Opportunity Information: Apply for FR RRD 10 022
Apply for FR RRD 10 022
- The DOT/Federal Railroad Administration in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Railroad Research Development Study of Wheel/Rail Profiles Design and Maintenance" 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 Jul 22, 2010 and posted on Jul 22, 2010.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 23, 2010 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 $300,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
- Only the National Research Council Canada, Centre for Surface Transportation Technology is eligible to apply for this grant.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Railroad Research Development Study of Wheel/Rail Profiles Design and Maintenance (Funding Opportunity Number FR RRD 10 022) is a discretionary Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) research initiative under CFDA 20.313, focused on improving the performance, safety, and maintenance practices associated with the wheel/rail interface. The award is structured as a cooperative agreement, which means FRA expects to be actively involved with the recipient in shaping, coordinating, and overseeing the work rather than simply providing funds with minimal interaction. The work is framed as science and technology research and development intended to generate practical findings that can be applied to real-world railroad operations and maintenance planning.
The core purpose of the project is to support targeted research on wheel and rail interaction, with special emphasis on how rail and wheel profiles are designed, managed, and maintained over time. The opportunity highlights specific applied research topics, including top-of-rail lubrication and how it influences wheel/rail contact behavior, friction management, and overall interface performance. It also calls out environmental and seasonal factors that can significantly change adhesion and friction conditions, particularly cold temperatures and the presence of leaves on the rail, both of which are known to affect traction, braking performance, and wear patterns. By examining these variables, the project aims to strengthen understanding of how different operating conditions influence wheel/rail dynamics, which in turn can inform better maintenance strategies and improved reliability.
In addition to the research component, the funding is intended to support FRA/Amtrak/NRC rail grinding activities. Rail grinding is a maintenance practice used to restore railhead shape, manage surface defects, and control wear and rolling contact fatigue. Including grinding support in the scope indicates the project is designed not only to study wheel/rail interaction in theory, but also to connect research findings to field maintenance activities that directly influence rail profile condition and long-term infrastructure health.
The total anticipated project duration is two years, but the announcement makes clear that only the first year will be funded initially. This typically signals that continuation into a second year would depend on factors such as availability of funds, satisfactory progress, and alignment with FRA priorities. The award ceiling is listed at $300,000, with no stated minimum award amount (award floor of $0), and there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
Eligibility is narrowly limited: only the National Research Council Canada (NRC), Centre for Surface Transportation Technology, is permitted to apply. As a result, this opportunity is not open competition among universities, private firms, or other research organizations, and it is effectively a directed collaboration between FRA and NRC for specialized wheel/rail interface expertise and applied research capabilities.
Key administrative details include a posted date of July 22, 2010, and an application closing date of August 23, 2010, with the opportunity archived on September 22, 2010. For technical issues accessing the announcement, the point of contact is the GrantSolutions Help Desk (help@grantsolutions.gov; 1-866-577-0771 or 202-401-5282), available weekdays during standard Eastern time business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "The Railroad Research Development Study of Wheel/Rail Profiles Design and Maintenance".
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is FR RRD 10 022.
Which federal agency is offering this opportunity?
This is a discretionary research initiative of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
What CFDA program number is associated with this award?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 20.313.
What type of award is being offered?
The award is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning FRA expects to be actively involved with the recipient in shaping, coordinating, and overseeing the work (not simply providing funds with minimal interaction).
What is the overall purpose of the project?
The project supports targeted research to improve the performance, safety, and maintenance practices tied to the wheel/rail interface, with an emphasis on practical results that can be applied in real-world railroad operations and maintenance planning.
What is the main technical focus of the research?
The core focus is on wheel and rail interaction, particularly how rail and wheel profiles are designed, managed, and maintained over time.
Does the scope include research on lubrication or friction management?
Yes. The opportunity specifically highlights top-of-rail lubrication and how it affects wheel/rail contact behavior, friction management, and overall interface performance.
Are environmental or seasonal conditions part of the research scope?
Yes. The opportunity calls out environmental and seasonal factors that can change adhesion and friction conditions, including cold temperatures and leaves on the rail, both of which can affect traction, braking performance, and wear patterns.
How are the findings expected to be used?
The work is framed as science and technology research and development intended to generate practical findings that can inform maintenance strategies and improve reliability under different operating conditions.
Does the funded work include field maintenance activities like rail grinding?
Yes. In addition to the research component, the funding is intended to support FRA/Amtrak/NRC rail grinding activities. Rail grinding is described as a maintenance practice used to restore railhead shape, manage surface defects, and control wear and rolling contact fatigue.
What is the anticipated project duration?
The total anticipated duration is two years.
Is the full two-year project funded upfront?
No. The announcement indicates that only the first year will be funded initially. Continuation into the second year would typically depend on factors such as availability of funds, satisfactory progress, and alignment with FRA priorities.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is listed at $300,000.
Is there a minimum award amount?
No minimum is stated. The opportunity lists an award floor of $0.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The opportunity states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to only the National Research Council Canada (NRC), Centre for Surface Transportation Technology.
Is this an open competitive opportunity for universities, private firms, or other organizations?
No. Because eligibility is restricted to NRC (Centre for Surface Transportation Technology), this is not an open competition among other universities, private firms, or research organizations.
When was the opportunity posted?
The posted date is July 22, 2010.
What was the application closing date?
The application closing date is August 23, 2010.
When was the opportunity archived?
The opportunity was archived on September 22, 2010.
Who should be contacted for technical issues accessing the announcement?
For technical issues accessing the announcement, contact the GrantSolutions Help Desk at help@grantsolutions.gov, or by phone at 1-866-577-0771 or 202-401-5282.
What are the help desk hours?
The help desk is available on weekdays during standard Eastern Time business hours.
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