[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 165 (Thursday, August 24, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51636-51637]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-21639]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Availability of Solicitation for Center of Excellence (COE) in 
General Aviation

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is soliciting competitive proposals from academic 
institutions to form a General Aviation Center of Excellence (COE). A 
COE is that entity at a college or university designated as the 
principal focus for long-term research in selected areas of aviation 
technology. Centers of Excellence are designated through an evaluation 
and award procedure established pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 44513. The FAA 
will provide long-term funding to establish and operate the COE in 
support of general aviation. The grant recipient is required to match 
FAA funds with non-Federal funding over the term of the grant.

DATES: The closing date for submitting final proposals is November 1, 
2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR SOLICITATION PACKAGES CONTACT:  Ms. Patricia 
Watts, Program Manager, FAA Centers of Excellence, AAR-400, Atlantic 
City International Airport, New Jersey, 08405, phone number (609) 485/
5043, facsimile number (609) 485-4101, and e-mail 
[email protected]. Prior to final submission written questions 
may be submitted to the Program Manager, Center of Excellence. Answers 
will be distributed to all participants who request a solicitation 
package. Verbal questions are not acceptable.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA intends to award a 50-50 cost share 
cooperative agreement to establish a Center of Excellence in General 
Aviation to a qualified college or university, or to a team of such 
institutions. The cooperative agreement will be awarded in 3-year 
increments up to a maximum of 10 years. It is the FAA's intent to fund 
a minimum of $300,000/year for the first three years. It is also the 
intent of the FAA to award a single-source indefinite delivery 
indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to the winner of the competition, 
under which orders may be placed for development products.
    The FAA has identified a need for a Center of Excellence in General 
Aviation. The Center will conduct research, which includes the entire 
spectrum (i.e. basic research through engineering development, 
prototyping and testing) within the scope of General Aviation. This 
scope includes, but is not limited to, the following five functional 
areas:
    1. Airport Technology;
    2. Propulsion and Structures;
    3. Aging Aircraft;
    4. Flight Safety;
    5. Fire Safety;
    6. Training.
    The FAA intends to provide long-term funding to establish and 
operate a prestigious partnership with academia, industry and 
government. To this end, the FAA encourages offerors to team with 
organizations that compliment their expertise from academia, industry, 
state/local government, and other governmental agencies. The successful 
offeror is required to match FAA grant funds with non-federal funding 
over the term of the cooperative agreement. Cost sharing (negotiated 
individually) shall also be required for any orders placed under the 
IDIQ contract.

Eligibility

    Colleges and universities are eligible for cooperative agreements 
to establish a Center of Excellence in General Aviation. Individuals 
are not eligible for a COE designation and do not qualify for grants 
under this program. The FAA is seeking to ensure an equitable 
geographical distribution of funds and to encourage the inclusion of 
minority institutions.

Matching Funds Requirement

    A Center of Excellence receives funding annually in the form of 
single or multiple continuing research grants over a three-year period. 
The federal government provides 50 percent of the costs of research. 
The institution must show a continuing source of non-Federal matching 
funds available for the remaining research. Once the COE is 
established, a fiscal report declaring the sources and amount of 
funding and expenditures must be submitted for review every 6 months to 
the COE program manager. A full review and grant closeout takes place 
at the conclusion of each three-year phase.
    The Center of Excellence and the FAA shall agree upon the maximum 
expected costs in each fiscal year. Any cost incurred in excess of the 
maximum costs agreed upon with the agency shall be the sole obligation 
of the Center of Excellence.
    The Center of Excellence is expected to account for all funds 
granted and matched, utilized to establish, operate, and conduct the 
specified research activities of the Center of Excellence.

Center Operations

    The Center of Excellence shall maintain a close working 
relationship with the corresponding agency research program office. 
This relationship shall extend to participation in conference, 
meetings, joint research efforts, and submission of significant 
activity reports to the FAA on a routine basis. The COE shall prepare 
quarterly and semi-annual reports, and a fully inclusive annual report 
on research projects and fiscal expenditures, and shall host an on-site 
review of all research activities.
    The FAA may require the COE to hold an annual joint symposium with 
the agency on topics relating to the status and results of the 
designated technology area. Researchers at the COE may serve as 
consultants by providing technical advice to the sponsoring agency 
program office. They may also be asked to participate on major planning 
and investigative committees related to general aviation.

Selection Criteria

    The COE will be selected on the ability of the applicant to meet 
the following criteria mandated by 49 USC 44513:
     The extent to which the needs of the State in which the 
applicant is

[[Page 51637]]

located are representative of the needs of the region for improved air 
transportation services and facilities.
     The demonstrated research and extension resources 
available to the applicant for carrying out the intent of the 
legislation.
     The capability of the applicant to provide leadership in 
making national and regional contributions to the solution of both 
long-range and immediate air transportation problems.
     The extent to which the applicant has an established air 
transportation program.
     The demonstrated ability of the applicant to disseminate 
results of air transportation research and educational programs through 
a statewide or region-wide continuing education program.
     The research projects that the applicant proposes to carry 
out under the grant.

Award Date

    The FAA anticipates that the selection of the Center of Excellence 
in General Aviation will be completed during the first quarter of 
calendar year 2001.

    Issued in Atlantic County, New Jersey on August 15, 2000.
Herman A. Rediess,
Director, Office of Aviation Research.
[FR Doc. 00-21639 Filed 8-23-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M