**United States Department of Transportation**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**Grants for Aviation Research**

**http://www.tc.faa.gov/logistics/grants**

**Program Solicitation No. FAA-06-01**

**TABLE OF CONTENTS............................Page 1**

FAA
MISSION............................................................................2

CUSTOMER SERVICE
STANDARDS...............................................2-3

CHAPTER I. FAA RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM.........................3

Authorizing Grants
Legislation..........................................\...3

Technical Areas of
Research.................................................3-6

Eligibility.........................................................................6

CHAPTER II. PREPARATION OF PROPOSALS................................6

The
Proposal..................................................................\...6-7

Cost
Sharing..................................................................\....7

Who May
Submit............................................................\...7

When to
Submit................................................................8

Where to
Submit...............................................................8

What to
Submit.................................................................8-10

Sample Travel
Breakdown................................................\...11-13

CHAPTER III. PROPOSAL PROCESSING AND REVIEW...................13

Evaluation
Criteria............................................................13-14

Eligible
Proposals..............................................................14

Revisions to
Proposals........................................................14

Declined
Proposals............................................................15

Withdrawal......................................................................15

CHAPTER IV. GRANT SPONSORSHIP/FUNDING........................\...15

CHAPTER V. GRANT AWARD AND ADMINISTRATION...............\...15

Types of
Grants...............................................................\...15

Grant
Award..................................................................\...16

Grant
Extensions................................................................16

Grant
Administration......................................................\.....16

Grant
Closeout...............................................................\.....16

CHAPTER VI. AIR TRANSPORTATION CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE...16

GLOSSARY.................................................................................17-20

**Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) MISSION**

The FAA mission is to ensure the safe and efficient use of the navigable
airspace in the United States; to regulate air commerce in such a manner
as to best promote its development and safety; to promote a common
system of air traffic control and navigation for both military and civil
aircraft; and to promote, encourage, and develop civil aeronautics. This
mission is further explained in the FAA Flight Plan for 2005-2009, which
contains FAA strategic goals and the Next Generation Air Transportation
System Integrated Plan, coordinated by the Joint Planning and
Development Office (JPDO), a joint effort by the FAA, National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Departments of Defense,
Commerce, Homeland Security, and the White House Office of Science and
Technology Policy.

The FAA Aviation Research Grants Program is one means by which the FAA
supports this mission. Research grants and cooperative agreements, which
range from several thousand to several million dollars, support
aviation-related research in topics with the potential to gain further
knowledge in emerging aviation technologies.

As the leading authority in the international aviation community, the
FAA is responsive to the dynamic nature of customer needs, economic
conditions, and environmental concerns. Our organization and members of
other organizations within the Department of Transportation, which
administer research grants, have made a commitment to excellence by
identifying customer needs and setting customer service standards.

**CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS**

In response to our customer\'s major areas of concern we have
implemented the following customer service standards:

-   WHEN YOU CALL US WITH A QUESTION ABOUT AVIATION RESEARCH GRANTS, YOU
    WILL GET A RESPONSE NO LATER THAN THE CLOSE OF THE NEXT BUSINESS
    DAY.

-   TO PROVIDE YOU WITH MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN OF AVAILABLE
    AVIATION RESEARCH GRANT FUNDING, WE WILL POST NOTICES OF SPECIAL
    ANNOUNCEMENTS AND OUR OPEN SOLICITATION AT BOTH OUR GRANTS WEBSITE
    AT
    [HTTP://WWW.TC.FAA.GOV/LOGISTICS/GRANTS](http://WWW.TC.FAA.GOV/LOGISTICS/GRANTS)
    AND AT [HTTP://WWW.GRANTS.GOV](http://WWW.GRANTS.GOV/)

-   WE WILL HELP YOU ACCESS FAA\'s TECHNICAL EXPERTISE DURING YOUR
    RESEARCH.

-   WE WILL EXHIBIT OUR TRUST BY NOT MICROMANAGING YOUR RESEARCH GRANTS.

-   WE WILL REQUIRE TECHNICAL PROGRESS REPORTS ON AVIATION

    RESEARCH **GRANTS** NO MORE FREQUENTLY THAN SEMIANNUALLY. HOWEVER,
    COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS MAY HAVE VARIOUS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

-   WE WILL REDUCE YOUR PAPERWORK BURDEN WHEN APPLYING FOR AN AVIATION
    RESEARCH GRANT BY REQUIRING PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS THROUGH THE
    GRANTS.GOV SITE MENTIONED ABOVE.

-   WE WILL EXAMINE OUR PROCESS CONTINUALLY WITH INPUT FROM YOU, OUR
    CUSTOMERS, FOR CONTINUED IMPROVEMENTS.

**CHAPTER I. THE FEDERAL AVIATION**

**ADMINISTRATION (FAA) AVIATION RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM**

The FAA is soliciting proposals for research grants and cooperative
agreements to pursue the long-term growth and short-term technical needs
of civil aviation.

**Authorizing Grants Legislation**

The FAA is authorized to award grants and cooperative agreements under
the following legislation: Section 9205, Aviation Research Grant
Program, and Section 9208, Catastrophic Failure Prevention Research
Program, of the Federal Aviation Administration, Research, Engineering,
and Development Authorization Act of 1990 (Public Law (P.L.) 101-508).

