Air Transportation Centers of Excellence

 

Conduct long term research in critical and specific areas of aviation related technology. Responsibilities of Centers may include, but are not limited to: the conduct of research concerning catastrophic failure of aircraft; airspace and airport planning and design; airport capacity enhancement techniques; human performance in the air transportation environment; aviation safety and security; the supply of trained air transportation personnel including pilots and mechanics; and other aviation issues pertinent to developing and maintaining a safe and efficient air transportation system, and the interpretation, publication, and dissemination of the results of such research.

Active 20.109 Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation B - Project Grants; I - Use of Property, Facilities, and Equipment; J - Provision of Specialized Services Fiscal Year 2016 In FY 2016, the FAA COE Program Office anticipates to award $22,500,000 in support of FAA projects. The FAA will complete plans to establish a Center of Excellence for the Air Traffic Organization in 2016. A Public Meeting was held, Draft and Final Solicitations were posted, proposals were received, and Technical and Management/Fiscal Evaluations have been completed. Announcement of the selected team is planned for June 2016. The FAA COE Program Office will negotiate cooperative agreements with member universities in FY 2016. In FY 2016, the FAA COE Program Management Office (PMO) awarded $28,397,118 in support of 160 FAA projects, negotiated and executed 16 COE cooperative agreements, issued 225 funded grant awards, executed 66 other COE actions, and generated more than $29 million in matching contributions from industry and other non-federal sources. Additionally, the FAA COE PMO conducted and completed a competition to establish the COE for Technical Training and Human Performance (TTHP) and finalized significant pre-award activities and the award of 65 awards in preparation for the establishment of the new COE in September 2016. The pre-award competitive process culminated in the submission of proposals representing universities throughout the U.S. and their industry and other affiliates. The COE PMO invited subject-matter-experts from various federal organizations to participate in the conduct of a technical evaluation of the submissions. Management and fiscal officers were additionally invited to conduct a review of the best qualified proposals from a non-technical perspective. The process enabled the FAA Administrator to select the new COE TTHP team in FY 2016, on schedule as planned. The COE PMO negotiated and entered into 16 new cooperative agreements with the COE core universities.
Fiscal Year 2017 In FY 2017, the FAA COE PMO anticipates to award $24,600,000 in support of FAA projects. The FAA COE PMO will continue to support active Centers. The follow-on strategy for the Joint Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials (JAMS) will be formulated. JAMS will continue to fulfill research requirements until the FAA Administrator concurs with a follow-on strategy.
Fiscal Year 2018 During FY 2018, FAA supported six active COE public-private partnerships throughout the United States with academic institutions and their industry and other affiliates. Upon approval from the Secretary of Transportation, the FAA COE Program Management Office (PMO) awarded 61 grant awards for over $11.8 million during FY 2018. The grants were awarded to 24 core universities in support of 40 projects and generated more than $12 million in matching contributions from industry and other nonfederal sources
Fiscal Year 2019 During FY 2019, FAA supported six active COE public-private partnerships throughout the United States with academic institutions and their industry and other affiliates. Upon approval from the Secretary of Transportation, the FAA COE PMO expects to award 155 grants for $24.4M. The anticipated awards will be to 38 core universities in support of 135 projects and will generate more than $24.4 million in matching contributions from industry and other nonfederal sources.
Fiscal Year 2020 During FY 2020, FAA supported six active COE public-private partnerships throughout the United States with academic institutions and their industry and other affiliates. Upon approval from the Secretary of Transportation, the FAA COE PMO expects to award 192 grants for $67M. The anticipated awards will be to 48 core universities in support of 123 projects and will generate more than $67 million in matching contributions from industry and other nonfederal sources.
Fiscal Year 2021 During Fiscal Year 2021, FAA has six active COE public-private partnerships throughout the United States with academic institutions and their industry and other affiliates. Upon approval from the Secretary of Transportation, the FAA COE PMO expects to award 142 grants for $56M. The anticipated awards will be to 48 core universities and will generate matching contributions from industry and other nonfederal sources.
Fiscal Year 2022 During Fiscal Year 2022, FAA has six active COE public-private partnerships throughout the United States with academic institutions and their industry and other affiliates. Success stories include: Through the University of Oklahoma and FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, the Center of Excellence for Technical Training and Human Performance (COE TTHP) delivered critical research entitled “Characterization and Application of Air Traffic Controllers Visual Search Patterns and Control Strategies for Efficient and Effective Training”. In partnership with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Air Force Research Laboratory, Wichita State University National Institute for Aviation Research (WSU-NIAR) conducted a program under the FAA Joint Advanced Materials & Structures Center of Excellence (JAMS) to qualify an additively manufactured material.
