Bid guide
How to bid on Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program FY 2026 Data Science for FHWA
What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking information for its Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program, focusing on data science for highway transportation. They are interested in emerging and advanced data science methods.
This is an opportunity to contribute to research that could lead to transformational improvements in how transportation systems are planned, built, renewed, and operated. The FHWA wants to engage and expand the community of researchers in this field and demonstrate the potential of new data analytic techniques.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 23, 2026. Responses are due by August 07, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
At the deadline, the FHWA will stop accepting submissions. It is important to submit your response well before this time to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for research organizations, academic institutions, and firms specializing in data science, advanced analytics, and transportation research. It targets those who can apply emerging data methods to highway transportation challenges.
The FHWA is looking to expand the researcher community, so firms with innovative approaches and a desire to engage in advanced research in this professional category would be a good fit.
How to respond
To access the full details and respond, you will need to go to the original source portal. Click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to navigate directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required for every bid.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Since this is an RFI, focus on providing clear, concise, and relevant information about your capabilities and research ideas. Highlight your expertise in emerging and advanced data science methods and how they can be applied to highway transportation.
Clearly articulate how your proposed approaches align with the FHWA's objectives: engaging the research community and demonstrating the potential of new data analytic techniques. Ensure your response is well-organized and easy to understand, making it simple for the agency to grasp your value proposition.
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.