Build A Better Mousetrap 2027

Each year, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) hosts the Build A Better Mousetrap national recognition program. This initiative highlights innovative solutions to challenges faced by local or tribal work in planning or procedures. Submissions of all kinds are welcomed into four categories: innovative projects, SMART transformations, bold steps, or pioneering tools. Below, you can find explanations for each of these categories, defined by the FHWA. 

Innovative Project should be any solutions that addresses any or all phase(s) of the "project" life cycle-- Planning, Design/Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance. 

SMART Transformations are locally relevant, significant changes in any transportation activity or the process that is SMART-- "Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time Bound," and should result in improved efficiencies. 

Bold Steps refer to a high-risk project or process that shows a breakthrough solution with demonstrated high rewards. 

And finally, Pioneering Tools are products/tools that are among the first to solve a maintenance problem with a home-grown solutions. 

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions are evaluated on several criteria: 

  • overall impact
  • benefits to the community or agency 
  • originality 
  • potential for broader application 
  • cost-effectiveness 
  • time savings 
  • the quality of the application 

Submission Guidelines

Local or tribal Alabama agencies that wish to participate should complete the entry form, which will be made available at a later date. 

A signed release form and photo must be submitted with your entry. Download the BABM Release Form. While not required, you're also encouraged to include videos that highlight your project. These don't need to be professionally produced, clips from a phone or tablet are perfectly acceptable. 

A state winner will be selected from the submissions and recognized by the Alabama LTAP. The winning project will then advance to the national competition, where you'll have the chance for national recognition-- and earn serious bragging rights! National winners will be announced at the annual LTAP/TTAP Conference. 

More Information

With questions about the competition or for more information, please contact us at atap@auburn.edu.

 

Innovation Exchange Webinar: Showcasing the 2026 Build A Better Mousetrap Innovation, Putting Families First and a Sneak Preview of 2027! 

This webinar will take place on Wednesday, December 9th at 2 pm ET and will spotlight two of the five 2026 winners. 

  • Innovative Project Award: "AI-Powered Street Right-of-Way Asset Inventory" 
  • Putting Families First Innovation Award: "Downtown Revival Abbeville Street Improvement Project" 

Join to discover how these award-winning innovations are making a difference in communities across the country. Also, look ahead to what's in store for 2027 Build A Better Mousetrap program, including upcoming opportunities, key dates, and how local and tribal agencies can participate and showcase their own solutions. Register for this upcoming Innovation Exchange webinar.