**Technical Areas of Research**

The FAA Research Grants Program encourages and supports innovative,
advanced research of potential benefit to the long-term growth of civil
aviation and Commercial Space Transportation. The pursuit of basic and
applied research in scientific and engineering disciplines that have the
potential to further knowledge and understanding on a broad front of
emerging technologies is crucial to the realization of this goal. The
intent is to encourage applied research and development to enhance
technology assimilation, transfer, and development in the FAA. The
Research Grants Program does not require the immediate application to
Research, Engineering, and Development (R,E&D) programs, although this
may occur in some cases. The agency encourages the submission of
proposals that embrace the entire spectrum of physical, chemical,
biological, medical, psychological, mathematical, and engineering
sciences.

The authorizing legislation that supports the Research Grants Programs
covers two general categories: a) areas deemed by the Administrator to
be required for the long-term growth of civil aviation; and b) areas
related to research on the prevention of catastrophic failures. These
specific areas of interest may be found within the broad program areas
identified in the FAA R,E&D Plan, which comprises the agency\'s research
and development initiatives. These areas, which contribute to the FAA
mission of improving aviation safety, capacity, efficiency, and
security, are:

1\. Capacity and Air Traffic Control Technology

2\. Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance

3\. Aviation Weather

4\. Airports

5\. Aircraft Safety Technology

6\. Human Factors and Aviation Medicine

7\. Environment and Energy

8\. Systems Science/Operations Research

9\. Commercial Space Transportation

The following more detailed descriptions of these program areas
illustrate topics of interest to those who may consider applying for a
grant.

1\. [Capacity and Air Traffic Control Technology]{.underline}. This area
represents the FAA\'s effort to improve the capacity of the airspace
while maintaining high safety standards. The primary goal is to increase
the capacity and use of airspace and airport resources in a safe manner
through automation of enroute and terminal air traffic control (ATC) and
flow management. Successful implementation of the results of this
research will reduce delays and enable as many aircraft as possible to
operate on their preferred flight trajectories. Major areas of interest
include research in advanced cockpit technologies and the development of
automation tools for ATC in enroute and terminal airspace, and on the
airport surface.

2\. [Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance]{.underline}. The
principal initiatives of these areas are the development,
standardization, and application of equipment required for air traffic
services. The FAA's goals are to exploit emerging technologies in order
to provide cost-effective services and equipment that have high levels
of reliability, availability, and coverage. In particular, satellite
based applications are paramount for the continuing modernization of the
National Airspace System (NAS).

3\. [Aviation Weather]{.underline}. Weather is, and will continue to be,
a critical factor in all flight operations. Inclement weather is the
single largest contributor to delays and a major factor in aircraft
accidents and incidents. Weather service users encompass the entire
spectrum of the aviation community, from general aviation to large air
transport operators. An overall system is required that includes the
acquisition of a wide variety of weather data, analysis, and forecasting
based on ATC and pilot needs. The key is the ability of the system to
quickly and efficiently communicate appropriate weather data to the
controller and the pilot. Activities in the weather area include
airborne wind shear detection equipment, hazardous weather cell
detection and warning, and improved forecasting of winds, turbulence,
etc., to support air traffic management automation.

4\. [Airports]{.underline}. Agency efforts in this area target a
multiplicity of issues comprising the physical and environmental aspects
of airports. Efforts in airport standards and guidelines address the
design, construction, operation, and maintenance of airports. Specific
considerations are: airport layout and geometrics; pavements, terminal
buildings, and heliports; fire fighting and rescue equipment; runway
friction; snow and ice control; surface lighting and visual guidance
aids; bird and wildlife control; runway surface contamination detection
and removal; and environmental impacts of aircraft operations. Landside
capacity is also addressed through such considerations as highway
systems, pedestrian systems, parking, and mass transit access.

5\. [Aircraft Safety Technology]{.underline}. One of the primary
responsibilities of the FAA is to provide safety and regulatory
oversight in the certification, manufacture, maintenance and operation
of U.S. civil aircraft. Changes in technology, aircraft fleet
composition, and aircraft operational profiles along with increased
commercial traffic result in corresponding needs for new or updated
safety enhancements and requirements. The research goal in the Aircraft
Safety Technology Program is to develop and transfer of new technologies
that can provide needed safety enhancements and establish minimum safety
requirements. These technologies, in turn, can be applied to improving
safety standards that govern civil aircraft airworthiness and
operational performance. Major safety research activities include: fire
research and safety, structural safety/advanced materials, propulsion
systems research, flight safety/structural safety/advanced materials,
propulsion systems research, flight/atmospheric hazards, aging aircraft
(structural integrity; maintenance and inspection), aircraft
catastrophic failure prevention, and aviation safety risk analysis.

6\. [Human Factors and Aviation Medicine]{.underline}. Research in this
area also leads to standards and recommendations for crew and passenger
protective equipment and procedures, and identifies crew and passenger
limitations that may jeopardize the safety of the occupants and the
aircraft. Areas of research include human tolerance and behavior under
decelerative stresses, hypoxia, visual degradation, and various
medicinal and non-medicinal chemicals; occupant behavior is evaluated
under both secondary and emergency evacuation conditions.

