The Department of Transportation is looking for your ideas on how to improve transportation infrastructure! Through the Advance Research Projects Agency-Infrastructure (ARPA-I), they are seeking comments and suggestions on potential research and development projects.
Provide your written submissions by July 21. All comments received will be posted on https://www.regulations.gov, allowing for open discussion and collaboration.
ARPA-I’s stated goal is to fund R&D efforts that have a “…clear pathway to commercialization and widespread cross-modal deployment within 5-10 years.”
According to the RFI, “ARPA–I will augment and complement existing research and development activities within DOT’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and DOT’s Operating Administrations and will not supplant or duplicate those efforts.”
The purpose of responding to the RFI is to provide the Department of Transportation with information regarding potential areas to prioritize for future research and development programs, as well as the need for funding in these areas.
According to the transportation attorneys at Scopelitis Transportation Consulting, the RFI is being seen as a significant opportunity. They are particularly excited about the focus on technology and the approach of implementing it in the near future.
“The trucking and intermodal freight industries, and others, have been provided a great opportunity to think about, identify and communicate new and emerging technologies to USDOT that ARPA-I could contemplate funding to make a real difference and help keep our industry and our infrastructure globally competitive.”
ARPA-I is seeking information about the following categories:
- Advanced Construction Materials and Methods
- Digital Infrastructure
- Freight and Logistics Optimization
- Climate and Resilience
- Other Areas in Transportation Infrastructure
Advanced Construction Materials and Methods
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has long recognized the importance of advancing infrastructure and updating construction materials and methods. In fact, both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Highway Administration are currently exploring options for low embodied carbon materials and innovative construction techniques to enhance our infrastructure.
One example of progress in this field is the 3-D printing of bridges, culverts, and roadways using concrete. In light of this innovation, the DOT is now seeking input on other emerging areas of construction and materials that ARPA-I should consider funding.
Digital Infrastructure
ARPA-I recognizes the rapid technological advancements in the transportation industry. These innovations encompass a wide range of areas, such as mapping, sensing, connectivity, communication, networking, and computation. Notable applications of digital infrastructure include centralized traffic management systems, driver assistance systems, GPS or GNSS applications, machine vision, and artificial intelligence.
In order to stay at the forefront of innovation, ARPA-I is requesting information about any new and emerging areas of digital infrastructure. The purpose of this request is to determine the potential benefits and reasons for funding these innovative endeavors.
Freight and Logistics Optimization
In light of the vulnerabilities exposed during the pandemic the RFI aims to gather knowledge on fresh and promising advancements in freight and logistics. The agency is keen to explore if there are any such innovations and compelling reasons for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide funding for them.
Climate and Resilience
Climate-related events like droughts and floods pose a threat to our transportation infrastructure. That’s why the agency is reaching out to learn about innovative technologies that can enhance its resiliency.
While the DOT Climate Change Center is already diligently working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing embodied carbon in infrastructure materials, and bolstering physical and cyber resilience in the transportation system, they want to hear from citizens about other areas of climate and resilience research that should be prioritized for funding.
Other Areas in Transportation Infrastructure
The DOT is also seeking generalized input on other innovative projects that should be funded in the field of transportation infrastructure.
Source: TruckingInfo
