University Transportation Centers (20.760)
Program
20.760 University Transportation Centers
Federal Agency
RESEARCH AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Authorization
49 U.S.C. 5338, 5505, and 5506.
Program Number
20.760
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To provide grants to nonprofit institutions of higher learning for the purpose of establishing and operating university transportation centers that conduct research, education, and technology transfer programs addressing regional and national transportation issues.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The University Transportation Centers will address surface transportation problems and issues and will seek solutions to both long-range and immediate transportation problems. See below for information about grant matching requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
For the program's competitive grants, public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning that have established transportation research programs. Non-competitive grants must also be to public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning but may or may not have established programs.
Beneficiary Eligibility
For the program's competitive grants, public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning that have established transportation research programs. Non-competitive grants must also be to public and private nonprofit institutions of higher learning but may or may not have established programs.
Credentials/Documentation
A formal application outlining in detail how the institution meets program mission and goals; proposed management of the center; detailed delineation of organization, staff, faculty, and budget.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Two competitive selections for new grants will be held during 2006 for 1) one grant in each of ten standard Federal regions of the U.S. and 2) ten other grants with no locational restrictions. Applications will consist of standard Federal grant application and related forms and a proposal prepared to specifications that the agency will provide.
Award Procedure
Applications will be reviewed by a Departmental panel. Selection will be made by the RITA Administrator.
Deadlines
Applications for Regional UTC grants due June 1, 2006 and for other UTC grants due August 15, 2006.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Competitive grants are for a three-year period; noncompetitive grants are for periods stated in the authorizing legislation. Grants are renewable each year upon satisfactory completion of prior-year work.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
The Federal share of a grant shall be 50 percent of the costs of establishing and operating the university transportation center.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
3, 4, or 5 years as designated in the authorizing legislation.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Semi-annual and annual progress and financial reports; final technical report at the end of each research project.
Audits
Consistent with OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
Recipient is required to retain intact, for 3 years following submission of the final expenditure report, pending resolution of audit findings, all grant products, financial records, and supporting documents.
Program Accomplishments
The University Transportation Centers Program began in fiscal year 1988. Each center is extensively involved in research directly related to regional and national transportation issues. The centers also educate hundreds of students each year and built partnerships with state and local government as well as industry.
Financial Information
Account Identification
69-1136-0-1-401; 69-8083-0-7-401.
Obligations
FY 05 $76,700,000; FY 06 $76,700,000; and FY 07 $76,700,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Between $300,000 and $3,500,000 per center per fiscal year depending upon language in authorizing legislation.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Posted on the University Transportation Centers Program website at http://utc.dot.gov.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Research and Innovative Technology Administration; Office of Innovation, Research, and Education (RDT-30); Department of Transportation; 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 2440; Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: (202) 366-4434.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
See Agency website.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Resources available to conduct work of center; leadership in transportation; established transportation programs in prior years; ability to disseminate results (full text found in authorizing legislation at 49 U.S.C. 5506).
