Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program FY 2026 Data Science Solicitation

The Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program is a research initiative by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that aims to conduct research on longer-term and higher-risk breakthrough topics with the potential for transformational improvements to plan, build, renew, and operate safe, congestion-free, and environmentally sound transportation systems. The program has identified a need for data science in highway transportation research, with objectives to engage and expand the community of researchers interested in applying emerging and advanced data methods for highway transportation research, and to demonstrate the potential of emerging and exploratory data analytic techniques for highway transportation. Some key aspects of this opportunity include: • The program is focused on data science for highway transportation research • The objectives include engaging and expanding the community of researchers and demonstrating the potential of emerging data analytic techniques • The FHWA anticipates issuing a BAA Solicitation on or about early/mid-August 2026