University Transportation Centers Program FY 2025 NOFO

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology is soliciting competitive applications to establish and operate University Transportation Centers (UTCs) that conduct transportation research, education, and technology transfer programs. Eligible applicants must be non-profit institutions of higher education forming consortia of two or more member institutions, with current UTC lead institutions ineligible to apply as lead applicants. Centers must address one of seven statutory research priority areas, including improving mobility of people and goods, reducing congestion, promoting safety, improving infrastructure durability, preserving the environment, maintaining existing transportation systems, or reducing transportation cybersecurity risks. Applications are evaluated on five criteria: Research Activities and Capability, Leadership, Education and Workforce Development, Technology Transfer and Collaboration, and Program Efficacy. The Letter of Intent deadline is January 19, 2026, with full applications due February 13, 2026, and an anticipated award date of May 1, 2026.

The program is offering five UTC grants totaling approximately $33 million across three annual increments operating from 2026 through 2030, comprising one Regional UTC for Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands) with FY2024 funding of $2,926,867, and four Tier 1 UTCs with individual FY2024 funding of $1,951,245 each. Regional centers must secure matching funds equal to the DOT award amount, while Tier 1 centers must provide matching funds of 50 percent of the DOT award. All centers must dedicate at least 5 percent of total budget to technology transfer and commercialization activities. The period of performance extends for four years through April 30, 2030, with performance occurring at the lead and consortium member institutions across the eligible geographic regions.