Opportunity Information: Apply for STEEL SLAG
The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), through its Research and Technology office (Agency code 69A355), is soliciting applications for a single Cooperative Agreement focused on expanding and formalizing research into the use of steel slag in concrete, cement, and other transportation construction applications. The central aim is to establish a research effort that evaluates the properties, performance, and overall effectiveness of steel slag materials when used as constituents in concrete and cement systems, as well as when used more broadly as construction materials that could support transportation infrastructure (for example, pavements and related structural or foundational applications). This opportunity is positioned as a continuation and enhancement of earlier work supported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), building on prior studies and practical exploration of recycled and industrial byproduct materials in highway construction.
A key feature of the award is the required partnership model. The lead applicant must be an accredited institution of higher education with strong technical capacity in advanced research related to concrete materials, including robust data analysis and data mining capabilities and the ability to perform both laboratory and field testing. In addition, the university must partner with a steel producer located in the United States that generates steel slag materials. In practical terms, this means proposals need to demonstrate not only academic research strength, but also an applied, industry-connected pathway to obtain representative slag samples, understand production variables, and evaluate the material in conditions that reflect real-world sourcing and deployment.
From a policy and outcomes standpoint, U.S. DOT frames the research as aligned with national transportation priorities, particularly efforts to decarbonize the transportation sector by 2050 and to improve the resilience of transportation infrastructure, networks, and operations. The underlying logic is that broader, performance-verified use of industrial byproducts like steel slag could contribute to sustainability goals (for example, by reducing reliance on virgin aggregates or by enabling cement and concrete strategies that may reduce lifecycle emissions, depending on the application and findings). The agency also signals that it is looking for work that advances research and emerging technologies, implying an emphasis on actionable results, validated performance data, and guidance that can be carried into transportation practice rather than purely theoretical study.
The opportunity is categorized under Transportation and is offered as a Mandatory funding opportunity using a Cooperative Agreement instrument. The Cooperative Agreement format typically indicates that the federal sponsor expects substantial involvement or collaboration during the period of performance, which can mean closer coordination on research direction, deliverables, reporting, and how findings are translated for transportation stakeholders. The CFDA (Assistance Listing) number associated with the opportunity is 20.949.
Eligibility is limited to public/state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education, provided they are accredited and can demonstrate the necessary technical capabilities. A proposal must also clearly incorporate the required partnership with a U.S. steel manufacturer that produces steel slag, since access to the material stream and insight into production practices are central to the research goals.
Financially, the award ceiling is $5,000,000, with U.S. DOT expecting to make one award. The original closing date for applications was March 27, 2024, and the opportunity was created on January 23, 2024, under the funding opportunity number "STEEL SLAG." Overall, the grant is intended to generate credible, transportation-relevant evidence on whether, where, and how steel slag can be used effectively in concrete and cement and other infrastructure applications, while supporting broader federal goals tied to sustainability and resilient infrastructure.Apply for STEEL SLAG
- The 69A355 Research and Technology in the transportation sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "INITIATIVE ON THE USE OF STEEL SLAG IN CONCRETE AND CEMENT" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.949.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-01-23.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-03-27. (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 $5,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.
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