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; minimum $250,000; approx. $4,000,000 total funding; 12-month project period; 6 awards expected.
Summary: Supports academic research to address key pipeline safety and integrity challenges, with a focus on corrosion, AI, inspection, and leak detection.
Key Information: 20% non-federal cost share required; student involvement is mandatory; no project extensions permitted.
Description
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) invites applications from nonprofit U.S. higher education institutions for research projects under the Competitive Academic Agreement Program (CAAP). This program funds innovative academic research aimed at high-impact solutions to critical pipeline safety and integrity challenges. The FY 2026 CAAP solicitation targets six specific research areas: early corrosion prediction, novel corrosion mitigation agents (especially for microbial-induced corrosion), AI-assisted composite repair design, AI tools for regulatory interpretation, non-destructive inspection of cast iron pipelines, and AI-enhanced leak detection for hazardous liquid pipelines. The program also aims to cultivate new talent by requiring the direct involvement of undergraduate, graduate, or PhD students in all funded research.
