Opportunity Information: Apply for FR RRD 11 005
Apply for FR RRD 11 005
- The DOT/Federal Railroad Administration in the science and technology and other research and development transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Demonstration of Alternative Methodology for Measuring Emissions of Locomotive Engines" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.313 Railroad Research and Development.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 9, 2011 and posted on Jun 9, 2011.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 12, 2011 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $50,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- North Carolina Department of Transportation is the only eligible entity permitted to apply.
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Opportunity Summary:
The grant opportunity titled "Demonstration of Alternative Methodology for Measuring Emissions of Locomotive Engines" (Funding Opportunity Number FR RRD 11 005) is a discretionary research grant offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), under the Railroad Research and Development program (CFDA 20.313). It falls under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development and Transportation categories, and it is designed to support a practical, applied demonstration project rather than a broad or open-ended research program.
The core purpose of the project is to demonstrate an alternative methodology for measuring locomotive engine emissions by pairing two key tools: an engine dynamometer and a Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS). In simple terms, the dynamometer is used to run the locomotive engine under controlled load and operating conditions so that accurate performance data can be captured, while the PEMS is used to measure emissions directly during those operating conditions. The emphasis is not only on collecting emissions readings, but also on establishing a clear relationship between engine performance parameters and the emissions output observed. This kind of methodology can help agencies and researchers better understand how locomotives behave under different operating scenarios and how those scenarios translate into emissions, potentially improving the accuracy and usefulness of emissions measurement approaches compared with more traditional methods.
An important project condition is that the locomotives involved will be rebuilt before the dynamometer and PEMS testing begins. That detail signals that the testing is intended to occur on rebuilt equipment, which can reduce variability caused by inconsistent engine condition, support repeatable measurement, and make it easier to interpret whether observed emissions patterns are tied to operating conditions and measurement methodology rather than pre-existing mechanical issues.
Funding for the opportunity is relatively small and tightly scoped. The estimated total funding is $50,000, with an award ceiling of $50,000 and no stated award floor (meaning an award could be any amount up to the ceiling). There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, so the recipient is not required to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of receiving the grant.
Eligibility is highly restricted. The notice specifies that the North Carolina Department of Transportation is the only eligible entity permitted to apply, meaning this is effectively a targeted award rather than a competitive solicitation open to multiple states, universities, or private organizations. The listing of "Others (see text field...)" is clarified by the eligibility statement that limits applicants to NCDOT alone.
Key administrative dates show that the opportunity was posted and created on June 9, 2011, with an original and current closing date of August 12, 2011. The opportunity was archived on September 11, 2011, indicating it is no longer active and was tied to that specific funding cycle and recipient.
For support accessing the full announcement electronically, the contact provided is the GrantSolutions Help Desk (1-866-577-0771, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern) and the email address help@grantsolutions.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "Demonstration of Alternative Methodology for Measuring Emissions of Locomotive Engines."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is FR RRD 11 005.
Which federal agency is offering this grant?
This is a discretionary research grant offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Which program is this grant associated with?
The opportunity is offered under the FRA Railroad Research and Development program and is listed under CFDA 20.313.
What types of activities or fields does this grant fall under?
The opportunity is categorized under Science and Technology, other Research and Development, and Transportation.
What is the overall purpose of the project funded by this grant?
The purpose is to demonstrate an alternative methodology for measuring locomotive engine emissions by pairing an engine dynamometer with a Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS), and to establish a clear relationship between engine performance parameters and the emissions output observed.
Is this intended to be a broad research program or a focused demonstration?
It is designed to support a practical, applied demonstration project rather than a broad or open-ended research program.
What tools or systems are central to the proposed emissions measurement methodology?
The demonstration centers on two tools used together: (1) an engine dynamometer to run the locomotive engine under controlled load and operating conditions and capture performance data, and (2) a Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS) to measure emissions directly during those controlled conditions.
How does an engine dynamometer fit into this project?
The engine dynamometer is used to operate the locomotive engine under controlled load and operating conditions so accurate performance data can be captured while emissions are being measured.
What role does a Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS) play in this project?
The PEMS is used to measure locomotive engine emissions directly during the operating conditions established on the dynamometer.
Beyond measuring emissions, what else is the project intended to demonstrate?
The project emphasizes linking measured emissions to engine performance parameters, with the goal of establishing a clear relationship between how the engine is operating and the emissions output that is observed.
Why does the opportunity emphasize pairing performance data with emissions measurements?
The stated emphasis is to better understand how different locomotive operating scenarios translate into emissions outcomes and to potentially improve the accuracy and usefulness of emissions measurement approaches compared with more traditional methods.
Are there any conditions about the locomotives being tested?
Yes. A key condition is that the locomotives involved will be rebuilt before dynamometer and PEMS testing begins.
Why are the locomotives required to be rebuilt before testing?
The information provided indicates this is intended to ensure testing occurs on rebuilt equipment, which can reduce variability due to inconsistent engine condition, support repeatable measurement, and make it easier to interpret whether emissions patterns are tied to operating conditions and the measurement methodology rather than pre-existing mechanical issues.
How much funding is available under this opportunity?
The estimated total funding is $50,000.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is $50,000.
Is there a minimum award amount (award floor)?
No award floor is stated. That means an award could be any amount up to the $50,000 ceiling.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement stated for this opportunity.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is highly restricted. The notice specifies that the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is the only eligible entity permitted to apply.
Is this a competitive solicitation open to multiple applicants?
No. Based on the eligibility limitation to NCDOT, this is effectively a targeted award rather than a competitive solicitation open to other states, universities, or private organizations.
When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted (and created) on June 9, 2011.
What was the closing date to apply?
The original and current closing date listed is August 12, 2011.
Is this opportunity still active?
No. The opportunity was archived on September 11, 2011, indicating it is no longer active and was tied to that specific funding cycle and recipient.
Who should be contacted for help accessing the full announcement electronically?
The contact provided for support is the GrantSolutions Help Desk.
What are the GrantSolutions Help Desk phone number and hours?
The phone number is 1-866-577-0771. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern.
What is the support email address for GrantSolutions?
The email address is help@grantsolutions.gov.
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