Special Notice_Federal Transit Administration_Transit Innovation Showcase.pdf

Special Notice for the Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Innovation Showcase:

Request for Statements of Interest

To advance modernization and elevate rider confidence across the nation's transit networks, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will host the Transit Innovation Showcase (Showcase) in December 2026.

This one-day event will transform the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Headquarters into a high-tech, immersive experience, showcasing innovative breakthroughs and technological advancements across all modes of public transportation, including commuter rail, subways, light rail, buses, and ferries. With a primary focus on how transit providers are transforming their systems to be more family-friendly, the Transit Innovation Showcase will feature hands-on interactive demonstrations, full-scale vehicle mockups, and live simulators highlighting cutting-edge solutions that attract riders and respond to their needs.

The event is intended to build broad public awareness of these next-generation transit solutions by reaching leaders representing State and local transit authorities, members of Congress, infrastructure stakeholders, family and disability advocacy groups, commuter associations, and members of the media.

Invitation to Submit Statements of Interest

FTA invites interested transportation agencies, transit associations, vendors, manufacturers, and technology companies to submit Statements of Interest to showcase and demonstrate innovative public transit programs, accessibility enhancements, ease-of-use features, safety products, solutions, technologies, and tools at the upcoming Transit Innovation Showcase. FTA is seeking high-impact, one-of-a-kind innovations that offer tangible, real-world applications that improve public transit safety and security, cleanliness, universal accessibility, real-time service data availability, and system reliability. In alignment with this event's focus, demonstrations should highlight how modern advancements can attract and respond to riders’ needs while offering engaging, hands-on experiences for Showcase attendees. Due to space limitations, FTA can accommodate a limited number of displays and demonstrations.

Scope of Demonstration

FTA is prioritizing hands-on demonstrations and interactive displays that showcase innovations to improve safety and security, cleanliness, universal accessibility, real-time service data availability, and system reliability. New, novel, and leading-edge technologies will be prioritized.

Exhibit topics could include, but are not limited to:

1. Fare enforcement systems, such as defeat-resistant fare gates for rail and bus applications

2. Fare collection systems

3. Bus operator security barriers

4. Station platform barrier technologies

5. Bus, rail, and ferry vehicles with unique and innovative features, such as automation, open gangways, or innovative structural designs

6. Training simulators

7. Threat detection systems

8. Accessibility technologies and standards

9. Trip planning and wayfinding

10. Technologies to monitor and improve cleanliness of vehicles, stations, and facilities

Important Disclaimers

● Non-Endorsement: The U.S. Government does not endorse products or manufacturers.

Trademarks or manufacturers’ names are not intended to reflect a preference, approval, or endorsement of any one product or entity. Selection for demonstration at the Transit Innovation Showcase does not represent endorsement, preference, or approval.

● Limited Space: There is limited indoor and outdoor space available for the demonstrations.

● Security Requirements: All demonstrations must meet the DOT security requirements. More information will be provided once Statements of Interest are selected.

How to Apply

Interested parties must submit a Statement of Interest that includes information addressing the following criteria:

1. Statement of Interest (maximum two (2) pages)

● Organization Profile: Name of agency, association, or entity; a primary Point of Contact, and contact information

● Technical Description: A detailed overview of proposed demonstration and the specific content featured, addressing the evaluation criteria below, as applicable

● User Experience: A description of the attendee experience (e.g., interactive simulation, physical walkthrough, visual display)

● Deployment Status: Information addressing whether the technology, standard, or program is currently in use or is new to the market. If currently deployed, discuss any data that demonstrates effectiveness.

● Logistical Requirements:

o Specific physical dimensions (length, width, height, weight) o Basic requirements (power, extension cords, wi-fi, etc.)

o Preference for indoor (atrium/conference room/media center) or outdoor (courtyard, streets, or dock) space o Special requirements (i.e., high voltage outlets, carpeting, etc.)

● Public Engagement and Innovation: Describe how the demonstration is designed to be engaging and accessible for all attendees, including the general public, press, students, and non-transportation professionals. Is this a one-of-a-kind or “first-of-its-kind” demonstration? How will it create “buzz” or provide a compelling visual?

2. Mission Alignment: An explanation of how the technologies demonstrated align with the public transit areas of interest listed earlier, contribute to the DOT’s mission, and support American manufacturing

3. Supporting Imagery (maximum two (2) pages)

Applicants may include up to two (2) additional pages of photos, diagrams, or renderings to illustrate the proposed demonstration.

Submission Due Date and Point of Contact (POC)

For priority consideration, Statements of Interest must be received by 11:59 PM ET Friday, October 16, 2026. Submissions received after the date in this paragraph may be reviewed and considered subject to available space and available agency resources.

● Email: FTAShowcase@dot.gov

● Subject Line: Statement of Interest for FTA Innovation Showcase

● Attention: Dr. Thomas Littleton

Submission of Questions

● Questions about this Special Notice for a Statement of Interest can be sent to FTAShowcase@dot.gov with “Showcase Inquiry” in the subject line. Questions are due no later than 5:00 PM ET Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Responses to questions may be posted under this Special Notice if DOT determines they are of general interest.

Review and Selection Process

● Selection: Statements of Interest will be evaluated by a DOT review panel based on the criteria listed below.

● Requests for Additional Information: The review panel may contact the applicant’s Point of Contact for additional information, technical clarification, or logistical details prior to making a final decision. Incomplete submissions may not have an opportunity to be supplemented.

mailto:FTAExpo@dot.gov mailto:FTAExpo mailto:usdot-safety-expo@dot.gov

● Notification: As the Transit Innovation Showcase date has not been set, applicants will be notified of their selection status once the event schedule is confirmed. FTA appreciates patience as FTA coordinates this large-scale event.

● No Guarantee: Submission of a Statement of Interest does not guarantee selection.

Notification of Selection

Submissions selected for demonstration at the Transit Innovation Showcase will be notified via the contact information provided. All others will be notified through this Special Interest Notice on SAM.gov.

Evaluation Criteria

Selection of technologies and innovations to demonstrate at the Transit Innovation Showcase will be based on how the information provided in the Statements of Interest aligns with the criteria below:

● Alignment of the program, technology, or innovation to the event’s theme

● Ability of the program, technology, or innovation to improve public transit or make public transit more attractive, responsive, and accessible to rider needs, including in the areas of safety and security, cleanliness, universal accessibility, real-time service data availability, and system reliability

● Level of interaction provided to attendees by the proposed demonstration, including the hands-on, immersive nature of the experience

● Uniqueness of the program, technology, or innovation

● Ability of the program, technology, or innovation to be widely implemented (the potential for widespread national impact beyond a single setting and transferability across geographic regions and infrastructure configurations)

● Cost-effectiveness of the program, technology, or innovation

● Ability to accommodate or present the program, technology, or innovation at the Transit Innovation Showcase based on required physical space and other needs

Terms and Logistics

● Funding: No federal funding is available for this opportunity. Participation in the showcase and demonstration is at the expense of the exhibiting entity.

● Equipment & Transportation: Exhibitors are solely responsible for the transportation, drayage, assembly, and breakdown of all equipment and display materials.

http://sam.gov/

About FTA

The mission of the Federal Transit Administration is to improve America’s communities through public transportation. FTA envisions a better quality of life for all built on public transportation excellence. FTA’s goals are to enhance safety, build resiliency, and connect communities through policies, programs, and initiatives that support the nation’s transit systems.