FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORIZATION:
Federal Aviation Administration Research, Engineering
and Development Authorization Act of 1990, Public Law 101- 508; Catastrophic
Failure Prevention Centers of Excellence, Section 9208; Aviation Research
Centers of Excellence, Section 9209.
To conduct long term continuing research in specific
areas of aviation related technology. Responsibilities of Centers may include
the conduct of research concerning catastrophic failure of aircraft, airspace
and airport planning and design, airport capacity enhancement techniques,
human performance in the air transportation environment, aviation safety and
security, the supply of trained air transportation personnel including pilots
and mechanics, and other aviation issues pertinent to developing and
maintaining a safe and efficient air transportation system, and the
interpretation, publication, and dissemination of the results of such research.
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:
Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition
Use of Property, Facilities, and Equipment. Place Cursor Here for Definition
Provision of Specialized Services. Place Cursor Here for Definition
USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:
Centers of Excellence are established for long term continuing research in
specific areas of technology. Funding may be used for the establishment and
operation of the Centers of Excellence and the related research projects. The
FAA determines a need for a Center of Excellence in a specific area of
technology and publishes a Notice of Availability of Solicitation in the
Federal Register. Each applicant submits a description of the institutional
capabilities, available facilities and equipment, and additional information
as required in the solicitation. Researchers at the Center are expected to
maintain a close working relationship with relevant FAA program offices who
have responsibility in areas related to their research. Centers conduct
semi-annual reviews, and a major symposium at the conclusion of each 3-year
phase of research to satisfy Congressional requirements to disseminate results
to a broad audience. RESTRICTIONS: 1. Matching Funds - The Federal grant shall
be 50 percent of the cost of establishing the Center of Excellence and related
research activities. 2. Maintenance of Effort - Each recipient will maintain
its aggregate expenditures from all other sources for establishing and
operating the Center and related research activities at or above the average
level of such expenditures in its 2 fiscal years preceding November 1990. 3.
Locations shall be geographically equitable. 4. Contracts tasks are negotiable
cost share.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Applicant Eligibility: Applicants are limited to
colleges and universities with the financial resources to meet statutory
requirements for matching Federal funds and maintenance of effort. Academic
institutions may partner with industry affiliates and other government
laboratories.
Beneficiary Eligibility: Recipients are limited
to colleges and universities with the financial resources to meet statutory
requirements for matching Federal grants and maintenance of effort. In
conducting research, a Center of Excellence may contract with nonprofit
research organizations and other appropriate persons.
Credentials/Documentation: Required documentation
is outlined in each solicitation package. After each Notice of Solicitation is
published in the Federal Register, copies of the Solicitation are available
from the FAA Centers of Excellence Program Manager AAR- 400, FAA Technical
Center, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405. To establish a Center
of Excellence, a solicitation, review, and evaluation is required. Public Law
101-508 established the following six selection criteria: (1) The extent to
which the needs of the State in which the applicant is located are
representative of the needs of the region for improved air transportation
services and facilities. (2) The demonstrated research and extension resources
available to the applicant for carrying out this program. (3) The capability
of the applicant to provide leadership in making national and regional
contributions to the solution of both long- range and immediate air
transportation problems. (4) The extent to which the applicant has an
established air transportation program. (5) The demonstrated ability of the
applicant to disseminate results of air transportation research and
educational programs through a State-wide or region-wide continuing education
program. (6) The projects which the applicant proposes to carry out under the
grant. Each proposal must include the following: (a) description of current
research projects in the research area, (b) a schedule of anticipated expenses
for establishing and operating the Center of Excellence, (c) a plan for
meeting the 50 percent nonfederal contribution toward the cost of establishing
and operating the Center of Excellence, (d) a statement showing its aggregate
expenditures from all other sources for aviation research in its 2 fiscal
years preceding November 5, 1990, (e) all data sufficient for the evaluation
team to determine the extent to which the applicant is able to satisfy the six
selection criteria outlined in the preceding paragraph. Each proposal must
contain: 1. a cover sheet in the general format of FAA Form 9550-1; 2. table
of contents; 3. a statement addressing the problem inherent in the specific
technical area and probable solutions; 4. a summary of results from FAA
funding in the past 5 years; 5. biographical sketches of senior personnel and
a list of their principal accomplishments and publications during the past
five years; 6.proposed budget for the initial three years; 7. current and
pending support on all research awards from all sources; 8. available
facilities and major items of equipment to be available to conduct research,
and that which is necessary to acquire. Other required forms are Disclosure of
Lobbying Activities form SF-LLL and certification of Compliance with Civil
Rights Act.
Pre-application Coordination: FAA may hold an
informational meeting prior to submission of proposals. Questions may be
submitted to the FAA Centers of Excellence Program Director, AAR-400, FAA
Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405. This program
is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of
Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official
designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more
information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for
assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedure: Colleges and universities
may apply after the FAA has published a Notice of Availability of Solicitation
for a Center of Excellence in a specific research area in the Federal
Register. Solicitation and application packages are available from the FAA
Centers of Excellence Program Director, AAR-400, FAA Technical Center,
Atlantic City International Airport, NJ 08405.
