The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for eligible applicants to establish and maintain a Standardization Center of Excellence as a public-private partnership through a cooperative agreement. The center will support U.S. engagement in international standardization for critical and emerging technologies (CETs) that are essential to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.
View the grant opportunity on grants.gov to apply. Applications are due on August 7, 2024.
According to NIST, the scope of this institutional award encompasses all critical areas of standardization, including pre-standardization engagement, measurement standards, reference standards, documentary standards, conformity assessment, and management systems. The center will focus on four broad areas:
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 U.S. 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.
In fiscal year 2024, NIST anticipates funding one award of up to $6 million for the first two years of the award, and up to $3 million per year for up to three additional years.
Informational Webinar
NIST will host a webinar information session for applicants who are interested in learning about this funding opportunity on July 11, 2024, from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. ET. The webinar will provide general information regarding this opportunity, and offer general guidance on preparing proposals. Questions about the funding opportunity, eligibility requirements, evaluation and award criteria, selection process, and the general characteristics of a competitive application will be addressed at the webinar and by e-mail to [email protected]. Advanced registration is required. Details on the webinar will be posted to standards.gov.