Fiscal Year 2023 During Fiscal Year 2023, FAA's five active COE's with public-private partnerships throughout the United States with academic institutions other affiliates successfully performed research for a wide range of topic areas. The FAA Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment, also known as the Aviation Sustainability Center (ASCENT), is paving the way for sustainable aviation through its innovative research program. ASCENT now includes over 80 projects covering critical issues in aviation including emissions, noise, operations, aircraft technologies, and supersonics. ASCENT research continues to advance the area of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a topic of growing importance. ASCENT researchers play key roles in the development and deployment of SAF, working to test and certify fuels to ensure both safety and sustainability. ASCENT Project 31 established the ASTM D4054 Clearinghouse, a centralized resource for fuel producers going through the fuel qualification process. The Clearinghouse coordinates testing and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) review of new fuels. To date, seven pathways are annexed under D7566. The most recent pathway was the first Fast Track approval, requiring only 50 gallons of fuel compared to earlier approvals that used over half a million gallons of fuel. Two additional co-processing pathways are annexed under ASTM D1655: Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels. Other ASCENT projects continue to advance fuel approval, focusing on improving fuel testing methods to lessen the burden of fuel approval from both time and cost perspectives. The FAA Center of Excellence for General Aviation's Project 29 was featured in a FAA-led publication (www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing). There also was an article written about the same project on the following aviation website (https://medium.com/faa/making-it-count-c2e78a40c782). The project covers “How Aircraft Transponder Signals Take the Guesswork Out of Counting Non-Towered Airport Operations”. The research proved to be a winning concept that generates cost-effective, accurate, and detailed operations counts. A transportation data services company called Quality Counts has already bought the license for this novel technology and has a product. Looking ahead, the data collection continues. Further research involves refining the overall process to ensure the greatest possible accuracy in the count registration, including a means to gather more data, such as aircraft type. This information can provide additional insight to airport managers about the fleet mix of aircraft operating at their airports. The FAA Joint Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials (JAMS) created the First Public Database for Additive Manufacturing. Additive manufacturing (AM) presents significant opportunities for several applications to produce parts with low lead times and close to the point of use. AM has not been fully realized due to high manufacturing variability, uncertainty of the performance effects of material defects, and the lack of pedigreed data and widely-accepted methodologies/standards for qualifying materials and processes. In partnership with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Air Force Research Laboratory, Wichita State University National Institute for Aviation Research (WSU-NIAR) conducted a program under the FAA Joint Advanced Materials & Structures Center of Excellence (JAMS) to qualify an additively manufactured material. Through this program, WSU-NIAR also partnered with America Makes to form a team from rp+m (a small business in Ohio), Stratasys, and Lockheed Martin. This team then solidified a partnership with the National Center for Advanced Material Performance (NCAMP) at WSU-NIAR. NCAMP works closely with the FAA, DoD, and aerospace industry to qualify material systems and provide material and process (M&P) specifications and performance data to the aerospace community. A government steering committee and industry technical advisory team of aviation OEMs supported the program. Through the University of Oklahoma and FAA's Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, the Center of Excellence for Technical Training and Human Performance (COE TTHP) delivered critical research entitled “Characterization and Application of Air Traffic Controllers Visual Search Patterns and Control Strategies for Efficient and Effective Training”. The goal of this work was to understand how experienced controllers visually search, select, compare, and control multiple aircraft under different situations to develop concrete training examples of visual scanning and aircraft control strategies related to enroute conflict detection and resolution. Five dominant visual search patterns were discovered: spiral, circular, linear, quadrant, and mixed. Other diverse strategies were discovered based on factors such as conflict types, sector characteristics, and customer service priorities. Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering and Development Authorization Act of 1990, Public Law 101-508, 49 U.S.C. C FAA COE applicants are limited to colleges and universities with the financial resources to meet statutory requirements for matching Federal funds and maintenance of effort. Academic institutions may partner with industry affiliates, other public and private entities, government laboratories and other interested parties. Applicants must satisfy the Congressionally mandated selection criteria as stated in an open Final Solicitation. Recipients are limited to colleges and universities with the financial resources to meet statutory requirements for matching Federal grants and maintenance of effort. In conducting research, a Center of Excellence may contract with nonprofit research organizations and other appropriate persons. Required documentation is outlined in each solicitation package. After the Draft Solicitation is published, copies of the Solicitation are available prior to a Public Meeting and are provided by the FAA Centers of Excellence Program Office, FAA Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405. To establish a Center of Excellence, the FAA COE Program Office conducts a competitive process to include