As a representative body of Maine transportation stakeholders, the State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) serves as a catalyst to initiate, facilitate and oversee the deployment of worthy innovations into routine practice. The STIC focuses on strategies and technologies that will accelerate project delivery, enhance project quality, and strengthen cost effectiveness of Maine’s transportation system. The STIC further serves as Maine’s steering committee for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Every Day Counts (EDC) Initiative.
The Maine STIC may access up to $125,000/year in FHWA STIC Incentive Program funding to support initiatives of Maine transportation system stakeholder entities that advance its mission. MaineDOT has reserved State funding to fulfill the 20% match requirement for utilizing these funds. While MaineDOT may be asked to provide some or all of the 20% required non-federal match, applicants are encouraged to offer match and/or other cash or in-kind financial resources needed to support a successful project. More STIC Incentive program guidance is available at the FHWA STIC Guidance page
- Who may Apply?
MaineDOT personnel and qualified public sector STIC stakeholders such as local governments, tribal governments, the Maine Turnpike Authority and educational institutions may apply. Regional councils, metropolitan planning organizations and other sub-recipients administering FHWA funds via MaineDOT may also apply. All sub-recipients must demonstrate how they will meet the requirements of Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 200, including financial management standards and audits. Other non-profit and for-profit private sector stakeholders may participate in a project legally managed by a qualified recipient.
- Project Scale and Timing
Applicants may request any amount up to the maximum available of $125,000. There is no minimum amount. Larger projects with additional resources supplied from other sources are also eligible. Readiness is important. The proposed project/activity must be started as soon as practical (preferably within 6 months, but no later than 1 year) after notification of approval for STIC Incentive funding and the funds must be expended within 2 years.
- What types of projects are funded?
A successful project will explore and/or facilitate adoption of a novel approach that has already demonstrated its ability to address a meaningful aspect of transportation system delivery (possibly elsewhere or by other stakeholders). It should have broad statewide applicability. While innovation projects in any transportation arena are welcome, those that further Every Day Counts 7 (EDC-7) initiative topic areas (2023-2024) may receive special consideration. The EDC-7 topics are:
- Nighttime Visibility for Safety
- Next Generation TIM: Technology for Saving Lives
- Enhancing Performance with Internally Cured Concrete (EPIC2)
- Rethinking DBE for Design-Build
- Strategic Workforce Development
Check the FHWA EDC Program page for the latest news. More detail on eligible activities and past funded projects may be reviewed at the FHWA STIC Guidance page- Evaluation Process
Each applicant may be contacted for a brief interview after their application is submitted to ensure that proposals are complete and understood by the review team. The review team may suggest adjustments in scope, budget or approach to enhance its chances for full or partial funding. The review team will make recommendations to the full State Transportation Innovation Council in December, which will in turn make recommendations to the FHWA and MaineDOT co-facilitators. A final review will be done by the FHWA National Office to verify program compliance.
- Evaluation Criteria
Following eligibility screening, applications will be evaluated considering the following criteria:
- Compelling nature of proposed innovation and its potential impact
- Clearly defined scope of work
- Qualified personnel and adequate resources demonstrate capacity to achieve stated goal
- Quality of budget justification
- Leveraged funding contribution
- Positive ratio of impact/effort (“bang for the buck”)
- Enhances an EDC-7 initiative
- Addresses a tribal, federal or state priority (e.g., climate, equity, safety, fish passage)
- Relative urgency and alignment with available STIC resources; consideration of other funding options for the project
- How the project relates to MaineDOT
How to Apply
Download the STIC Incentive Program Application (PDF)
Email completed applications to MaineDOT Innovation Coordinator, Dawn Bickford by November 18th, 2025.
Contact Dawn Bickford with any questions about program requirements or completing the application.