7\. [Environment and Energy]{.underline}. This area represents the
FAA\'s efforts to improve regulatory standards for sources of air and
noise pollution, and to develop better technologies for predicting,
measuring, and abating the environmental impact of emissions. Projects
in this area support national goals to protect the environment and keep
the transportation industry strong and competitive. R,E&D goals are
technology improvements that address environmental and regulatory issues
such as noise abatement, aircraft pollution, and improved certification
of clean, quiet, fuel efficient aircraft.

8\. [Systems Science/Operations Research]{.underline}. The importance of
Systems Science and Operations Research to the National Airspace System
has come to be magnified in recent years. The macroscopic tools of
mathematical modeling, simulation, decision support systems and
prototyping, as well as optimization, are playing a greater role in
research related to the NAS. In some cases, this will involve new
paradigms implemented as novel algorithms and software packages. In
other cases, innovative computational platforms and architectures may
emerge as major contributors. The goal of research in all facets of this
technical area is common: the improvement of the safety, security,
capacity, and efficiency of the NAS.

9\. [Commercial Space Transportation]{.underline}. The primary
responsibility of the Office of the Associate Administrator for
Commercial Space Transportation (AST) is to regulate commercial launch
activities in order to protect the public health, safety of property,
and national security and foreign policy interests of the United States.
The U.S. commercial space transportation industry is growing and
becoming more diverse. The industry includes both small and large
companies launching traditional Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELVs) as
well as newly developed reentry vehicles and air-launched rockets.
Presently, the industry is developing Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs)
that have the potential to become the primary launch vehicles for the
21st century. The safety of these new launch vehicles (expendable,
reusable, air and sea launch systems) are bringing a host of issues to
the forefront that must be addressed. Some of the major issues the
commercial space industry and Government policy makers must deal with as
the industry develops during the rest of this decade and into the next
century are:

o The viability of new U.S. and foreign vehicle technologies;

o safety and orbital debris problems as new satellite constellations are
deployed;

o international liability for joint U.S./foreign launch service
providers;

o coordination of reusable launch vehicle operations within the air
traffic control system; and,

o innovative means of leveraging private investment into improvements in
launch vehicles and facilities.

Research that supports the planning and implementation of results that
address the growing needs of this evolving industry will greatly assist
in improving launch capacity, reduce operating costs and improve the
international competitiveness of the industry.

**Eligibility**

The eligibility of applicants for the award of a research grant varies
depending upon the nature of the proposer\'s organization as well as the
character of work one proposes to perform. In general, colleges,
universities, and other non-profit research institutions are eligible to
qualify for research grants in all specified areas. FAA is seeking to
ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grant funds and the
inclusion of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU\'s),
Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and other minority institutions
for funding consideration.

**CHAPTER II. PREPARATION OF PROPOSALS**

The FAA welcomes submission of proposals that support fields of science,
engineering, aviation medicine, and human factors with potential
relevance to the long-term growth of civil aviation as described in the
previous chapter. **Proposals for education, training, or airport
development are not supported under this program.**

**The Proposal**

Prior to writing your proposal, you should determine if it is
appropriate to be considered for award as a grant or cooperative
agreement or is it really more appropriate to be awarded as a contract.
To assist you in this decision, first determine the principal purpose of
your proposal. A grant is used when the principal purpose of the
research is to assist in accomplishing public purposes. A cooperative
agreement is used if the purpose of the research is to assist in
accomplishing public purposes and the institution and the FAA determine
that a high degree of involvement by the FAA would benefit the research
objective. When the principal purpose is to make acquisitions for direct
use of the Department of Transportation (DOT), the method of funding
shall be a procurement contract and should not be submitted to this
office for consideration.

Submission of a proposal is the starting point for formally requesting
grant assistance on the part of the institution. It should present the
merits of the proposed project clearly and should be prepared with the
care and thoroughness of a paper submitted for publication. Sufficient
information should be provided so that reviewers will be able to
evaluate the proposal in accordance with the criteria specified in
Chapter III. The responsibility for proper attribution and citation
rests with authors of a research proposal. Failure to adhere to such
standards can result in disqualification of the proposal.

**Cost Sharing**

Cost sharing represents the portion of project or program costs not
borne by the Federal Government. The FAA expects that grantees will
share in the costs at a level that reflects their interest in the
research, the potential benefits they may derive, and their ability to
share in the cost of the project. The potential grantee may contact the
appropriate FAA organization in determining levels of cost sharing prior
to submitting a proposal. A cost share offer by a prospective grantee
may be a significant factor in FAA\'s funding decision. If a proposal is
submitted without a cost sharing intent, the grants analyst may contact
the institution to negotiate a level of cost share. Cost sharing
responsibilities are assumed by the grantee upon acceptance of the
grant.

For further information concerning cost sharing, please refer to Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110, Uniform Administrative
Requirements For Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher
Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations. This circular
may be reviewed at http://www.omb.gov.

**Who May Submit**

Formal rules for eligibility are contained in Chapter I. Scientists,
engineers, mathematicians, psychologists, physicians, educators and
other faculty members usually initiate research proposals that are
submitted by their employing organizations. The categories of applicants
are as follows:

1\. Colleges and universities desiring to conduct research in any of the
program areas described in this solicitation.