a: public announcement, publication of a Draft and a Final Solicitation, period of public comment, management/fiscal review, and a technical evaluation. Public Law 101-508 established the following equally weighted selection criteria: (1) The extent to which the needs of the State in which the applicant is located are representative of the needs of the region for improved air transportation services and facilities. (2) The demonstrated research and extension resources available to the applicant for carrying out this program. (3) The capability of the applicant to provide leadership in making national and regional contributions to the solution of both long- range and immediate air transportation problems. (4) The extent to which the applicant has an established air transportation program. (5) The demonstrated ability of the applicant to disseminate results of air transportation research and educational programs through a State-wide or region-wide continuing education program. (6) The projects which the applicant proposes to carry out under the grant. Each proposal must include the following: (a) description of current research projects being conducted in the specific research area, (b) a schedule of anticipated costs to establish and operate the Center of Excellence, (c) a plan for meeting the 50 percent nonfederal contribution toward the matching requirements, (d) a statement showing aggregate expenditures from all other sources for aviation research in its 2 fiscal years preceding November 5, 1990, (e) all data sufficient for the evaluation team to determine the extent to which the applicant is able to satisfy the six selection criteria outlined. Each proposal must contain a: 1. completed Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424 Research and Related); 2. table of contents; 3. technical statement addressing the problems inherent in the specific technical area(s) and probable solutions; 4. summary of results from FAA funding in the past five years; 5. biographical sketch for all senior personnel and a list of their principal accomplishments and publications during the past five years; 6. proposed budget for the initial three years including the anticipated costs of managing a new Center of Excellence, and a management plan; 7. listing of all current and pending support on all research awards from all sources; 8. listing of all available facilities and major items of equipment to be available to conduct research, and that which is necessary to acquire. 9. a cover letter and letters of support from various industry representatives, state and local officials, etc. Other required forms are to be included such as Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Form SF-LLL and certification of Compliance with the Civil Rights Act. Preapplication coordination is required. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. FAA holds a public information meeting prior to submission of proposals. During the period of public comment and thereafter, questions may be submitted to the FAA Centers of Excellence Program Office FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center, Bldg 300, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405. 2 CFR 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards applies to this program. Colleges and universities may apply after the FAA has published a Notice of Availability of Solicitation for a Center of Excellence in a specific research area on the Grants.gov website. Solicitation and application packages are available from the FAA Centers of Excellence Program Office FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center, Bldg 300, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405. The FAA Administrator is the selecting official for each Air Transportation Center of Excellence. The FAA Centers of Excellence Program Director issues Office issues a Notice of Funding Opportunity, receives all proposals, convenes evaluation teams to evaluate eligible institutions for Centers of Excellence awards. Applicants should be prepared to host an onsite inspection of existing research facilities when being considered for a Center of Excellence designation. Grant award authority has been delegated by the FAA Senior Procurement Executive to the FAA COE Grants Officer and Program Director, located at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405. Awards are made to COE members throughout the term of the Center. No further announcements are issued. Contact the headquarters or regional location, as appropriate for application deadlines From the closing date for applications, the FAA requires at least 6 months for evaluation and selection procedures. Not applicable. Not applicable. Public Law 101-508 has established the following equally weighted six selection criteria: (1) The extent to which the needs of the State in which the applicant is located are representative of needs of the region for improved air transportation services and facilities; (2) The demonstrated research and extension resources available to the applicant for carrying out this program; (3) The capability of the applicant to provide leadership in making national and regional contributions to the solution of both long-range and immediate air transportation problems; (4) The extent to which the applicant has an established air transportation program; (5) The demonstrated ability of the applicant to disseminate results of air transportation research and educational programs through a State-wide or region-wide continuing education program; and (6) The projects which the applicant proposes to carry out under the grant. Public Law 101-508 mandates geographic equity in location and funding of Centers of Excellence. Depending on the outcome of evaluation under the six mandated criteria, geographic location may become an additional selection factor. Centers of Excellence are established for long term mission-critical research in specific technology areas. Funding may be used for the establishment and operation of the Centers of Excellence and the related training, education and research projects. The FAA determines a need for a Center of Excellence in a specific area of technology and publishes in Grants.gov a Notice of Intent to Establish a COE and a Notice of Availability of a Draft