What is meant by “exploratory advanced research”?

Exploratory advanced research involves and draws upon basic research results to provide a better understanding of phenomena and develop innovative solutions. Exploratory advanced research is sometimes referred to as exploratory research to convey its more fundamental character, its broader objectives, and the greater uncertainties in expected outcomes when compared to problem-solving research.

Does my organization need to be a transportation-related organization to participate in the solicitation?

No.

How will cost sharing or funding match be addressed?

The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) legislation authorizing the Exploratory Advanced Research Program states that the Federal share of the cost of a project or activity carried out using Federal Exploratory Advanced Research Program funds shall be 50 percent, unless expressly provided by SAFETEA-LU or otherwise determined by the Secretary of Transportation. Cosponsorship from industrial or non-Federal Government partners and contributions of services, facilities, capabilities, and other inkind services can be used to meet this requirement. The SAFETEA-LU legislation also specifically emphasizes the development of partnerships with public and private sector entities under the Exploratory Advanced Research Program. The usage of partnerships is one of the evaluation criteria. FHWA intends to award grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts that emphasize partnership between the FHWA and offerors. Should FHWA determine that it is appropriate and in the U.S. Government's best interest to enter into a contract with an offeror, FHWA has determined that cost sharing ratios other than 50 percent may be negotiated; however, some level of partnership will be required. The pre-proposal or full proposal should describe the manner in which the offeror plans to meet this requirement.

Can the required funding match be derived from other Federal sources?

No, The source of the funding match must be derived from non-Federal funds. Funds derived from other Federal sources cannot be considered for the non-Federal matching contribution.

To whom do I address questions about the pre-proposal process?

Address technical questions to Steve Chase at steve.chase@dot.gov and 202-493-3038.

Address contracting and administrative questions to Benjamin Zaslow at benjamin.zaslow@dot.gov and 202-366-4251.

What is the deadline for submitting my pre-proposal?

This BAA solicitation is open for 1 year, from the opening date of January 19, 2007, through January 18, 2008. Pre-proposals may be submitted for evaluation at any time during the open period of the BAA. However, offerors who wish to be considered for fiscal year (FY) 2007 funding are strongly encouraged to submit pre-proposals by midnight, March 30, 2007. Pre-proposals submitted after that date will be evaluated, but funding may not be available for selected proposals until an undetermined date in FY 2008.

What is the deadline for submitting a full proposal?

This BAA solicitation is open for 1 year, from the opening date of January 19, 2007, through January 18, 2008. Full proposals may be submitted for evaluation at any time during the open period of the BAA. However, offerors who wish to be considered for fiscal year (FY) 2007 funding are strongly encouraged to submit full proposals by on or before June 15, 2007. Full proposals submitted after that date will be evaluated, but funding may not be available for selected proposals until an undetermined date in FY 2008.

If my full proposal is submitted on or around June 15, 2007, and is selected, when will the funding be awarded?

If your full proposal is submitted on or before June 15, 2007, and is selected, FHWA expects to award the funding for these projects before October 2007.

How long is the solicitation for exploratory advanced research open?

The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicitation was issued on January 19, 2007 and is open for 1 year from that date through January 18, 2008. Pre-proposals may be submitted for evaluation at any time during the open period of the BAA. However, offerors who wish to be considered for fiscal year (FY) 2007 funding are strongly encouraged to submit a pre-proposal by midnight, March 30, 2007. Pre-proposals submitted after March 30, 2007 will be evaluated, but funding may not be available for selected proposals until an undetermined date in FY 2008.

Full proposals may be submitted for evaluation at any time during the open period of the BAA. However, offerors who wish to be considered for fiscal year (FY) 2007 funding are strongly encouraged to submit full proposals on or before June 15, 2007. Full proposals submitted after that date will be evaluated, but funding may not be available for selected proposals until an undetermined date in FY 2008.

May I submit a full proposal without submitting a pre-proposal?

Yes. The purpose of the pre-proposal phase is to allow interested offerors the opportunity to receive feedback from FHWA as to whether their proposed research ideas and plans are of interest to the FHWA, and thus good candidates for funding. A pre-proposal will also help an organization determine whether it would be an effective use of their organization’s resources to prepare a full, detailed proposal. FHWA strongly encourages offerors to observe the pre-proposal submission timeframes, however, those who wish to submit a full proposal may do so at any time during the open period of the BAA solicitation (through January 18, 2008).

Were do I find the Proposer Information Packet?

The Proposer Information Packet is on the FHWA Corporate Research and Technology Web site at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/crt/initiatives/pip.cfm.

What format is required for pre-proposal submission?

All pre-proposals MUST be submitted via email in Microsoft^® Word document format or Adobe^® Portable Document Format (PDF), as described in the BAA solicitation and “Instructions for Submission of Pre-proposals” section of the Proposer Information Packet.

What format is required for a full proposal submission?

Full proposals must be submitted in printed format following the instructions provided in the Proposer Information Packet (PIP), as described in the BAA solicitation and the “Instructions for Submission of Full Proposals” section of the PIP.