(Federal Aviation Administration)  SUMMARY: The FAA is forming a COE for AJF&E during FY-13. The COE will be a consortium of the FAA, university partners, and private industry affiliates selected by the FAA Administrator to work collectively on business and operational issues of mutual interest and concern.

DATES: As planned, the FAA will discuss COE and technical requirements at a Public Meeting to be conducted on November 15 and 16 in the Washington, DC area. Contact Patricia.Watts@faa.gov for further information regarding the COE Program, or to register for the COE Public Meeting or to receive additional information, contact Jessica.Shaw@faa.gov. Potential applicants are encouraged but not required to attend this meeting.

SELECTION CRITERIA: The COE will be selected on the ability of the applicant to meet the following criteria mandated by Congress:

• The extent to which the needs of the State in which the applicant is located are representative of the needs of the region for improved air transportation services and facilities.
• The demonstrated research and extension resources available to the applicant for carrying out the intent of the legislation.
• The capability of the applicant to provide leadership in making national and regional contributions to the solution of both long-range and immediate air transportation problems.
• The extent to which the applicant has an established air transportation program.
• The demonstrated ability of the applicant to disseminate results of air transportation research and educational programs through a statewide or region-wide continuing education program.
• The research projects that the applicant proposes to carry out under the grant. Specific projects will be defined, evaluated, and funded throughout the life of the Center.

REVISED RESEARCH AREAS:

1. Alternative Jet Fuels – Feedstock Development, Processing and Conversion Research; Regional Supply and Refining Infrastructure; Environmental Benefits Analysis; Aircraft Component Deterioration and Wear Assessment; Fuel Performance Testing.
2. Environment – Aircraft Noise and Impacts; Aviation Emissions and Impacts; Aircraft Technology Assessment; Environmentally and Energy Efficient Gate-to-Gate Aircraft Operations; Aviation Modeling and Analysis.

The FAA anticipates the COE will attract interest from other organizations such as the airline industry, other industrial groups, airport authorities, and other governmental entities to solve various unique and difficult aviation problems related to environment and energy. These organizations may be considered as affiliate members by the COE core universities and may contribute to and receive funding from the COE.

AWARD DATE: The FAA Administrator will announce the final selection of the Center of Excellence in FY 13   READ MORE