The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R) is requesting public input to guide future research on the deployment of Automated Driving Systems (ADS) nationwide. The Request for Information (RFI), listed as Docket No. DOT–OST–2025–1029, invites ideas from the public, industry stakeholders, infrastructure operators, and other interested parties. The department is seeking insights into technical and operational challenges, including causes of ADS disengagement, factors that affect consistent performance, interoperability, and real-time data analytics.
According to the notice, the RFI is not a funding opportunity and does not solicit proposals. Responses will be used to shape the national research agenda under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 65 on research planning. Comments must be submitted within 60 days of the notice’s Federal Register publication date of August 18, 2025. Submissions should be emailed to AVResearchRFI@dot.gov, be no longer than 15 pages, use a standard Word document format, and avoid confidential or sensitive information.
The federal government has been developing policies and research priorities around automated vehicle technologies as the sector advances toward broader testing and deployment. DOT has previously sought public input on safety, data sharing, and performance evaluation, and has coordinated with industry and research institutions to address technology integration and regulatory considerations. The department has emphasized that broad stakeholder engagement is essential to ensuring ADS technology is safe, reliable, and interoperable across the transportation system.
Questions about the RFI can be directed to Shaz Umer, Director of Strategic Initiatives at OST-R, via email at shaz.umer@dot.gov or by phone at (202) 738-7964.
