U.S. DOT is one of 11 federal agencies that participates in the SBIR program.

The following seven agencies within U.S. DOT fund SBIR research. Read about some of their success stories to learn more about their funded research.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

FHWA supports State and local governments in the design, construction, and maintenance of the Nation’s highway system and various federally and tribal owned lands. FHWA coordinates highway transportation programs in cooperation with partners to enhance the country's safety, economic vitality, quality of life, and the environment. FHWA also manages a comprehensive research, development, and technology program targeting safety, mobility, infrastructure integrity, performance, sustainability, and preparing for the future.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

FMCSA is the lead federal government agency responsible for regulating and providing safety oversight of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Their mission is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. FMCSA funds research, technology, and development projects that improve the safety and efficiency of CMV operations through technological innovation and improvement.

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

FRA creates and enforces rail safety regulations, administers rail funding, and researches rail improvement strategies and technologies. FRA’s research, development, and technology (RD&T) program's mission is to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of people and goods by rail through basic and applied research, and development of innovations and solutions. Safety is the principal driver of FRA’s RD&T program.

Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

FTA provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys, and ferries. FTA also oversees safety measures and drives research to promote economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life in communities through public transportation systems and services. FTA leads innovative research in safety, asset management/innovation, and mobility.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

NHTSA’s mission is to save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes through education, research, safety standards, and enforcement activity. NHTSA studies vehicle safety and driving behavior to reduce vehicle crashes and spearheads innovative research and data analysis critical to motor vehicle and highway safety.

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R)

OST-R is part of the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), and is charged with providing and expanding opportunities for research collaboration and coordination, and upholding the integrity and impartiality of transportation statistical data. OST-R’s overall mission is to transform transportation and make our transportation system safer, more efficient, competitive, and sustainable. The agency conducts research and facilitates multimodal research collaboration.

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

PHMSA's mission is to protect people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy and other hazardous materials that are essential to our daily lives. The agency establishes national policy, sets and enforces standards, educates, and conducts research to prevent incidents. PHMSA leads, coordinates, and sponsors innovative research projects focused on near-term solutions to hazardous materials transportation problems, pipeline safety and reliability, and reducing environmental impacts.