AI for Resilient Manufacturing Institute Competition FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

1. Who should I contact with additional questions about the application process?
2. What are the deadlines for this funding opportunity?
3. How do I submit a concept paper and when are they due?

Competition Documents

1. What do I need to have for a complete application for this NOFO?
2. What proactive steps can we take to prepare for a possible submission?

Eligibility

1. Who is eligible to apply?
2. Who is not eligible to apply?
3. My organization currently operates an existing Manufacturing USA institute. Am I eligible to apply for this NOFO?
4. What role can Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) play with respect to this funding opportunity?
5. Are there any topics that are excluded from the AI for Resilient Manufacturing Institute Funding Opportunity?

Federal Funding & Non-Federal Cost-Share

1. How much funding will be awarded?
2. Can federal funding be used for construction?
3. Is there a cost-share requirement?
4. What constitutes "cost-sharing?"

Answers

Application Process

Who should I contact with additional questions about the application process?

The application process consists of a mandatory concept paper and a full application. Full applications will only be accepted from applicants invited after the concept paper evaluation.

See Section 4 of the Funding Opportunity for detailed information concerning the application process for this funding opportunity.

What are the deadlines for this funding opportunity?

• Concept papers are due by September 30, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.  
• Full applications (by invitation only): NIST anticipates full applications will be due on or about January 23, 2025. The final date will be confirmed in the invitation to submit a full proposal.

See section 4.3.5 of the Funding Opportunity for additional information concerning the submissions deadlines for this funding opportunity.

How do I submit a concept paper and when are they due?

Applicants are required to submit a concept paper. Concept papers will only be accepted through Grants.gov. The deadline for receipt of a concept paper must be received at Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, September 30, 2024.

Competition Documents

What do I need to have for a complete application for this NOFO?

The NOFO at Grants.gov contains links to download the full application package, including all required forms. Please pay close attention to all the details.

What proactive steps can we take to prepare for a possible submission?

• Make sure that you are registered or have renewed your SAM.gov account. The free annual registration process in SAM.gov may take as long as three weeks. 
• Make sure that you are currently registered 

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply?

All accredited institutions of higher education; non-profit organizations and for-profit organizations that are organized and operated in the United States (including U.S. territories) with majority domestic ownership or control; and State, local, Territorial, and Indian Tribal Governments.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Individuals and unincorporated sole proprietors are not eligible to apply under this NOFO. Foreign public entities and foreign organizations are not eligible to apply. Federal agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Existing Manufacturing USA institutes are not eligible to apply to this NOFO.

My organization currently operates an existing Manufacturing USA institute. Am I eligible to apply for this NOFO?

Yes. Organizations executing existing Manufacturing USA institutes, as well as those operating Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), consortia, or other federally supported membership-based programs, are eligible to apply to this NOFO, provided the proposed institute will be operationally separate and distinct from other supported efforts.  See additional information below specific to FFRDCs.

What role can Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) play with respect to this funding opportunity?

• An FFRDC may not be included as a lead applicant, funded sub-recipient, or contractor at the time of application.  
• After an award is issued: 
  • Institutes will be expected to interact with FFRDCs, as appropriate, through mechanisms consistent with those organizations’ respective missions, purposes, and operational structures. Institutes are encouraged to utilize federal entities to support aligned program goals to the extent appropriate. 
  • FFRDCs may be allowed as sub-recipients or contractors, with prior written approval of the NIST Agreements Officer and to the extent  otherwise allowed by law, based on the unique and specific needs of the Institute, subject to the provisions of the NOFO

What topics are excluded from the AI for Resilient Manufacturing Institute Funding Opportunity?

Applicants must define the scope of the new institute to avoid substantive duplication with the scope and operations of the existing network of Manufacturing USA institutes as well as the upcoming CHIPS Manufacturing USA institute - Digital Twins for Semiconductor Manufacturing. Please note that the AI for resilient manufacturing funding opportunity is separate from activities related to the NIST-sponsored US. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (USAISI) consortium. 

See Section 3 of this NOFO for additional information concerning the eligibility requirements for this funding opportunity.

Federal Funding & Non-Federal Cost Share

How much federal funding will be awarded?

NIST anticipates funding up to $70 million over a five-year period, subject to the availability of federal funds, for the recipient to establish and operate the institute.

Can federal funding be used for construction?

Construction activities are not an allowable cost under this NOFO using either federal funds or non-federal cost share. However, costs related to internal modifications of existing buildings that would be necessary to carry out the proposed research tasks may be allowed at NIST’s discretion. Any plans should be described in detail as part of an application.  

Is there a cost-share requirement?

Yes. This program requires non-federal cost-share in an amount equal to at least the total amount of Federal funding over the lifetime of the award (i.e., 50% or more of the total funding for the institute must come from non-federal sources). Non-federal cost-share is that portion of the project costs not borne by the Federal Government. 

What constitutes "cost-sharing?"

• Cost-share is a contribution from a non-Federal source that directly supports the institute’s operations. Both in-kind and cash contributions count toward the requirement. Cost-share must be tangible, meaningful, and substantial enough in the aggregate to signal strong and committed industry, regional, and local partnerships. 
• Applicants should consider the merits and uncertainties inherent in different types of cost-share when preparing applications.

See Section 2.2 of this NOFO for additional information concerning the availability of funding for this program, Section 3.3 of this NOFO for additional information concerning the non-federal cost share requirements for this program, and Section 3.4. of this NOFO for the eligible uses of federal and non-federal cost-share funding for this program.