DOT Offers $50K Prize for Best Human Trafficking Fighting Idea
Published Date: 1/6/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation is calling on people and groups to create smart, new ways to fight human trafficking in transportation. Winners can score up to $50,000 for the most powerful idea or tool that helps stop this crime. You’ve got from January 6 to March 7, 2025, to enter and make a real difference!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Up to $50,000 First-Place Prize
If you enter the DOT competition and win first place, you can receive up to $50,000 in cash. The notice says up to three winners are expected, and the first-place winner receives the cash prize.
Entrants Assume Liability and Indemnify DOT
By entering, entrants must indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Federal Government from third-party claims and are financially responsible for third-party claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses related to their submission. Entrants also waive claims against the Government except for willful misconduct.
U.S.-Only Eligibility Requirement
To be eligible, private entities must be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the United States, and individuals must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The notice also says there is no charge to enter.
No Federal Funds for Submission Development
Federal grant recipients and Federal contractors may not use Federal funds to develop submissions or to fund efforts in support of a submission. Applicants must therefore use non-Federal funds if they participate.
DOT Gets Royalty-Free Use of Entries
If selected, entrants must provide a written consent granting DOT (and partners) a royalty-free, non-exclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license to display and use the entry for promotional purposes, and DOT may use entrants' names and likenesses in perpetuity without further payment.
Possible DOT-Paid Invitational Travel
DOT may, at its discretion, pay invitational travel expenses to Washington, DC for up to two individuals or representatives of the first-place winner and runners up if they are invited to present their proposals.
No Entry Fee; Submission Process and Dates
There is no charge to enter the competition. Submissions must be sent via the specified Microsoft Forms link and are accepted from January 6, 2025 until 11:59 p.m. PST/2:59 a.m. EST on March 7, 2025.
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