Bid guide
How to bid on Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program with Federal Highway Administration
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking research proposals for its Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program. Specifically, they are interested in digital twin applications within highway transportation. This is an opportunity for firms to contribute to advancements in areas like construction automation, asset management for pavements and structures, and active roadside safety systems for vulnerable road users.
The FHWA aims to find innovative solutions that could significantly improve highway transportation safety, mobility, infrastructure condition, and environmental impact. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is a flexible tool for the agency to acquire research and development that addresses high-priority problems and emerging scientific advances.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is an open, five-year Broad Agency Announcement, published on November 19, 2025, with a final deadline of November 18, 2030, at 12:00 PM ET. However, proposals are not accepted continuously.
Instead, the FHWA will issue individual calls for proposals periodically throughout this five-year period. Each call will specify the exact topic areas, any changes to evaluation criteria or proposal instructions, and the specific cutoff dates for submissions. You must respond to these individual calls, not to the overall BAA deadline.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for research organizations, academic institutions, and professional services firms with expertise in advanced research and development, particularly in areas related to digital twin technology and its application in highway transportation.
Firms specializing in civil engineering, automation, sensor technology, data analytics, and infrastructure management will find this relevant. The solicitation is open to all responsible sources capable of meeting the government's needs.
How to respond
To access the full opportunity details, you should click the “View original source” link on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required. Remember, you will only submit proposals in response to specific calls issued under this BAA, not directly to this overarching announcement.
Practical tips for a competitive response
When preparing your response to a specific call, ensure your proposal clearly addresses the identified topic areas and demonstrates a strong understanding of the FHWA's Exploratory Advanced Research Program goals. Highlight how your proposed research aligns with improving highway transportation safety, mobility, infrastructure, or environmental stewardship.
Focus on the innovative and advanced aspects of your research. Clearly articulate your methodology, expected outcomes, and the potential impact of your findings. Pay close attention to any specific evaluation criteria or proposal preparation instructions provided in each individual call for proposals, as these may vary.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Federal Highway Administration; the original posting controls.