Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR)

This is a synopsis for the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) that will be issued in October 2025. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Corporate Research, Technology, and Innovation Management (HRTM) seeks to conduct research activities that could demonstrate the potential viability and impact of novel approaches in highway transportation. The EAR Program supports higher-risk research in areas of emerging advances in science and engineering that could result in dramatic changes in highway transportation safety, mobility, state of good repair, or environmental stewardship. This request is for a BAA seeking EAR proposals in one topic area—the potential value and use of digital twins applied to critical, national issues in highway transportation. Possible digital twin applications include but are not limited to: 1) construction automation and safety, 2) management of assets including pavements and structures, and 3) active roadside safety systems for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.