Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation, is extending its support for the Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (AJFE), a major research initiative initially launched in 2013. This Center of Excellence was originally awarded to the ASCENT cooperative aviation research organization—a coalition of 16 premier U.S. research institutions. ASCENT is jointly led by Washington State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and focuses on addressing environmental and energy challenges in aviation, particularly through innovations in jet fuel alternatives and improved environmental modeling of aviation systems. The primary objective of the AJFE program is to support cutting-edge academic research that advances the understanding and development of sustainable aviation fuels, reduces aviation noise and emissions, and improves environmental modeling capabilities. It also supports collaborative initiatives that integrate scientific knowledge into aviation policy and technological development. This funding opportunity reflects a commitment to environmentally responsible innovation and to maintaining U.S. leadership in aviation science and sustainability. The program offers funding through cooperative agreements, with an anticipated award ceiling of $20 million. A total of 200 awards are expected under this funding opportunity. Importantly, this grant requires a cost-sharing or matching component, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the research and the shared responsibility of participating institutions. Eligibility for the AJFE grant is restricted to current university members of the ASCENT consortium. This exclusive eligibility ensures that applicants have existing research infrastructure and proven capability in aviation environmental research. These institutions must collaborate within the ASCENT framework, leveraging shared resources, data, and coordinated research goals to maximize impact and efficiency. Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2026, under the current extension cycle. There is no indication of a pre-application step, and the opportunity is currently accepting full proposals. The application and award process is governed by FAA procedures, and specific application components and evaluation criteria are expected to align with standard cooperative agreement requirements. Prospective applicants are encouraged to coordinate directly with ASCENT leadership and review the cooperative framework. For assistance with the application process or accessing the full announcement, applicants may contact Eleanor Mendelson, Management Program Analyst at the FAA, via phone at 202-267-8016. The opportunity is documented under Assistance Listing 20.109 and is part of a recurring funding cycle supporting aviation research and sustainability. Its extension through 2026 underscores the FAA’s ongoing commitment to long-term environmental and energy innovation in the aviation sector.