Bid guide
How to bid on FTA Research Initiatives in Support of Safety, Accessibility, and Mobility
What the FTA is buying and why it matters
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking applied research projects to enhance public transportation. This includes improving safety, reliability, efficiency, and accessibility. They also aim to facilitate domestic manufacturing in the transit sector.
This is an opportunity for organizations to contribute to significant advancements in public transit. Typical awards range from $150,000 to $500,000, supporting projects that can make a real difference in how public transportation operates.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This solicitation was published on September 04, 2026. The deadline for submitting concept papers is October 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. All submissions must be completed by this time.
Missing the deadline means your concept paper will not be considered. Ensure you allow ample time to prepare and submit your response before the closing time.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is open to any responsible source, excluding federal government-owned businesses. It is particularly well-suited for organizations involved in professional services and research.
The FTA prefers projects that include partnerships with transit operators and those that involve cost sharing. Projects should focus on technology readiness levels 3 through 6, with a preference for proof-of-concept testing at TRL 3.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the full solicitation, click “View original source” 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. Prepare your concept paper according to the instructions provided in the full solicitation.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Focus your concept paper on applied research that directly addresses improvements in public transportation safety, reliability, efficiency, accessibility, or domestic manufacturing. Clearly articulate how your project will reduce deployment risks and lower costs.
Highlight any partnerships with transit operators and detail any proposed cost sharing, as these are preferred by the FTA. Emphasize that your project aligns with technology readiness levels 3 through 6, especially if it involves proof-of-concept testing (TRL 3). Ensure your submission is clear, concise, and directly responds to the stated objectives of the Broad Agency Announcement.
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 Transit Administration; the original posting controls.