Request for Proposals - AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

At the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, we believe the right partnerships make all the difference. When we issue a Request for Proposals, we’re looking for experienced, mission-aligned organizations who are as invested in saving lives and improving road safety as we are.

Our current RFP cycle began on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 12 am EDT and ends on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 5 pm EDT. We are no longer accepting questions out of fairness to other applicants but encourage you to review our FAQs for more information.

2026 Fall RFP Topics and Instructions

Micromobility: Perceptions, Usage, and Safety Implications of Different Regulations

Traffic Safety Impact of Laws Permitting Motorcycle Lane Filtering

Submit Your Proposal

FAQS

I have an idea for a new study that is not listed under the RFPs. Can I submit a proposal on this topic?

The AAA Foundation has its own internal solicitation process for research ideas. As of now, we are not accepting unsolicited research ideas.

Are researchers from other countries eligible to submit applications?

Eligibility is open to any organizations qualified to do the work. However, for practical considerations, an organization outside of the U.S. should detail how regular project status meetings with the AAA Foundation staff will take place.

Can our team compete for multiple RFPs and obtain funding for both if scored highly?

Teams are welcome to apply to multiple RFP topics. Award selection for one topic is made independently of that for other topics.

Can the investigators (e.g., a university) conduct the research in partnership with a for-profit business?

Investigators are welcome to partner with any organization that can help achieve the project aims. Note that, in the case of for-profit entities, assurance will need to be made concerning the use and/or release of proprietary data.

Are there any special provisions or considerations associated with small businesses that are responding to these RFPs?

It is the capability, not the size, of the responding organization that will be considered by the AAA Foundation in evaluating proposals.

Does a proposal need to address all objectives listed in a single RFP? If it is acceptable to respond to a sub-set of the objectives, does that impact the ranking of the RFP using the evaluation criteria specified?

Unless otherwise specified in the RFP, proposals should strive to address all objectives. However, very strong proposals that address a sub-set of objectives may score favorably in the review process.

What is the typical project duration?

See individual RFPs for suggested duration periods. The AAA Foundation will consider alternative project schedules with justification.

Can proposals include elements that go beyond the RFP, such as expansions in scope, follow-up phases, or other content developed based on insights from the research?

Proposals may include an expanded scope or optional add-ons; however, they will be reviewed according to their adequacy in addressing the needs of the RFP.

Can the AAA Foundation provide any feedback or guidance about ideas or potential approaches for the RFP?

The AAA Foundation is unable to provide any feedback on potential project ideas or scopes. Applicants are encouraged to propose work (the approach and scale) that they believe will meet the objectives of the RFP.

How many proposals will be funded for a given topic?

Typically, only the top-rated proposal will be funded for a given topic. If more than one application has merit, then multiple proposals could be awarded, pending funding availability. If no proposals are deemed meritorious, the RFP will not be funded.

What is the timeline of the proposal review process?

Notifications on proposals selected for funding are expected to go out approximately 6 months from the end of each RFP cycle.

Do you have a link that shows past projects that were funded?

Technical reports or research briefs for past (completed) projects are available on the AAA Foundation website. You may also reference our Ongoing Projects (link) page for more examples.

Do you have a budget range in mind for this project?

Project budgets should be commensurate with the scope, level of effort, and duration of the project proposed.

Is there a template or standard format for reporting budget?

There is no required template for budget submissions during the proposal process. However, the budget must clearly indicate all the cost elements of the project, including but not limited to: direct labor, equipment and materials, and miscellaneous expenses, as well as indirect costs.

What are considered direct versus indirect costs?

Direct costs include items such as compensating the research for time spent on the project, travel costs, rental of equipment used, etc. Indirect costs included overhead such as administrative expenses, depreciation, and insurance.

Can funds be used to support graduate students?

It is up to the applicant to determine how funding will be allocated on a project. The proposal should indicate who will be working on the study and what their contributions will be. The AAA Foundation will only fund projects with justified staffing roles.

What qualifies an organization as a non-governmental organization (NGO)?

There is no standard or legal definition of “non- governmental organization” (NGO). However, the term typically applies to an organization that is voluntary, operated on a non-profit basis, has a charitable, humanitarian, social, or other non- commercial purpose, and is independent of government control or influence (although it may receive some government funding).

Do you allow firm-fixed-price contracts from for-profit organizations based on a lump sum total budget?

For proposals that are selected for funding, the AAA Foundation will consider various contract types that are appropriate and reasonable.

Submit Your Proposal

2026 Fall RFP Topics and Instructions

Micromobility: Perceptions, Usage, and Safety Implications of Different Regulations

Micromobility: Perceptions, Usage, and Safety Implications of Different Regulations

Traffic Safety Impact of Laws Permitting Motorcycle Lane Filtering

Traffic Safety Impact of Laws Permitting Motorcycle Lane Filtering

FAQS

I have an idea for a new study that is not listed under the RFPs. Can I submit a proposal on this topic?

Are researchers from other countries eligible to submit applications?

Can our team compete for multiple RFPs and obtain funding for both if scored highly?

Can the investigators (e.g., a university) conduct the research in partnership with a for-profit business?

Are there any special provisions or considerations associated with small businesses that are responding to these RFPs?

Does a proposal need to address all objectives listed in a single RFP? If it is acceptable to respond to a sub-set of the objectives, does that impact the ranking of the RFP using the evaluation criteria specified?

What is the typical project duration?

Can proposals include elements that go beyond the RFP, such as expansions in scope, follow-up phases, or other content developed based on insights from the research?

Can the AAA Foundation provide any feedback or guidance about ideas or potential approaches for the RFP?

How many proposals will be funded for a given topic?

What is the timeline of the proposal review process?

Do you have a link that shows past projects that were funded?

Do you have a budget range in mind for this project?

Is there a template or standard format for reporting budget?

What are considered direct versus indirect costs?

Can funds be used to support graduate students?

What qualifies an organization as a non-governmental organization (NGO)?

Do you allow firm-fixed-price contracts from for-profit organizations based on a lump sum total budget?

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