Opportunity Information: Apply for FR RRD 09 001
Apply for FR RRD 09 001
- The DOT/Federal Railroad Administration in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Rail Defect Detection System Prototype" 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 Nov 13, 2009 and posted on Nov 13, 2009.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 30, 2009 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 $407,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $407,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
- Only the Regents of the University of California University of California, San Diego may apply for this program.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Rail Defect Detection System Prototype grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number FR RRD 09 001) is a discretionary, research-and-development focused grant issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), under CFDA 20.313 (Railroad Research and Development). Its central aim is to improve and refine an existing rail defect detection prototype that was previously developed by the University of California, San Diego under an earlier FRA research and development award. The work is not about starting a new concept from scratch; it is about taking a prototype that has already been built and field-tested, identifying what did not perform as intended, and making the targeted engineering and performance fixes needed to bring the system up to a satisfactory operational level.
A key driver for the work is the outcome of field testing conducted at the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado in July 2009. During those tests, specific performance issues were identified, and this funding is intended to directly address and resolve those issues in a measurable way. In practical terms, the project scope centers on debugging and hardening the prototype, improving reliability and performance, and making whatever refinements are required so the technology can operate successfully under real-world rail conditions. Beyond fixing deficiencies, the opportunity also explicitly supports additional testing and a demonstration of the improved technology, indicating that the expected deliverables include proof of improved performance and a clearer demonstration of readiness for broader evaluation or eventual adoption.
The total estimated funding for the opportunity is $407,000, with an award ceiling of $407,000 (and a nominal award floor of $1). The FRA anticipated making one award. Cost sharing or matching is not required, which means the recipient is not obligated to provide non-federal matching funds as a condition of the grant. The funding instrument is a grant, and the activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development, consistent with a prototype refinement and validation effort rather than a procurement or operational deployment program.
Eligibility is narrowly limited: only the Regents of the University of California, University of California, San Diego may apply. This restriction reflects the fact that UC San Diego developed the original prototype under a prior FRA RD grant, and the agency is funding a continuation effort aimed at resolving known issues from prior testing and completing the next round of validation and demonstration.
The opportunity was posted and created on November 13, 2009, with an original and current closing date of November 30, 2009, and an archive date of December 30, 2009. For applicants needing technical help accessing the full announcement, the listing directs users to the GrantSolutions Help Desk (1-800-618-0223, help@grantsolutions.gov), available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Rail Defect Detection System Prototype Grant (FR RRD 09 001) - FAQs
What is this grant opportunity called?
The opportunity is titled the Rail Defect Detection System Prototype grant opportunity.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is FR RRD 09 001.
Which federal agency is offering this grant?
This is a discretionary grant issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
What CFDA program is this associated with?
The opportunity is under CFDA 20.313, Railroad Research and Development.
What is the main purpose of the project?
The purpose is to improve and refine an existing rail defect detection system prototype. The focus is on targeted engineering and performance fixes to bring the prototype up to a satisfactory operational level.
Is this funding meant to create a brand-new rail defect detection concept?
No. The scope is not about starting a new concept from scratch. It is specifically about improving a prototype that has already been built and field-tested.
Who developed the original prototype that this grant is meant to improve?
The original rail defect detection prototype was previously developed by the University of California, San Diego under an earlier FRA research and development award.
What prompted the need for this follow-on work?
Field testing at the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado in July 2009 identified specific performance issues. This funding is intended to directly address and resolve those issues in a measurable way.
Where and when did the key field test take place?
The key field testing referenced in the opportunity took place at the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado in July 2009.
What kind of work is expected under the project scope?
The scope centers on debugging and hardening the prototype, improving reliability and performance, and making refinements needed for successful operation under real-world rail conditions.
Does the opportunity include testing or demonstration requirements?
Yes. Beyond fixing deficiencies, the opportunity explicitly supports additional testing and a demonstration of the improved technology. Expected deliverables include proof of improved performance and a clearer demonstration of readiness for broader evaluation or eventual adoption.
What is the total estimated funding amount?
The total estimated funding is $407,000.
What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?
The award ceiling is $407,000.
Is there a minimum (floor) award amount?
The nominal award floor is $1.
How many awards does FRA expect to make?
The FRA anticipated making one award.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. Cost sharing or matching is not required, meaning the recipient is not obligated to provide non-federal matching funds as a condition of the grant.
What type of funding instrument is used?
The funding instrument is a grant.
What activity category does this grant fall under?
The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development, consistent with prototype refinement and validation rather than procurement or operational deployment.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is narrowly limited to only the Regents of the University of California, University of California, San Diego.
Why is eligibility restricted to UC San Diego?
The restriction reflects that UC San Diego developed the original prototype under a prior FRA research and development grant, and the agency is funding a continuation effort aimed at resolving known issues and completing additional validation and demonstration.
When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted (and created) on November 13, 2009.
What is the application closing date?
The original and current closing date is November 30, 2009.
When was the opportunity archived?
The archive date is December 30, 2009.
Where can applicants get technical help accessing the full announcement?
For technical help, the listing directs users to the GrantSolutions Help Desk.
What are the GrantSolutions Help Desk contact details and hours?
Phone: 1-800-618-0223. Email: help@grantsolutions.gov. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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