Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology Alliance (PITA)

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure and Technology Alliance (PITA) program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) through its Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI). As a component of the Commonwealth's broader technology-based economic development (TBED) strategy, the program is designed to support infrastructure and technological advancements that directly benefit the state’s businesses and workforce. The program fosters collaboration between public entities and premier academic institutions to deliver measurable impacts in engineering, infrastructure, and industrial competitiveness. The designated grantee for the program is Lehigh University or one of its subsidiaries, specifically through its Center for Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS) and the Institute for Complex Engineered Systems at Carnegie Mellon University. The mission of the PITA program is to improve operating efficiency and stimulate economic development across Pennsylvania by capitalizing on the expertise of national engineering centers. It aims to combine infrastructure and information technology capabilities to enhance the state's competitiveness while supporting complementary developments in design, manufacturing, and environmental innovation. One of its key goals is to link Pennsylvania-based companies, government agencies, and students to promote the retention of highly skilled workers within the state. This collaboration supports the creation of high-paying technical jobs and strengthens relationships between academia and industry. Applications to the PITA program must be submitted electronically using the Single Application for Assistance, which can be accessed through the DCED's official website. The designated grantee is invited by the OTI contact when funding becomes available, which is contingent on annual state budget approvals. Alongside the application, an Operating Plan must be submitted in the "Addenda" section of the Single Application. This plan includes the program's purpose, operating activities, performance metrics, staffing, coordination with other state or federal programs, organizational structure, and any program-specific requirements. Once approved, this plan becomes part of the formal contract between the grantee and the Department. Funded programs are required to submit an annual Activity and Impact Report to the Department, with the first due July 15, 2018, and annually thereafter. This report includes enhanced metrics through a maintained database, a narrative summary of program events and outcomes, and a table showing progress toward stated goals. These goals are developed in cooperation with the Department at the start of each fiscal year. Additionally, applicants must provide at least one case study annually using a specific template, including company details, assistance received, impacts, and outcomes such as job creation or revenue growth. Budget submissions must outline both grant-funded and matching-funded expenses and are reviewed by the Department before being added to the contract. Revisions are allowed after contract execution, with changes requiring approval at least 60 days before the contract’s expiration. Invoices must include a line-item comparison between the approved budget and expenditures, updated with each payment submission. The final invoice must show no remaining grant funds. Other critical compliance requirements include adherence to Pennsylvania’s nondiscrimination policies and conflict-of-interest disclosures for affiliated personnel. All projects must be free from discriminatory practices and require certification of compliance with state and federal human relations laws. Transparency in governance and fiscal accountability are essential components of participation in the PITA program, ensuring public trust and efficient use of state resources.