Opportunity Information: Apply for FR RRD 11 003
Apply for FR RRD 11 003
- The DOT/Federal Railroad Administration in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FRA RD Track and Structures" 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 Mar 7, 2011 and posted on Mar 7, 2011.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 8, 2011 No Explanation. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $546,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Only the Board of Regents, University of Nebraska Lincoln can apply to this grant.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The FRA RD - Track and Structures grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number FR RRD 11 003) was a discretionary grant issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the Railroad Research and Development program (CFDA 20.313). The core aim was to move an FRA-funded research concept into real-world demonstration and deployment by proving out a practical way to measure track vertical modulus from a moving railcar. In plain terms, the project focused on gathering reliable, in-motion measurements that reflect how stiff or supportive the track structure is under load, using those measurements as an indicator of track integrity and overall condition. FRA framed the work as directly supporting railroad track safety and advancing the agency's broader safety mission, while also helping ensure the agency's prior research and development investment translated into operational use.
The technology described in the announcement was an integrated measurement package mounted under a modified railcar. The hardware suite included an onboard computer system, twin lasers, a GPS unit, and a high-speed camera, all working together as the train traveled along the line. While the railcar moved, the system captured measurements of the track's vertical movement, which FRA noted can serve as a strong indicator of track integrity. The practical value of this approach is that it potentially allows railroads and regulators to identify weaker track sections earlier and more efficiently than methods that require stopping, specialized test setups, or slower inspection processes. FRA also emphasized that implementing the system on an FRA railcar could act as a catalyst for broader industry adoption, encouraging railroads to use the technology to plan proactive maintenance and remedial work based on vertical track strength, improving both safety outcomes and the economics of track operations.
Funding for the opportunity had an award ceiling of $546,000, with no stated award floor, and FRA expected to make one award. There was no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning the recipient would not be required to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of the award. The activity category was transportation, and the instrument type was a grant.
Eligibility for this opportunity was highly restricted. Although the listing shows "Others" under eligible applicants, the eligibility clarification specified that only the Board of Regents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln could apply. This indicates the funding was essentially targeted to a specific institution, likely because of prior related work, unique capabilities, or an ongoing FRA research partnership tied to developing or demonstrating this measurement technique.
Key dates show the opportunity was posted and created on March 7, 2011, with an original and current closing date of April 8, 2011, and an archive date of May 8, 2011. For administrative help accessing the full announcement, the notice directed applicants to the GrantSolutions help desk (help@grantsolutions.gov, 1-866-577-0771) during standard weekday business hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern).
FAQs: FRA RD - Track and Structures (FR RRD 11 003)
What is the FRA RD - Track and Structures grant opportunity?
It is a discretionary grant issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under the Railroad Research and Development program (CFDA 20.313). The funding opportunity number is FR RRD 11 003.
What was the main goal of this grant?
The core aim was to move an FRA-funded research concept into real-world demonstration and deployment by proving a practical way to measure track vertical modulus from a moving railcar. In other words, the project centered on collecting reliable, in-motion measurements that reflect how stiff or supportive the track structure is under load, using that information as an indicator of track integrity and overall condition.
What problem was the project trying to solve?
The project targeted the challenge of measuring track structural condition in a way that is operationally practical. FRA emphasized in-motion measurement of track vertical movement (linked to vertical modulus) so that weaker track sections could potentially be identified earlier and more efficiently than methods that require stopping, specialized setups, or slower inspection processes.
How did FRA describe the safety relevance of the work?
FRA framed the work as directly supporting railroad track safety and advancing the agency's broader safety mission. FRA also positioned it as a way to ensure prior FRA research and development investments translated into operational use.
What is "track vertical modulus" in the context of this opportunity?
Within the scope of this announcement, track vertical modulus refers to a measurement associated with how stiff or supportive the track structure is under load. The grant focused on obtaining that kind of information from a moving railcar and using it as an indicator of track integrity and overall condition.
What specific measurement approach did the announcement focus on?
The announcement focused on measuring track vertical movement while the railcar is moving. FRA noted that vertical movement can serve as a strong indicator of track integrity.
What technology or equipment was described for the project?
The technology described was an integrated measurement package mounted under a modified railcar. The hardware suite included an onboard computer system, twin lasers, a GPS unit, and a high-speed camera, all operating together while the train traveled along the line.
Where would the measurement system be installed?
It was described as being mounted under a modified railcar. FRA also emphasized that implementing the system on an FRA railcar could help encourage broader industry adoption.
How would the system collect data?
As the railcar moved along the line, the integrated package (computer system, twin lasers, GPS, and high-speed camera) would capture measurements of the track's vertical movement in motion.
Why did FRA emphasize "in-motion" measurements?
The practical value highlighted by FRA was the potential to identify weaker track sections earlier and more efficiently than approaches that require stopping, specialized test setups, or slower inspection processes.
How did FRA describe the potential benefits for railroads and regulators?
FRA indicated that using these in-motion measurements could help railroads and regulators identify weaker track sections earlier, support proactive maintenance and remedial work planning based on vertical track strength, improve safety outcomes, and improve the economics of track operations.
What was the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling was $546,000.
Was there a minimum award amount (award floor)?
No award floor was stated.
