FY 2026 Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP)

The Pipeline Safety Research Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP) is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This federal initiative is part of PHMSA’s broader Pipeline Safety Research and Development Program, which was originally authorized under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 and later reauthorized under the PIPES Act of 2020. The program is designed to support research that enhances the safety, reliability, and integrity of the nation’s pipeline infrastructure. CAAP specifically focuses on academic-driven innovation that addresses high-risk, high-reward technical challenges while simultaneously cultivating new talent within the pipeline safety workforce. The primary purpose of CAAP is to fund research projects that develop innovative solutions to pipeline safety challenges across several predefined topic areas. These topics include corrosion detection and mitigation, artificial intelligence applications in pipeline repair and regulatory compliance, non-destructive inspection technologies, and advanced leak detection methodologies. The program emphasizes projects that validate proof-of-concept ideas with potential for commercialization or further development within PHMSA’s Core Research Program. Additionally, CAAP aims to strengthen the pipeline safety workforce by requiring meaningful student involvement in all funded projects, thereby integrating academic learning with real-world industry challenges. Funding for this program totals up to 4 million dollars for the fiscal year, with individual awards capped at 1 million dollars in federal funding. Awards are issued as cooperative agreements, meaning PHMSA maintains substantial involvement throughout the project lifecycle. This includes providing access to industry data, facilitating connections with pipeline operators and trade associations, and offering technical guidance. The period of performance for each award is strictly limited to a maximum of 12 months, and no extensions are permitted. Funding may be used for allowable research-related costs such as labor, materials, and testing equipment, but it cannot be used for construction, facility upgrades, or pre-award expenses without prior approval. Eligibility for CAAP is limited to nonprofit higher education institutions located in the United States or its territories. Applications must be submitted by institutions rather than individuals, and all projects must involve undergraduate or graduate students under faculty supervision. Applicants are required to include a certification letter confirming compliance with program requirements and must ensure that all personnel involved meet citizenship or visa eligibility criteria. A mandatory cost-sharing requirement applies, with applicants required to provide at least 20 percent of total project costs through non-federal sources. Partnerships with industry or other organizations are encouraged, although the academic institution must remain the primary contributor. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov, and applicants must be registered in both the System for Award Management (SAM) and Grants.gov prior to submission. Required application components include standard federal forms such as SF-424 and SF-424A, a detailed project narrative using PHMSA’s technical template, a budget narrative, and supporting documentation such as letters of support and indirect cost agreements. Applications must adhere to strict formatting and content guidelines, including page limits and required appendices. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in disqualification. Applications are evaluated based on merit criteria that assess alignment with research priorities, feasibility, potential for implementation, strength of partnerships, and level of student involvement. PHMSA also considers the project’s potential safety benefits and its ability to mitigate risks without introducing new hazards. The review process includes both merit evaluation and risk assessment, including a review of the applicant’s history in federal award systems. Final award decisions are made at the agency’s discretion, and partial funding or rejection of applications is possible. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, with questions due by June 17, 2026. PHMSA anticipates announcing awards by September 30, 2026. Throughout the project period, award recipients must comply with detailed reporting requirements, including bi-monthly progress reports, a research poster, draft and final reports, and a closing presentation. Program contacts include an agreements officer and a program manager, both of whom are available via email and phone for applicant inquiries. The program does not explicitly state a recurring cycle, and applicants should treat this opportunity as a discrete funding round.

Ensure strong alignment with research topic priorities; clearly define student roles; demonstrate feasibility within 12 months; include strong industry partnerships; provide detailed cost justification