Interdisciplinary Transportation Law and Policy Technology Training Development

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology is soliciting applications for a single $600,000 cooperative agreement to develop interdisciplinary transportation law and policy training materials, with applications due August 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT. A 50 percent non-federal cost share (minimum $600,000) is mandatory; matching funds may consist of cash or in-kind contributions and must be fully documented and spent during the agreement period.

Eligible applicants are currently DOT-funded University Transportation Centers with demonstrated expertise in transportation law, policy, and technology training curriculum development. UTC consortiums may include academic, non-profit, or for-profit partners. The 24-month cooperative agreement requires development of three distinct educational deliverables: a one-day training course for Congressional and support staff, a one-hour Executive Briefing for elected leaders and policymakers, and a full-semester law school curriculum. All three formats must address artificial intelligence, automated vehicles, and digital infrastructure supporting automation.

The project spans three phases. Phase 1 (months 1–6) requires research and gap analysis through peer workshops prioritizing core technologies. Phase 2 (months 7–12) involves curriculum architecture and development of open-source course materials with pilot sessions. Phase 3 (months 13–24) encompasses nationwide regional training deployment, law school pilot implementation, and final evaluation. Required deliverables include quarterly technical and financial reports, annual in-person meetings in Washington DC, knowledge gap assessments, workshop materials, curriculum and training proceedings, and a final comprehensive report.

Proposals must not exceed 25 pages and must address team qualifications, scope clarity, implementation approach, cost reasonableness, and alignment with DOT priorities including sound economic analysis and seamless travel experiences. Congressional engagement using grant funds is permissible only for neutral, nonpartisan educational outreach and technical training; direct or grassroots lobbying is prohibited.

CFDA 20.909 / Opportunity Number LAW_POLICY-OSTR24.