Executive Summary
FHWA's Exploratory Advanced Research program wants concept papers on data science for highway transportation research. Companies, universities, nonprofits, governments and individuals can apply. Concept papers are due December 21, 2026, 12:00 PM ET. No funding amount is posted.
It is a two-step process: FHWA reviews concept papers first, then invites selected teams to submit full proposals. FHWA says it will not use this BAA to fund products or systems developed for sale.
Solicitation at a Glance
- Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- Opportunity: Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program FY 2027: Data Science for Highway Transportation Research
- Number: 693JJ3-27-BAA-0002 (formerly 693JJ326BAA0006)
- Award Vehicle: Contracts or other instruments under a Broad Agency Announcement
- Funding: No amount posted
- Due Date: Concept papers December 21, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
Think your company qualifies? Talk with BW&CO before the December 21 deadline.
What Is the EAR Program?
FHWA's Exploratory Advanced Research program funds longer-term, higher-risk research that could transform how highways are planned, built, renewed and operated.
What Problem Is FHWA Trying to Solve?
FHWA wants to apply emerging data methods to highway transportation and to grow the community of data scientists working on it.
Priority Areas: What FHWA Is Looking For
- Objective 1: Engage and expand the community of researchers applying emerging and advanced data methods to highway transportation research
- Objective 2: Demonstrate the potential of emerging and exploratory data analytic techniques for highway transportation
- Topic detail: See Appendix C of the BAA
Eligibility
- Who can apply: All responsible sources: state and local governments, universities, nonprofits, individuals, corporations and businesses
- Set-asides: None; small and disadvantaged businesses, HBCUs and minority institutions are encouraged to apply
- Out of scope: Projects that develop specific products or systems for sale
How to Apply
- Read Appendix C: for the research topic
- Talk with FHWA: during the concept paper stage, which the BAA encourages
- Submit a concept paper: with the technical approach and a rough cost and schedule, by December 21, 2026, 12:00 PM ET
- Submit a full proposal: only if FHWA invites one
What Happens After You Submit?
- Phase 1: FHWA evaluates concept papers for technical merit
- Phase 2: Selected teams are invited to submit full proposals
Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?
Good fit if you have advanced analytics or machine learning methods that could apply to transportation data and you can frame the work as research, not a product.
How BW&CO Can Help
BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For federal research BAAs like the FHWA EAR program, we help you:
- Frame your work as research FHWA wants
- Write a tight concept paper with a credible cost and schedule
- Prepare questions for FHWA program staff
- Build the full proposal if invited
- Plan follow-on funding for the technology
Frequently Asked Questions
When are concept papers due?
December 21, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.
How much funding is available?
FHWA has not posted an amount.
Who can apply?
All responsible sources, including companies, universities, nonprofits, governments and individuals.
Is there a set-aside?
No.
Is it a one-step process?
No. Concept papers come first; full proposals are by invitation.
Can I talk to FHWA first?
Yes. The BAA encourages communication during the concept paper stage.
Will FHWA fund a product?
No. The BAA will not sponsor projects that develop specific products or systems for sale.
Can BW&CO help with an FHWA EAR concept paper?
Yes. We can help shape the concept paper and, if invited, the full proposal. Book a call with our team.
Source: SAM.gov: 693JJ3-27-BAA-0002, EAR Program FY 2027 Data Science Solicitation