NIST will need to receive funding to establish and operate the new lab, with up to $70 million planned over five years, subject to federal funding availability. The lab will be required to:
Manufacturing USA is a national network of public-private partnerships that accelerate innovation by co-investing in industrially relevant, cross-disciplinary advanced manufacturing products and processes.
The new Manufacturing USA lab is expected to work with industry, academia and government to develop cost-effective, AI-based advanced manufacturing capabilities.
This public-private partnership will bring together expertise in AI, manufacturing and supply chain networks to promote manufacturing resilience. Proposals can span multiple industry sectors or focus on just one sector.
Moreover, the new institute is expected to focus on three key areas of operation – advancing technology development, creating an educated and skilled workforce, and developing shared infrastructure and facilities.
All applicants are asked to clearly define their intended outcomes and a timeline for their delivery. Proposals must address a compelling U.S. industry need, demonstrate significant industry support, and not duplicate efforts with existing Manufacturing USA institutes or the planned Department of Commerce-sponsored Digital Twins Institute for Semiconductor Manufacturing.
The competition has a two-stage application process. Concept papers will be considered in the first stage of the competition. In the second stage, applicants with the best concepts will be invited to submit full proposals.
The deadline for submitting concept papers is September 30, 2024. Additional deadlines and other important dates will be listed in the notice on Grants.gov.
The competition is open to accredited institutions of higher education, U.S.-based organizations with domestic majority ownership or control, and state, local, U.S. territory, and Indian tribal governments.
NIST will host informational webinars and in-person Proponent Day events focused on this funding opportunity. Dates and locations for these events will be posted on the NIST website.
