NCIT Problem Statement – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to submit a problem statement?

Faculty, research staff, and affiliated researchers at NCIT consortium institutions are eligible to submit problem statements. Submissions from interdisciplinary teams and multi-institution collaborations are encouraged.

2. What kind of projects is NCIT looking for?

We are looking for innovative, transformational, transferable projects that align with NCIT’s research topical pillars, or will enhance the transfer of information to practice, or train the transportation workforce of the future. That said, here are some ideas, which are not intended to exclude other ideas:

The UTC NOFO issued in December of 2025 (which is now paused) listed topical areas that researchers submitting proposals were “highly encouraged to select from” in addition to referring to the usual statutory research priorities. It could reasonably be assumed that these are USDOT’s current priorities. These topical areas are:

  • Automation/Automated Driving Systems (ADS)
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Scalable Digital Infrastructure / Digitalization
  • Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL), Air Taxis, Unmanned Aviation Systems
  • Hypersonic/Supersonic Travel
  • Advanced Materials (Shape-memory, programmable, flexible, self-healing)
  • Resilient Infrastructure and Systems
  • Robotics
  • Networked Sensors and Sensing
  • Quantum Processing and Technologies
  • Communications and Networks Technologies
  • Human-Machine Interface Technologies
  • Environmental Permitting Reform/Streamlining
  • Accelerating Project Delivery.

Additionally, the NCIT Advisory Board provided ideas for needed research in a brainstorming session at their last in-person meeting. Those topics were:

  • Flood resilience and mitigation
  • National aqueduct system to transfer water from flood-prone areas to drought-stricken regions
  • Cybersecurity in transportation, especially as digital technologies and electric vehicles proliferate
  • Exploring synergies between autonomous vehicles and transit systems
  • Use of 3D printing in construction
  • Rapid infrastructure assessment technologies
  • Emerging field of self-healing concrete

3. What funding level should I propose?

Funding amounts will vary by year and availability. Please refer to the current call for guidance on:

  • Maximum funding per project
  • Project period of performance
  • Matching requirements (typically 1:1 non-federal match unless otherwise specified)

4. What qualifies as allowable match?

Allowable match may include:

  • State funds
  • Industry or non-federal sponsored research funds
  • Local/regional agency funds
  • Personnel effort on non-federal projects that directly support the proposed work
  • Certain FHWA SPR or LTAP funds (23 USC 504/505) with prior verification

All match must:

  • Directly support the proposed scope of work
  • Be allowable under federal guidelines
  • Be fully documented and auditable

5. Can I leverage data or existing projects?

Yes. Previously collected data, tools, software, or models may be leveraged as match or in-kind support if:

  • They are directly related to the proposed work
  • They are non-federal in origin
  • Proper documentation can be provided

6. Are students required on every project?

While not mandatory for every task, student engagement is strongly encouraged and aligns with UTC workforce development goals. Proposals should outline planned student involvement where appropriate.

7. Who should I contact with questions?

For questions regarding:

  • Budget and match → NCIT Associate Director at your institution
  • Scope alignment → NCIT Director / NCIT Research Coordinator
  • Reporting and compliance → NCIT Administration