The goal of the program is to create and maintain a Standardization Center of Excellence (SCoE) to support U.S. engagement in international standardization for critical and emerging technologies (CETs) that are essential to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.
The SCoE will focus on four broad areas: 1) pre-standardization engagement; 2) workforce capacity building; 3) a collaborative pilot program with NIST in CETs; and 4) creating an information and data sharing hub.
Deadline: Aug. 7, 2024
CET areas of current priority to NIST include, but are not limited to, the following: biotechnology, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, next generation communications, and semiconductors and microelectronics.
Eligibility for the program listed in this NOFO is open to all nongovernmental organizations (including, but not limited to academic institutions, trade associations, and professional societies), located in the United States or its territories. Eligible applicants include contractors that operate Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) where the applicant is permitted to receive federal financial assistance award funds. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are not eligible to apply. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply.
In Fiscal year 2024 (FY24), NIST anticipates funding one (1) award up to $6,000,000 for the first two (2) years of the award, and then up to $3,000,000 per year for up to three (3) years, for a total of five (5) years, subject to availability of appropriated funds and satisfactory annual performance review. After (5) five years, upon independent review and evaluation of the program and the recipient, NIST may provide to the recipient additional multi-year funding with performance periods of up to five (5) years. The award of additional performance periods will be on a non-competitive basis as an institutional award.