COE for Technical Training and Human Performance

The Center of Excellence (COE) for Technical Training and Human Performance grant, issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), supports research and development to advance aviation technical training and human performance. This program operates under the Air Transportation Centers of Excellence initiative (Assistance Listing 20.109), which fosters innovation and collaboration among academic institutions and government agencies. The FAA has committed to awarding up to 100 cooperative agreements under this opportunity, signaling a significant investment in addressing evolving training needs and safety improvements across the aviation sector. The primary objective of this opportunity is to support studies and initiatives that enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of technical training in the aviation industry. Research areas may include simulation and virtual training technologies, human factors, instructional systems design, workforce development, and data analytics related to human performance. This program is open to both public and private institutions of higher education, recognizing the critical role these entities play in generating rigorous, evidence-based insights that can shape future aviation workforce training. Applicants are expected to propose collaborative research efforts that may include partnerships with industry, government, and other academic institutions. The funding is delivered through cooperative agreements, indicating that substantial involvement from FAA personnel is expected in the execution of the proposed projects. The maximum award per agreement is $1,000,000, with a required cost-sharing or matching component, which emphasizes the FAA’s desire for shared investment and commitment by participating organizations. To apply, eligible institutions must submit their application packages via Grants.gov. The program originally opened in 2017 and remains active through the current closing date of September 30, 2026. The funding opportunity has evolved over time, with the last modification made in November 2025. All application materials must be completed and submitted by the stated deadline to be considered. While no pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers are explicitly required, applicants are encouraged to contact the program officer for further clarification or assistance. Applications will be evaluated based on the relevance of proposed research to FAA’s strategic goals, the capability and experience of the proposing institution, and the feasibility and potential impact of the proposed work. Evaluation may also consider the applicant’s capacity to engage in meaningful collaboration with the FAA and other stakeholders. Given the cooperative agreement structure, ongoing engagement between the FAA and awardees is expected throughout the performance period. For additional information or questions, applicants may contact Lincoln Cheng, Program and Management Analyst, at 202-267-9583. Although no direct PDF of the announcement is provided, the full details are accessible via Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number TTHP. The program remains active and is part of a recurring effort to enhance technical training in aviation, suggesting that future opportunities or similar cycles may follow based on outcomes and agency needs.