Description
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is issuing a FY 2026‑27 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to fund pure‑research and technology‑development projects that advance rail safety across three divisions: Track, Rolling Stock & Equipment, and Train‑Control & Communication. Researchers submit concept papers (deadline 9/30/2027); approved concepts may receive firm‑fixed‑price awards typically ranging from $50 k to $500 k for a 12‑24‑month effort. Most topics require a written partnership with a railroad or rail‑industry entity and prohibit large capital‑equipment purchases (those should be pursued via the CRISI grant program). No dollar amounts, specific award ceilings, or detailed proposal deadlines are disclosed in the excerpt; bidders must reference the full BAA on SAM.gov for exact requirements. The solicitation is open to universities, research institutes, non‑profits, and industry R&D groups that meet federal eligibility.