2\. Other nonprofit organizations (such as independent museums;
observatories; research laboratories; hospitals; consortia;
professional, scientific and educational associations or societies; and
similar organizations) may also apply for research grants in any of the
program areas described in this solicitation.

The FAA will not provide a profit with the award of a grant to these
institutions. The institutions are subject to the following
requirements:

a\. The grantee will be subject to a Defense Contract Audit Agency audit
of their costs and accounting systems.

b\. The grantee will be subject to FAR Sub 31.2, Contracts with
Commercial Organizations. \[48 C.F.R. 31.2\]

**When to Submit**

Proposals may be submitted at any time under the open FAA solicitation
number FAA-06-01. This solicitation will remain open until January 1,
2012. Applicants should allow at least 90 days for review and
processing.

**Where to Submit**

Due to the President's Management Agenda, the FAA is requiring that all
proposals be submitted electronically through
[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/). The FAA solicitation
mentioned above can be located under "Find" and you may access the
application package under "Apply." The application package contains all
the required forms. Before using Grants.gov for the first time, each
organization must register and create an institutional profile at the
Grants.gov site. Once registered, the applicant's organization can then
apply for any federal grant on the Grants.gov Apply website.

Proposals submitted in response to the FAA via Grants.gov should be
prepared and submitted in accordance with the guidance contained in this
solicitation and FAA Order 9550.7A, located at
<http://www.tc.faa.gov/logistics/grants>. Since the FAA Order is being
updated, please disregard information that may conflict with guidance on
the Grants.gov website. Follow the guidance on Grants.gov if there is a
conflict.

Once the proposal is submitted to Grants.gov it will be downloaded to
the Research Grants Program Office for processing.

**What to Submit**

When applying through Grants.gov, you will be required to submit
information on various forms that make up a template. The following is a
more detailed description of the form content.

1\. [SF 424 R&R]{.underline}. This is the application for Federal
assistance. It includes specific applicant information, proposed project
information, estimate of project funding and duration and an electronic
signature by the Authorizing Organizational Representative certifying
that all statements are true and complete.

2\. [Research and Related Budget]{.underline}. The forms associated with
the proposed budget request information about senior/key person and
other personnel. It also requires information about direct and indirect
costs. A form for each budget period and a cumulative budget are
requested.

The information reported should be detailed and sufficient to allow an
analysis by appropriate FAA personnel to make a determination that the
budgeted costs are necessary to perform the work, reasonable, and not
specifically precluded by program guidelines, law, or regulation. All
applicable line items must be completed. Each year of support (budget
period) requires a completed form. Also a cumulative budget is required
to reflect what is requested for the full-term of FAA support. A budget
narrative should be attached that explains and clarifies those items
included on the budget forms (i.e., travel, equipment, personnel costs,
etc.). Cost sharing intent should not be reflected on the budget forms.
Please include cost sharing information in the attached budget
narrative.

3\. [Research and Related Senior/Key Person Profile.]{.underline} This
form requests information about the Principal Investigator (PI) and
Co-Investigators. Biographical sketches can be attached at this time. A
short biographical sketch of senior personnel and a list of their
principal publications during the past 5 years, including those in
pre-publication, shall be provided.

Information pertaining to current and pending support may also be
attached here. This info could include FAA funding that the Principal
Investigator(s) has received during the past 5 years. The information
could include: (1) the project title; (2) the amount of funding; (3) the
period of support; (4) a summary of the project; and (5) results
obtained.

Applicants shall identify all current project support from whatever
source(s) (i.e., Federal, State, or local Government agencies, private
foundations, industrial or other commercial organizations). It should
include the proposed project and all other projects requiring a portion
of the time of the PI and all other senior personnel, even if they
receive no salary support from the project(s). The number of
person-months or percentage of effort to be devoted to the projects must
be stated regardless of source of support. Similar information must be
provided for all proposals that are being considered or soon to be
submitted to other possible sponsors, including the FAA.

If the project now being submitted has been funded previously by a
source other than the FAA, the information requested in the paragraph
above should be furnished for the immediately preceding funding period.

If the proposal is being submitted to other possible sponsors all of
them should be listed. Concurrent submission of a proposal to other
organizations will not prejudice its review by the FAA.

4\. [Research and Related Other Project Information]{.underline}. This
form requests information about human subjects, vertebrate animals, etc.
You may also attach your bibliography and project summary/abstract here.
**[It would be greatly appreciated if you would notate in the Summary
those person(s) contacted at the FAA Program Office]{.underline}**.
Concerning the Summary, the proposal should contain a 200-300 word
summary of the proposed activity suitable for publication. It should be
a self-contained description of the activity that would result if the
proposal is funded by the FAA. Include a statement of objectives,
methods to be employed, and the significance of the proposed activity to
the advancement of knowledge and FAA research areas. It should be
informative to individuals working in the same or related fields and,
insofar as possible, be understandable to a scientifically literate
reader. Please refrain from using contract terminology, such as
statement-of-work and deliverables. For the sake of confusion, we would
appreciate terms such as description of work, results, etc.