Award Procedure: Each Air Transportation Center
of Excellence is awarded on behalf of the FAA Administrator. The FAA Centers
of Excellence Program Director, AAR.400, issues solicitations, receives all
proposals, convenes evaluation teams to evaluate eligible institutions for
Centers of Excellence awards. Applicants should be prepared to host an onsite
inspection of existing research facilities.
Deadlines: Contact the FAA Center of Excellence
Program Office for applications and application deadlines. Deadlines will also
be published in the Notice of Solicitation.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From the
closing date for applications, the FAA requires at least 6 months for
evaluation and selection procedures.
Appeals: None.
Renewals: Not applicable.
ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:
Formula and Matching Requirements: This program has
no statutory formula. Matching Funds - The Federal share shall be 50 percent
of the costs of establishing and operating the Center of Excellence and
related research activities. Maintenance of Effort - Each recipient will
maintain its aggregate expenditures from all other sources for establishing
and operating the Center and related research activities at or above the
average level of such expenditures in its 2 fiscal years preceding November
1990.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: The FAA
intends to support a Center of Excellence in three year increments over a
maximum of ten years. Each Center will undergo a reassessment every three
years. Research is reviewed semi-annually. Budgets and research projects are
negotiated yearly. As a consequence of changing needs, or diminished
requirements, the agency reserves the right not to renew support for a Center
of Excellence at any time. Funds from program offices and additional
appropriations may increase funding at any time providing the institution can
demonstrate matching funds.
POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Reports: Technical Reporting Requirements per
Attachment H of OMB Circular No. A-110 and Attachment I to OMB Circular No.
A-102. Financial reporting requirements as per Attachment G of OMB Circular
No. A-110 and Attachment H of OMB Circular No. A-102. Semi-annual reports on
matching Funds and technical reports, as well as an annual review of the
research completed and in progress at each Center of Excellence. The annual
review focuses on the relevance, merit and direction of research efforts in
the designated area, and negotiation of projects and budget for the next year.
A symposium is required by the end of each 3-year period as part of close-out
activities and serves to highlight research results and discuss plans for the
next 3-year phase. The symposium helps satisfy legislative requirements to
disseminate information.
Audits: Single Audit Act assigns responsibility
to either the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of
Defense for most institutions. The FAA calls for an audit of each Center every
3 years as a part of close-out activities, and reserves the right to conduct
individual audits annually, and as needed. within the constraints of
applicable laws and regulations.
Records: Technical and financial records must be
retained for a minimum of 3 years (or longer, depending on special situations)
following termination of the Center of Excellence.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Account Identification: 69-8108-0-7-402.
Obligations: (Grants) FY 01 $7,200,000; FY 02 est
$7,200,000; and FY 03 est $7,500,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance:
Program started in fiscal year 1992. Grant assistance is expected to average
$500,000 per year for each Center. In addition, sole source contract awards
may reach $120 million over the next 6 years.
1) Program planning completed; 2) Agency Directive written and currently under
revision; and 3) First Joint Center established in 1992; 4) Second Center
awarded in Airport Pavement Research, April, 1995; 5) Center established in
1996 in Operations Research; 6) Center in Airworthiness Assurance established
in 1997; and 7) a Center being established in general Aviation during fiscal
year 2001.
REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:
OMB Circulars A-133, A- 122, A110 and A-21, Regulations and Executive Orders
are referenced in Appendix 2 of the FAA Research Grants Order 9550. When the
FAA is soliciting for a Center of Excellence, a solicitation and application
package containing the appropriate forms and directions will be available. A
Notice of Solicitation Availability will be announced in the Federal Register.
INFORMATION CONTACTS:
Regional or Local Office: Not applicable.
Headquarters Office: Patricia Watts, FAA Centers
for Excellence Program Director. AAR-400, FAA Technical Center, Atlantic City
Airport, NJ 08405. Telephone: (609) 485-5043. Fax: (609) 485-4101.
patricia.watts@tc.faa.gov.
Web Site Address: http://www.faa.gov.
EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:
Centers of Excellence in Computational Modeling of Aircraft Structures,
Airport Pavement Research, Operations Research, Airworthiness Assurance,
General Aviation.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:
Public Law 101-508 has established the following six selection criteria: (1)
The extent to which the needs of the State in which the applicant is located
are representative of needs of the region for improved air transportation
services and facilities; (2) The demonstrated research and extension resources
available to the applicant for carrying out this program; (3) The capability
of the applicant to provide leadership in making national and regional
contributions to the solution of both long-range and immediate air
transportation problems; (4) The extent to which the applicant has an
established air transportation program; (5) The demonstrated ability of the
applicant to disseminate results of air transportation research and
educational programs through a State-wide or region-wide continuing education
program; and (6) The projects which the applicant proposes to carry out under
the grant. Public Law 101-508 mandates reasonable geographic equity in
location and funding of Centers of Excellence. Depending on the outcome of
evaluation under the six mandated criteria, geographic location may become an
additional selection factor.