Solicitation. In response to the Final Solicitation, each applicant submits a proposal with a description of their institutional capabilities, available faculty, facilities and equipment, and additional information as required in the Solicitation. Researchers at each COE are expected to maintain a close working relationship with the FAA COE Program Office and relevant FAA program offices and others having responsibility in areas related to their research projects. Centers conduct semi-annual reviews, and a major symposium at the conclusion of each cooperative agreement and research phase. This activity satisfies Congressional requirements to disseminate research results to a broad audience. CONGRESSIONAL RESTRICTIONS: (1) Matching Funds - The Federal share of the grant awarded shall be 50 percent of the cost to establish and operate and conduct related research within the Center of Excellence and related research activities. (2) Maintenance of Effort - Each recipient will maintain its aggregate expenditures from all other sources for establishing and operating the Center and related research activities at or above the average level of such expenditures in its 2 fiscal years preceding November 5, 1990. (3) Locations of centers and distribution of funds shall be geographically equitable. (4) Contract tasks may be awarded following the competitive process and may include negotiable cost share. (5) Funds are awarded to universities. Industry and other affiliates must align with academic institutions who may then sub-contract to others as appropriate. Performance Reports: A technical monitor is assigned by the sponsoring organization to oversee each task, to monitor performance, receive technical reports, and approve invoices. A major meeting to present research results for a broad audience of peers is conducted during the fifth year; additionally, a major symposium is required by the end of the 10-year period as part of close-out activities and serves to highlight research results. The symposium is designed to satisfy legislative requirements to disseminate information. Single Audit Act assigns responsibility to either the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Defense for most institutions. The FAA calls for an audit of each Center every five years as a part of close-out activities, and reserves the right to conduct individual audits annually, and as needed, within the constraints of applicable laws and regulations. A final formal audit is conducted during the 10th year of operation prior to close out of the COE. Technical and financial records must be retained for a minimum of 3 years (or longer, depending on special situations) following termination of the Center of Excellence. Statutory formula is not applicable to this assistance listing.

Matching is mandatory. 50%. This program has no statutory formula. Matching Funds Requirements - The Federal share shall be 50 percent of the costs of establishing and operating the Center of Excellence and related research activities. Maintenance of Effort - Each recipient will maintain its aggregate expenditures from all other sources for establishing and operating the Center and related research activities at or above the average level of such expenditures in its 2 fiscal years preceding November 1990.

MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing. The FAA intends to support a Center of Excellence in two (2) five-year increments over a period of 10 years. Each Center undergoes a reassessment within the final year of each cooperative agreement Phase. Research is reviewed semi-annually. Budgets and research projects are defined, evaluated and negotiated yearly. As a consequence of changing needs, or diminished requirements, the agency reserves the right not to renew support for a Center of Excellence at any time. Funds from program offices and additional appropriations may increase at any time providing the institution can demonstrate matching contributions are available. Centers of Excellence are established following the execution of a cooperative agreement between the FAA and each core member university. Thereafter, funds are awarded via grants as amendments to the agreements. Following the FAA or DOT announcement of the selected team, the FAA COE Program Director negotiates a cooperative agreement with each university core member. Grant awards are issued as amendments to the initial cooperative agreement(s) following submission of technical proposals and individual evaluations. None/Not specified. Darryl Groves
1250 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC, 20024
Washington, DC 20597 US
darryl.d.groves@faa.gov
Phone: 202-267-8315 http://www.faa.gov/go/coe 69-1301-0-1-402 (Cooperative Agreements) FY 22$40,704,606.00; FY 23 est $86,058,335.00; FY 24 est $70,000,000.00; FY 21$56,343,582.00; FY 20$66,953,249.00; FY 19$25,500,000.00; FY 18$11,800,000.00; FY 17 est $24,600,000.00; FY 16$22,500,000.00; - Program started in FY 1992. Grant assistance is expected to be a minimum of $500,000 per year for each Center, and may be augmented by tasks funded through IDIQ contract awards. The FAA announces the Intent to Establish a Center of Excellence with a formal notice followed by the publication of a Draft and Final Solicitation. An application package is made available and contains the appropriate forms and directions are made available. The Notice of Intent to Establish an Air Transportation Center of Excellence and a Notice of Solicitation Availability are announced on Grants.gov. Fiscal Year 2016 In FY 2016, the FAA plans to continue supporting the following COE topic areas: Unmanned Aircraft Systems; Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment; Commercial Space Transportation; General Aviation Safety, Accessibility and Sustainability Research; Advanced Materials. In 2016, the FAA plans to add a new COE to support specific needs of the Air Traffic Organization in the area of Technical Training and Human Performance. In FY 2016, the FAA COE PMO supported the following topic areas: Technical Training and Human Performance; Unmanned Aircraft Systems; Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment; Commercial Space Transportation; General Aviation Safety, Accessibility and Sustainability Research; and Advanced Materials.
