The U.S. Department of Commerce can provide funding for low and zero-emission transportation through its Advanced Technology Program (ATP), administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST).  The ATP bridges the gap between the research lab and the market place, stimulating prosperity through innovation.  Through partnerships with the private sector, ATP's early stage investment is accelerating the development of innovative technologies that promise significant commercial payoffs and widespread benefits for the nation.  As part of the highly regarded National Institute of Standards and Technology, the ATP is changing the way industry approaches R&D, providing a mechanism for industry to extend its technological reach and push out the envelope of what can be attempted.

Relevant technologies that are eligible for ATP funding include:

• Automobile manufacturing
• Energy conversion (motors, generators, etc.)
• Energy generation/distribution
• Energy storage/fuel cell/battery
• Environmental technologies

ATP projects are selected through a highly competitive process. All proposals are selected based on a peer-review process using the established, transparent selection criteria. Only those proposals that are found to have both high technical and economic merit are selected for funding.

The ATP accepts proposals only in response to specific, published solicitations. Notices of ATP competitions are published in Commerce Business Daily.  Prospective bidders may also request to be placed on a mailing list to receive notification of ATP competitions and other events by calling the ATP automated hotline (1-800-ATP-FUND) or by sending e-mail to [email protected].  The ATP Proposal Preparation Kit may be requested at any time.  In addition to the necessary application forms, the kit includes a thorough discussion of the ATP goals and procedures as well as useful guidelines in the preparation of a proposal. Further information can also be found on the program's web site.

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