sheet and application narratives, please include the title of the Proposed Project Assignment for which you are applying from the list below.

Project Title A Cooperative Driving Automation Technology Development

PROJECT A: COOPERATIVE DRIVING AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

SPONSOR: FHWA, Office of Operations Research and Development LENGTH OF ASSIGNMENT: up to 12 months DISCIPLINES: Computer Science, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or related field DEGREE SUPPORTED: Ph.D. Candidate

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT:

Cooperative Driving Automation (CDA) is a new field that seeks to build on top of existing and future automation technologies to allow vehicles, infrastructure, and other entities that are part of the transportation network (e.g. pedestrians, bikers, ports, railroads/railroad crossings, etc.) to cooperate with one another1.

Rather than having these entities merely communicate with each other, the purpose of CDA is to build technologies that will allow them to cooperate together as a highly efficient team. The purpose is to optimize transportation network performance in terms of safety (i.e. minimize fatalities, crashes, and the severity of crashes) and mobility (i.e. maximize throughput, minimize individual delay and system wide delay, maximize ability to respond to incidents, etc.).

To that end, the Federal Highway Administration is investing into the CARMA Program2,3 to develop CDA technologies. The CARMA Program’s purpose is not only to develop CDA technologies but also to develop open-source software (OSS) tools to enable other researchers (e.g. students/academics, industry, consultants, etc.) to perform their own CDA research.

The selected fellow will perform this assignment remotely.

As part of the CARMA Program, some tools that exist and/or are currently being developed include the following:

1. CARMA Platform – This tool sits on top of an automated vehicle and it allows a researcher to develop and host CDA algorithms to help vehicles move safely and efficiently in a particular use case.

2. CARMA Messenger – This tool sits on top of a human-driven vehicle and it allows for communication/ cooperation between the vehicle and the rest the network. Its purpose is to allow the researcher to develop technologies to allow human drivers to participate in CDA (e.g. a human driver in a fire truck sends out a message that he is coming through to address an emergency and makes a request that all vehicles move out of the way).

3. CARMA Cloud – This tool sits in the “cloud” and allows researchers to develop and host CDA technologies that have to do with coordinating across the entire transportation network (e.g.

changing speed limits in bad weather, coordinating traffic signals across a town, etc.).

4. CARMA Streets – This tool sits on the infrastructure and allows the researcher to develop technologies that will coordinate between the infrastructure, CARMA Cloud, and vehicles (e.g.

cooperative perception, traffic signal timings, etc.).

5. CARMA XIL – This tool is “CARMA Everything-in-the-Loop (i.e. X-I-L) simulation.” Since real vehicle and infrastructure tests can often be very expensive, this effort is developing all the previously mentioned CARMA tools in simulation. This will allow researchers to perform high quality research at a fraction of the cost compared to real vehicles and infrastructure.

6. CARMA 1tenth (C1T) – This effort is creating CARMA Platform-equipped vehicles that are roughly one tenth the size of real vehicles (and roughly one hundredth the cost). Similar to CARMA XIL, this tool will allow researchers to develop CDA technologies at a fraction of the cost.

Note that all relevant code for these OSS tools is continually being added to Github as it becomes available.4

As part of this fellowship, the selectee will use CARMA tools and/or other OSS tools and/or other tools provided by the selectee’s university to develop novel CDA technologies/capabilities/algorithms. The selectee shall propose one or more CDA technologies to be developed during this fellowship and the procedure for how it shall be developed (e.g. methods, tools used, tests required, risks, contingencies, etc.).

In addition to developing the selectee’s own CDA technologies/capabilities/algorithms, the selectee will be expected to serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in terms of providing guidance to CARMA users and developers to improve future CDA research capabilities. This may include providing guidance on code/software, attending team meetings, and presenting to stakeholders.

The goal of this project is to use available CDA tools to advance the current CDA state of practice.

Depending on the selectee’s focus area within the domain of CDA, this may include the following:

1. Developing cooperative algorithms between vehicles with each other and between vehicles and infrastructure.

2. Developing new software and/or hardware to be included on vehicles or other transportation network entities to improve CDA.

3. Alternative to #2, this may also include finding already developed hardware and OSS (i.e., developed by others) to propose using in CDA.

4. Developing communication protocols between different entities.

5. Executing various simulation tests to validate technology performance.

6. Executing closed track or real-world tests (depending on available resources).

7. Predicting the impacts of the technology.

References:

• https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3216_202005/

• https://cms7.fhwa.dot.gov/research/operations/CARMA

• https://its.dot.gov/cda/

• https://github.com/usdot-fhwa-stol (please note that the 6 OSS tools described above are in various stages of development) https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3216_202005/ https://cms7.fhwa.dot.gov/research/operations/CARMA https://its.dot.gov/cda/ https://github.com/usdot-fhwa-stol

ACADEMIC CREDITS: To be determined

OUTPUTS/PRODUCTS:

Project outcomes and deliverables will be negotiated with the selectee during kickoff. Likely deliverables of this project may include: software/code loaded into Github, a final project report, CARMA program recommendations, and a paper and/or conference presentation to be delivered by the selectee.