FY 2026 Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP)

The Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. This program is designed to advance research and development efforts that improve the safety, reliability, and integrity of the nation’s pipeline infrastructure. The initiative aligns with federal statutory authority under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act and subsequent legislation, with a focus on supporting high-risk, high-reward research led by academic institutions. The program also serves to cultivate future talent by integrating student participation into applied research addressing real-world pipeline safety challenges. The primary objective of the program is to fund innovative research projects that address technical gaps in pipeline safety, including corrosion detection, leak detection, artificial intelligence applications, and infrastructure inspection technologies. Projects are expected to validate proof-of-concept ideas and contribute to the development of commercially viable solutions that can be transitioned into PHMSA’s broader research portfolio. The program emphasizes collaboration between academia, industry stakeholders, and government entities to ensure that research outcomes are relevant and actionable. Funding for the program totals up to four million dollars for the fiscal cycle, with individual awards capped at one million dollars. Awards are issued as cooperative agreements, meaning that PHMSA will maintain substantial involvement throughout the project, including providing technical guidance, facilitating industry connections, and supporting access to data and testing materials. The period of performance is limited to twelve months, and no extensions are permitted. Funding may be used for allowable research-related expenses such as labor, materials, and testing equipment, but cannot be used for construction or facility improvements. A mandatory cost-sharing requirement applies, with applicants required to contribute at least twenty percent of total project costs. Federal funding may cover no more than eighty percent of the total budget. Applicants must provide firm commitment letters documenting cost-sharing contributions at the time of submission. Additional funding restrictions prohibit reimbursement for expenses covered by other federal programs, pre-award costs without prior approval, and any costs deemed unallowable under federal regulations. Eligibility is restricted to nonprofit higher education institutions located in the United States or its territories. Applications must involve active participation from undergraduate or graduate students, and institutions must submit certification documentation confirming compliance with program requirements. Partnerships with industry or other organizations are encouraged but must not exceed the contribution level of the applying institution. Each applicant may submit multiple applications, but only one per research topic. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include required federal forms, a technical application narrative, a budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as letters of support and indirect cost agreements. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including alignment with research topics, feasibility, partnership strength, student involvement, and the potential for implementation or transition into operational use. PHMSA may request additional information during the review process and retains discretion in awarding full or partial funding. The application deadline is June 19, 2026, with questions due by June 17, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by September 30, 2026, with project activities commencing shortly thereafter. Award recipients must adhere to strict reporting requirements, including regular progress reports, interim deliverables, and final research outputs within the twelve-month performance period. The program is issued annually, supporting ongoing innovation in pipeline safety research and workforce development.

Align proposal closely with defined research topics; clearly define milestones and deliverables; demonstrate strong student involvement; emphasize real-world applicability and commercialization potential