Air Transportation Centers of Excellence

Conduct long term research in critical and specific areas of aviation related technology. Responsibilities of Centers may include, but are not limited to: the conduct of research concerning catastrophic failure of aircraft; airspace and airport plann

The Centers of Excellence Grant Program encompasses a broad spectrum of aviation research activities which are target specific areas of long-term aviation research. These programs encourage and support innovative, advanced research of potential benefit to the FAA mission.

FAA COE applicants are limited to colleges and universities with the financial resources to meet statutory requirements for matching Federal funds and maintenance of effort. Academic institutions may partner with industry affiliates, other public and private entities, government laboratories and other interested parties. Applicants must satisfy the Congressionally mandated selection criteria as stated in an open Final Solicitation.

Recipients are limited to colleges and universities with the financial resources to meet statutory requirements for matching Federal grants and maintenance of effort. In conducting research, a Center of Excellence may contract with nonprofit research organizations and other appropriate persons.

Centers of Excellence are established for long term mission-critical research in specific technology areas. Funding may be used for the establishment and operation of the Centers of Excellence and the related training, education and research projects. The FAA determines a need for a Center of Excellence in a specific area of technology and publishes in Grants.gov a Notice of Intent to Establish a COE and a Notice of Availability of a Draft Solicitation. In response to the Final Solicitation, each applicant submits a proposal with a description of their institutional capabilities, available faculty, facilities and equipment, and additional information as required in the Solicitation. Researchers at each COE are expected to maintain a close working relationship with the FAA COE Program Office and relevant FAA program offices and others having responsibility in areas related to their research projects. Centers conduct semi-annual reviews, and a major symposium at the conclusion of each cooperative agreement and research phase. This activity satisfies Congressional requirements to disseminate research results to a broad audience. CONGRESSIONAL RESTRICTIONS: (1) Matching Funds - The Federal share of the grant awarded shall be 50 percent of the cost to establish and operate and conduct related research within the Center of Excellence and related research activities. (2) Maintenance of Effort - Each recipient will maintain its aggregate expenditures from all other sources for establishing and operating the Center and related research activities at or above the average level of such expenditures in its 2 fiscal years preceding November 5, 1990. (3) Locations of centers and distribution of funds shall be geographically equitable. (4) Contract tasks may be awarded following the competitive process and may include negotiable cost share. (5) Funds are awarded to universities. Industry and other affiliates must align with academic institutions who may then sub-contract to others as appropriate.

The FAA intends to support a Center of Excellence in two (2) five-year increments over a period of 10 years. Each Center undergoes a reassessment within the final year of each cooperative agreement Phase. Research is reviewed semi-annually. Budgets and research projects are defined, evaluated and negotiated yearly. As a consequence of changing needs, or diminished requirements, the agency reserves the right not to renew support for a Center of Excellence at any time. Funds from program offices and additional appropriations may increase at any time providing the institution can demonstrate matching contributions are available.

FAA holds a public information meeting prior to submission of proposals. During the period of public comment and thereafter, questions may be submitted to the FAA Centers of Excellence Program Office FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center, Bldg 300, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405.

Public Law 101-508 has established the following equally weighted six selection criteria: (1) The extent to which the needs of the State in which the applicant is located are representative of needs of the region for improved air transportation services and facilities; (2) The demonstrated research and extension resources available to the applicant for carrying out this program; (3) The capability of the applicant to provide leadership in making national and regional contributions to the solution of both long-range and immediate air transportation problems; (4) The extent to which the applicant has an established air transportation program; (5) The demonstrated ability of the applicant to disseminate results of air transportation research and educational programs through a State-wide or region-wide continuing education program; and (6) The projects which the applicant proposes to carry out under the grant. Public Law 101-508 mandates geographic equity in location and funding of Centers of Excellence. Depending on the outcome of evaluation under the six mandated criteria, geographic location may become an additional selection factor.

The FAA Administrator is the selecting official for each Air Transportation Center of Excellence. The FAA Centers of Excellence Program Director issues Office issues a Notice of Funding Opportunity, receives all proposals, convenes evaluation teams to evaluate eligible institutions for Centers of Excellence awards. Applicants should be prepared to host an onsite inspection of existing research facilities when being considered for a Center of Excellence designation. Grant award authority has been delegated by the FAA Senior Procurement Executive to the FAA COE Grants Officer and Program Director, located at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405. Awards are made to COE members throughout the term of the Center. No further announcements are issued.

From the closing date for applications, the FAA requires at least 6 months for evaluation and selection procedures.

Grants: Multi-year grants and cooperative agreements are available; extensions are possible. No-cost extensions are available upon request. Centers of Excellence designation: Centers are evaluated during the last year of each research Phase. Cooperative agreements are renewed upon successful completion of each previous Phase throughout the 10-year term.

Formal protests are not an option; however, those submitting a proposal may request a debriefing.