With respect to the Project Description the main body of the proposal
shall be a detailed statement of the work and shall include: (1)
objectives for the period of the proposed work and expected
significance; (2) relation to the longer term goals of the
investigator\'s project; and (3) relation to the present state of
knowledge in the field, to work in progress by the investigator under
other support, and to work in progress elsewhere.

The statement shall outline the general plan of work, including the
broad design of activities, an adequate description of experimental
methods and procedures and, if appropriate, plans for preservation,
documentation, and sharing of data, samples, physical collections, and
other related research products. The proposal shall provide a full
description of the proposed program supported by calculations, if
appropriate. The main field of investigation and its relevance to the
needs of the FAA shall be identified.

The proposal should be specific and not simply address the language of
the solicitation. A scientifically valid plan addressing the goals of
the effort and their significance to the safety and security of the
flying public, along with checkpoints for intermediate success is highly
recommended. The relation of the work to the present state-of-the-art
should be described. The work should be of a level of quality that
publication in whole or in part in scientific or technical journals
might reasonably be expected.

Brevity will assist reviewers and the FAA staff in dealing effectively
with proposals; therefore, the **project description shall not exceed 15
single-spaced pages (or 30 double-spaced pages).**

Appended information may not be used to circumvent the page limit on the
length of the proposal\'s project description. Extraneous appendices
will not be sent to reviewers.

Regarding the Bibliography, pertinent literature shall be provided.
Proper attribution practice requires that all citations be complete.

5\. [Research and Related Project/Performance Site
Location(s)]{.underline}. This form requests information pertaining to
sites where the actual work will be performed.

6\. [Research and Related Personal Data.]{.underline} This form requests
information, which is voluntary, in order to identify and address
inequities based on gender, race, etc.

7\. [Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.]{.underline} This form requests
information pertaining to lobbying activities, if any.

8\. [Indirect Cost Agreement]{.underline}. A copy of the latest
institutional indirect cost agreement negotiated with the institution's
cognizant Federal audit agency (Health and Human Services, Department of
Defense or other), currently in force should be attached. The applicant
will assure that the costs that the FAA is being asked to support are
allowable and that the treatment of direct or indirect costs in the
budget is consistent with applicable Federal cost principles and with
the policies of the submitting organization.

**SAMPLE TRAVEL BREAKDOWN**

**(Please include the purpose of each trip)**

**YEAR 1**

10 - 2 Person, 2 day trips: Huntsville, AL/Auburn, AL

500 miles @ \$.28/mi \$140

Per Diem 71x2x2 284

424 x 10 \$4,240.00

10 - 1 Person, 2 day trips: Huntsville, AL/Auburn, AL

500 miles @ \$.28/mi \$ 140

Per Diem 71x2 142

282 x 10 \$2,820.00

4 - 1 Person, 2 day trips: Huntsville, AL/Atlantic City, NJ

Air Fare \$672

Car Rental 50

Per Diem 145x2 290

1012 x 4 \$4,048.00

4 - 2 Person 2 day trips: Huntsville, AL/Atlantic City, NJ

Air Fare 672x2 \$1,344

Car Rental 50x2 100

Per Diem 145x2x2 580

2,024x4 \$8,096.00

**TOTAL TRAVEL FOR YEAR 1** **\$19,204.00**

**YEAR 2**

10 - 2 Person, 2 day trips: Huntsville, AL/Auburn, AL

500 miles @ \$.28/mi \$140

Per Diem 75x2x2 300

440 x 10 \$4,400.00

10 - 1 Person, 2 day trips: Huntsville, AL/Auburn, AL

500 miles @ \$.28/mi \$140

Per Diem 75x2 150

290 x 10 \$2,900.00

4 - 1 Person, 2 day trips: Huntsville, AL/Atlantic City, NJ

Air Fare 672 672

Car Rental 53x2 106

Per Diem 152x2 304

1082x4 \$4,328.00

4 - 2 Person, 2 day trips: Huntsville, AL/Atlantic City, NJ

Air Fare 672x2 \$1344

Car Rental 53x2 106

Per Diem 152x2 304

1754x4 \$7,016.00

**TOTAL TRAVEL FOR YEAR 2** **\$18,644.00**

Whenever possible, the proposal should specify the manufacturer and
model number. The organization\'s contribution to the cost of equipment,
or its willingness to support the cost of construction or renovation of
needed facilities may be considered by the FAA as an indication of the
organization\'s commitment to the project. As stated previously, the FAA
does not entertain proposals that are submitted solely for the purchase
of equipment or construction of facilities.

The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 requires Federal
agencies to use the metric system in procurement, grants, and other
business-related activities. Proposals for grants and cooperative
agreements submitted to the FAA are required to use the metric system of
weights and measures. Likewise, reports, publications, and communiques
regarding proposals will be required to use metric units.

