The 2023-2026 Accelerated Innovation Deployment (AID) Demonstration grant program is administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This program is part of the Technology and Innovation Deployment Program (TIDP) and is designed to encourage innovation in the highway transportation sector by providing financial incentives to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative practices. The primary goal is to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of highway infrastructure while reducing congestion and construction timelines.

This grant supports projects in all phases of highway transportation development, including planning, financing, operation, structures, materials, pavements, environment, and construction. Eligible applicants include State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs), Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs), and Tribal Governments. Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and local governments can participate as subrecipients through their respective State DOTs. To qualify, applicants must propose proven transportation innovations that have been successfully deployed in other transportation agencies but are new to the applicant’s organization.

The funding program spans from Fiscal Years 2023 to 2026, with annual application cycles. The total estimated funding available is $47.5 million, distributed as $10 million for FY 2023 and $12.5 million for each of FYs 2024-2026. The minimum award per project is $100,000, while the maximum award is $1,000,000. A 20% non-federal cost-sharing match is required. Projects must demonstrate alignment with federal goals, including safety improvements, climate resilience, equity, and workforce development.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov and require an initial Notice of Intent (NOI) before the full application submission. The application must include a technical narrative, budget details, and project implementation plan. Applications will be evaluated based on project impact, feasibility, readiness, safety benefits, and budget completeness. Priority consideration will be given to projects that support climate change mitigation, economic equity, and workforce development initiatives.

Key deadlines for each fiscal year include the NOI deadline, application submission deadline, and anticipated award date. For FY 2024, applications open on February 27, 2024, with an NOI deadline of April 16, 2024, and a final application deadline of May 28, 2024. Similar schedules apply for FYs 2025 and 2026.

For further assistance, applicants may contact Fawn Thompson, Program Manager, via email at innovation@dot.gov or phone at 404-895-6229. Additional details and technical guidance are available through the AID Demonstration Webpage on the FHWA website.