The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today that it’s opened applications for the new SMART and ATTAIN programs. According to the USDOT, $100 million will be distributed through the Smart program.

“The SMART program will fund purpose-driven innovation and focus on building data and technology capacity and expertise. The Program seeks proposals from public sector entities that will carry out demonstration projects in the following domains to address key transportation priorities:

•  Vehicle technology, like automation and connectivity
• Systems innovation, like delivery and logistics, traffic signals, smart grid, and data integration
• And new ways to monitor and manage infrastructure, like sensors and UAS”

“Achieving our transportation priorities related to safety, economic strength, equity, and climate requires bold investment in new technologies and approaches. SMART supports a broad portfolio of projects across the country that will serve as beacons as we move toward a transportation system that is data-driven, values-based, and technology-enabled.” Dr. Robert C. Hampshire, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and Chief Science Officer at US DOT.

Another $60 million will be provided through Federal Highway Administration’s ATTAIN program. This program is designed to:

“… promote advanced technologies to improve safety and reduce travel times for drivers and transit riders and that can serve as national examples. As a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ATTAIN-eligible projects will be evaluated on how they consider climate change and environmental justice impacts – including how they reduce transportation-related air pollution and address the disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged communities. In addition, projects are evaluated on their economic impact and potential to create jobs.”

The SMART Notice of Funding (NOFO) and ATTAIN NOFO are open now. Applications must be submitted by November 18, 2022. More information on SMART can be found here. ATTAIN details are on the FHWA web site.