How many awards did FRA expect to make?
FRA expected to make one award.
Was cost sharing or matching required?
No. There was no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning the recipient would not be required to contribute non-federal funds as a condition of the award.
What type of funding instrument was this?
The instrument type was a grant, and it was described as a discretionary grant.
What was the activity category for this opportunity?
The activity category was transportation.
What program and CFDA number was associated with this opportunity?
It was issued under the Railroad Research and Development program, CFDA 20.313.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was highly restricted. Although the listing shows "Others" under eligible applicants, the eligibility clarification specified that only the Board of Regents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln could apply.
Does the listing showing "Others" mean any organization could apply?
No. The eligibility clarification controlled and stated that only the Board of Regents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln could apply.
When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted and created on March 7, 2011.
What was the closing date to apply?
The original and current closing date was April 8, 2011.
When was the opportunity archived?
The archive date was May 8, 2011.
Where could an applicant get administrative help accessing the full announcement?
For administrative help accessing the full announcement, the notice directed applicants to the GrantSolutions help desk.
What were the GrantSolutions help desk contact details?
Email: help@grantsolutions.gov
Phone: 1-866-577-0771
What were the help desk hours listed in the notice?
Standard weekday business hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern.
Why did FRA suggest implementing the system on an FRA railcar?
FRA emphasized that implementing the system on an FRA railcar could act as a catalyst for broader industry adoption, encouraging railroads to use the technology to plan proactive maintenance and remedial work based on vertical track strength.
What is the funding opportunity number for this grant?
The funding opportunity number is FR RRD 11 003.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Transportation
Next opportunity: BLM OR WA Crinite Mariposa Lily Monitoring
Previous opportunity: Antarctic Research
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for FR RRD 11 003
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (FR RRD 11 003) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Off Highway Vehicle Ethics Training Apply for DTFH61 11 RA 00006 Funding Number: DTFH61 11 RA 00006 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Snowmobile Safety and Access Programs Apply for DTFH61 11 RA 00008 Funding Number: DTFH61 11 RA 00008 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $320,000 |
| East Belt Safety Improvements Apply for FR LRI 09 012 Funding Number: FR LRI 09 012 Agency: DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $475,000 |
| Technical Support to the FTA Office of Civil Rights to document headquarters and regional practices regarding civil rights activities Apply for FTA 2011 012 TCR Funding Number: FTA 2011 012 TCR Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $550,000 |
| High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) Program Apply for FR HSR 11 001 Funding Number: FR HSR 11 001 Agency: DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Railcar Maintenance Practices Apply for FTA 2011 014 TRI Funding Number: FTA 2011 014 TRI Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Delaware Water Gap Alternative Transportation Initial Pilot Shuttle Program Planning Apply for NPS 11 NERO 0030 Funding Number: NPS 11 NERO 0030 Agency: National Park Service Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $171,000 |
| Wisconsin West Rail Transit Authority, Barron, WI Apply for FR LRI 08 003 Funding Number: FR LRI 08 003 Agency: DOT/Federal Railroad Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $2,450,000 |
| 2012 PHMSA HMEP States Territories Apply for HM HMP 12 003 Funding Number: HM HMP 12 003 Agency: PHMSA Hazmat Grants Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,050,000 |
| 2012 PHMSA HMEP Native American Tribes Apply for HM HMP 12 002 Funding Number: HM HMP 12 002 Agency: PHMSA Hazmat Grants Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2012 PHMSA HMIT Apply for HM HMI 12 001 Funding Number: HM HMI 12 001 Agency: PHMSA Hazmat Grants Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| 2012 PHMSA HMEP SPSTG Apply for HM IAF 12 001 Funding Number: HM IAF 12 001 Agency: PHMSA Hazmat Grants Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Acadia National Park Cooperatively Plan, design, operate, and evaluate public transportation systems Apply for NPS 11 NERO 0038 Funding Number: NPS 11 NERO 0038 Agency: National Park Service Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $1,215,000 |
| 2011 Work Zone Safety Grants Apply for DTFH61 11 RA 00012 Funding Number: DTFH61 11 RA 00012 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Accessible Transit Services for All Populations Apply for FTA 2011 015 TRI Funding Number: FTA 2011 015 TRI Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Advancing Steel and Concrete Bridge Technology to Improve Infrastructure Performance Apply for DTFH61 11 RA 00010 Funding Number: DTFH61 11 RA 00010 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $2,760,000 |
| OSDBUs Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) under the Minority Resource Center (MRC) Program Apply for USDOT OST OSDBU SBTRC2011 3 Funding Number: USDOT OST OSDBU SBTRC2011 3 Agency: DOT/Office of Small Disadvantaged Utilization Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $135,000 |
| FY 2011 CVISN Funding Apply for FM CVN 11 001 Funding Number: FM CVN 11 001 Agency: DOT/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Transit Climate Change Adaptation Assessment Pilots Apply for FTA 2011 016 TBP Funding Number: FTA 2011 016 TBP Agency: DOT/Federal Transit Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $175,000 |
| Deployment of Innovative Asphalt Mixture Technologies Apply for DTFH61 11 RA 00014 Funding Number: DTFH61 11 RA 00014 Agency: DOT Federal Highway Administration Category: Transportation Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "FR RRD 11 003", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.