CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), through its CHIPS Research and Development Office (CRDO), has issued a Broad Agency Announcement to solicit proposals that advance microelectronics technologies and strengthen the United States semiconductor ecosystem. NIST, a bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce, plays a central role in promoting innovation and industrial competitiveness. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities to ensure U.S. leadership in critical and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. The program is designed to accelerate commercialization and technological advancement while reinforcing national and economic security. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to support research, prototyping, and commercialization activities that contribute to domestic semiconductor innovation. The scope includes a wide range of technical areas such as advanced semiconductor fabrication, next-generation materials, AI-enabled manufacturing systems, quantum technologies, and bioelectronics. In addition to research and development, the program also supports the commercialization of federally funded innovations and the development of technical standards. Projects must demonstrate a clear connection to advancing U.S. semiconductor capabilities and strengthening supply chain resilience. Funding will be awarded through other transaction agreements, which provide flexibility in structuring terms and conditions. Project budgets are expected to be at least 10000000 dollars and should reflect the full scope of the proposed work. The period of performance is anticipated to be five years. Cost sharing is not universally required; however, applicants may need to demonstrate access to additional funding if the government elects to fund only a portion of the project. In some cases, recipients may be required to provide a return on investment to the government through mechanisms such as equity, royalties, or intellectual property licensing. Eligibility is broad and includes domestic for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, accredited institutions of higher education, federally funded research and development centers, and federal entities, subject to specific conditions. Applicants must be U.S.-based entities, and individuals or sole proprietors are not eligible. Subawardees may include foreign partners, provided they are not prohibited entities and comply with applicable regulations. Federal entities and FFRDCs are encouraged to consult with program contacts prior to applying to confirm eligibility and explore alternative funding mechanisms if appropriate. The application process involves a two-step submission. All applicants must first submit a White Paper through Grants.gov. Based on the evaluation of the White Paper, selected applicants may be invited to submit either a Pre-negotiation Package for research and development projects or an Investment Fund Application. Evaluation criteria include scientific and technical merit, contribution to national and economic security, project feasibility, commercial viability, and financial strength. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and only invited submissions will proceed to full evaluation. Applications are accepted continuously until September 30, 2029, unless modified by amendment. There is no fixed deadline due to the rolling submission structure. Awards are made on an ongoing basis as proposals are evaluated and agreements finalized. An informational webinar is offered to provide general guidance, though participation is not required. Questions may be directed to the CHIPS Research and Development Office via email, and technical assistance for submission is available through Grants.gov support channels.

Emphasize national and economic security impact; demonstrate strong technical merit and feasibility; provide clear commercialization pathway; ensure financial viability and realistic cost projections