FY 2026 Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP)
PHMSA seeks research proposals from nonprofit colleges for pipeline safety R&D, focusing on corrosion prediction, AI tools, inspection tech, and leak detection for FY 2026.
Funder: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Admin
Due Dates: June 17, 2026 (Questions) | June 19, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,000,000 per award (12-month projects); total program funding $4,000,000; minimum award $250,000; mandatory 20% cost share.
Summary: Supports academic research on innovative solutions to pipeline safety challenges, with a focus on technology development and workforce cultivation.
Key Information: Only nonprofit U.S. higher education institutions eligible; student involvement required; one application per topic per institution.
Description
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) invites proposals from nonprofit higher education institutions for research projects under the Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP). The program funds academic research that addresses high-risk, high-impact pipeline safety challenges, aiming to develop solutions that can be transitioned to PHMSA’s core research program and to cultivate new technical talent for the pipeline sector. Projects must involve students at the undergraduate, graduate, or PhD level, and research must be relevant to pipeline integrity, safety, and regulatory compliance.
