DOT Offers Up to $100K Prizes for Anti-Trafficking Transport Ideas
Published Date: 4/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation is calling on transportation pros, groups, and local governments to submit their best ideas to fight human trafficking. Winners can snag cash prizes up to $100,000 by June 22, 2026, for creating smart tools or campaigns that make a real difference. This is your chance to help stop a serious crime and get recognized for your creativity!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Cash Prizes: Up to $100,000
The competition awards up to three cash prizes: up to $100,000 for first place, up to $50,000 for second place, and up to $25,000 for third place. Winners are selected by the Secretary of Transportation and may also receive plaques and possible invitational travel to Washington, DC.
Entrants Must Indemnify and Assume Risk
By entering, entrants must indemnify, defend, and hold the Federal Government harmless from third-party claims and accept financial responsibility for such claims related to their submission. Entrants also waive claims against the Federal Government for injury, death, damage, or loss arising from participation, except for unauthorized disclosure of intellectual property by the agency.
No Federal Funds for Submissions
Federal grant recipients and Federal contractors may not use Federal funds from grants or contracts to develop submissions or to fund efforts supporting a submission. Entrants must ensure submissions are not funded with prohibited Federal funds.
Who Can Enter: U.S. Persons and Entities
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 to be eligible to enter. Federal entities and Federal employees acting within the scope of their employment (and certain family members) may not enter.
AI Use Must Be Disclosed
Any use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in preparing a submission must be disclosed, including which AI tool(s) were used, the approximate percentage of the proposal generated or assisted by AI, and the purpose of the AI use. The Department may reject proposals that used AI in an unethical or illegal manner.
Promotional Rights and License Terms
Entrants grant DOT the right to use names, likenesses, proposal materials, and other attributes for promotional purposes worldwide and, if selected for an award, grant a royalty-free, non-exclusive, irrevocable, worldwide license to publicize the entrant's name and link to or post the entry on Department and partner websites.
Possible Invitational Travel Paid
At the Department's discretion, DOT may pay invitational travel expenses to Washington, DC for up to two individuals or representatives of the first-place winner and runners up if selectees are invited to present their submissions to DOT officials.
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Key Dates
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