U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced the Federal Railroad Administration is soliciting research proposals to foster rapid development of high-speed and intercity passenger rail service technologies in the United States. 
A pool of $25 million is available for basic and applied technology research, development and demonstration projects to advance the state of the art in track and structures, train control systems, operating practices and rolling stock. FRA is seeking projects focused on accelerating development of technologies that ensure safe, efficient and strategic deployment of integrated passenger rail systems. The solicitation is open to all sources.

"It is vitally important that we promote and facilitate cutting edge research and advanced technology development," said FRA Administrator Szabo.  "This effort will increase the rail industry's scientific knowledge base while permitting us to exploit the potential of existing technologies and help expand our domestic rail equipment manufacturing capabilities."

The solicitation continues FRA's long history of supporting the development of advanced rail systems by providing funding and technical assistance in support of new equipment, infrastructure, and testing technologies. Nationally, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided an $8 billion down payment for high-speed rail.

The solicitation, BAA (Broad Agency Announcement) 2010-1, Research and Demonstration Projects Supporting the Development of High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Service, published on July 28, 2010 can be viewed at Federal Business Opportunities (www.fbo.gov) and FRA's website (http://www.fra.dot.gov/Pages/918.shtml) and will be open through September 30, 2012.