Fiscal Year 2017 In FY 2017, the FAA COE PMO continues to support the following topic areas: Technical Training and Human Performance; Unmanned Aircraft Systems; Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment; Commercial Space Transportation; General Aviation Safety, Accessibility and Sustainability Research; and Advanced Materials.
Fiscal Year 2019 In Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, the FAA COE PMO continued to support research and development in the following topic areas: Technical Training and Human Performance; Unmanned Aircraft Systems; Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment; General Aviation Safety, Commercial Space Transportation, and Advanced Materials. Examples of funded projects include: Polymer-Based Additive Manufacturing (PBAM) Guidance; Adhesive Bond Qualification Guidance for Aircraft Design and Certification; Techno-Economic and Lifecycle Analysis of Alternative Aviation Biofuels Supply Chains; Cardiovascular Disease and Aircraft Noise Exposure; Heated Airport Pavements; and Airborne Collision Severity Evaluation - Structural Impact
Fiscal Year 2020 2020 - In Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, the FAA Center of Excellence (COE) Program Management Office (PMO) continued to support research and development in the following topic areas: Technical Training and Human Performance (TTHP); Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS); Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (AJFE); General Aviation (GA) Safety, Commercial Space Transportation (CST), and Advanced Materials (AM). Examples of funded projects include: Aircraft Technology Modeling and Assessment; Adhesive Bond Qualification Guidance for Aircraft Design and Certification; Heated Airport Pavements; Effective Training and Checking Methods for the Emerging Pilot Workforce; and UAS Ground Collision Severity Studies.
Fiscal Year 2021 In Fiscal Year 2021, the FAA Centers of Excellence (COE) Program Management Office continued to support research and development in the following topic areas: Technical Training and Human Performance (TTHP); Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS); Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (AJFE); General Aviation Safety (GA), and Advanced Materials (JAMS). Examples of funded projects include: Alternative Jet Fuel Supply Chain Analysis, Aircraft Technology Modeling, Rotocraft Wire Strikes, Evaluation of Aged Bonded Rotor Blades, Flight Safety, UAS Cargo Operation, and Shielded UAS Operations.
Fiscal Year 2022 In Fiscal Year 2022, the FAA Centers of Excellence (COE) Program Management Office continued to support research and development in the following topic areas: Technical Training and Human Performance (TTHP); Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS); Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (AJFE); Commercial Space Transportation; General Aviation Safety (GA), and Advanced Materials (JAMS). Examples of funded projects include: Alternative Jet Fuels Test and Evaluation, Measurement and Prediction of nvPM size and number emissions from sustainable and conventional aviation fuels, Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) evaluation and development support, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response, Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE) COE Management, and Evaluate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).
Fiscal Year 2023 In Fiscal Year 2023, the FAA Centers of Excellence (COE) Program Management Office continued to support research and development in the following topic areas: Technical Training and Human Performance (TTHP); Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS); Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (AJFE); Commercial Space Transportation; General Aviation Safety (GA), and Advanced Materials (JAMS). Examples of funded projects include the following: *Address environmental challenges through improved scientific knowledge; innovation in operational procedure concepts, technology, and jet fuels; and the development of improved analytical tools. *General Aviation Safety, Accessibility, and Sustainability *Develop international standardization, consensus for protocols, standardized criteria for material and process control, and shared material databases worldwide. *Provide technical training for air traffic controllers, aviation safety inspectors, engineers, technicians, and pilots to enhance and advance the teaching of these personnel with part-task training, immersive simulation, and adaptive learning technologies that are standard in other technical workforces. *Improve air traffic control interoperability, UAS airport ground operations, control and communications, detect and avoid, human factors, UAS noise reduction, UAS wake signatures, unmanned aircraft pilot training and certification, low altitude operations safety, spectrum management, and UAS traffic management.