Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Technology (SMART) Grants

Federal Agency

Sub-Department

Office of the Secretary

Purpose

To fund planning and prototyping projects that incorporate innovative transportation technologies or uses of data, including coordinated automation, connected vehicles, and intelligent sensor-based infrastructure.

Applicant and/or Project Eligibility Requirements

A SMART grant may be used to carry out a project that demonstrates at least one of the following: (i) coordinated automation, (ii) connected vehicles, (iii) Intelligent, sensor-based infrastructure, (iv) systems integration, (v) commerce delivery and logistics, (vi) leveraging use of innovative aviation, (vii) smart grids, (viii) smart technology traffic signals.

Decarbonization Considerations

Smart transportation technologies can help manage congestion, increase the system efficiency of vehicular travel, and help strategically site traffic management and vehicle charging infrastructure based on use and demand. DOT priorities include improving resilience to climate change impacts, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing congestion and/or air pollution, including greenhouse gases.

Equity Considerations

DOT will consider geographical diversity among grant recipients, including the need for balancing the needs of rural communities, midsized communities, and large communities.

Helpful Tips

DOT explicitly notes that Collaborative Applications are an option. Eligible entities may choose to collaborate across different regions or geographies on projects with similar characteristics, addressing similar problems and with similar technologies, potentially sharing common resources such as partnerships with industry, nonprofits, academic institutions, or community foundations.

Other Notes

See FY23 awardees here: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/biden-harris-administration-announces-investments-innovative-transportation