FAA Center of Excellence for Environment and Energy | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): FAA Center of Excellence for Environment and Energy (EE)

1) What is this grant opportunity?

This opportunity is to establish a new FAA-designated Center of Excellence (COE) for Environment and Energy (EE) during fiscal year (FY) 2013. The FAA is seeking to designate and launch a coordinated, long-term research and problem-solving consortium rather than fund a single stand-alone research project.

2) Who is offering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the FAA Centers of Excellence program (CFDA 20.109, Air Transportation Centers of Excellence).

3) What is the main goal of the Center of Excellence for Environment and Energy?

The goal is to create a structured partnership that brings together the FAA, selected university partners, and private industry affiliates to address aviation environment and energy topics that affect both day-to-day operations and longer-term policy and technology decisions.

4) Is this funding for one research project or multiple efforts?

It is intended to establish a long-term consortium and partnership structure. While research projects are part of the effort, the FAA indicates that specific projects will continue to be defined, evaluated, and funded throughout the life of the Center rather than being fully fixed at the outset.

5) What type of funding instrument will be used?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. This typically means the FAA expects substantial involvement in shaping, coordinating, and overseeing the work as projects are selected and carried out.

6) Approximately how many awards does the FAA anticipate making?

The notice anticipates around 10 awards.

7) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. The opportunity includes a cost sharing or matching requirement, so applicants should plan for a budget structure that includes non-federal contributions consistent with program rules.

8) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to institutions of higher education, including public/state-controlled universities and private universities.

9) Is the FAA looking for a single university or a consortium?

The Center is envisioned as a consortium. The successful applicant or lead institution is expected to assemble and coordinate a team with sufficient depth and breadth to cover the technical scope, manage multi-party collaboration, and engage non-university stakeholders.

10) Are private industry partners involved?

Yes. The FAA expects the COE to attract affiliate participation from airlines, manufacturers, airports, and other government entities. These affiliates may be brought in by the core university members to contribute expertise, collaborate on work, and in some cases provide or receive funding through COE activities.

11) What kinds of organizations can participate as affiliates?

The announcement specifically references airlines, manufacturers, airports, and other government entities as examples of expected affiliates.

12) What are the major research areas the Center is expected to cover?

The FAA lists eight major research areas:

• Aircraft noise and its impacts
• Aircraft emissions and their impacts
• Aircraft technology assessment
• Compatible land use management around airports
• Alternative jet fuels research
• Environmentally and energy efficient gate-to-gate operations
• Aviation environmental modeling and analysis
• Aviation environmental policy

13) What does "gate-to-gate operations" mean in this context?

In this announcement, "environmentally and energy efficient gate-to-gate operations" refers to improvements across the full flight and airport operating envelope, from gate departure through arrival to the gate.

14) How broad is the technical scope?

The technical scope is intentionally broad, spanning engineering and operational research as well as modeling, planning, and policy analysis. The FAA signals that it is looking for an integrated Center that can translate technical findings into guidance and tools useful to the broader aviation system.

15) What drives the selection decision?

Selection is driven by congressionally mandated criteria focused on the applicant's ability to function as a leading, regionally relevant, research-capable aviation center with strong outreach.

16) What criteria does the FAA evaluate for the applicant institution?

The FAA evaluates:

• How well the needs of the applicant's state reflect broader regional needs for improved air transportation services and facilities
• The strength of the research and extension resources available to carry out the program intent
• The applicant's capacity to provide leadership on immediate and long-range air transportation problems
• Whether the applicant has an established air transportation program
• A demonstrated ability to disseminate research results and educational outputs through continuing education efforts at statewide or region-wide scale
• The quality and relevance of the research projects proposed, noting that projects will continue to be defined and funded during the Center's life

17) Does the applicant need an established air transportation program?

The FAA indicates reviewers consider whether the applicant already has an established air transportation program, along with demonstrated dissemination and continuing education capabilities.

18) What does the FAA mean by dissemination and continuing education?

The FAA references the ability to disseminate research results and educational outputs through continuing education efforts at a statewide or region-wide scale.

19) Was there a public meeting associated with this opportunity?

Yes. The FAA held a public meeting in the Washington, DC area on November 15 and 16 to discuss the COE concept and technical requirements.

20) Was attendance at the public meeting required?

No. Attendance was encouraged but not mandatory for potential applicants.

21) Who can potential applicants contact with questions?

The announcement lists points of contact including Patricia.Watts@faa.gov and jessica.shaw@faa.gov. It also lists an additional program contact, Nicole Newman (609-485-5907, Nicole.Newman@faa.gov), for access issues or assistance.

22) When will the Center of Excellence selection be announced?

The FAA Administrator is expected to announce the final selection of the Center of Excellence for Environment and Energy in FY 2013.

23) What dates are mentioned for the opportunity posting and closing?

The opportunity record reflects an original posting date of October 12, 2012. It also includes key dates from the posting period, including an original closing date of October 4, 2013, and a then-current closing date of January 30, 2013.

24) How should this opportunity be understood at a high level?

This is a competitive process to designate and launch a flagship FAA research consortium focused on environmental impacts and energy efficiency in aviation, emphasizing institutional capability, leadership, collaboration, and ongoing dissemination of results.