**CHAPTER III. PROPOSAL PROCESSING AND REVIEW**

Research proposals received will be assigned a proposal number and the
grants staff will either mail or e-mail an acknowledgment to the
institution. Each proposal will be reviewed by the grants staff to
ensure that it is in the required format, that all relevant information
has been submitted, that it satisfies the conditions of a grant, and
that the proposed research falls under FAA research grant authority.
After an initial administrative review, the proposal will be reviewed
carefully for technical merit by a technical evaluation team. The team
will consist of three or more technically qualified people, some of whom
may be reviewers from outside the Government. Non-disclosure forms are
signed by reviewers. An FAA representative will be designated as the
team leader and is responsible for developing an overall rating based on
the ratings of the team members. Subsequent to the technical evaluation,
a determination regarding award will be made at the appropriate FAA
management level.

**Evaluation Criteria**

The FAA has established four criteria against which each proposal will
be evaluated in order to determine whether it will be eligible for
funding. Failure to meet any one of the criteria may result in the
proposal being judged ineligible. The criteria and a brief explanation
of each are listed below.

1\. [Intrinsic Value]{.underline}. This is the likelihood that the
proposed research will lead to new discoveries or fundamental advances
within a specific field of science or engineering or have substantial
impact on progress in that field or in other scientific or engineering
fields pertinent to FAA research. The introduction of new ideas or
innovative approaches will be viewed positively.

2\. [Relevance to FAA Mission]{.underline}. This is the establishment of
a logical connection and probable application to the long-term growth of
civil aviation.

3\. [Technical Soundness of the Proposal]{.underline}. This is the
quality of the overall approach proposed to verify concepts or apply new
technologies. The proposal must be formulated in a clear and logical
fashion, utilizing known scientific principles and their extensions to
reach a definable, substantial, and relevant goal.

4\. [Research Performance Competence]{.underline}. This is the
capability of the organization (personnel and resources) to carry on
successful work. The grantee should identify specific resources that are
required and note whether adequate access to these will exist or whether
they will be acquired in the course of the proposed activity.
Achievements will be considered in evaluating performance competence.
The Principal Investigator should demonstrate an established reputation
in the relevant field. Such reputation may be shown by publications,
patents, conference contributions, or any other relevant information
that demonstrates his or her capability to advance the state of
knowledge in the proposed area.

**Eligible Proposals**

Each eligible proposal will be rated as either a category A, B, or C
proposal. These categories will be used to differentiate the proposals
according to technical merit.

1\. A Category A proposal will have met the evaluation criteria with no
distinction.

2\. A Category B proposal will have met the evaluation criteria with
distinction in one or more of the criteria.

3\. A Category C proposal will have met each of the evaluation criteria
with distinction and presents a strong, well-constructed program in all
respects.

**Revisions to Proposals**

The technical evaluators may determine a proposal is eligible for grant
award but that certain changes would need to be made to support
technical areas of research critical to the FAA mission. These changes
are not intended to alter the basic direction or scope of the proposal.
Changes may be made to remove, add, or redirect specific areas of
research in the proposal. They may conclude certain proposed activities
in the application are unnecessary and will recommend deleting them and
their associated costs prior to the award. The Grants Analyst will
contact the applicant's PI or appropriate Contract/Grants Officer
depending on the type of issues that need to be negotiated. If costs
appear excessive in the applicant's budget submission, recommended
additions or deletions in the proposal will be negotiated. If such
changes occur, an appropriate proposal modification (which may include a
revised proposal budget) must be submitted to the Grants Analyst to
incorporate in the proposal file.

In a time of increasing budget cuts, cost-sharing is very important to
the FAA. The Grants Analyst who negotiates your award will encourage you
to share in the cost of the research. This could be a percentage of the
overall costs or overhead rates, providing facilities, not charging for
key personnel salaries or other direct costs. Use your imagination, all
suggestions are welcome.

**Declined Proposals**

A proposal may be declined for a variety of reasons. The proposal may be
incomplete, inappropriate for FAA consideration, may not meet the
criteria established for technical merit, or funds may not be available.
The applicant will be notified in writing by the Grants Officer advising
why the proposal has not been accepted for award.

**Withdrawal**

A proposal may be withdrawn by the submitting organization at any time
before an award is made. The request for withdrawal should state the
reason and be signed by the PI. This information can also be e-mailed to
the Research Grants Program Office. E-mail addresses of all Grant
Analysts and the Grants Officer are located at
http://www.tc.faa.gov/logistics/grants.

**CHAPTER IV. GRANT SPONSORSHIP/FUNDING**

Research grants and cooperative agreements are primarily funded by
program offices to support research targeted to their program areas.

Since various FAA R,E&D Program Managers (i.e., Aging Aircraft, Aviation
Medicine, etc.), will review the proposal and provide funds for award
from their project accounts, **it is in the interest of the proposer to
make contact with the appropriate manager in order to come to an
understanding regarding the needed research**. Applicants are strongly
encouraged to participate in a two-way communication to define the scope
of work. This can only enhance the likelihood of securing sponsorship
and improve the probability of project success, and is strongly
encouraged on the part of applicants.

**CHAPTER V. GRANT AWARD AND ADMINISTRATION**

**Types of Grants**

A standard grant is a grant in which FAA agrees to support a level of
effort for a specified period of time, usually for a minimum of 1 year.

A continuing grant is an agreement to support a level of effort for a
specified period of time, usually for a minimum of 1 year, with a
statement of intent to provide additional support of the project for
additional period(s) provided funds are available and the results
achieved warrant further support.

