The Federal Highway Administration is collaborating with State, local, Tribal and industry partners and the public to build for the future by identifying proven, market-ready but underutilized processes or technologies in the next round of Every Day Counts (EDC) in 2026-2028. With your help, we have the potential to deliver transportation projects more efficiently and effectively and enhance safety for all users.
Background
EDC is a State- and Local-based model that identifies and rapidly deploys proven, yet underutilized innovations. Every two years, FHWA works with State transportation departments, local governments, tribes, private industry and other stakeholders to champion a new collection of innovations that merit accelerated deployment. Proven innovations promoted through EDC facilitate greater efficiency at the State and local levels, saving time, money and resources that can be used to deliver more projects.
After selecting EDC innovations, transportation leaders from across the country gather at a summit to discuss and identify opportunities implementing the innovations that best fit the needs of their respective State transportation program. Following the summit, States finalize their selection of innovations, establish performance goals for the level of implementation and adoption over the upcoming two-year cycle, and begin to implement the innovations with the support and assistance of the technical teams established for each innovation.
The EDC program has made a significant positive impact in accelerating the deployment of innovations and in building a culture of innovation within the transportation community. Since the inception of EDC, each State has used 26 or more of the 57 innovations promoted through EDC and some States have adopted more than 45. Many of these innovations have become mainstream practices across the country.
EDC 1-7 Innovations
Information about the EDC program and innovations promoted through EDC-1 through EDC-7 is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/everydaycounts/.
Invitation for Innovation Suggestions
FHWA plans to focus the eighth cycle of EDC on market-ready, underutilized practices or technologies that support key priorities such as safety, equity, and a sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
There is no limit to the number of innovations that may be suggested by an individual or entity. Respondents should not submit suggestions for unique, proprietary, or patented products.
In addition, FHWA seeks feedback on user experiences with high-value innovations described in the “Innovations of Interest” and identified for potential accelerated deployment.
FHWA is interested in the following:
Suggested innovations or processes should include a brief description of the proven innovation or process and how the innovation addresses the following areas:
- National Impact: How will it benefit the transportation system nationally?
- Game Changing: How is it transformative in making our transportation system adaptable, sustainable, resilient, equitable, and safer for all?
- Urgency and Scale: How will it positively impact the environment, safety, congestion, freight movement, construction techniques, contracting methods, project costs, maintenance, preservation, or emergency response?
- Locations where the innovation has been deployed.
A sample of a response to a “Call for Suggestions” is provided here.
Deadline
Responses should be submitted by electronic mail to EDCsuggestions@dot.gov by February 4, 2025.
Contact
Additional information about the EDC Program is available at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/everydaycounts/. For questions, contact Julie Zirlin FHWA Center for Accelerating Innovation at (202) 366-9105 or Julie.Zirlin@dot.gov.