DOT SMART Grants: Transportation Technology Funding 2026

Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants support demonstration projects focused on advanced smart community technologies and intelligent transportation systems. Authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the program provides $100 million annually through FY 2026.

Two-Stage Funding Structure

Stage 1: Planning and Prototyping

Funding: Up to $2,000,000 per award

Duration: 18 months maximum

Purpose: Planning, prototyping, feasibility studies, initial demonstration, data collection framework development.

Eligibility: Open to any eligible public sector entity. No Stage 1 award required for Stage 2 eligibility in future rounds.

Status: Round 3 (December 2024) was the final Stage 1 round - 34 projects awarded $54 million across 21 states.

Stage 2: Implementation Grants

Funding: Up to $15,000,000 per award

Duration: 36 months maximum

Purpose: Full-scale implementation, technology deployment, system integration, comprehensive performance evaluation.

Eligibility: Recipients of Stage 1 grants expanding successful prototypes. May 2025 round awarded 6 projects with additional awards anticipated.

FY 2026 Outlook: Additional Stage 2 rounds expected for Stage 1 awardees during final IIJA authorization year.

Technology Focus Areas

Smart Technologies: Connected vehicle systems, advanced traffic management, smart parking solutions, autonomous vehicles, integrated mobility platforms, real-time data systems, sensor networks, communications infrastructure.

Community Benefits: Reduced congestion, improved safety, better air quality, enhanced accessibility, data-driven planning, resilient infrastructure.

Project Requirements

Innovation: Demonstrate new or advanced technology applications in transportation context.

Measurable Benefits: Show quantifiable improvements in safety, efficiency, or other performance metrics.

Data Sharing: Include comprehensive data collection plan and commitment to share results with DOT and broader transportation community.

Equity Focus: Address equity and accessibility considerations in project design and implementation.

Application Process

1. Monitor transportation.gov/grants/SMART for Stage 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcements

2. Attend pre-application webinar (optional but strongly recommended)

3. Prepare application through Grants.gov (requires SAM.gov registration)

4. Submit technical narrative, project plan, budget, and supporting documentation

5. DOT conducts technical and merit review (typically 6-9 months process)

6. Award announcements and project implementation period begins

Success Tips

Demonstrate Multi-Benefits: Strong applications show improvements across multiple dimensions - safety, efficiency, equity, environment, and accessibility.

Robust Data Plan: DOT prioritizes projects with comprehensive data collection, analysis, and sharing strategies. Plan to contribute to national learning.

Technology Partnerships: Partner with technology providers, universities, or research institutions to demonstrate technical feasibility and innovation.

Stage 1 Success: For Stage 2 applicants, clearly demonstrate Stage 1 prototype success with quantifiable results and lessons learned.

Contact Information

Website: transportation.gov/grants/SMART

Awarded Projects: transportation.gov/grants/smart/smart-awarded-projects

General DOT Grants: transportation.gov/grants