Cooperative agreements are a variant of either of the above vehicles in
which there is substantial interaction and collaboration anticipated
between the grantee and the Government in the performance of the grant.

**Grant Award**

The grant award instrument will contain all documentation applicable to
the award and administration of the grant.

**Grant Extensions**

**A written request via mail or E-mail to extend the grant must be
received a minimum of**

**30 days prior to expiration date**. After review of the request, the
grantee will be notified of

the Grant Analyst\'s decision. Upon approval, an amendment will be
initiated.

**Grant Administration**

The administration of FAA research grants is governed by the conditions
and provisions of the grant award instrument. The FAA Research Grants
Handbook, 9550.7A sets forth these and other administrative
requirements.

The grantee has full responsibility for the project or activity
supported under an FAA award and for adherence to the award conditions.
The grantee is in the best position to determine the means by which the
activity or project can be performed most effectively. Grantees are
encouraged to seek advice and opinions on technical issues and problems
that may arise. This advice and opinion does not imply that the
responsibility for the conduct of the project has been shifted to the
FAA.

**Grant Closeout**

At completion of the grant, a letter will be sent to the grantee
requesting documentation be completed to close the grant. This
documentation consists of a Standard Form 269, Financial Status Report
and FAA Form 9550-5, Final Project Report, which are enclosed with the
requesting letter. The OMB authorizes the grantee 90 days from the grant
expiration date to liquidate (not incur new costs) all remaining
obligations incurred during the award and submit all required
documentation to finalize the grant. Also, as a condition of award, a
copy of the Final Progress Report shall be submitted to the technical
monitor AND the Grants Analyst.

**Failure to send reports or other required documents can place your
organization in noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the grant
award. It is critical that you send all your reports by the due dates to
the proper persons. By not complying you could jeopardize your**
**chance for future funding from the FAA.**

**CHAPTER VI. AIR TRANSPORTATION CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE**

Proposals for Air Transportation Centers of Excellence are not being
accepted under this solicitation. The COE Program is a totally separate
program. Information pertaining to this program is located at
http://www.coe.faa.gov.

**[GLOSSARY]{.underline}**

**[Acknowledgment]{.underline}**. Notification by mail or e-mail sent to
proposer notifying them that the proposal was received and is being
processed.

**[Acquisition, Materiel and Grants Division]{.underline}**. Federal
Aviation Administration office delegated to administer the Aviation
Research Grants Program for the agency.

**[Assistance]{.underline}**. Government funding.

**[Audit]{.underline}**. Auditor's examination of monetary and
non-monetary matters relating to a particular grant to identify
problems, if applicable, and provide recommendations for corrective
action in order to prevent their future recurrence.

**[Authorizing Legislation]{.underline}**. A law passed by Congress that
establishes or continues a grant program.

**[Authorized Representative]{.underline}**. Person designated by the
entity receiving a grant to sign and commit them to all provisions set
forth in the grant award instrument.

**[Bibliography]{.underline}.** Listing of works produced.

**[Budget Narrative]{.underline}**. Clarification to the Budget
submission explaining requests for travel, equipment, personnel costs,
etc.

**[Continuing Grant]{.underline}**. Additional funding awarded for
budget periods following the initial budget period of a multi-year
discretionary grant or cooperative agreement.

**[Contract]{.underline}**. A transaction whose principle purpose is to
make acquisitions for direct DOT use. This type of vehicle is not
administered by the Aviation Research Grants Program Office.

**[Cooperative Agreement]{.underline}**. A type of federal assistance;
essentially, a variation on a grant awarded by the DOT when it
anticipates having substantial involvement with the recipient during the
performance of a funded project.

**[Cost Sharing]{.underline}**. Represents a portion of project or
program costs borne by the grantee, i.e., percentage of overall costs or
overhead rates, providing facilities, not charging for key personnel
salaries or other direct costs, etc.

**[Declined]{.underline}**. When a proposal has been deemed not
acceptable and the applicant is notified in writing advising why the
proposal has not been accepted for award.

**[Defense Contract Audit Agency]{.underline}**. Agency that may be used
by the Federal Aviation Administration to perform required audits of
grantees.

**[Disclosure of Lobbying Activities]{.underline}.** A required form
that discloses lobbying activities.

**[Eligible Proposals]{.underline}**. Three categories used to
differentiate the proposals according to technical merit.

**[Evaluation Criteria]{.underline}**. Four criteria against which each
proposal is evaluated in order to determine technical merit and
eligibility for funding.

**[FAA Research Grants Handbook, 9550.7A]{.underline}**. Official
publication by the Aviation Research Grants Program which sets forth
policies and procedures for the award and administration of FAA aviation
research grants and cooperative agreements.

**[For-Profit]{.underline}**. Research institutions that normally makes
a profit.

**[Grant]{.underline}**. Funding document for the purpose to transfer
money, property, services, or anything of value to the recipient in
order to accomplish a public purpose of support or stimulation; there
will be no substantial involvement between the Federal agency and the
recipient during performance of the activity.

**[Grants Analyst]{.underline}**. An employee of the Acquisition,
Materiel and Grants Division who receives direction from the grants
officer and who negotiates research grants and cooperative agreements
and handles the details of administering them.

