Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program FY 2026 Data Science Solicitation

The Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program FY 2026 Data Science Solicitation, identified by solicitation number 693JJ3-26-BAA-0006, is a presolicitation notice issued by the Federal Highway Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation to advance high-risk, transformational research in data science applications for highway transportation systems. The program seeks to engage and expand the community of researchers applying emerging and advanced data analytic methods to address long-term challenges in transportation planning, infrastructure renewal, safety, congestion reduction, and environmental sustainability. Objectives include demonstrating the potential of exploratory data techniques to deliver significant improvements in system performance and fostering innovation through federal investment in novel scientific approaches. The solicitation is open to all eligible entities with no set-aside for small businesses or socioeconomic categories, and proposals must be submitted electronically by the deadline of August 7, 2026, via the SAM.gov platform. The contracting office is located in Washington, DC, with primary point of contact Tamiko Aikens. While the full solicitation document detailing evaluation factors, proposal structure, deliverables, and contractual requirements is not yet available, the program is structured as a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), indicating flexibility in award methods and a focus on research quality and innovation over cost-based selection. No specific contract value, pricing details, delivery schedules, FOB terms, or packaging requirements are outlined in this presolicitation, as these will be defined in the formal solicitation to be released in mid-August 2026. The place of performance is identified as Washington, DC, and all administrative details including payment, invoicing, and contracting officer information will be established upon award.