# Federal Register #FHWA-2026-0628

FHWA Requests Comments on Streamlined Application Process for SEP-16, SEP-15, and TE-045 Experimental Projects

**Buyer:** Federal Highway Administration
**Posted:** September 24, 2026
**Respond By:** October 26, 2026
**Identifier:** FHWA-2026-0628
**NAICS:** 926120

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), under the Department of Transportation, is seeking public input on a proposed change to the application and evaluation process for three experimental project programs.
- Government Buyer:
  - Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Department of Transportation
- Programs Affected:
  - Special Experimental Project 16 (SEP-16)
  - Special Experimental Project 15 (SEP-15)
  - Test and Evaluation Project 045 (TE-045)
- OEMs and Vendors:
  - No OEMs or vendors are mentioned; this is not a procurement notice
- Products/Services Requested:
  - No products, services, part numbers, or quantities are requested
- Notable Requirements:
  - FHWA proposes a uniform, streamlined two-step process:
    - Step 1: State Departments of Transportation submit a Letter of Interest (LOI)
    - Step 2: Development of a Work Plan with FHWA outlining experiment details, performance measures, evaluation criteria, duration, and reporting milestones
  - The goal is to reduce administrative burden and improve efficiency for applicants
- This notice is a request for public feedback on process changes, not a solicitation for goods or services

### Description

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking public comments on a proposed new, streamlined process for submission and evaluation of applications under three experimental projects: SEP-16, SEP-15, and TE-045. The modification aims to create a uniform application process to reduce administrative burden and improve efficiency. The proposed process involves a two-step application including a Letter of Interest and a Work Plan development. Comments are requested to be submitted by October 26, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/24/2026-19571/modification-of-the-application-process-for-special-experimental-project-16-sep-16-special)