Applying to the Program
1 Read the IDEA Program Announcement, and pay close attention to the following information:
- Additional areas for possible investigation
- Detailed proposal package instructions
- FAQs (many of your questions have been answered!)
- Rail Safety IDEA Evaluation Form
2 Pay close attention on the four areas proposals are evaluated on:
- Innovation: Is the concept new?
- Research Approach: Is the approach reasonable and sound?
- Potential Benefits: Does the concept solve an important problem?
- Implementation/ commercialization: Does the implementation plan appear practical and effective?
3 Proposers are encouraged to do the following:
- Download all required forms (cover, budget summary, and liability statement sheet) by clicking on Proposal Submission Forms.
- Get participation of railroads in Rail Safety IDEA proposals, such as participation in testing of innovative methods or prototypes in appropriate proposals.
- Letters to proposers from railroads confirming their participation strengthen proposals. Any letters from railroads confirming their participation in Rail Safety IDEA proposals should be addressed to the proposer and should briefly describe what that participation would be.
- Rail Safety IDEA proposals with a potential path to early implementation of results are also particularly encouraged.
4 Submit your proposal, along with all attachments, enclosures, and support letters, in a single PDF to Rail Safety IDEA Proposal Portal.