FY24 CRS Congressionally Directed Spending-Track Intrusion System and Positive Train Control Project, CA | FR CCD 24 009

Opportunity Information: Apply for FR CCD 24 009

The FY24 CRS Congressionally Directed Spending - Track Intrusion System and Positive Train Control Project, CA (Funding Opportunity Number FR CCD 24 009) is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). It is structured as a grant under CFDA 20.337 and is designed to fund a single project award with a maximum award amount (ceiling) of $1,000,000. The opportunity was created on 2025-11-05 and lists an original application closing date of 2025-11-14. Eligible applicants are limited to special district governments, indicating the funding is intended for a specific type of public entity rather than private companies or individuals.

The project itself focuses on demonstrating how artificial intelligence can be used to detect track intrusions and then connect that detection capability to Positive Train Control (PTC) so trains can be alerted automatically. The demonstration will take place on a 4.1-mile segment of railroad on the Ventura Subdivision in California. The practical goal is to identify potential trespassers who enter or approach the rail right-of-way and reduce the risk of train-person strikes by generating timely alerts that can prompt protective action, including automated warning or intervention through integration with PTC systems.

Grant funds are intended to support procurement of track intrusion detection equipment needed for the prototype deployment. The description specifically calls out sensing technologies such as cameras, LiDAR, and/or radar, which would be used to detect and classify objects or people near the tracks. The emphasis on AI suggests the system is expected to go beyond simple motion detection by using intelligent analysis to distinguish likely trespassers from non-threatening objects or routine activity, improving reliability and reducing false alarms.

From a public value standpoint, the opportunity is framed around measurable safety outcomes, particularly the preservation of life. The project is positioned as a demonstration intended not only to prove the concept in a real operating environment but also to support potential upscaling and transfer of the approach to other rail corridors. If the prototype shows that AI-based intrusion detection can be effectively integrated with PTC and operate dependably over time, the anticipated next step would be broader adoption as a strategy to prevent trespass-related incidents across other rail networks.

• The DOT - Federal Railroad Administration in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY24 CRS Congressionally Directed Spending-Track Intrusion System and Positive Train Control Project, CA" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.337.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2025-11-05.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-11-14. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Special district governments.

Apply for FR CCD 24 009

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