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United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Research and Development Branch

Featured Items/Latest News

Broad Agency Announcement 2021

In this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) of PHMSA solicits concepts which could eventually lead to contract awards. PHMSA is looking for innovative ideas for leading-edge research and innovative techniques to advance the safe transportation of hazardous materials (HM). This BAA is published in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 35.016 and 6.102(d)(2). More Information on Research Topics and Deadlines Can be Found Here.

OHMS has awarded six projects totaling over $9.6 million to various researchers that will support safety and innovation in hazmat transportation as a result of its 2020 Broad Agency Announcement.

Researcher Project Title

North Carolina State University

Composite Metal Foams for Impact Protection of Hazardous Material Transportation

Virginia Commonwealth University

Honeycomb-Encapsulated Phase Change Materials Composites for Battery Transportation Safety

SMS

Default Classification of Thermites

WHA

High Strain Rate Rupture and Fragmentation of Aluminum Cylinders

West Virginia University

Thermo-Mechanical Responses of FRP Composite Jacketing for Tank Cars under Impact and Fire

APT Research

Fine Grain Metal Powder Standards for Consumer Pyrotechnics

 

About the R&D Branch

The Research & Development Branch leads and coordinates innovative research projects that are focused on near-term solutions to hazardous materials transportation problems.

Vision: To promote innovative approaches to support the safe commerce of hazardous materials for a multi-modal transportation system.

Mission: To provide research, analyses and technical information needed to manage the public risk associated with hazardous material transportation.

People

The staff of the Research and Development branch conduct all aspects of program management within OHMS, including preparation of RFPs, SOWs, milestones, meetings and deliverables. R&D projects are conducted by a number of internal and external research partners and in cooperation with other DoT modal partners. OHMS R&D efforts include laboratory testing, piloting and field implementation. R&D staff also identify potential emerging risks and challenges to the safe transport of hazardous materials and provide fiscal oversight of diverse projects within their areas of responsibility. Current staff consists of Rick Boyle, chief and Pedro Bueno.

Research Needs

To submit research needs concerning hazardous materials transportation, email Pedro Bueno at pedro.bueno@dot.gov

Last updated: Tuesday, June 29, 2021