**[Grant Award]{.underline}**. Award instrument which contains all
documentation applicable to the award and administration of the grant.

**[Grant Close-out]{.underline}**. The process during which it is
determined that the recipient has performed all required work of a grant
or cooperative agreement and undertakes all necessary administrative
actions to make any fiscal adjustments to a recipients account.

**[Grantee]{.underline}**. Entity which has been awarded a grant.

**[Grant Extension]{.underline}**. A written or E-mail request by the
principal investigator to the grants analyst to extend the period of
grant performance.

**[Grants.Gov]{.underline}.** A Government website that lists Federal
assistance opportunities and allows electronic submission of proposals
for possible awards of grants and cooperative agreements.

**[Grants Officer]{.underline}**. Awards, administers, modifies, and
terminates grants as authorized under the enabling statutes and
delegated authority.

**[HACU]{.underline}**. Hispanic Association of Colleges and
Universities (minority institutions with a high volume of Hispanic
students).

**[HSI]{.underline}**. Hispanic Serving Institution.

**[Indirect Costs]{.underline}**. Costs of an organization incurred for
common or joint objectives which cannot be readily and specifically
identified with a particular grant or other institutional activity.

**[Indirect Cost Agreement]{.underline}**. Document negotiated with the
institution's cognizant Federal audit agency (Health and Human Services,
Department of Defense, etc.), currently in force listing the most recent
rates to be applied for indirect costs.

**[Institution]{.underline}**. Colleges, universities, research
institutions and facilities.

**[Minority Institutions]{.underline}**. Those entities, such as
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Association of
Colleges and Universities, Indian Tribes, etc.

**[National Airspace System]{.underline}**. A national aviation system
managed and operated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

**[Noncompliance]{.underline}**. Non-receipt of required reports or
documentation, established as a condition of award, which could
jeopardize an entities chance for future funding from the Federal
Aviation Administration.

**[Non-Disclosure Form]{.underline}.** A form signed by technical
employees who are evaluating and assessing proposals that states that
these employees will not divulge knowledge of the content of the
proposal.

**[Nonprofit Organizations]{.underline}**. Independent museums;
observatories; research laboratories; hospitals; consortia;
professional, scientific and educational associations or societies; and
similar organizations.

**[Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars]{.underline}**.
Administrative policy documents that give instruction to Federal
agencies on a variety of topics, including the administration of Federal
grants and cooperative agreements.

**[Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988]{.underline}**. Federal
statute requiring Federal agencies to use the metric system, i.e., of
weights and measures, in procurement, grants, and other business-related
activities; and for use in reports, publications, and communiqués
regarding proposals.

**[Pre-Award Costs]{.underline}**. Any cost incurred by the applicant
prior to the award date of the grant.

**[Principle Investigator]{.underline}**. Institution representative who
assumes responsibility for the scientific or technical direction of the
project and for the preparation of required technical reports.

**[Program Funded]{.underline}**. Funding provided by the Federal
Aviation Administration technical program office who has evaluated and
decided to fund the particular research proposal.

**[Project Description]{.underline}.** A portion of the proposal that
describes specifically how the proposer intends to implement the project
and what the objectives are.

**[Proposal]{.underline}**. An application for a grant or cooperative
agreement containing all the information and forms needed to comply with
all relevant legislation.

**[R,E&D]{.underline}.** This acronym relates to the FAA Research,
Engineering and Development Program. It is also used to denote the type
of funding to be used.

**[Research & Related Budget]{.underline}.** This is a required form in
the proposal that describes both the direct and indirect costs
associated with a particular project.

**[Research & Related Personal Data]{.underline}.** This is a voluntary
form in the proposal. If the proposer wishes to submit this data, the
information is to be used only to identify and address inequities based
on gender, race, etc.

[**Research & Related Project/Performance Site Location.**]{.underline}
This is a required form in the proposal that requests information
concerning specific sites where the work will be performed.

**[Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile]{.underline}.** This is
a required form in the proposal that requests specific information
pertaining to the principal investigator assigned to the work and/or the
co-investigators.

**[Research & Related Other Project Information]{.underline}.** This is
a required form in the proposal that contains information about human
subjects, vertebrate animals, etc. Other information is also required,
such as the project summary, project description, bibliography, etc.

**[Salary Schedule]{.underline}**. A salary schedule pertaining to the
PI or co-investigators may be requested prior to award.

**[SF-424 Research & Related]{.underline}.** This is a required form in
the proposal that acts as the initial application for Federal
assistance. It requests information pertaining to the estimated amount
of project funding, length of the project, applicant information, etc.,
and is electronically signed by the Authorizing Organizational
Representative who certifies that all statements are true and complete.

**[Standard Form 269]{.underline}**. Financial Status Report required by
the Office of Management and Budget at the end of the grant.

**[Summary]{.underline}.** This information is included on the Research
& Related Other Project Information Form. It is a condensed narrative
describing what the proposed project is about and its objectives.

**[Technical Merit]{.underline}**. Proposal has been evaluated and has
met the required technical criteria.

**[Withdrawal]{.underline}**. The Federal Aviation Administration
receives a written notification by the principal investigator of the
submitting organization describing why they have decided to withdraw
their proposal submission.