The Connected Vehicle Technology Challenge is the first technology-based challenge issued by the USDOT. (Photo courtesy of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office)

Sponsor

Intelligent Transportation System Joint Program Office

Project Highlights

• Accessing the technological insight of nontraditional researchers and problem-solvers
• Harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit to encourage the activation of resources often much greater than our investment
• Capturing the value of disruptive innovation

Project Point of Contact

Suzanne Sloan
617.494.3282
suzanne.sloan@dot.gov

Project Overview

Working with the US DOT's Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office, the Volpe Center is developing approaches to engage new communities of problem-solvers in applying ITS technologies to improve the safety, efficiency and environmental performance of our transportation system.

The ITS Exploratory Program utilizes open competition and challenges for identifying novel, newly emerging technology concepts that make the most effective use of the unique properties offered by the 5.9 GHz spectrum bandwidth. The program relies upon the Center's capabilities in designing programs, designing evaluations for new technologies, project management, and business model analysis. The program also relies upon the Center's ability to identify the unique role that the ITS Exploratory Research program plays vis-à-vis other departmental exploratory research programs such as the DOT-wide Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), the FHWA Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR), the Transportation Research Board's (TRB) IDEA Program, and the Strategic Highways Research Program, among others.