Funding Opportunity at a Glance
Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
Program: University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program
Notice: FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Application Cycle: 2026
Estimated Total Funding: $3,000,000
Objective: To advance transportation research, education, and technology transfer at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education.
📊 Eligibility Check: University Transportation Centers Program FY 2025 NOFO
Answer 3 questions to check pre-qualification for Grants.
Who Is Eligible?
- Institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that award two- or four-year degrees and are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency.
- Consortia of institutions of higher education, which may include foreign academic institutions, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit corporations, provided an eligible U.S. institution of higher education applies as the lead.
- University Transportation Centers (UTCs) must be based in the United States and led by one or more U.S. institutions of higher education.
- Prospective lead institutions must demonstrate the capability to effectively manage a federally funded research center.
- Eligibility is specific to the competition tier (National, Regional, or Tier 1) as outlined in the NOFO, with potential restrictions on current awardees applying for new awards in the same tier.
Application Steps (2026)
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Review NOFO & Prepare Materials
Thoroughly read the FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for all requirements. Begin assembling required registrations (e.g., SAM.gov, UEI), administrative data, and proposal narratives.
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Complete Mandatory Pre-Application
Submit a mandatory pre-application via the Grants.gov portal by the specified deadline. This typically includes a synopsis and allows for agency feedback.
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Develop Full Application
Prepare the complete application package, including the Technical Proposal, Management & Financial Plan, Detailed Budget Justification, and all required forms and appendices.
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Submit via Grants.gov
Upload and submit the final, complete application through the Grants.gov system by the final submission deadline. Note that validation can take 24-48 hours; submit early.
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Application Review
Submitted applications undergo an administrative review for completeness, followed by a technical merit review by a panel of experts convened by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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Award Selection & Notification
The selecting official makes final award decisions based on review results, funding availability, and program priorities. Successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified officially.
Note: All deadlines and specific requirements are defined in the official FY 2025 NOFO. Applicants must adhere to the guidelines and timelines provided therein.
🔔 Grant Deadline Alert
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